Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1899-01-12
"a FRS I DEBT
J, r,.,,... :. ,.,...,{
WHEN Twas : little girl my brother
Wv Jack and used to be sent once y

their own;
So much effort was made during our
visit to- give ussa good time, and SO in
dulgent were uncle and aunt to our
every wish, that we would always will
lingly have remained much longer had
oar parents consented.
But mother declared that she could
not spare Ms q singleday over the stated
time, and uncle was very particular to
ssend US home promptly on the day
agreed upon.
Uncle's house was on Rittenhouse
street, and, though old-fashioned, was
very comfortable and convenient The
one next TO it was occupied by an old
gentleman named Reed, who, we were
told. had lost his wife and three. chill
dren BY an accident on a railway, and
had ever since lived in the strictest Sc
clusion.
Jack and I saw him very often at his
gate or on the street; but he seldom
took any notice Of us. and consequently
we stood greatly inawe of him.
One afternoon in December, when
only two days more remained to US of
our annual visit, Jack and were walk
ing along Main street on our way home
from an attorneys Office to which we
had been sent on an GRAND, when sud-
denly Jack stopped before the window
Of a hardware store, in which hung sew
eral pairs Of skates.
Il wish Uncle Andrew had given me
pair, Of skates as a parting gift instead
pf that sled, " he said, in adiscontented
tone. Il won't be able to go skating
much longer unless have new pair.
Ny old ones are three sizes too small..''
ssBnt don ask Uncle Andrew for
them, : Isaid. .tHe has given us so:much
already r
L Il don't believe he would care bit il
y got . pair and had them charged
said Jack. He has an account here, I
know. could write him about il after
! 1sgot home, and pay him out Of my
Christmas money!
Before I could reply hand fell heav-
lily on Jack S shoulder, and. looking up,
I'VE saw|old Mr.. Reed standing beside us.
You're wrong, my boy" he said, in
grave, earnest tone. ssNever run in
,.ebt Il You can avoid It, and never
fortgage your expectations. It isa bad
custom. speak from experience, and
rfill tell you the story if you care to
3aear it,,
q. Jack was too much mortified and en-
,)arrassed to speak, and was SO much
frightened by the. old gentleman'5
stern tone and grave face that could
not have uttered word had tried.
Mr.. Reed apparently did not notice
our silence, but led the way to his
house, and took us into his library. a
light, pleasant room, with well-filled
bookcases against every wall, and big
desk, covered with letters and papers.
under the chandelier.
He gave us each comfortable chair
and then seated himself on q low sofa
opposite us.
You see me now, gray-headed old
man. Jack" he said, .sbut was once a
boy like yourself, and enjoyed skating,
riding, dancing and cricket, Just as YOU
do. But had no kind parents. They
Gied before I was old enough to under
stand my loss and left me to the care
Of my grandfather, a stern, proud old
man, with an iron will. Upright and
honest himself, living by rule and pre-
cept, he had little charity for the faults
Of others, and punished the most trivial
errorsof my childhood with the most
relentless severity.
But he was extremely fond of me,
nevertheless, and I returned his affec-
ton, though, as was only natural, 1
stood much In awe Of him, and had a
wholesome dread of his displeasure.
He had q large plantation and owned
nearly 100 slaves, and, as was Gus
tomary among the youth Of Kentucky
in those days, I spent each morning
with my tutor and the rest Of the day
as pleased.
MY grandfather gave me liberal
allowance, which ought to have been
sufficient to crafty my wants, but
was naturally extravagant, and as
grew older I found it extremely irk-
some to be obliged to practice economy
and sef-denial toward the end of
every month But I knew it would be
useless to ask my grandfather to in
crease my allowance, for he considered
it ample for my needs.
Zone daXwhen in nanville I went to
shoe store to buy pair Of pumps,
for was going to party that evening
and my old ones were not presentable.
But as entered the store suddenly re-
Rembered that it was almost the end
Me month, and had only dollar in
POM cketbook.
tired Mated moment before reply
hours, who clerks inquiry as to my
used sto Sit mew that il thought the
s. n. to 1916. lid have to be charged.
r muir from the ia from my grandfather
!. mile TO churs e 9 deD..
., ,,,,,a,. light Of the shabby con-
49,. -. !. "a pumps decided me to
'aDtS a {hase, and no comment
The Young n in q low, hurried voice,
/ sons were enf, them, az the package
/ Thursday nig1 ny nanes. was 50
/ Newell House. .ya $500 49, vas 80
evening Was .n ,,,.s stars = + Ret TOM
D pitched In and IA iifi,culty.
VI 1;sAa II Ian Il 90 sa - 8,,t