Tested


   HONESTY TESTED.



GEOEGE and Harry worked in the same shop; but as the working season was about over, and there would be little work to do during the summer months, their employer informed them, as they settled up on Saturday evening, that he could only give one of them work hereafter. He was very sorry, he said; but it was the best he could do. He told them both to come back on Monday morning, and that he would then decide on the one he wished to remain. So the young men returned to their boardinghouse a good deal cast down; for work was scarce, and neither knew where he could obtain a situation, if he were the one to leave.

That evening, as they counted over the week's wages, Harry said to his friend, "Mr. Wilson has paid me a quarter of a dollar too much."

"So he has me," said George, as he looked at his.

"How could he have made the mistake?" said Harry.

"Oh! He was very busy when six o'clock came; and handling so much money, he was careless when he came to pay our trifle," said George, as he stuffed his into his pocketbook.

"Well," said Harry, "I am going to stop as I go to the post office, and hand it to him."

"You are wonderful particular about a quarter," said George. "What does he care for that trifle? Why, he would not come to the door for it, if he knew what you wanted, and I am sure you have worked hard enough to earn it."

But Harry called, and handed his employer the money, who thanked him for returning it, and went into the house. Mr. Wilson had paid each of them a quarter more than their wages on purpose to test their honesty.

So, when Monday morning came he seemed to have no difficulty in determining which one he would keep. 

He chose Harry, and entrusted the shop to his care for several months, when he was away on business, and was so well pleased with his management that, when the work commenced in the fall, he gave him the position of superintendent. Five years afterward, Harry was Mr. Wilson's partner, and George worked in the same shop, but as a common laborer.

There is nothing like a good character when you want employment. Some young men can always get work, no matter how dull the times are; while others can find nothing to do even when help is scarce, simply because they cannot be trusted.



 Kind Words.