Page:History of Charles Jones, the footman (3).pdf/15

 15

young man (said he) this is mi Honest question, and I will give you an honest answer. The fact is, that as we know that gentlemen of your cloth expect some compliment from the tradesmen that they deal with we are obliged in our own defence to charge our articles the higher on that account to their masters.' ‘And so, (said I) the money you give us, comes finally from the pockets of our masters? To be sure it does.' ‘Why then, (said I) I will take your shilling, but shall charge my master only nine shillings. And this method I constancy pursued in the like case ever after; for I think the above mentioned practice of footmen, which, however, I hope is not very common with them, is just the same in conscience as if they should rob their master’s bureau. One Monday morning, having settled my account for the last week with my master, I found that he had made a mistake against himself of twenty shillings. As soon as I discovered it, I said to myself, here now is an opportunity for getting twenty shillings without any risk of detection; but God forbid that I should do it, as it would ruin my peace of mind, and destroy my soul. I therefore pointed out the error to my master the first opportunity —‘Charles, (said he) you are right the mistake is obvious' I acknowledge I made it purposely to try your honesty You will find that this affair will turn out, before long, to your advantage.’ Now, though I do not think it quite fair of masters to lay this kind of trap for their servant's integrity, yet as I know by experience they sometimes do it, we must be