THE BOOK-KEEPER'S TRIUMPH.
In less time than was anticipated Mr. Bradford came to the office, his
arm being so far well that it no longer gave him any trouble.
The book-keeper did not delay long to open his batteries upon Paul. On
the second day, our hero being out, Manson began:
"I would like to say a few words to you, Mr. Bradford, about the new
boy."
"About Paul?" asked Mr. Bradford, lifting his eyes from the morning
paper.
"Yes, sir."
"Very well, proceed."
"I can't say I am satisfied with him, sir."
"Indeed! What is the matter?"
"He is not respectful to me."
"Indeed!"
"I may say he is positively impudent at times."
"That surprises me. He seems to me very unlikely to be guilty of such
offenses."
"I dare say; he is very artful. I presume he is very respectful to you.
That is policy."
"I should suppose he would consider it politic to be respectful to you
also, Mr. Manson."
"All the other boys have, but this boy puts on a great many airs. In
fact, he is mighty independent. I suppose it is on account of the
extremely high wages he receives."
"Yes, ten dollars is very high pay for a boy of his age," admitted Mr.
Bradford.
"Of course he doesn't earn it. He doesn't earn half as much."
"You may be right. I should not be inclined to pay another boy nearly
as much."
Mr. Manson was sorry to hear this, as, could he obtain the position for
Julius at ten dollars a week, his young nephew had agreed to pay him a
commission of two dollars a week, which the book-keeper, being fond of
money, was not above accepting.
"Have you any other complaints to make about Paul?" asked Mr. Bradford.
"Doesn't he attend to his duties?"
"Fairly well," Manson admitted, reluctantly, the fact being that there
had never been a boy in the office so efficient as our hero, the
ex-train boy.
"Humph! I am glad to hear that."
"Still it is of course disagreeable to have a boy under me who treats
me with insolence."
"Do I understand, then, that you would prefer to have a change?"
inquired the manufacturer.
"I don't want to make any trouble, sir," said the book-keeper, who
could be polite enough to his employer, "but I should really be glad to
have another boy in Paul's place."
"Very well. I have been thinking of making a change myself."
Manson could hardly believe his ears. He had entertained very small
hope of effecting his purpose, and Mr. Bradford's ready acquiescence in
his wishes filled him with delight.
"If I might venture the suggestion," he added, encouraged by his
success, "I should be glad if you would give the place to my nephew
Julius."
"I don't know how Julius will suit me," said Mr. Bradford, "but I will
try him for a week."
"At ten dollars a week?" suggested Mr. Manson.
"At _four_ dollars a week!" replied the manufacturer, with emphasis.
"That is all boys of his age usually get. There were special reasons
why I paid Paul more."
Manson was disappointed that Julius should be paid only ordinary boys'
wages, but still it was a great triumph to have Paul discharged, and
Julius put in his place.
"Now," he said to himself, "I've the whip-hand of the young rascal.
I'll pay him off."
"Shall I tell him, sir, when he comes in?" asked the book-keeper.
"No; I propose to tell him myself. Send him in to me when he gets back
from his errand."
"Yes, sir, I will," promptly responded the book-keeper, resuming his
own work with a satisfied smile.
Ten minutes later Paul came in from the post office, bringing the
afternoon mail.