“Never be unjust or unmanly; cultivate a pleasant address, be persistent, but polite.
“Observe everything. Study human nature. Study newspapers of different cities and make a model of the best.
“Cultivate humor. Be charitable. Speak kindly.
“Keep your presence of mind.
“Read good literature; avoid debasing associations.
“Hustle.”
After reading this, and resolving to memorize it for his own benefit, Herbert went to one of the unoccupied desks and began looking over some of the newspapers. While he was thus engaged the assistant city editor rushed up to him carrying a clipping taken from one of the afternoon papers.
“See here, Harkins!” he shouted, “how would you like to make yourself useful—you’re not on the staff yet, but it won’t do you any harm to try and get your hand in.”
“I’d be delighted,” said Herbert; “what is it?”
“Here, take this clipping,” was the reply; “it’s from one of the afternoon papers. I’d like you to re-write it and condense it for the Argus. Get it up quickly. It’s for one of the inside pages, and it must be in the composing room before one o’clock.”