“Now for a catechism: This is very important,” said Uncle Ben, looking about at the boys. “And answer truthfully!”
“Ever smoke?”
“Ever drink?”
“Ever gamble?”
“Ever swear?”
“Ever steal?”
“Ever fight?”
“Ever play hookey?”
“Ever strike anyone weaker than yourself?”
“I noticed that most of the boys smiled when I said ‘hookey,’” ventured Uncle Ben, critically. “But let me tell you! ‘Hookey’ is an innocent-looking vice that leads to great trouble. It is the seed of being unreliable. A man who is unreliable is a failure in the beginning. So, boys, beware of ‘hookey’!”