"As to that, I know so much about it that I am willing to take the risk. I do not scruple to say that if the money were to be placed in your hands for investment, according to your own judgment, I should have some doubts as to your being able to repay it to me at the end of the year."
"Probably you are right, sir," said Henry.
"But, as it is, I am willing to take the risk. Do you think of any objections?"
"I was only thinking," said Henry, "that I might want to save up more money from my wages; but if you have the book I could not have them entered."
"There will be no trouble about that. Though you leave this book with me, you can start another account in another savings-bank. Indeed, I would advise you to do so. There is an old saying: 'Never put all your eggs in one basket.' So it may be as well to divide your money between two banks."
"I didn't think of that, sir. I will follow your advice."
"I don't know that I have any more to say to you. We understand each other now. I will put you down on my books as a partner, to the extent of five hundred dollars, in my Rotterdam shipment, and you may place the savings-bank book in my hands tomorrow."
"Thank you, sir. I am very grateful to you for your kind interest in me."
"That is a good boy one of the right stamp," soliloquized the merchant. "A boy who has the prudence and self-denial to save money out of a weekly income of five dollars is bound to succeed in life. I will push him as he deserves."
"Well, Henry," asked the clerk, curiously, "have you been receiving a lecture from the boss?"