human
A gentleman was riding in the cars, one evening, when a newsboy passed through the train, and he purchased a paper, giving the boy by mistake a gold eagle instead of a cent. The boy noticed the mistake, but said nothing about it. Albert, you may tell me what you think of that boy's conduct.
gpt
It was dishonest, replied Albert;
human
But did not a part of the blame belong to the man who made the mistake?
gpt
He was to blame for his carelessness, but not for the boy's dishonesty.
human
You are right, said the teacher.
gpt
The boy was guilty of stealing, just as much as if he had picked the man's pocket, or broken into his house. But suppose, instead of the mistake being to the amount of ten dollars, it had only been a few cents,--how then?
human
It would have been just the same,
gpt
But what if the man was very rich, and would never feel the loss, while the boy was poor, and needed the money?
human
That would have made no difference,
gpt
Very good, continued the teacher;
human
he added, addressing an other pupil,
gpt
When we find anything that has been lost, replied the boy addressed,
human
Is there any guilt in neglecting to do this?
gpt
Yes, sir, it is a kind of dishonesty.
human
You are right, added the teacher;
gpt
It is not,
human
Oscar, continued the teacher,