"He is going to succeed," said the merchant, as Paul went out. "He will some day be a prosperous man."
The merchant was pleased at the respect with which his advice was received. Young America is very apt to regard the counsel of the old and experienced as of slight value; but in this they make a great mistake. There are plenty of young men, who, from their own self-sufficiency and impatience of good advice, go to financial ruin every year. He shows wisdom who avails himself of the experience of other men, avoiding their errors, and imitating what in them is worthy of imitation.
Paul returned to the shop and made a careful examination of the stock. He came to the conclusion that the price asked was not excessive, and agreed to pay it. In the course of two days the transfer was concluded, and Paul transferred the small stock of his necktie stand to the shop which he had taken. During all this time he had said nothing to his mother of the change he had made. He wanted to surprise her.
"Mother," he said, on the second morning of his possession, "I want you to take a little walk with me this morning."
"May I go too, Paul?" asked Jimmy.
"Yes, Jimmy, I meant to invite you. So get your cap."
"Where shall we walk to, Paul?" asked his mother.
"I don't mean to tell you just yet. You will soon know."
"Is it a secret?" asked Mrs. Hoffman, smiling.
"Yes; it is a great secret."