Some years ago, an old businessman had a large shop in Boston. He wanted a 1to work for him, and he put an advertisement in the2. The next morning, many boys came to the old man's office, asking for the3.
There was a nail（钉子） in the desk. He took a walking-stick（拐杖） and said. "You each have three chances.4who can hit the nail on the head with this stick more than once will5the job. "
The boys thought it was very6. They all tried,7nobody could make it. Then the old man said, "8that I can't take anyone of you." And they left.
The old man kept the advertisement in the newspaper. The next morning, many more boys came. Among them was a thin boy who came for the9time—he came here the day before. This time, the boy hit the nail successfully（成功地）for three times. The old man felt10and asked the boy, "11did you do that?"
"Dear sir, "said the boy. "I failed12, but it taught me a lot. I went home and practised13something small with a stick till I could do it. "
The old man smiled, "You are the boy for me now."
That was a(n)14way to do everything. Whatever the boy had to do, he tried his best. And it was not very long15he became the best clerk in the shop.
