IX.
HONESTY.
Early in the morning two little boys came to the market place. They arranged their little stands and spread out their wares, and sat down to wait for customers. One sold watermelons and fruit, and the other sold fish and oysters. The hours passed on and both were doing well. By-and-by Sammie had only one melon left on his stand. A gentleman came along and said:
“What a fine, large melon! I think I will buy that one. What do you ask for it, my boy?”
“How Much for the Melon?”
“This is my last melon, sir; and though it looks fair, there is an unsound spot on the other side,” said the boy, turning the melon over.
“So there is,” said the man. “I don’t believe I’ll take it. But,” he added, looking straight at the boy, “is it very good business for you to point out the defects of your goods to customers?”
“Perhaps not, sir,” said the boy with becoming modesty, “but it is better than being dishonest.”
“You are right, my boy; always speak the truth and you will find favor with God and man. I shall not forget your little stand in the future.”
Then turning to the other boy’s stand the man asked:
“Are those fresh oysters?”
“Yes, sir,” said Freddie, “these are fresh this morning—just arrived.”
The gentleman bought them and went away.
“Sammie,” said Freddie, “you never will learn any sense. What did you want to show that man that spot on the melon for? He never would have looked at it until he got home. I’ve got an eye to business, myself. You see how I got rid of those stale oysters—sold them for just the same price as fresh oysters.”
“Freddie,” said the other boy, “I wouldn’t tell a lie, or act one either, for twice the money we have both earned to-day. Besides I have gained a customer and you have lost one.”
And it turned out just as Sammie said. The next day the gentleman bought a large supply of fruit from Sammie, but he never spent another penny at Freddie’s stand. It continued that way through all the summer. At the close of the season he took Sammie into his store, and, after awhile, gave him a share in the business.