He had always looked up to George Barry as standing
higher than himself in a business way, and he felt that even if his
earnings should not be as great, that it was a step upward to have sole
charge of his stand, if only for a day or two.
Paul's ambition was aroused. It was for his interest to make as large
sales as possible. Besides, he thought he would like to prove to
George Barry that he had made a good selection in appointing him his
substitute.
Now, if the truth must be told, George Barry himself was not possessed
of superior business ability. He was lacking in energy and push. He
could sell neckties to those who asked for them, but had no particular
talent for attracting trade. He would have been a fair clerk, but was
never likely to rise above a very moderate success. Paul was quite
different. He was quick, enterprising, and smart. He was a boy likely to
push his way to success unless circumstances were very much against him.
"I'd like to sell more than George Barry," he said to himself. "I don't
know if I can, but I'm going to try."
The day was half over, and probably the most profitable, so far as
business was concerned. Paul had only four or five hours left.
"Let me see," he said to himself. "I ought to sell six neckties to come
up to the average of half a day's sale. I wonder whether I can do it."
As his soliloquy ended, his quick eye detected a young man glancing
at his stock, and he observed that he paused irresolutely, as if half
inclined to purchase.
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