very man who could offer me no employment when I applied for it about a year before made me an offer at an opportune moment, and a flattering one at that. He told me that my chances with their house would be enhanced many fold, that there I would represent a "real" concern instead of representing a "small potato." Here for the first time I was being sought by a position instead of seeking one. It gave a big boost to my self-confidence. Nevertheless, I did not wish to act hastily in the matter. I replied that I would let him know later, intending first to speak to my employer. That evening I broached the subject. To my surprise, my employer answered, though I perceived rather faint-heartedly, that every man must better himself, that if I had a better offer he could not well meet it. That settled the question. I accepted the position with our competitor, and handed in my resignation to take effect upon our return to Philadelphia.
A Resignation and Its Results
If ever a man showed his true colors, the head of this "small potato" concern did then. I had no sooner announced the fact of my change than he turned all colors, quivering, shaking, as though suddenly stricken by a chill. He did not think I acted rightly in the matter. I reminded him of his own words, that every man must look out for himself, that I was in duty bound to look out for myself and my family, that I had given him all the chances he could reasonably expect, and that after all it might best serve our mutual interests to part. He couldn't see it that way. He begged me, implored me to stay with him, offering me a five dollar raise and two per cent, on my sales—an increase that almost doubled the salary I was getting. I pitied the man, realizing his helplessness, his weakness, and his lack of determination. But my decision had been made; I could not well use our competitor as a means to an end. It would not be right. No, I decided—it was too late. My employer begged and implored again, never leaving me out of his sight. I was in a dilemma, not knowing what was the best for all interests concerned. It is true I owed a duty to the man who had offered to improve my position; on the other hand my old employer seemed helpless and pathetic, and I had no heart to desert him in the opening of a busy season. Was he now to lose the trade that I had made at his expense? And would that be right and justifiable? And suppose the shock would impair his health—would that be a blot on my conscience for evermore? On the other hand, had he shown any consideration for me and my family? Had he not humiliated me by making me peddle baskets from store to store? Had he not thought to "call my bluff" when I told him about the offer of our competitor, by telling me to better myself if I could? Surely this is a selfish world. After all, it is "each for himself and the devil take the hindmost." Why should I give him any more consideration than he gave to me?
And so I went on, torn by the conflicting arguments. At last I made my decision. I was to remain with my original employer. It was a hard task to face my new "benefactor," but I undertook it. As might have been expected, he took an entirely different view of the situation, contending that I had used him as a club to an end. Perhaps he was right—I shall not argue the matter now.
Two years later, at the S. A. F. Convention in Washington, a similar occurrence took place. The Philadelphia competitive concern renewed its efforts to get me. They made me better inducements than formerly, considering that after a lapse of two years my experience that much enhanced my value. By this time, too, I became rather tired of my original employer—of his business methods, his niggardliness, and ultra-conservatism. If I was to continue at all in this business, I must have a chance of expansion. Our competitors were offering me such a chance. Why miss it? I accepted the position, now fully determined to make the change. My employer again implored me not to forsake him. He offered me a partnership in the business, "to connect my name with his on all his stationery and bill-
