I remember that father
said at the breakfast-table:--
"Well, I guess that we shall not see anything of John Haws today. It will
not make any difference if he does not come, as I am not in urgent need of
the money he owes me. It will make no difference if it is not paid for a
month."
But about noon Mr. Haws appeared at our door, almost frozen, and covered
with sleet and snow.
"Why, John Haws!" exclaimed my father, when he opened the door, and saw who
it was that had knocked. "I had not the least idea that you would try to
ride away out here in this fearful storm."
"Did I not say that I would come?" asked John Haws, abruptly.
"O, yes; but I did not regard it as a promise so binding that you must
fulfil it on a day like this!"
"Any promise that I make is binding, regardless of wind and weather. I said
that I would pay the money today, and I am here to keep my word."
"But, then, it is only a small sum, and I do not really need it."
"I need to keep my word. If the sum had been but ten cents, and you were a
millionaire, and I had said that I could pay it today, I would be here to
pay it if I had been compelled to ride fifty miles.
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