The Prince of Wales Fishing

Illustration 10. When Albert Edward, then Prince of Wales, was in the United States, he went west for part of his stay.

He was entertained on a Western Ranch. A fishing trip was planned for a certain day. A gruff old rancher promised that his nephew would provide bait. The host sent for this rancher the evening previous to the day for the fishing trip.

He enquired of him anxiously, “Has your nephew brought the bait yet?” He replied, “No.” “But we will want it by daylight.”

“You’ll hev it,” replied the old man, The host insisted, “This is a matter of great importance. Are you sure that we shall have the bait?” “Didn’t Jabez give you his word?” “Yes, but how do I know that he will keep it?,” said the uneasy host.

“How do you know it?,” sternly asked the old man. “Because he is a Pratt. None of the Pratts was ever known to tell a lie and I reckon Jabez isn’t a goin’ to break the record,” and he tramped off. The host turned to the Duke of Newcastle who was standing by and said, “You must pardon the old man, your Grace, for he does not know who you are.”

The Duke replied, “Pardon him? There is no need of pardon. I call that fine! Why should not the Pratts be proud of their honest blood as well as the Pelham-Clintons?” (his own family) The daylight brought Jabez and the bait.

This is true patriotism, pride in honest achievement. When our nation is composed greatly of such men then shall we be truly great.

Question 6 You are to give an address on Labor Day. Is this illustration suitable for such an occasion? Give the reasons for your decision.