“No, I should not,” said Tom, sincerely.
“You understand now why I asked if you could bring any recommendations of honesty,” said Mr. Percy Burnett.
“Yes, sir.”
“I am trusting you with a very valuable package. Now what is to prevent your giving me the slip, and carrying it off?”
“I hope you don’t think there is any danger, Mr. Burnett!”
“None at all. I have perfect confidence in your honesty. If I had not, I certainly would not have dreamed of engaging you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“My friend would probably have been more particular. He has a more suspicious temperament. For my part, I pride myself on my skill in reading faces, even when seen for the first time. Now, when I saw you, I said to myself: ‘That is an honest, reliable boy. I never saw him before, but I can tell by his appearance that he has been well brought up and is honest as the day is long.’”
Tom was gratified by this compliment, and said:
“Thank you, sir; I am sure you won’t regret your confidence in me.”