MEETS WITH A TERRIBLE
MISFORTUNE

Bath afforded our young merchants an excellent market for their wares,
and they remained there the rest of the week. They then proceeded to
Brunswick, where their success was equally flattering.

Thus far Tom had done very well, though Bobby had frequent occasion to
remind him of the pledges he had given to conduct himself in a proper
manner. He would swear now and then, from the force of habit; but
invariably, when Bobby checked him, he promised to do better.

At Brunswick Tom sold the last of his books, and was in possession of
about thirty dollars, twelve of which he owed the publisher who had
furnished his stock. This money seemed to burn in his pocket. He had
the means of having a good time, and it went hard with him to plod
along as Bobby did, careful to save every penny he could.

"Come, Bob, let's get a horse and chaise and have a ride--what do you
say?" proposed Tom, on the day he finished selling his books.

"I can't spare the time or the money," replied Bobby, decidedly.

"What is the use of having money if we can't spend it? It is a first
rate day, and we should have a good time."

"I can't afford it. I have a great many books to sell."

"About a hundred; you can sell them fast enough."

"I don't spend my money foolishly."

"It wouldn't be foolishly. I have sold out, and I am bound to have a
little fun now."

"You never will succeed if you do business in that way."

"Why not?"

"You will spend your money as fast as you get it."

"Pooh! we can get a horse and chaise for the afternoon for two
dollars. That is not much."

"Considerable, I should say. But if you begin, there is no knowing
where to leave off. I make it a rule not to spend a single cent
foolishly, and if I don't begin, I shall never do it."

"I don't mean to spend all I get; only a little now and then,"
persisted Tom.

"Don't spend the first dollar for nonsense, and then you won't spend
the second. Besides, when I have any money to spare, I mean to buy
books with it for my library."

"Humbug! Your library!"

"Yes, my library; I mean to have a library one of these days."

"I don't want any library, and I mean to spend some of my money in
having a good time; and if you won't go with me, I shall go
alone--that's all."

"You can do as you please, of course; but I advise you to keep your
money. You will want it to buy another stock of books."

"I shall have enough for that. What do you sa