"You are rather young to represent such a large firm as Tower, Douglas & Co," said a careful Scotch merchant in Syracuse.
"I think so myself," answered Scott, good-humoredly.
"I don't think so. In fact, I know they have not."
"How did they come to make an exception in your case?"
"I don't know, unless it was out of kindness."
"Then you don't think it was because you were extra smart?" asked the merchant, pointedly.
"Time will show whether I am or not," said Scott, smiling.
"Well, I will ask you a few questions, and then I can judge for myself."
Scott answered these questions freely and intelligently. He seemed to understand the different qualities of the goods he carried, and would not allow himself to make any claims for them that could not be substantiated. As a result, Mr. Cameron bought a large order.
"I begin to understand why you were selected," he said.
"I hope you think the firm was justified."
"I do. You understand your business, and you make no misrepresentations."
"If ever you leave your present place I will give you a position."
"Thank you still more. I will remember it."
At Elmira, Scott received the following in a letter from Mr. Douglas, the junior partner: "You are doing finely. You are beating the record."
This pleased Scott. He did not know whether he had done as well as was anticipated, but this reassured him.
Two days after Scott started on his mission, Loammi entered the store on a visit instigated by curiosity. It was partly also at the suggestion of his father, who thought through Scott's influence he might redeem his error and obtain an interest in the invention, which he believed would be very profitable.
Entering the store, Loammi looked about him, and finally spoke to a young man near the door.
"Is a boy named Scott Walton employed here?" he asked.
The clerk addressed was a friend of Scott, and guessed who it was that was inquiring about him. He was tempted to play a joke on Loammi.
"There was a clerk here by that name," he answered, slowly.
Loammi brightened up. It seemed too good news to be true. His despised cousin had been discharged.
Loammi could not have heard anything that would have pleased him more.
"Do you know why he was discharged?" he asked, eagerly.