kindly manner and words in receiving me. As a matter of course, I had the best and the cheapest line in existence at that time—have you ever met a young salesman who didn't? My immortelles had the most perfect color, my doves were all but alive. Mr. Ahern smiled amiably, evidently taking into consideration my youth and exuberance, and gave me an order. I have taken many orders since, and some about a hundred times the size of that first one; but I cannot recall any order that ever gave me as much pleasure, encouragement, and enthusiasm as Mr. Ahern's did. My gratitude goes out to Mr. Ahern to this very day, for events in themselves insignificant have often helped to shape the career of many a man.
My experience with Mr. Purple was not quite so encouraging, although in his case, too, I did not leave empty-handed..
From Columbia to Lancaster is but a few miles, and there I went next. At Lancaster I succeeded in getting a few more orders, in themselves of no great account, but in the aggregate quite sufficient to encourage both my employer and his employee. I was on the road to success; I felt that hard work and perseverance would do the trick. On that trip I made Harrisburg, Lebanon, Reading, Allentown, and Easton, and returned to Philadelphia proud of my achievements. I had done my share in every town, introducing a new and unknown concern at the same time.
The Rise in Salary that Looked Big
For the next ten days we were busy as the proverbial bees—that is, my employer, our errand-boy, our basket-maker (an old and very cranky German) and myself; for the Christmas orders had to be sent out on time. Some things had to be made, and many another article purchased from other supply houses. We got through with our work in due time, and from the smile that expanded my employer's face, I could easily infer that he was quite pleased with his "hired man." In fact, on Christmas morning he handed me a five dollar bill by way of a gift, and in addition increased my salary, to take effect from the first of the year, by one dollar a week.
"Peddling" Baskets
In January, 1889, following the example of one of the largest florists' supply houses in this country, situated right here in Philadelphia, my employer conceived the idea of manufacturing a line of splint-baskets, trimmed with straw (the older generation of florists may recall that line of goods), for the Easter candy trade in Philadelphia. It was the custom at that time, as it is to some extent today, for candy shops to make a display of baskets in the windows, filled with eggs, young chicks, rabbits, etc. It devolved upon me, to my utter dismay and disgust, to trudge all day long through the streets among the candy shops, with a line of baskets of all sizes and shapes strung on a rope, and hung over my shoulders. I remember one day meeting a couple of my particular friends who thought me capable of better things. I became quite confused, and felt a sense of humiliation not justified, perhaps, but certainly wholly natural. I was determined, however, to make a success even in this case; and for three long months I worked among the candy shops of Philadelphia as well as among the florists, returning every evening to my employer with orders, and to my humble home weary and disgusted.
Thoughts of Making a Change
It was about this time that I determined to make a change. I had been with that concern about eight months. Having had some experience as a salesman, I thought I was quite ready to be taken up by a larger house. I made my application, but met with no success. The house in question gave me to understand
