The other day a lightning-rod man drove up in front of a handsome edifice standing in the midst of trees and shrubs in Millburg, and spoke to Mr. Potts, who was sitting on the steps in front. He accosted Potts as the owner of the residence, and said,
"I see you have no lightning-rods on this house."
"No," said Potts.
"Are you going to put any on?"
"Well, I hadn't thought of it," replied Potts.
"You ought to. A tall building like this is very much exposed. I'd like to run you up one of my rods; twisted steel, glass fenders, nickel-plated tips—everything complete. May I put one up to show you? I'll do the job cheap."
"Certainly you may, if you want to. I haven't the slightest objection," said Potts.
During the next half hour the man had his ladders up and his assistants at work, and at the end of that time the job was done. He called Potts out into the yard to admire it. He said to Potts,
"Now, that is all well enough; but if it was my house, I'd have another rod put on the other side. There's nothing like being protected thoroughly."
"That's true," said Potts; "it would be better."