Page:Boys Life of Booker T. Washington.djvu/151

Rh There was another old negro who had great ability in getting contributions from Washington. "One day, when Washington was driving down the main street of Tuskegee behind a pair of fast and spirited horses, this old man rushed out into the street and stopped him as though he had a matter of the greatest urgency to impart to him. When Mr. Washington had with difficulty reined his horses and asked him what he wanted, the old man said breathlessly, I'se got a tirkey for yo' Thanksgivin'!'

"'How much does it weigh?' inquired Mr. Washington.

"'Twelve to fifteen poun'.'

"After thanking the old man warmly, Mr. Washington started to drive on, when the old fellow added, 'I jest wants to borrow a dollar for to fatten yo' tirkey for you!'

"With a laugh, Mr. Washington handed the old man a dollar, and drove on. He never could be made to feel that by these spontaneous generosities he was encouraging thriftlessness and mendicancy. He was incorrigible in his unscientific open-handedness with the poor, begging older members of his race."

"Old man Harry Varner was the night watchman of the school in its early days, and a man upon whom Mr. Washington very much depended.