TOO SMART BY HALF by National Presbyterian

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 2, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 34.

TOO SMART BY HALF.

By National Presbyterian

Of all forms of bad breeding, the pert, smart manner affected by boys and girls of a certain age, is the most offensive and impertinent. One of these so-called smart boys was once employed in the office of the treasurer of a western railway. He was usually left alone in the office between the hours of 8 and 9 in the morning, and it was his duty to answer the questions of all callers as politely as possible.

One morning a plainly-dressed old gentleman walked quietly in, and asked for the cashier.

"He's out," said the boy, without looking up from the paper he was reading.

"Do you know where he is?"

"No."

"When will he be in?"

" 'Bout 9 o'clock."

"It's nearly that now, isn't it? I haven't western time."

"There's the clock," said the boy, smartly, pointing to the clock on the wall.

"Oh, yes; thank you," said the old gentleman. "Ten minutes until 9. May I wait here for him?"

"I s'pose so, though this isn't a public hotel."

The boy thought this was smart and he chuckled aloud over it. He did not offer the old gentleman a chair, or lay down the paper he held.

"I would like to write a note while I wait," said the caller; "will you please get me a piece of paper and an envelope?"

The boy did so, and as he handed them to the old gentleman, he coolly said,—

"Anything else?"

"Yes, I would like to know the name of such a smart boy as you are."

The boy felt flattered by the word "smart," and wishing to show the full extent of his smartness, replied,—

"I'm one of John Thompson's kids, William by name, and I answer to the call of 'Billy.' But here comes the boss!"

The "boss" came in, and, seeing the stranger, cried out,—

"Why, Mr. Smith, how do you do? We—"

But John Thompson's "kid" heard no more. He was looking around for his hat. Mr. Smith was president of the road, and Billy heard from him later to his sorrow. Any one needing a boy of Master Billy's peculiar "smartness" might secure him, as he is still out of employment.—National Presbyterian.