Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1882-10-06
WHAT CAME TO DILLY'S HOUSE.

Oily was perChed on fence post, her
light hair flying about her face as usual,
and her little red hands clasped behind
her back. The three or four small
toes that peeped out through her rag
ged shoes were red also, for the autumn
day was cold; but Oily was used to
such trihes. Toddles, the baby, who
could not climb the fence, contented
himself with looking through. He was
bundled up-in an cd fashion of Dllly's
own inventing-in All old shawl; and,
if the round face that peered through
the fence. rails was roughened by the
chill wind, he, like Oily had grown &C
custOmed to such discomforts.
1t occurred to Freddie Burr, in the
next yard, however, that their situation
war sea ceIy aeeeable. He looked up
from the stick he WAS trying to s.lit
with his new Ratchet, and asked
"What makes you sit up there such a
day ~ this Why don't you go into
the house and keep warm p
"CAuse I'd rather stay here and
watch YOU" said Oily serenity. GIANT
no fun in the house"
"Well, | wouldn't think it was any
fun out here, can tell you, if didn't
have u warm coat and scarf and these
thick boots" remarked Freddie, dis
playing pair of red tops that were
his pride.
Oily looked Mt them, and an old,
vague wonder awoke rs she did SO, and
grew more and more distinct until,
pre- emily, it took shape into words:
"Why don't | have sucn things, too,
Freddie Burr-shoes and new clothes,
and something to wear on my head p
"Cause your father drinks 'em up"
answered Freddie promptly and with
out the slightest hesitation in disclos-
ing the truth.
billy pondered moment and rs
promptly denied.
"No, he don't either; folks can't
drink such things. Where do you get
yours p
MY father buys 'cm for me; and
the reason why yours don't get any for
you il cause they all go into old Bar
ney's rum barrels, down Mt the coroner.
That's the way Of it, true as you live,
billy Keeno, and it is awful mean too p
declared Freddie growing indignant as
he explained.
Thena voice from pretty house
beyond called Freddie and he ran in,
while Oily and Toddles, with their
amusement of Watching ended, turned
slowly away.
Oily surveyed the baby and herself
thoughtfully, and sat down upon an old
log to mediate.
Ifwhat Freddie Burr had told her
was true, something ought to be done
about it.
And the longer she pondered the
more fully she became convinced that
she had heard the truth.
cause other folks has things and
we don't, and it must be ours go some
where else" she reasoned. "They
can't be any good there, either. Pm
just sure they can't. Mebbe I've got
n hood mcbbe it would be nice red
one, pretty warm. Wish | had it now.
Wish Toddles had"
She stopped rs brilliant plan dashed
suddenly through her brain. Wouldn't
her mother he surprised il she could
do that-poor mother who was out
washing, and who would be so tired
"foddleS, lets do it !" she said, spring
ing up excitealy. Lets go and see if
we can't get some of EN-"
"Tah," answered rodiles contented-
ly; and taking his hand Oily opened
the creaking gate and led the way
down the street.
There We're n number Of men in the
store on the corner queer store with
a curtin across the lower half of the
front window. billy saw them when
the door opened, but she was deter.
mined little body, when once she had
decided upon the proper thing to do.
So she only clasped Toddle's hand
closer, and walked in and up to the
counter, making an extra effort to
speak distinctly, because her heart
beat so fast
please, sir, have YOU got anyt hing
OF ours a-soak here p
There was nm instant's silence, and
then shout OF laughter from the
men.
"Woll, now, that's neat way of put
ting it. Hey, Keene, these youngsters
of yours want To know if Barney has
you i'll soak here.
An old SLOUGH hat behind the stove
was raised " little, but there was no
other sign that the man had heard.
Dhlv shrauk back abashed
"Oh l didn't mean him."
"What did you mean, then?" ask ed
n coarse, red-fscod man advsnci ng
from behind the bar, speaking in tones
not 1T all gentle and amiable.
Shoes and coats and such things"
faltered Oily. "Hoods-rm 'fraid irs
spoiled with whiskey; but mebby ma
could wash it out. Wouldn't you take
$ some of 'em out of your barrel. Mr..
BtrneyY We need 'em awful bad"
81 should think rs much" muttered
enc of the bystanders, surveying the
dilapidated figures; but Mr.. Bsrney's
wrath was rising.
What barrel? Who sent you here?'
he demanded sngrily.
Your rum barrel" answered Oily,
standing her ground desperately,
though with u little catch in her breath
that was just ready to break into sob.
MA works all the time, and she looks
so sorry, and we don't have any nice
dinners At our house, like Freddie Burr's
anu ho new SHOES, nor caps nor any
thing. asked Freddie where our good
things went to, cause they don't come
to our house, and he said You had 'em
down here in your barrels Please do
take some of EN- out, Mr.. Barney. I'm
sure it can't make any body's drink
taste bit better t. have a poor little
boys and girls new shoes and dresses
and everything in the barrel"
"Your right there, Sissy; it's nigh
about spoiled the taste of mine," said
one of the group at the counter, putting
down his glass, with queer, perplexed
look.
But there was no perplexity in the
barkeeper's look. That was wrathfuL.
"We've had enough of that nonsensel
Now you leave, you young raggmuffins.
as fast as your feet will carry you, and
never let me catch you inside these
doors again."
He stepped toward them as if to drive
them out. But the man behind the
stove suddenly arose.