The Brass Bottle by F. Anstey (reading books for 7 year olds .txt) 📕

if you hadn't been so unreasonable.”

“I don't think we are unreasonable, Squire Leech. Even if we were willing to sell, we should ask, at least, fourteen hundred dollars for the place.”

“Fourteen hundred! Are you crazy? I never heard of such a thing.”

“The place, land and all, cost my father fifteen hundred.”

“I don't believe it.”

“We've got his papers to show that it is so.”

“It isn't worth near that now.”

“It is certainly worth more than eleven hundred, which is all you offer.”

“Look here, Carter,” said the squire, “I don't mind telling you that I want the place for one of my men—Brown. That is my only object in making you an offer at all. He is the cousin of Mr. Banks, my superintendent, and I rather think Banks will find you something to do, if you will induce your mother to sell the place.”

“I can't do that,” said Herbert, slowly. “I can't consent to my mother making such a sacrifice. She might as well give you three or four hundred dollars as sell the place so much under price.”

“You are a boy, and know nothing about business. You think property must necessarily bring its first cost, though, mind you, I don't admit that yours cost anything like fifteen hundred dollars.”

“I am inexperienced,” Herbert admitted, “but I am sure it would be foolish to sell for eleven hundred dollars.”

“You may have to sell for less.”

“How is that?”

“If you are not prepared with the interest when the time comes, I shall foreclose.”

“You wouldn't be so hard on us as that, Squire Leech,” said Herbert, anxiously.

“I don't call it hard, it is only just and legal. When that time comes, I don't promise to pay as much as I offer to-day.”

Herbert looked serious. He saw that the squire meant just what he said; that, in fact, he was lying in wait their need should put them in his power.

“Well,” said the squire, triumphantly, “you see how the matter stands now?”

“I do,” said Herbert.

“Then you will cease your foolish opposition to what is best for you.” “I will speak to my mother about it,” said Herbert, rising. “The place is hers, not mine, and she must decide.”

“Without your offering any foolish advice, I hope.”

“I can't say as to that, Squire Leech. I will bid you good morning.”

“Good morning. If you change your mind, call again, and we will see about the employment.”

“Well,” said James, as Herbert came out, “did you get work?”

“Not yet; your father is not sure whether he will find any for me.”

“When I am a man,” said James, pompously, “I do say I may be able to throw something in your way.”

“Thank you,” said Herbert, tempted to smile in spite of his serious thoughts.

“I shall be richer than my father,” added James, “his property is increasing every year.”

“You have an excellent prospect before you,” said Herbert, half enviously.

“That's so. Wouldn't you like to change places with me?”

“I am not sure about that.”

“You are not sure about that?” repeated James, incredulously.

“No.”

“Why, I am a rich man's son.”

“I know that; but I have an excellent mother.”

“She has got no money.”

“I should not value her more if she were worth a million,” said Herbert, warmly.

“Of course,” said James; “but that won't save you from being a day laborer.”

“It is my great ambition just at present to become a day laborer,” said Herbert, smiling.

“Of course, there's a great difference between us. But I say, Carter, can you help me with this kite? There's something wrong about it. It won't fly.”

Herbert looked at it critically.

“The trouble is with the frame,” he said. “It's too heavy.”

“I wish you'd help me about it.”

Very good-naturedly our hero set to work, and in the course of twenty minutes or so the difficulty was obviated. The kite would fly.

“You may stay and help me fly it,” said James, condescendingly.

“Thank you; I shall be needed at home.”

“Oh, I forgot. Your time is valuable. Here, take this.”

James, with extraordinary liberality, held out five cents to Herbert.

“What is that for?” asked Herbert, puzzled, and not offering to take the money.

“For your help about the kite.”

“Oh, I wouldn't think of charging anything for that,” said Herbert, amused.

“Why not? You are poor, and I am rich.”

“I know it, but I don't want money for a trifle like that.”

“Just as you say,” said James, returning the money to his pocket, a little relieved, if the truth must be told, that the coin was not accepted, for he was naturally fond of money.

“Good morning,” said Herbert, turning to go. “If the kite gets out of order, you can call upon me any time.”

“I wonder why he didn't take the money,” thought James. “He may be poor and proud; I've heard of such cases; but of course it would be absurd for a boy in his position to be proud.”

Herbert kept on his way with a very serious face. It seemed as if they must lose their home, after all.