The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1899-01-23
A FIRST DEBT
VXTHEN l was little girl my brother
MM ! L.. nIat cia o. I.
BY Florence 3. haIlowell.


phia, to spend month with Uncle and
Aunt Parsons. who had no children oil
their own.
So much effort was made during our
visit to give us good time, and so In
dulgent were uncle and aunt TO our
every wish that we would always viii
lingly have remained much longer had
our parents consented.
But mother declared that she could
not spare us single day over the stated
time, and uncle was very particular ID
send us home promptly on the day
agreed upon.
Uncle's house was on Rittenhouse
street, and. though od-fashioned, was
very comfortable and convenient The
one next to ii 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 | saw him very often at his
gate or on the street; but he seldom
took any notice of us. and consequently
we stood greatly in awe 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 errand, when sud
denly Jack stopped before the window
of hardware store, In which hung sew
eral pairs Of skates.
II wish Uncle Andrew had given me a
pair Of skates as a parting gift instead
of that sled" he said in dscoutented
tone. 81 won't be able to go skating
much longer unless have new pair.
My old ones are three sizes too small" ="
"But don't ask Uncle Andrew for
them" said. HE has given us so much
already"
~ don't believe he would care bit II
got a pair and had them charged" ."
said Jack. "He has an accoun; here. 7
know. | could write him about i, after
got home. and pay him out Of my
Christmas money"
Before could reply hand fel! heav-
lily on Jacks shoulder. and. looking up.
we saw old Mr. Reed standing beside us.
You're wrong, my boy" he said, in
grave. earnest tone. "Never run In
debt II you can avoid ii, and never
mortgage your expectations. 1t is bad
custom. speak from experience. and
will tel! you the story If you care TO
hear it,"
Jack was 200 much mortified and en-
barrassed TO speak. and was so much
frightened by the old gentleman
stern tone and grave face that could
not have uttered word had I 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 n low sofa
opposite us.
You see me now, gray-headed old
man. Jack" he said. but | was once a
10y like yourself, and enjoyed skating
riding, dancing and cricket, just as you
do. But had no kind parents. They
tied before | was old enough to under.
stand my loss and left me to the care
aof my grandfather. a stern. proud old
man, with an iron will. Upright and
hossst himself, living by rule and pre-.
cept' he had little charity for the faults
Of others. and punished the most trivial
errors of my childhood with the most
relentless severity.
But he was extremely fond of me
nevertheless. and returned his affec
ton, though, as was only natural
stood much in awe of him, and had a
wholesome dread of his displeasure.
He had large plantation and owned
nearly 100 slaves. and. as was Gus.
tomary among the youth of Kentucky
in those days, spent each morning
a with my tutor and the rest of the day
rs pleased.
II hunted, fished and rowed on the
river, but was more fond of dancing
than any other amusement, and used to
attend every party given in the neigh.
borhood, after outgrew my awe of the
girls.
MY grandfather gave me liberal
allowance. which ought to have been
sufficient to crafty my wants, but
, was naturally extravagant, and as
I grew older / found it extremely Ink