“Twenty-five dollars a week and board. You are a green hand, and several years younger, but in consideration of your honesty, in which I feel full confidence, I will give you twenty.”
“That will satisfy me, sir,” said Tom promptly.
“Then here are your first two week’s wages.”
Tom took the money—it was in gold—with pride and pleasure. It was no novelty to him to have considerable money, but excepting the three dollars which he had received for carrying a bundle, this was the first money he had actually earned, and he felt pleased accordingly.
“Twenty dollars and my board for a week’s work!” he said to himself. “Now I really begin to feel that I am of some use in the world. It’s a good deal better than leading an idle life.”
It may be remarked also, that Tom had lost with his property the old bullying spirit which gave him the title by which he was known at the beginning of this story. He still retained, however, the spirit and courage which in his case had accompanied it; and this was fortunate, for he was in a country where at that time the laws had not yet obtained that ascendency which they possess in older settlements. The time was not far off when his courage was to be tested.
About three weeks after his entrance into the store, Mr. Burton left the city for a visit of several days into the interior. By this time Tom knew enough of the business to be intrusted with the sole charge.
“I shouldn’t have dared to leave my former clerk,” said Mr. Burton, “but I am sure I can trust you.”
“You can,” said Tom promptly. “I may not be able to fill your place, but I’ll do the best I can.”
“I am convinced of it. You will sleep in the store; for though burglaries are not frequent, there might be an attempt to open the store.”