The True Ring

"Wanted.- A Clerk at 650 Washtng:on Street." This was the advertisement that appeared in one of the moruing papers of i large city. Man y a young f ello w who had been seeking einploymeut for weeks feit nis hopes rise as he read it. Fred Barker heard it at the breakfast table the day after it appeared ; his sister Louise said : "O Tred ! I f or(?ot to teil you tliat I s iw in yesterday 's paper that Mitchel & Tyler want a clerk ; that will be the place above all others for you. It's ü, splendid store. Of course, you eau get the place if you are not too late. You can take a letter f rom Únele Horace; his influence and your appearance will settle the matter. I heard Mr. Mitchell was real fussy about his clerks; but I am sure. he can ünd nothing to object to in my handaome, well-dressed brother ;" and the eider sister looked admiringly at Fred's fair face, smoothlocks, and well-ütting suit. "Perhaps 111 cali around there after awhile," Fred said.carelessly. "Please mrry and go now, won't you?" his sis;er said; "I'm afraid somebody has raatched up the place before this time." Fred finished his breakfast in a leisurely way. put a few extra touches to tas already careful toilet, lighted a cigar and sauntered forth. "Better throw away your cigar before you go in. Mr. Mitchell may object to that," said Louise, who stood in the front door as he passed out. "He'll have to take me as I am," Fred said with alofty air; "all gentlemen smoke. I do not propose to De a slave to him or any other man." He called in at his uncle's office on the way and procured a letter of recommendation. Thus equipped he feit conüdent of success. Just behind him, there walked with brisk step, a boy of üf teen, a year oí two younger than himself. This was David Greg. He, too, had seen the advertisement, and was on the wiy that very minute to 650 Washington Street. He was the eldest of a lamily of children whose father had died at the beginning of this long winter. David had tried hardto ünd employment, had improved every moment in doing oiíh jobs for anybody, had studied the papers and answered adverdsements uutil he was well-nigh discouraged. The place ) were sure to be filled by persons who had influential friends; he had none, for nis father had removed to the city from the country ouly a short time before his death, and now, more because he applied for everything he heard of, than from any hope of success, he had risen very early that morning, made the flre and, while his mothtr was preparing the breakfast, put hiuiself in the neatest possible order 'o go to Mitchell & Tyler's. When he appeared at the breakfast table, lookiug so bright and neat, his rnother thought be wa? a son to be proud of, the handsomest boy in the vvhole city, yet his face was actually homely as far as beauty of features was concerned ; his clothes were coarte and he had no fancy necktie, no flashing pin, or gold euff-buttons like the elegant young gentleman who now walked before him. What was the reason that among the large number of hoys who filed in and out of Mitchell & Tyler's private office no one of them had yet been selected to fill the vacant clerkship? Mr. Mitchell, the senior partner of the firm, had asked some plain, straightforward questions of them- "Where do you spend your evenings?" "Do you play cards, go to the theatre?" etc. ; for Mr. Mitchell had declared to his partner, "If there is a boy in the world who has good habits and right principies I'm going to hunt him up if it takes all winter ;" so it turned out that many of the boys could not give satisfactory answers to the searching questions; and otliers, when Mr. Mitchell sounded their knowledge of figures, they were not ready reckoners. rney carne anu wtui ioi oxie wiiuk day ; and as soon as the door was opaoed toe iiext inorning, candidates carne flocking in like birds. And now it ivas Fred Barker's turn. He stood before Mr. Mitchell, liis nat on his head, his cigar removed from his mouth, it is Uue, but the smoke thereof curling upward into the merchant's face. He presented his letter of introduction. Mr. Mitchell read it then asked a few questions. Meanwhile, his practiced eye was taking it all in- the cigar. the imitation diamond, the large seal ring, the flashing necktie. He knew in a twinkliug where Fred Barker probably spent his evenings. and that it would take more money to gratify his taste than he could honestly earn. To Fred's astonishment, he present ly heard, "I do not think, young man, that you are just the one we have ia mind for this place." Then, before he knew it, he was bowed out. The next boy who was admitted did not adv anee with such an over-confldent air. H held his hat in his hand and spoke in a modest, respectful manner. "Have you any recoromendation?" "No, sir, I have none," David answered, alittledejectedly. "We have not been long in the city." "Well, you need none if I can trust my eyes," Mr. Mitchell remarked to himself. The bright, frank face and the manly air of the boy impresssd him most favourably; he was stil) more pleased when he drew him into oonversation and learned what books he was fond of, and how be was gciug . on with his studies evenings, although Ue had been obliged to lfave the high "■ school and earn his living. Mr. Mitchell had very sharp eyes; he took note of the well-brushed garments, the shining boots, the snowy collar and cuffs, the delicately rfean Qnger-nails- even by such small thing.- s these is chaiacter read - atd abo 811. the look of sincerity and honesty shining from the blue eyes. "Well. David," Mr. Mitchell said, as he got up and walked backward and forth, "what if I were to teil you that you can have the situation providing that you will work a part of every Sabbath?" The boy hesitated- just a moment -then hesaid, while his color rose, "I shouldsay, sir, that I cannot accept it." "Not even when your mother needs money so badly ?" "Xo, sir; my mother would not use money so earned. "That has the true ring- pure gold," said Mr. Mitchell, b inging his hand down on David'a shoulder. "My boy, L want you. I will pav you ten dollars more a month than the last clerk received.