The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-13
ANNIE AND THE BANK NOTES,

Three sisters, Jane, Maria and Annie
Maskall, lived in small but comfortable
cottage situated just within the suburbs
of Milford. Their mother had died some
three years previous, leaving.them means
far too meager for their support. They had,
therefore, to seek livelihood as best
they could. Jane, the eldest, had turned
her musical talents to good account, and
had become popular and sought-after
teacher, while Maria had found employ
ment in retail clothing establishment.
Annie the youngest of the three, kept
house, and by making fine embroidery
and fancy works of various kinds, had
earned many small sums of money.
By their diligence and economy they
had not only lett untouched the sum be-
Queathed by their mother-their father
had died many years before-but had
added to it each year until it amounted
to more than 5000. With this sum they
intended to purchase house of their
own, and thus save the rent they were
saying.
For weeks they tramped from place to
place, looking at the various dwellings
offered for sale and had at last made up
their minds to buy nice, coy little
place, situated but short distance from
their present home.
The arrangements for the purchase Of
the house were completed, and the sisters
had begun to pack up their household
goods preparatory to removal. The money
belonging to them was in the custody of
a FREUD, who had lent it out at interest
for their benefit. It was agreed that An
ME should call for this money, she being
at liberty, and pay for the house there
with, or as much as was required. For
this purpose carriage had been engaged,
and the three sisters were now awaiting
its arrival.
"Now be careful, Annie" warned Jane,
turning from the window; "be careful that
you don't let the money out of your hands
until you give it to Mr.. Burchard, and
get the deed"
"Oh, don't be afraid" assured Annie,
who was looking in the mirror and ar
ranging the set Of her wee bit of bon
net; "dop't be afraid. l can take good
care of that"
II should hope So" said Maria,
helping Annie with her cloak: 80,
wouldn't it be awful ii you should lose
itr'
"Ha, ha!' laughed Annie, gayly; s'the
idea! How can lose? shall take the
best care, assure you"
"Well, you'll make haste back, won't
you, Annie?" said Jane; ''because we
ought to 60 to Mann s Co.'s to see about
getting that new carpet"
"Yes," answered Annie; "I'll make
haste home. But don't you think had
better stop and look at that new seat at
A-'s9 We ought to buy a brand-new set
OF things for our sitting-room, hadn't we,
Nariai"
"Yes, indeed" replied Maria; land
we want some nice pictures for the walls,
too, and shall look for some the first op-
portunity I get"
swell, here comes a carriage" said
Jane, who was on the watch at the win
dow. "Hadn't I better let my engage
ment go, Annie, dear, and accompany
you1"
"No, indeed" exclaimed Annie, toss
ing her head. =" I'm not baby"
Annie, with a last hurried glance in
the glass, fastened below, and as the car
rage drove to the door, she was cautioned
again and again to be extremely careful.
Taking her seat she was driven away at
rafting pace.
Arrived at her destination, the office of
the gentleman holding the money in
trust, Annie was ushered in by a clerk.
Good morning, Mr.. Alger!" she said.
"Ah, good-morning, Miss Maskail ~
responded Mr.. Alger, looking up from
his papers. "Come after your money.
Oh %
Eyes, sir" replied Annie; "l'm Just
going to pay for our new house."
"Well, haven't the money here, but as
you know at the bank, I'll draw you a
check" and Mr.. Alger, taking down his
check book, wrote the required order and
handed it to Annie, check for the sum
of e700. As the house was to cost but
$500, Annie was to pay that sum for q
deed OF the place, and retain the remain
der for household expenses.
"Shall send a clerk with YOU, Miss
Maskall7' inquired Mr.. Alger; ''that's
quite sum for young lady to handle ~
"Oh, nop cried Aunie, blushin9,
"theres not the slightest need. shall
DC very careful. Good-day, sir!" and
Annie, going to her carriage, was driven
to the B. Bank.
Presenting the check to the Cashier of
the bank, he glanced at her, recognized
her with & pleasant word, and, counting
out the required sum, handed it across
the counter.
Annie, clutching the notes tightly in
her hand, fastened down the high steps,
and, taking her seat in the carriage, was
giving directions to be taken to Mr..
Burchards, when clerk, barehcaded and
with a pen behind his ear, hurried down
the steps, and, before the coachman had
time to start his horse, was at the carriage
door, and accosted Annie.
beg yonr pardon, ma'am, but we
neglected to take the number of those
, notes, if you will allow me q moment"
and stretching out his hand he took the
roll Of notes and hurried back into the
bank, leaving Annie waiting for his re-
turn.
Annie waited a few minutes, and then
grew impatient. With an inde6nable
fear in her heart she hurried away to the
Cashier, of the bank.
Are the notes ready for mc9" she
asked.
~ Notes, notes; what notes?" inquir ed
the Cashier, in surprise.
"Why-1--I-gave the notes you let
me have to clerk, who said he wished
to take the number of Them"
'G.I "Gave them to- clerk?" cried the
Cashier, astonished, - AZ: n.* .,,,.,,"