Page:Discipline and the Derelict (1921).pdf/54

 circumstances endorse a note for a student or any one else for that matter. If I had the money and felt so inclined I might let him have it, and if I did do this it would be with no idea of being able to count on its return at the time he agreed to do it. If he did pay it when he agreed to, it was just like finding it; if he did not I was not surprised. I felt always in such a case as Josh Billings in his beatitude "Blessed are they who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed!"

An experience of this sort was mine only a few months ago. A young fellow whom I knew very slightly presented himself at my desk with a promissory note in his hand for forty dollars all filled out and ready for my signature.

"I can't do it, Mack," I said, "I'm sorry, but I've paid my share of that sort of note, and I've sworn off."

"You wouldn't have to pay this one," he assured me.

"That's what they all said," I continued, "and I have no doubt they honestly meant it." He seemed so disappointed and in so difficult a place that I was rather sorry for him. "If I should sign the note," I asked him, "how would you meet it? Where is the money coming from?"

"I have a pretty generous allowance," he explained, "and I am sure I could easily pay ten dollars a month out of it if I could get this money, and I surely do need it very seriously." I hesitated a moment and then said.

"I'll lend you the money myself and take your note for six months. That ought to give you plenty of