Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-07-11

SCdnly nccds
He had offered to pay Harry Hen
ley well to saw a lot OF wood for
him-enough TO last him many
months, with his economical use OF
fuel-and the poor boy had jumped
at the chance Of earning the trife.
All the forenoon the boy worked at
the pile of wood, which, by his con-
tinued application, had been growing
beautifully less, and was now nearly
done for. At intervals he sat on his
saw-horse to rest, and at such times
he was sure to draw forth the fascin-
ating coin catalogue.
By noon the last stick was sawed,
and Harry knocked at the cabin door
TO ask for his hard-earned-pay. The
old man shuffied out, to make sure
that no stick remained uncut, and
then extended in his withered palm
one silver dollar without saying a
word.
Harrys pale face grew more pale.
lis this all you're going TO give Inc ?
he asked, family.
Yes" was the sharp answer.
But you said you'd pay me well,
and there were four cords-four big
cords
The miser glared at him with the
ferocity of a wild beast. Not anoth-
er cent" he cried, harshly-"no'
another cent, not one, sir -
My mothers sick, Mr. Brown be-
gan the boy again, but again he was
interrupted.
Clear out - the old man fiercely
uttered. Clear ont =
With heavy heart Harry turned
away and took the path down the
mountain. He was almost too dazed
aud disappointed TO think with any
clearness. When he had arrived at
the rock which had afforded him IA
seat in the morning, he again sat
down. to brood over his ill-fortune
and plan the disposition of his single
dollar.
Before very long he gave express
sion to this decision I'll take the
promised lickin' before I'll take the
shoes. That dollar'-and he made a
determined gesture with the coin in
right hand. But he did not finish
the sentence. As his eyes fell upon
| the piece, he started eXcitedly TO his
feet, and strange cry came from his
throat.
The coin was bright and new in ap-
pearance, and had evidently Eeen in
/ circulation but little. But it was not
this that suddenly animated the boy.
He noted first that the head of Lib
erty" faced to the right, instead OF to
the left, as on ordinary dollars, and
then he saw, below the bust, the bold,
unmistakable figures, 1904.
No wonder he was agitated. In
hand was perfect specimen of the
most famous and valuable OF all
American coins-the realization OF
! his dream
1t was Harry's first impulse to rush
exultantly down to his home and to
his mothers bedside, and there pro
claim his extraordinary wealth; but
another sentiment, after IA struggle,
prevailed, and he went slowly back
toward the hut, resolved TO explain
to the old miser the value Of the coin
he had been boarding so many long
years-perhaps since it was coined
and return it TO him in exchange fol
another of the value intended 10 be
impaired.
When he knocked at the door the
old man thrust out his head with the
savage inquiry, What is wanted ?
You've given me a dollar worth
five hundred times a dollar" Harry
began to explain. Il mean to say,
he stanmered on, you can sell this
for five hundred dollars, or more"
You're crazy ~ cried the old her
init. Clear out You can get no
more money out of Inc. Clear out y
He slammed the door. Again Har
ry started down the mountain. His
step was lighter now. He had done
his duty his conscience was for the
moment clear. Indignant at his rude
treatment, at the despicable insult,
he made up his mind he would not
again attempt TO explain the peculiar
value of the coin TO the ignorant mi
ser. The dollar Of 1904 was his-hii
own
Halfway the steep descent he met
Sam Ragland, who bore, in addition
to his gun and cartridge belt, brown
paper parcel. Sam was, as usual, &C
companied by his unsightly dog.
1--WE brought you the shoes," wa'
the young hunters greeting. Il went
TO yer house, but you was so Ions
comm l.: concluded to hunt ye up
I'm on my way 10 Carter's Pond nov
and want that money to buy ammu
nition."
Harry gave detailed explanation
OF the circumstances which prevented
his parting with that precious siIve
coin. He tried TO impress upon San
an idea of its wonderful value, ant
he promised him that in a few days
as soon as he could sell the coin, h
would take the shoes as he ha'
agreed but the youthful rough wa
obdurate.
You're fool r was the epithet h
hurled at Harry. You can't trif
with NE Gimme that dollar"
Harry's lips closed resolutely as b
drew back from the bully. He woul
..-t.t. ull he -os