Paper-clip Honesty

THE FIRST lesson in honesty I remember was when I was about eight years old. Dad and I were in a grocery store that had open nut storage. Dad cracked and tasted some peanuts and gave me some to do the same. "Good, aren't they?" he said. "We'll have to get some for Christmas." Well, that was too long to wait. I went home with a pocketful. My penance was to pay the storekeeper my nickel, and I did--with tears in my eyes. The storekeeper took my nickel, but to reward me for my honesty, he gave me a small bag of peanuts. I learned honesty does pay.