The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1891-10-17
AN OLD pROVERB

Fred. said Mr. Price. as ne came into
the sitting room one evening and found
his son reading in the twilight, II heard
something today that will please you
What was it2" asked Fred closing the
book and looking up eagerly His fathers
air OF satisfaction reused his curiosity
Uncle Asa came into my Office today
and he told me that he had fully made up
his mind to take you or Henry into bust
ness with him in June, so do your best to
graduate with homer dear boy
But be may take Henry; his chances
are equal to mine
Il don't think so In my opinion you
are Uncle Asa choice and 1t depends on
yourself whether you get the place or
not. !"
Il shall try hard for it, Yes. do think
Uncle Asa is rather partial to me- He is
always cordial when he meets me-"
HE spoke Of you in the highest terms
today Your fortune is made If he takes
you into business with him Be careful
what you dc and say in his presence"
''l'll make extra efforts TO please him
wonder If Henry knows anything about
lit Ill ask him tomorrow
Old Asa Maynard was Mrs Prices
uncle, and he stood in the same relation
to Henry Hardys mother for the two
women were sisters he was the richest
man in South Auburn. and owned one of
the largest wholesale hardware houses in
the west but he was eccentric and pecu-
liar and his relations never quite under
stood bim They were always in fear of
offending him though they knew they
had little To expect from him at his death
he having distinctly given them all to un
derstand that he should leave his fortune
to found hospital for aged and infrm
men.
The day following his confidential dis
closure to Mr. Price, the old merchant
was walking briskly along one of the
principal streets of the town, when,
CHANGING &c glance up, he saw Fred and
Henry at book store window A gener
GUS impulse seized him. and going up to
the boys he said kindly.
Let me treat each Of you to a book.
Come in and select what suits you best
Henry. you can have the first choice
Henry quickly put his hand on book
OF adventures
I've wanted this so long" he said
MIR Maynard's countenance fell Like
great many old people, he entertained
very severe ideas about story books, but
be made no remark. and the boy put the
book under his arm
change in Mr. Maynards face. and he saw
a chance of winning additional favor for
himself at the cost of trihing sacrifice
II will take this book of travels. uncle:
it looks as II it might prove interesting,
said he.
Il commend your choice" said Mr.
Maynard, in a well pleased tone Il am
sorry Henry's taste does not run in the
same direction youth should ever be
striving after self government.
II get all want OF history at school,
said Henry When | have a chance to
read at home, | want something a little
more lively than descriptions of foreign
countries ancient palaces and tombs of
great men.
Each to his taste of course, said Mr.
Maynard. a little testify but in my
opinion, profit should always come before
pleasure
Il hope have not offended you. uncle.
Henry said
Not at all " said the old man. as he
walked away. well pleased at the test he
had made
Fred shall certainly have a place in nv
store in June, he thought HE has
long head that is clear
Meanwhile Fred and Henry were look
ing over their books
You know very well you don't care for
travels You Just wanted to please
Uncle Asa, Henry said
We'll, it's very natural should. and
perhaps you We lost more than you imagine
by choosing that book
AT least ! was honest in my choice.
said Henry. land you know the old pro
verb, Honesty is the best policy ="
There is such thing as being too
honest, and you'll find that it doesn't al
ways pay TO stick too closely to the old
proverb
Perhaps so, but it is too late to mend
matters now I'll read my book and then
lend 1t TO you. said Henry, as he walked
away
week later Mr. Maynard met Fred
one day on bis way to school
Have you read your book, my lad2' be
asked, pleasantly, laying his hand affec-
tionately on Fred's shoulder
For one instant Fred hesitated. Then
he looked up boldly into the keen gray
eyes and answered in the affirmative.
WAS it interesting?"
Eyes. sir IL is the best of the kind
ever read could hardly lay it down
until had finished it
1T ought to have been bound better
1t was cheap book, but III get You
better one. my boy like to encourage
a taste for solid reading
Il shall be glad to read anything of the
kind you may give me- sir
"fou shall have all your mind can di.
gest, said Mr, Maynard. as he went on
his way
Opposite the residence Of Mr.. Price he
paused and reflected moment. It seemed
to him that it would be only kind for him
to go IN and tell bis niece that his de.