cried Will . `` Could n't we just finish those ? '' pleaded Geordie . `` The boys threw away half-smoked cigars ; and your books must go after them . Surely you would not be outdone by the ` old fellows , ' as you call them , or be less obedient to little Mum than they were to Rose . '' `` Course not ! Come on , Geordie , '' and Will took the vow like a hero . His brother sighed and obeyed , but privately resolved to finish his story the minute the month was over . `` You have laid out a hard task for yourself , Jessie , in trying to provide good reading for boys who have been living on sensation stories . It will be like going from raspberry tarts to plain bread and butter ; but you will probably save them from a bilious fever , '' said Dr. Alec , much amused at the proceedings . `` I remember hearing grandpa say that a love for good books was one of the best safeguards a man could have , '' began Archie , staring thoughtfully at the fine library before him . `` Yes , but there 's no time to read nowadays ; a fellow has to keep scratching round to make money or he 's nobody , '' cut in Charlie , trying to look worldly-wise . `` This love of money is the curse of America , and for the sake of it men will sell honour and honesty , till we do n't know whom to trust , and it is only a genius like Agassiz who dares to say , ' I can not waste my time in getting rich , ' '' said Mrs. Jessie sadly . `` Do you want us to be poor , mother ? '' asked Archie , wondering . `` No , dear , and you never need be , while you can use your hands ; but I am afraid of this thirst for wealth , and the temptations it brings . O , my boys ! I tremble for the time when I must let you go , because I think it would break my heart to have you fail as so many fail . It would be far easier to see you dead if it could be said of you as of Sumner ` No man dared offer him a bribe . ' '' Mrs. Jessie was so earnest in her motherly anxiety that her voice faltered over the last words , and she hugged the yellow heads closer in her arms , as if she feared to let them leave that safe harbour for the great sea where so many little boats go down .
The younger lads nestled closer to her , and Archie said , in his quiet , resolute way , `` I can not promise to be an XXXXX or a Sumner , mother ; but I do promise to be an honest man , please God . ''
Agassiz Alec America Archie Charlie Jessie Will grandpa harbour tarts