I would buy you a watch, or anything else in my power, if it would only make you behave better.

In fact, I will make you a handsome offer now, if you wish." "Well, what is it ?" inquired Oscar.
"I will agree to give you a nice watch, in six months from this time, if you will do three things," continued his father.
"What are they ?" inquired Oscar; "are they things that I can do ?" "Certainly," said Mr.Preston; "you can do them if you will only try.
The first is, that you render prompt obedience to your parents, during these six months.

Is n't that within your power ?" "Yes, sir," replied Oscar, somewhat reluctantly.
"The second is," continued Mr.Preston, "that you behave toward your playmates and all other people in such a way, that no serious complaint shall be made against you.

Can you do that, if you try ?" "Yes, sir, I guess so," replied Oscar.
"And the last condition is, that you give sufficient attention to your studies to gain admission to the High School, at the end of the term.
Is that in your power ?" "I suppose it is," said Oscar.
"You admit, then, that you _can_ keep these conditions," continued his father; "the question now is, _will_ you do it ?" That was a hard question for Oscar to answer.

He hesitated, and twisted about in his chair, and at length replied: "Why, I don't suppose I should make out, if I tried." "No, you certainly would not, if that is your spirit," replied his father.