ge him. How does he perform his
duties generally?"

"Not very satisfactorily, sir."

"Send him to me as soon as he returns. Now, my boy, what is your
name?"

"Tim Brady, sir."

"Did you know the value of this check?"

"Yes, sir; it's worth twelve hundred dollars."

"How did you know where to bring it?"

"I saw the name, and looked in the 'Directory' to find your place of
business."

"You are a good and honest boy."

"Thank you, sir; I try to be," said Tim, meekly.

"You have done me a service. Here are ten dollars."

"Thank you, sir," said Tim, joyfully. "You're a gentleman."

Mr. Dalton smiled.

"Always keep honest. 'Honesty is the best policy.'"

"I think so myself, sir," said Tim.

Tim retired quite elated. From a corner nearly opposite he watched for
Sam's return.

"He looks sober," said Tim to himself. "It's likely he'll get
'bounced.' I wonder will I stand a chance for his place."

"Sam," said William Budd, on his entrance, "Mr. Dalton wants to see
you."

Sam looked startled. He had ascertained his loss, and was perplexed
and troubled about it.

Mr. Dalton looked up as he entered.

"Have you been to the bank, Samuel?" he asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Did you deposit all the checks given you?"

"I lost one check some way," stammered Sam.

"You must have been very careless," said his employer, in a tone of
reproof.

"I don't think I was," said Sam.

"You must have been. Did you not know that you had charge of a large
amount?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then, knowing this, you should have been particularly careful."

"I'll go back and look for it, sir."

"Fortunately there is no need of this, as it was picked up and brought
here by an honest boy. It was a check for twelve hundred dollars."

"Then, you've got it again?" said Sam, relieved. "Shall I go round to
the bank and carry it?"

"No, I shall not again trust you to go to the bank. Indeed, I am sorry
to say that I cannot retain you in my employ."

"I hope you'll keep me," said Sam, alarmed.

"I cannot do it in justice to myself. Call Mr. Budd."

William Budd entered.

"Mr. Budd," said Mr. Dalton, "I think you told me you had a cousin who
desired a place."

"Yes, sir."

"Tell him to come here to-morrow. I have discharged Sam."

"Thank you, sir."

"I do not forget, Sam," continued the merchant, "that you once
rendered me a service in bringing home my little boy. I regret that I
cannot keep you in my employ. To compensate you for