Page:Dick Hamilton's Steam Yacht.djvu/50

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36
DICK HAMILTON'S STEAM YACHT

Dankville to-morrow, but, before I go, I consider it my duty to make one last appeal to you not to let Richard go off on this yachting cruise."

"Why not?"

"Because it will squander a lot of money that he ought to save up against the time of need."

"Oh, Dick has plenty, and so have I."

"That may be, but it's the wrong sort of training for a young man. Richard ought to be taught the habits of thrift and frugality."

"His mother and I think he ought to be trained to fulfill his station in life, which is that of a millionaire. Did you ever stop to think, Ezra, that a millionaire may do good by spending his money, freely, not foolishly."

"No, I don't know as I ever did."

"Well, he can. Think of how many persons he keeps employed, and how he helps to give them a chance to earn their living."

"Well, Mortimer, you and I never will think alike on that subject. But will you do as I ask—not let Richard waste this money for a yacht?"

"I'm afraid I can't do as you ask, Ezra. I've promised Dick that he may have the boat, and I'm sure it will do him good."

"Humph!" exclaimed Uncle Ezra. Then his face took on a hard and determined look.

"Mortimer," he said finally, after a silence, "I don't like to interfere, but you must remember that Richard's mother was my only sister. I loved her, though I did not agree with some of