"Ah, well, I prefer country-bred young men; they are better trained," said Cheatum, "to industry, perseverance, honest frugality, and the duties of a Christian man. I was brought up in the country myself. I've made myself; carved out, and built up my own position, sir. Yes, sir, give me good, sound, country-bred young men; I've tried them, I know what they are," said Cheatum; and he spoke near enough the truth to be partly true, for he _had_ "tried them;" he averaged some fifty-two clerks and an equal number of _salesmen_--yearly. Jeremiah Bumps grew red in the face at the complimentary manner in which Nebuchadnezzar Cheatum was pleased to review the country and its institutions. "What salary did you think of allowing?" says Jeremiah. "Well," said Cheatum, "I allow my salesmen three dollars a week the first year, (Jeremiah's ears cocked up,) and three per cent. on the sales they make the second year." By cyphering it up "in his head," Jeremiah came to the conclusion that the _first_ year wouldn't add much to his pecuniary elevation, whatever the second did with its three per cents. But he was bound to try it on, anyhow. "Now," said Cheatum, "in the first place, Solomon----" "Jeremiah, if you please, sir," said the young man. "Ah, yes, Thomas--_pshaw!_--Jediah, I would say," continued Cheatum, correcting himself-- "Jeremiah--Jeremiah Bumps, sir," sharply echoed Mr. Bumps. "Oh, yes, yes; one has so many clerks and salesmen in course of business," said Cheatum, "that I get their names confused. Well, Jeremiah, in the first place, you must learn to please the customers; you must always be lively and spry, and never give an offensive answer. Many women and girls come in to price and overhaul things, without the remotest idea of buying anything, and it's often trying to one's patience; but you must wait on them, for there is no possible means of telling a woman who _shops_ for pastime, from one who shops in earnest; so you must be careful, be polite, be lively and spry, and never let a person _go_ without making a purchase, if you can possibly help it. If a person asks for an article we have not got, endeavor to make them try something else. If a woman asks whether four-penny calico, or six-penny delaines will wash, say 'yes, ma'am, _beautifully_; I've tried them, or seen them tried;' and if they say, 'are these ten cent flannels real _Shaker flannels_? or the ninepence hose _all merino_?' better not contradict them; say 'yes, ma'am, I've tried them, seen them tried, know they are,' or similar appropriate answers to the various questions that may be asked," said Cheatum. "Yes, sir," Jeremiah responded, "I understand." "And, William----" "Jeremiah, sir, if you please."