Part 18 (1/2)
”I ain't used to first-cla.s.s accommodations,” said Tom.
”I see you are a sensible boy. Cut your coat according to your cloth.
That is a good maxim. When you get older, you can live better. Now, about your salary. I can't give much at first, or my other clerks might complain. I will give you five dollars, the same that I pay to my youngest clerk.”
”Maurice Walton?”
”Do you know him?” questioned Mr. Ferguson, in surprise.
”Yes, sir. I took supper at his uncle's Wednesday evening.”
”Indeed! I did not know you were acquainted with Mr. Benton.”
”Bessie Benton came on from Buffalo in my charge.”
”Really, Gilbert, you seem to be getting on fast. You seem quite able to push your own way.”
”I've always done it, sir.”
”You are not bashful.”
”New York street-boys ain't troubled that way.”
”That's well, if not carried too far. Now, tell me how much you know.”
”If it's about learning, I can do that in five minutes.”
”Your education, I take it, has been neglected.”
”I don't know much--I didn't have a chance to learn.”
”Can you read?”
”When the words ain't too long.”
”And write?”
”Not much.”
”Then I advise you to take what leisure time you have to remedy the defects in your education.”
”I'd like to, sir. I was ashamed of knowing so little when I was at Mr.
Benton's.”
”A good feeling, my boy. The more you know the better chance you stand to get on in the world. I am giving you a low place in my employment.
If you want to be promoted, you must qualify yourself for it.”
”I'll do it, sir,” said our hero, manfully. ”That's good advice, and I'll foller it.”
”Success to you, my boy. You can now go, and come back Monday morning.”