Boys sometimes think they can not afford to be manly and faithful to the little things. A story is told of a boy of the right stamp, and what came of his faithfulness.
A few years ago a large drug firm in New York City advertised for a boy. Next day the store was filled with applicants, among them a queer-looking little fellow, accompanied by a woman, who proved to be his aunt, in lieu of faithless parents, by whom he had been abandoned. Looking at this waif, the advertiser said: "Can't take him; places all full. Besides, he is too small."
"I know he is small," said the woman; "but he is willing and faithful."
There was a twinkling in the boy's eyes, which made the merchant think again. A partner in the firm volunteered to remark that he "did not see what they wanted with such a boy; he wasn't bigger than a pint of cider." But, after consideration, the boy was set to work.
A few days later a call was made on the boys in the store for some one to stay all night. The prompt response of the little fellow contrasted well with the reluctance of the others. In the middle of the night the merchant looked in to see if all was right in the store, and presently discovered his youthful protége busy scissoring labels.
"What are you doing?" said he. "I did not tell you to work nights."
"I know you did not tell me so, but I thought I might as well be doing something."
In the morning the cashier got orders to "double that boy's wages; for he is willing."
Only a few weeks elapsed before a show of wild beasts passed along the streets; and very naturally all hands in the store rushed to-witness the spectacle. A thief saw his opportunity, and entered at the rear door to seize something, but in a twinkling found himself firmly clutched by the diminutive clerk aforesaid, and after a struggle was captured. Not only was a robbery prevented, but valuable articles taken from other stores were recovered. When asked why he stayed behind to watch when all others quit their work, he replied, "You told me never to leave the store when others were absent, and I thought I'd stay."
Orders were immediately given once more, "Double that boy's wages; he is willing and faithful."
To-day that boy is a member of the firm.—Selected.