Sam's Chance and How He Improved It Read online

  CHAPTER XI.

  HENRY BECOMES A MERCHANT.

  While Sam was impatiently awaiting the drawing of the Havana lottery,Henry; too, made an investment, but of an entirely differentcharacter.

  He was in the employ of a shipping house, which dispatched vessels todifferent parts of the world with assorted cargoes. The head of thefirm was James Hamilton, a man who stood deservedly high, not only inthe mercantile world, but as a citizen. He had served his native cityas an alderman, and had been offered the nomination for mayor by theparty to which he belonged, but had declined, on account of theimperative claims of his private business.

  Mr. Hamilton had long noticed, with a feeling of approval, HenryMartin's faithful performance of duty. Though he had not promoted himrapidly, he was observing him carefully, fully determined to serve himin the future if he should deserve it. This Henry did not know. Hisemployer was not a man of many words, and he was not aware that he hadattracted his attention. Sometimes even he felt depressed by thethought that he was getting on so slowly. But it did not so affect himas to make him careless or neglectful of his duties. Even if he didnot obtain promotion, he meant to deserve it.

  One morning, about this time, a clerk came to Henry, and said: "Mr.Hamilton wishes to see you in his private office."

  Henry was a little startled. The idea came to him that he might havedone something which had displeased his employer, and that he was tobe reprimanded, perhaps discharged. This would be so disastrous to himthat the thought of it made him turn pale. Still, think as he might,he could not call to mind any error he had committed, and thissomewhat encouraged him.

  He entered the office, saying, respectfully: "Did you wish to see me,sir?"

  "Yes," said the merchant, looking up from his writing; "sit down,please."

  It may be remarked that it was Mr. Hamilton's custom to be as politeto his subordinates as to his social equals.

  Henry sat down.

  "How long have you been in my employ, Henry?" asked the merchant.

  "I am now on my fourth year."

  "How old are you?"

  "Nearly sixteen, sir."

  "You entered upon your business career very early."

  "Yes, sir, earlier than I wished, but I was obliged to earn my living,and had no choice."

  "Have you parents living?"

  "No, sir."

  "Are you entirely dependent upon what I pay you for your support?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "I hope you don't get into debt?"

  "No, sir; I have even saved a little money."

  "Indeed!" said his employer, with interest. "What have you done withit?"

  "Deposited it in the Sixpenny Savings Bank."

  "That is well. How much have you saved?"

  "Thirty-five dollars. It isn't much, but it is a beginning."

  "It is a good deal for a boy in your circumstances to save," said Mr.Hamilton, with emphasis. "How much do I pay you?"

  "Five dollars a week."

  "I suppose you consider that small pay?"

  Henry smiled.

  "Any addition will be acceptable," he answered; "but I don't complainof it."

  "It shall be raised to seven at once," said the merchant.

  "Thank you, sir," said Henry, his face showing the delight he felt."You are very kind. I shall feel quite rich now."

  "I suppose you will now live in a little better style," suggested Mr.Hamilton.

  "I don't think I shall, sir. I shall increase my savings."

  "That is well. I commend your self-denial and prudence. How muchinterest does the savings-bank pay you?"

  "Six per cent., sir."

  "I will propose a different investment. I am about to send a cargo ofgoods to Rotterdam. The venture will, I think, prove a paying one.Would you like to join in it?"

  Henry stared at his employer in surprise. How could he, a boy withthirty-five dollars capital, join in such an enterprise?

  "I don't see how I can," he replied. "I am afraid you take me for acapitalist."

  "So you are," said his employer. "Have you not money in the bank?"

  Henry smiled.

  "I don't think that will go very far," he said.

  "Perhaps not, and, therefore, if you are going to take part in myventure, I suggest that you borrow five hundred dollars."

  Henry was surprised once more. He began to think Mr. Hamilton was outof his head. Yet he did not look so. On the contrary, as he smiledkindly upon Henry, he looked what he was, a shrewd, kindly,long-headed man of business. Still, he had just advised an almostpenniless boy to borrow five hundred dollars.

  "I don't know anybody that would lend me so much money," said Henry.

  "Why don't you apply to me?" suggested his employer.

  "Would you lend me five hundred dollars?" asked the boy, in surprise.

  "Am I to regard that as an application?" inquired Mr. Hamilton.

  "Yes, sir," said Henry, "if you think it well for me to borrow it."

  "Then I answer yes, upon conditions. First, let me explain why Iadvise you to borrow. I have little doubt that you will find theventure a profitable one. Next, you may place your savings-bank bookin my hands as security. Thirty-five dollars will pay a year'sinterest on the five hundred dollars I lend you; so my interest issecure."

  "But suppose the speculation shouldn't pay, Mr. Hamilton?"

  "As to that, I know so much about it that I am willing to take therisk. I do not scruple to say that if the money were to be placed inyour hands for investment, according to your own judgment, I shouldhave some doubts as to your being able to repay it to me at the end ofthe year."

  "Probably you are right, sir," said Henry.

  "But, as it is, I am willing to take the risk. Do you think of anyobjections?"

  "I was only thinking," said Henry, "that I might want to save up moremoney from my wages; but if you have the book I could not have thementered."

  "There will be no trouble about that. Though you leave this book withme, you can start another account in another savings-bank. Indeed, Iwould advise you to do so. There is an old saying: 'Never put all youreggs in one basket.' So it may be as well to divide your money betweentwo banks."

  "I didn't think of that, sir. I will follow your advice."

  "I don't know that I have any more to say to you. We understand eachother now. I will put you down on my books as a partner, to the extentof five hundred dollars, in my Rotterdam shipment, and you may placethe savings-bank book in my hands tomorrow."

  "Thank you, sir. I am very grateful to you for your kind interest inme."

  "That is a good boy one of the right stamp," soliloquized themerchant. "A boy who has the prudence and self-denial to save moneyout of a weekly income of five dollars is bound to succeed in life. Iwill push him as he deserves."

  "Well, Henry," asked the clerk, curiously, "have you been receiving alecture from the boss?"

  "Yes," answered Henry, smiling.

  "Did he blow you up?"

  "Not very high."

  "You've been with him full twenty minutes."

  "We were discussing important business," said Henry.

  "I hope it was satisfactory to you."

  "Very much so."

  "You haven't had your pay raised, have you?"

  "Yes."

  "How much?"

  "From five to seven dollars a week."

  "That's a good raise. I wonder whether I'm to be raised, too."

  "Perhaps so."

  "I hope so, for I'm fifty dollars in debt, and don't see how I am topay it."

  "You get twelve dollars a week, don't you?"

  "Yes; but what's twelve dollars?"

  "I have been living on five."

  "And you don't owe anything?"

  "Not a cent."

  "Blessed if I see how you do it! I need fifteen, and I ought to haveit."

  "He's like Sam," thought Henry. "If Mr. Hamilton finds out that he isin debt, he won't stand much chance of having his wages raised. I'mgl
ad I've got something ahead. It makes me feel independent. I hope Ishall make something on my borrowed money."

  So Henry and Sam have both made investments. It remains to be seen howthey will come out.