The driver of the omnibus into which Rothschild entered demanded his fare, and the Baron, feeling in his pockets, discovered that he had no change. The driver was very angry. "What did you get in for, if you had no money?"
"I am Baron Rothschild," explained the great capitalist, "and there is my card."
The driver scornfully tossed the card away. "Never heard of you before," said he, "and don't want to hear of you again. What I want is your fare."
The banker was in great haste. "Look here. I've an order for a million," he said; "give me the change." And he proffered a coupon for that amount.
The driver stared and the passengers laughed. Fortunately a friend of the Baron entered the omnibus at the moment, and taking in the situation, immediately paid the fare. The driver, realizing his mistake, and feeling remorseful, said to the Baron,
"If you want ten francs, sir, I don't mind lending them to you on my own account."
TO GO A-FISHING.
It's time to put the lessons by,
The fields are full of daisies;
When summer blue is in the sky,
Who cares for sums and phrases?
Deep in his heart, his highest joy,
The boy I know is wishing
To leave the school-room's strict employ,
And just to go a-fishing.
He'll find a grand old willow-tree,
Above brown waters dipping,
Where catfish glide and pickerels be,
And dainty birds are sipping.
There, waiting long, with earnest pluck,
At last his line will quiver,
And you and I will wish him luck
Beside that bonny river.