He was not abashed by the rich man's presence, for he had learned to expect a friendly nod or a cordial grasp of the hand every time he met him; but he was very much astonished by the greeting which Silas Jones extended to him.

No sooner had the General released David's hand than it was seized by the grocer, who appeared to be as glad to see him as though he knew that the boy had come there to buy a bill of goods worth hundreds of dollars.
"It never does any good to give away to our gloomy feelings," said the General.

"There are many times when things don't go just as we would like to have them, but the day always follows the night, and a little perseverance sometimes works wonders." David understood what the General meant, but it was plain that the grocer did not, for he looked both bewildered and surprised.

He bowed to his rich customer, as he rode off, and then, turning to David, conducted him into the store with a great deal of ceremony.
"Mr.Jones," said David, who began to think that the grocer must have taken leave of his senses, "I have come here to settle father's bill." "O, that's all right," was the smiling reply.

"It isn't fair that I should hold you responsible for that debt, and I have concluded that I will not do it.