rich."
Tommy.—Yes, sir; but then the poor do not act in that manner out of kindness, but because they are obliged to it.
Mr Barlow.—That, indeed, is a better argument than you sometimes use. But tell me which set of people would you prefer; those that are always doing useful things because they are obliged to it, or those who never do anything useful at all?
Tommy.—Indeed, sir, I hardly know what to say; but, when I asked the question, I did not so much mean the doing useful things. But now I think of it, the rich do a great deal of good by buying the things of the poor, and giving them money in return.
Mr Barlow.—What is money?
Tommy.—Money, sir; money is——I believe, little pieces of silver and gold, with a head upon them.
Mr Barlow.—And what is the use of those little pieces of silver and gold?
Tommy.—Indeed, I do not know that they are of any use; but everybody has agreed to take them; and therefore you may buy with them whatever you want.
Mr Barlow.—Then, according to your last account, the goodness of the rich consists in taking from the poor houses, clothes, and food, and giving them in return little bits of silver and gold, which are really good for nothing.
Tommy.—Yes, sir; but then the poor can take these pieces of money and purchase everything which they want.