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XX.

A MERCHANT'S CLERK.

BRAHAM soon became the most important man in the place; for in those days the merchant was second to no man in the community. In this case, also, there was an additional reason for his popularity. For he was one of those social, affable, intelligent young men who make friends wherever they go; and, on this account, he drew around himself a circle of ardent friends, who looked upon him as the pride of the village.

"The best fellow we've had in the store yet," said William Greene, an intelligent young man, to a number of his companions; "he knows a thing or two."

"I'll bet you that is so," replied Nelson Day; "it is real fun to hear him talk."

"And he is so accommodating and straightfor ward! Mother says she 'd trust him with anything, because he's so honest. She paid him a few cents too much the other day, and he told her of it, and gave it back to her."

"Not many on 'em who 'd do that," said Nelson.

Everybody says that he gives Scripture weight and measure."

"And he is none of your high-fly gentry," added William, "if he does keep store. He knows more in a half an hour than Offutt's other man did in a week."

"Yes, and he's drawing customers that have n't traded there before, just because he does the thing that is right. Everybody knows that he won't lie nor cheat; and they believe just what he says, and they like to trade with him on that account."

"Offutt was a fortunate man to get him to keep his store," continued William. "It will be money in his pocket."

"And he seems to attend to the business just as closely as he would if it was his own," said Nelson; "he is there early and late, and he is allers readin' when he has nothin' else to do."

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"That's because he is honest," replied William ;

a dishonest clerk would n't care whether the business prospered or not, nor whether people were pleased or not. Offutt is off so much that he would n't know whether a clerk was faithful or not, and its lucky for him that he hit upon Abe as he did."

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"And it's about as lucky for us. I tell you how 'tis that store is now just about the go to that there is anywhere about. greatest feller on stories that I ever

Abe is the heard, and

many of them are real facts of history. You ought to hear him tell about Washington and Franklin, as he did the other day. He knows a heap more about them than old 'Squire Jones; and he 'll talk politics like a member of Congress."

"And he can't be beat, nuther," said a third companion. "How he did use up Stokes and Parkhurst, the other day, who think they are great on arguing! He showed 'em that they did n't know what they were talkin' about."

"How did Stokes bear it?" inquired William. "He is a rabid fellow, and it would be just like him to blaze away with madness."

"He did n't; Abe was so pleasant and funny about it, and topped off with one of his best stories, so that Stokes shook his sides with laughter."

“And I heard him say, no longer ago than yesterday," said Nelson, "that Abe was a plaguy smart feller! He likes him first-rate."

"I can see through it," replied William. "Abe is so much of a gentleman, and keeps so cool himself, and mixes in his stories so nicely, that no decent man can get mad. But as Stokes is hardly decent, I did n't know but he might flare up, and have one of his tantrums."

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Well, he did n't, and you must give him the credit of it."

"I will do that, you may be sure."

"Nor forget to credit Abe with the way he has of doing things," added another.

Thus Abraham won the young people of New Salem, at the same time that he pleased their fathers and mothers. He was the centre of attraction to the young people of the place, and they really felt honored to make his acquaintance. They looked up to him as to a superior, and sought his advice on various projects that young people are disposed to start. "Abe's say so was the upshot

of the matter, and it settled the question, whatever it might be. Never did a young person of his age have more influence over associates than he, and the secret of it is clear. First, they had confidence in him, on account of his honesty; second, they were in love with his knowledge, acquired by the careful improvement of his leisure time; third, his gentlemanly bearing and courtesy impressed them favorably.

As to the confidence and respect that his honesty won, too much cannot be said of it. His case furnishes a vindication of the following sentiments from the Merchant's Magazine:

"Integrity of character and truth are the prerequisites for success in any calling, and especially so in that of the merchant. These are attributes of the man which never fail to command respect and win admiration. There is no better stock in trade than these commodities; no capital goes so far, or pays so well, or is so exempt from bank

ruptcy and loss. When known, it gives credit and confidence, and in the hardest of times will honor your paper in bank. It gives you an unlimited capital to do business on, and everybody will indorse your paper, and the general faith of mankind will be your guaranty that you will not fail. Let every young man in commencing business look well to these indispensable elements of success, and guard and defend them as he would the apple of his eye. If inattentive and reckless here, he will imperil everything. Bankruptcy in character is seldom repaired in an ordinary lifetime. A man may suffer in reputation, and recover, - not so the man who suffers in character. Be just and truthful. Let these be the ruling and predominating principles of your life, and the rewards will be certain, either in the happiness they bring to your own bosom, or the success which will attend upon all your business operations in life, or both."

To return. Abraham had been engaged in this new business about three months, when Nelson Day called at the store to see him, as he frequently did, and found him alone.

"Readin', as usual!" he exclaimed; for he found his new and valued friend poring over a book.

"No, not exactly reading," replied Abraham. "This is a grammar that I have."