Old man Stearn, a long-time shopkeeper in the town but also a notorious miser, was once lecturing a young clerk as to appropriate shop practices. Annoyed, the clerk determined to dampen the boss' enthusiasm for this line of discourse by highlighting some of his less than exemplary behavior.
"Mr. Stearn," said he, "What do they mean when they speak of business ethics?"
"Very good, young man," returned Stearn. "It is delightful to see you take such an interest in the affairs of business. Let me explain this rather difficult concept through an example.
"Suppose a woman comes into the store, orders a small item, and places a twenty-dollar bill on the counter. You make change, which comes to $18.12, and turn to care for your other customers. Later, you become aware that she has left the store and had forgotten to take her change, which remains on the counter.
"Do you see the picture, my boy?"
"Yes sir."
"Now comes the question of business ethics. Do I, or do I not, tell my partner?"