“Whatever you are accustomed to give,” he answered.
“Very well; I'll speak to Mr. Grindlay about it.”
It was the situation he was anxious about, clearly; not wages.
On the following morning Mr. Grindlay came.
“You are well acquainted with this young man?” I said.
“I have known him since he was that high,” he answered, placing his hand on the table; “and you can't have a better lad; that I'll engage.”
“He is honest and sober?”
“You may trust him with untold gold; and as for wine or spirits, such a thing never passes his lips.”
“But he has been under your guidance, Mr. Grindlay,” I answered; “he is young; do you think he will be able to stand alone?”
“I've no fear of him; none whatever,” he replied. “To say the truth, he had an awful lesson before his eyes in regard to excessive drinking. Such a lesson as he'll never forget.”