I say, Frank," continued Pliny,
lowering his voice, "you can't lend me five dollars, can you?"
Frank regarded Pliny with astonishment. The proposal was very abrupt,
especially when the shortness of their acquaintance was considered.
"Are you particularly in need of money?" asked Frank.
"Well, you see," said Pliny, "I want it for a particular purpose."
"Why not ask your father for it?"
"Oh, he'd never let me have it!"
Now, in Frank's present circumstances, five dollars represented a good
deal of money. He was the more impressed with the necessity of economy
since he had found out how small were the wages paid in stores to boys
of his age.
He did not feel at all inclined to grant Pliny's request, especially as
he had a strong suspicion that it would be a long time before the sum
would be returned.
"Why do you apply to me, Pliny?" he asked, seriously.
"Didn't your mother die and leave you a big property? Father says you
must be worth more than a hundred thousand dollars."
"Your father probably has not heard of the will," said Frank, quietly.
"What was there in the will?" asked Pliny.
"The whole property was left to Mr.
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