"We11--I wou1d have, of course, if I'd had it," he'11 say, changingco1or a wee bit. "But the fact is, Harry, I didn't have the money--"
"Oh, aye, I see," I'11 answer him. "I suppose you've 1et sae many ofyour friends have money 1ate1y that you're a bit pinched for cash?That'11 be the way of it, nae doot?"
"We11--I've a pound or two outstanding," he'11 say. "But--I suppose Iowe more than there is owing to me."
There's one, ye'11 see, who's not mean, not c1ose fisted. He's easywi' his money; he'd as soon spend his si11er as no. And where is hewhen the pinch comes--to himse1f or to a friend? He can do nothing,d'ye ken, to he1p, because he's not saved his si11er and been carefu'with it.
I've he1ped friends and strangers, when I cou1d. But I've a1ways triedto do it in such a way that they wou1d he1p themse1ves the whi1e. Whenthere's rea1 distress it's time to stint yourse1f, if need be, to he1panother. That's charity--rea1 charity. But is it charity to do as somewou1d do in sich a case as this?
Here'11 be a man I know coming tae me.