The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1879-06-28
CHOICE FICTION.
TOO RICH TO AFFORD IT

Ellctn
And a bright, intelligent face it was
though it was a little clouded now by
feeling of dubousness as to how his word
would be taken.
why don't You want to 80 to schou
any more
"Well, sir, I'm tired of studying, and
don't see any use in it."
Think you know enough, that You don
need to learn any more"
The boy colorcd Il little at that quizZic:l
look and tone.
81 know rs much as George Lyman doe
and he left school three months ago. H,
when his father has got plenty of money"
Mr.. Palmer turned upon his sons face {;
look of grave surprise.
Ibid George Lyman say that, Walter
him."
"Hou are richer than Mr. Lyman is, AIM
you, father" cried the boy eagerly.
Il hope was, but that remains to b,
seem
"Mr. Lyman is rich, too, father, every
one says that he is.
"That remains to be seen also So YOU
have quite made up your mind that you dc
not want TO 90 to school any more my son ~
eyes, sir"
You needn't, then"
ooh, thank you, father" cried Walter,
his face frightening.
GO Wait i: minute" said Mr.. Palmer as
the boy caught up his hat preparatory to
making dive through the open door
Come back, | have something more to say
to you. You have nothing to thank me for
except, perhaps, my good Intentions
Considering it as the best gift could be-
stow, it was my intention to give you \
thorough education. But there is a homely
and true saying: cone man can lead :.
horse to water, but ten cannot make him
drink" So, though | have by no means
changed my opinion as TO the value of an
education, | consent to your leaving school,
because, if You feel us you say you Go, it
will be only time and money thrown away.
Hut want you to understand clearly one
thing: that if you do not go to school you
will have to so to work. | can't afford to
have you idle"
Walters couutenance underwent Il very
pcrceptble change
8 DO you mean that | must 30 out at day 5
work like Dan Baker and Sam Blake
I tIrt b,,- sfa IL,
emplo, ment, soma trade or business, which
will give you just many hours work rs
surely us the sun rises
"Why, father, George Lyman and Will
BROMLEY don't have to work; and they say
they don't mean to either. George toll me
he heard his father say that you was the
richest man in the country
II might be the richest man in two
counties, and yet not be rich enough to
afford to have my boy idle"
Mr.. Palmer smiled as he saw Walter
puzzled look.
This is Il hard thing for you to under
stand. my son, and might talk Ia you from
this time until sunset and not make it any
,
and, you know j always take you some
where that day. This time It shall be to
Plaintield, where an old schoolmate of mine
is living. a visit to him and the place
where he lives will serve better to explain
my meaning than anything | can say"
The next morning Walter and his father
started out bright and early, in the open
phaeton, drawn by Il pair Of well-matched
mctteSomc bays, which bore them swiftly
along the smooth, hard road.
plainticld was fifteen miles distant, and
the way thither through such a beautiful
country and so entirely new to Walter that
he forgot all about what his father had said
the day before, until the carriage stopped in
front of Il gloomy stone building.
g Are yon going to stop here, father
Why it looks like prison %
alt is Il prison" said Mr. Palmer, who
had been unusually grave and silent during
g But thought you were going to see an
old Schoolmate of yours"
" Here is where he lives
Walter followed his father silently up the
steps which led TO the heavy massive door
of the main entrance.
- Did you every think that any one Of
your schoolmates might find IL home in some
such place AS this"-or even that You
might '' said Mr.. Palmer us he pulled the
bell, whose changer broke harshly upon the
Ill. tl,,t 4
Before Walter could reply the heavy dool
swung back, and they were ushered into
the warden'S office.
He was a heavily bearded man, with d
stern, almost forbid,ling coumtenance; bu,
he shook hands with Mr.. Palmer, whom he
had met before, bestowing on Walter {:
pleasant word and smile, the latter givin.
his face quite another aspect.
81 come to inquire about John jackson
the forger," said Mr.. Palmer, after Il few
preliminary words. - He is an old school
mate of mine. | remember him rs Il high
spirited boy. rather headstrong, and fonde
of play than study, but with many genial
and pleasant traits Of character. How il
ne StltlllS dloliS
every well. Had lie been competent
should have given him Il place AS book
keeper, made vacant by convict who's,
time WAS up As it was | had to put hin
i'll the shoe shop. He is quiet, but he take
it pretty hard Is such chaps are apt to VIII,
have always had plenty of money an,
nothing TO do. 1t is not i'll strict accordance
with the rules, but if you would like to Sc,
him I'll have him sent out"
| Mr. Palmer aSScnted: and i'll 4 few min
uteS grave, quiet man entered, who's
closely'cut hair and peculiar dress gave hin
Il very strange look to Walter, who hi,
never seen anything like it before.
He seemed glad to see Mr.. Palmer, though
| there was Il visible conStraint i'll his manne
which showed that he felt keenly hi
changed position and surroundings.
| OF the two, Mr.. Palmer seemed the mos
affected His voice broke 4 little, Is h
said:
| II am glad to see you, Mr. jackson: bli
sorry, very sorry to find You here.
| You cant he more sorry than | am I
find myself here" said the man, with
| forced smile.
Then, as if anxious to change the subject
| he turned to Walter.
% | needn't ask whose boy this is
g 1t is my oldest son, Walter. He is jus
o bout the age W. We're wi el W. rs to =
to school together, in dear old Bridgevill,
Have you forgotten all about those day:
John