The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1907-11-21
Another Chance.
biblical Resorder.)

J business hours. When he wanted
new suit Of clothes the tailor cam
8 to his office and measured him there
On one of these occasions, as the,
passed through to an inner room, tn,
tailor came face to face with tn,
new book-keeper, and there was al
evident. although silent and embar
, rassed recognition, which Mr.. Cor
don noticed.
He turned it over in his mind sew.
eral times while the tailor was meas.
uring him. AS he replaced his coat
and the tailor rolled 10 his tape to
go, Mr.. Gordon SAD to him.
i want yon t. tell ne whet yo1
kno" about thar laa1l."
I hate to tel you, dr. Gordon, -
said the tailor, "and yet I think
ought. That man is convict. He
stole from firm l buy from. He's
just out of prison.
Thank you," said Mr.. Gordon.
Nothing is to be said to any one
else, you understand, but | wanted
to know.
Mr.. Gordon was man Of prompt
action. His decision was immediate,
and his impulse to put it into effect
was SO swift that his hand was on
the bell before he thought twice. But
before ringing he stopped for Sec
! ond thought.
"Of course must discharge him."
he said. "In business like mine l
can't have any one round that | can't
trust. And yet it's little hard, if
the fellow really meant to do better.
| see now why he offered himself at
such low wages, and why he keeps
so carefully inside
He opened the cash-book. and
looked over the entries since the new
book-keeper came. The work was
done with almost painful accuracy.
Mr.. Gordon read them through and
ran over the balances. 1t was all
straight thus far.
"Of course it is," he said to him.
self. "But how long will it continue
SO? never can be sure what day
he will break again in the old place.
Business is business. l must have
men whom | can trust
So he rang the Bell.
The new book-keeper came in, his
prison pallor intensified by his fear. |
He tried to walk erect, but Mr.. Cor
don thought Of the lock-step. 1t was
strange, he thought, that he had not
noticed these things in the begin
ming.
"Mr. Gordon" the man began, II
know why you have called me. l |
know what that man told you. 1t
was bound to come, sooner or later.
have expected it every time the
door opened since the morning you
me. / saw youc adver rise,-
neflt ii tbs paper 4:.d came 10 sou,
ana il seemed toc pvnI to be. t.,:a.
.T:}<::- soJ en7p'oyed ;ne on The got.
could hardly help si2o;ltln2 io2- Joy,
Th2nk Go:., 80 found 2 chance 70
- ~ honest .1,a:.' Bat realized
,ti:.C y0t, lever would nave taken ne
{ v0l had :rttwa. You are a just
3l=li, / ou prooabiy never did dis
honest thing You can t understand 1
low Il man could steal, and yet do
light next time. l knew it would
;ome. wanted to tell you, but l
lidn't dare"
Mr.. Gordon sat quietly, apparent {
y unmoved by the mans despair. s
JONES'" said he you are right. J
f had known never should have /
lired you. I've got to trust the men {
yhom l employ. / can't afford to {
AVE men in my office whom can't +,
rust. And 80 Pm going to keep you /
nd give you another chance. No Il
hanks now. Get back to your work. t
Hold up your head. Act like an hon. !
st man. I'll trust you till the first {
ime you steal" 6
The book-keeper went back and {
dr. Gordon meditated. II
cit wasn't at all what | ment to g
ay," he poundered. When / opened {
ny mouth to answer him, it was
With the full intention of discharging ,
i'm. But what's a mans religion !
or if it isn't for thing like this?"- t
Il looked at the poor fellows pale {
ace, and / said to myself, 'Ye have
one it unto me- He didn't even
ARE ask me to keep him, but his !
yes were so hungry for e chance to '
'e man, just couldn't help it.
II suppose Ishall worry some now. !
10; l won't either! I'll give him :
mother chance on the level"
"My religion has been all justice; q
is time l imported a little mercy
nto it. I'll take thought and add t
hat cubit to my spiritual stature.
Anyhow, I've given my word and he !;
hall stay
L L Il