DISPENSING WITH JOHN

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 22, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 38.

DISPENSING WITH JOHN.

MR. LOEWENSTEIN, a good-natured German, owned a clothing business in a country town, says the Australian Journal. He had in his employ one John, whom he had advanced from cash boy to head clerk. Since his promotion, John had several times asked for a raise in his salary, and each time his request had been granted. One morning John again appeared at the old merchant’s desk with another request for an increase of ten dollars per month.

“Vy, Shon,” said Mr. Loewenstein, “I dink I bays you pooty vell alretty; vat for I bays you any more?”

“Well,” replied John confidently, “I am your principal help here. I know every detail of the business, and, indeed, I think you could not get along without me.”

“Is dat so?” exclaimed the German. “Shon, wot voud I do suppose you vas to die?”

“Well,” hesitated John, “I suppose you would have to get along without me then.”

The “old man” thought awhile, and said nothing. At last he remarked, “Vell, Shon, I guess you petter consider yourself dead.”