epartment is good, or a failure. If you succeed, you're made for life.
If you fail you can expect nothing at all in the way of leniency from
old Tom Sayers, because he's as hard hearted an old wretch as ever began
at the very bottom and worked himself to wherever he now is by hard
knocks and worshiping efficiency."

Jimmy suddenly gasped, and then impulsively reached forward and clutched
the elder man's hand in both his own.

"I'm not going to fail," he said, simply, "because that would be a slam
on your judgment and--you've been mighty kind to me, Mr. Martin and--I
can't throw down a friend. If for no other reason on earth I'll make
good or bust myself trying, just because you got me the chance. I mean
it! I do! And----" He hesitated and then added, almost timidly--"I'm so
desperately eager to make a big success of this that--would you mind, if
I get worried, or doubtful--like a chap does sometimes if--if I came to
you for advice? You're so deucedly sane and wise, and the only thing I
seem to lack is plain horse sense!"

He was so ingenuous, so frankly in earnest, so open in his gratitude and
admiration, that Martin, square-jawed, taciturn, and repressed, turned
away to hide the sudden flash of liking that warmed his eyes.

"I'll take it as a favor if you'll ask my advice," he replied. "In fact,
I'll probably give you a darned sight more advice than you'll either
like or follow. Well, what are you going to do now?"

"Send a wire to my mother," said Jimmy, "You see, Maw's worried,
and--it'll make her so happy that I can't put that off for another
minute. Do you mind if I tell her that I got the job through your
kindness?"

"If you wish," said Martin, with a smile. "You can step to the desk over
there and find a form, and I'll have it sent from here."

Jimmy rushed to the desk and returned in a few minutes, with a jubilant
face. Martin took the message outside to have it sent and was compelled
to read it to settle a question of the count of words and read this
eulogium:

"Martin finest man on earth. Never knew any so good and kind. Got
Sayers job for me on better terms than I could dare ask for.
Glorious chance. Martin will help me make good. Marvelous fund
common sense. Can't fail when he so kind and friendly. Writing long
letter. Love. God bless you. Jimmy."

"Lack of gratitude certainly isn't one of his failings," thought Martin;
but somehow his face appeared neither harsh nor cynica