ll
not take the place of a striker."

"Can you vouch for his honesty, Patsy?" asked the official.

"I think I can."

"Very well, we want a reliable watchman here in the building; bring your
friend in."

When the Philosopher had been informed as to his new duties, and learned
that he was to have charge of the entire building, he asked if Patsy had
given his history.

"I have vouched for you," said Patsy, a little embarrassed.

The general manager pressed a button and when the stenographer came in
instructed him to take the man's personal record, in accordance with a
well-known rule. This information is intended chiefly as a guide to the
management in notifying the relatives or friends of an employee in case
of accident or death. The manager did the questioning and when the man
had given his name and declared that he had no relatives, no home, no
friends--except Patsy--the official showed some surprise and asked:

"Where did you work last?"

"In the workhouse."

"When?" queried the general manager, casting a quick glance at Patsy,
who was growing nervous.

"'Bout a year ago now."

"At what particular place have you lived or lodged since that time?"

"In jail."

"What were you in jail for?"

"Stealing a meal-ticket, this coat and cap from Patsy."

"I gave the things to him, sir," said Patsy, "and he was discharged."

"Where have you been living since you left the workhouse?"

"In the streets and in the fields."

"Do you drink?"

"No, sir."

"Do you mean to tell me that an experienced yardman, strong and
intelligent as you appear to be, can sink so low without being a
drunkard?"

"Yes, sir."

"And you have been foreman in the Buffalo yards? What else have you
been?"

"A Union man, tramp, bum, vag, thief, and a scab."

"Huh!" said the general manager, pushing out his lips, "is this your
notion of a reliable man, Patsy?"

"Yes, sir, I still vouch for him."

The general manager looked puzzled. "But you could hardly expect me to
employ, in a responsible position, a self-confessed criminal?"

"And yet," said the Philosopher, "if I had lied to you I might have
gained a good place, but having told the truth I suppose I must go."

The general manager, who had left his seat, began to pace the floor.

"It may be possible for an honest man to be a tramp--even a vag, but why
did you steal?"

"For the same reason that I took the place of a striker the other
day--because I was hungry," said the P