I discharged the last boy because he lied to me about some trifling offence for which I would have forgiven him if he had told the truth . I can bear with incompetency , but falsehood and deceit I can not and will not tolerate , '' he said , so sternly that Dan 's face paled . `` I am convinced that you are incapable of either . Will you take the place , Dan ? '' `` I will if you think I can fill it , sir . I will do my best . '' `` Yes , I believe you will . Perhaps I know more about you than you think . Businessmen must keep their eyes open . We 'll regard this matter as settled then . Come up tomorrow at eight o'clock . And one word more , Dan . You have perhaps heard that I am an unjust and hard master . I am not the former , and you will never have occasion to find me the latter if you are always as truthful and straightforward as you have been today . You might easily have deceived me in this matter . That you did not do so is the best and only recommendation I require . Take those trout up to my house and leave them . That will do . Good afternoon . '' Dan somehow got his dazed self through the glass door and out of the building .
The whole interview had been such a surprise XXXXX him that he was hardly sure whether or not he had dreamed it all .
about as at because for if than through to with