John's References.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2, 12 January 1905, Page 20

John's References.

John was fifteen years old when he applied for a place in the office of a well known lawyer who had advertised Jior a hoy, hut he had no references. ' I am afraid I will stand a poor chance, 1 he thought, ♦ but I'll try The lawyer looked him over from head to foot. ' A good face, 1 he thought, »' an,d pleasant ways.' Then he noted the new suit — but other boys had appeared in new clothes— saw the well-brushed hair and cleanlookiing skin. Very well, but there had been others here quite as cleanly ; another glance showed the finger nails tree from soil. 'Ah ! that looks like thoroughness, ' thought the lawyer. Then he asked a lew direct, rapid questions, which John answered as directly. 1 Prompt,' was the lawyer's thought ; ' he can speak up when necessary. Let me see your writing,' he added aloud. John took the pen and wrote his name. * Very well, easy to read, and no flourishes. Now what references have you ? ' The dreaded question at last. John's face fell. Ho began to see some hope of success, but this dashed it. ' 1 ha,ve not any,' he said slowly ; 'I'm almost a stranger in tne city.' ' Cjan't take a boy without references,* was the brusque rejoinder, and as he spoke a sudden thought senfr a flush to John's cheek. 1 I have no reference,' he said, with hesitation, • but here is a letter from mother I just received.' The lawyer took it. It was a short letter : 1 My dear John, —l want to remind you that whenever you get work you must consider that work as your own. Don't go into it, as some boys do, with the feeling that you will do as little as you can anti can get something better a^oon ; but make up your mind that you will do as miich as possible, and make yourself so necessary to your employer ttfiat he will never let you go ! You have been a good son to me. Be as Rood in business and 1 am sure God will bless your efforts.' ' H'm ! ' said the lawyer, .reading it over a second time, * that is pretty good advice, John— excellent advice ! I rather think I'll try you, even without references.' John had been with him six years, and last spring wa9 admitted to the Bar. • Do you intend to take that young man into partnership ? ' asked a friend lately. 'Yes, 1 dp ; 1 couldn't get along without! John.' Anfl John always says the best reference he ever had was a mother's gqod advice and honest praise.