For several years before his death he had been unable to do much work , and the finances of the little family had dwindled steadily . After his father 's death Ernest , who had been going to school and expecting to go to college , found that he must go to work at once instead to support himself and his mother . If George Duncan had not left much of worldly wealth behind him , he at least bequeathed to his son the interest of a fine , upright character and a reputation for honesty and integrity . None knew this better than David White , and it was on this account that he took Ernest as his clerk , over the heads of several other applicants who seemed to have a stronger `` pull . '' `` I do n't know anything about you , Ernest , '' he said bluntly . `` You 're only sixteen , and you may not have an ounce of real grit or worth in you . But it will be a queer thing if your father 's son has n't . I knew him all his life . A better man never lived nor , before his accident , a smarter one . I 'll give his son a chance , anyhow . If you take after your dad you 'll get on all right . '' Ernest had not been in the store very long before Mr. White concluded , with a gratified chuckle , that he did take after his father . He was hard-working , conscientious , and obliging . Customers of all sorts , from the rough fishermen who came up from the harbour to the old Irishwomen from the back country roads , liked him . Mr. White was satisfied . He was beginning to grow old . This lad had the makings of a good partner in him by and by . No hurry ; he must serves long apprenticeship first and prove his mettle ; no use spoiling him by hinting at future partnerships before need was . That would all come in due time . David White was a shrewd man .
Ernest was unconscious of his employer 's plans regarding him ; but he knew that he stood well with him and , much to his surprise , he found XXXXX he liked the work , and was beginning to take a personal interest and pleasure in the store .
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