“All that I can say is that he must be a fool to pay a big salary to a boy like you, and you are very foolish to give up all the money you have to your father.”
“I have a little money left,” said Guy, smiling. “If, now, you were in a tight place, I might be able to lend you a hundred dollars.”
“I am never in a tight place,” returned the deacon, proudly, “but I think it would be wise and prudent for you to put the money in my hands for safe keeping. I’ll be willin’ to pay you three per cent.”
“Thank you, Deacon Crane, but I can do better than that.”
“You seem to be a very reckless boy, Guy Fenwick. You don’t seem to have no judgment. You won’t keep that money long.”
“I am afraid, Deacon Crane, you haven’t much confidence in me.”
“No, I haven’t. Your father ain’t practical, and you take after him.”
Guy smiled and passed on.
During the afternoon he fell in with Noah Crane, who had heard from his father the astonishing news about Guy’s prosperity. It influenced that young man to seek an intimacy with his fortunate schoolfellow.
“I say, Guy,” he began, “is it true that you’ve got a lot of money? Pop tells me you’ve been lending your father five hundred dollars.”