A Meeting at an Exhibition

One Sunday Danny and Nicky went to a stamp exhibition which was held at a factory club. They wanted to see interesting collections and swap some stamps.

In the exhibition hall they saw a lot of people going from one stand to another.

“Oh, how nice to see my friends again!” somebody said behind their backs. When the boys turned round, they saw Mr. Smith, the man who had the biggest stamp collection in their town. Another old man with a thick book under his arm stood near Mr. Smith.

The boys were introduced to him and he said, “I’m Mr. Brown. I don’t collect stamps, but I like to listen to Mr. Smith’s stories about stamps. That’s why I’ve come here.”

“Your book must be very interesting,” said Nicky looking at his book.

“Oh, yes. Books interest me very much and I’m looking for something new for my library.”

“We have seen Mr. Smith’s stamp collection...” said Danny.

“Friends! I’ve a wonderful idea!” said the great stamp collector. “Mr. Brown, will you take us to your place after we have seen this exhibition to show us your library?”

“Oh, with pleasure! I’ll do it gladly. Today I can show you a magazine which is one hundred years old.”

“I think you know many things about books,” said one of the boys.

“You may be right,” answered Mr. Brown. “There is nothing more wonderful than a book. It is a friend and a teacher. Books teach people to live. Books which help with your lessons are very nice to find...”

“Mr. Brown!” said his friend. “Have you forgotten why we came here? You’ll tell us all this when you show us your library.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”