Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-11-07
CHAPTER VIII.
ALICE Is BEFRiENDED BY 'LIsBErH.

That night tho store was lighted up,
and tie double door stood invitingly
open. Rough farmers and the village
loafers were sitting about on the steps
outside, or within the door on the long,
grimy settee, and the various barrels.
kegs and boxes. Somebody was telling
u story, and the company seemed to be
genial, though never more than one
person spoke at time, and two or
three did most Of the talking, while
the rest were content to be audience or
whispered awkward commentaries to
each other.
Alec hesitated and stood a moment
looking at them, wondering if they
were talking about him. He had not
meant to go near the store again. He
Gare not spend his money for a lodging
at the tavern after he had failed. Why
should he? But he might go and buy
some crackers and a piece Of cheese,
for be suddenly realized that he was
hungry.
Then one Of the loafers saw him and
cried ont:
IN be bowed, if there amt that
city coon out there in the dark. Como
on, young fello', and let's have look
at you'll
Tho rest Of the company were silent
as death, and sat gazing into the dark
ness.
Come On. Don't be bashful," cried
the first speaker. "Wo won't hurt you.
Come up here to give us mowin lessons,
Is'posc."
A chuckle Of laughter went round the
crowd, and Alec was for running away
at tho top Of his speed, only he dare not
invite pursuit in that way. Instead he
walked straight into tho store, paying
lot the slightest notice to the men who
sat about, and asked for dimes worth
Of crackers and cheese.
Whats that, ssuny?" asked ice Hig-
gins from the counter, where he lay at
full length on his back. Crackers and
cheese? l ain't got no cheese left. Will
crackers do you:"
Mr.. Higgins made no motion to gel
mp, though Alec said he would hav,
the crackers. After pause Mr.. Hig
gins volunteered the information thai
his rheumatism was SO bad that nigh
he thought Re couldn't get the cracker!
himself, but he would call 'Lisbeth
Whereupon he beloved:
'Lisbethr'
'Lisbeth was standing behind tn,
back door evidently, and immediatel,
appeared.
''This young city swell wants som,
dry crackers to keep him alive Myrhu
matiz is so bad tonight couldn't thinl
Of climbing way down off here jus
for q pound of crackers"
The loafers guffawed at this, ant
Alec wanted to get away as soon as b.
possibly could. He felt himself in q yer,
nest Of enemies. Everybody and every
thing seemed to have changed sine
morning. The morning seemed ages ago
SO long he could hardly remember il
He felt as if he were in an entirely ney
and disagreeable world.
'Lisbeth walked directly toward him
and in her bearing he felt little bi
of sympathy amid all the hardness. BIZ
it embarrassed him, and he only felt tn
more like running away.
will you have these round ones.
she asked. taking cover of large bal
crackers" indicating box, towar
which she Immediately walked, follow
ed by Alec. who was vaguely ccmforte
by the soft tone Of her voice
Maxim a mash on 'Lisbeth-" viii:
pered one of the meanest looking of tn
loafers. Alec did net lock around at al
but the girl gave the offender a quicl
threatening lock. which she distribute
around to the rest of the company q
well. and no laughter followed the sally
There was dead silence while 'Lisbet
went on in a light, easy tone. Il lik
these soda crackers ever so much III
best. and they cost only q cent pour
more"
"Give me pound of these. sal
Alec gloomily, aud the girl proceeded I
weigh them out
II heard You ask for some cheese.
she went On as she busted herself wit
the crackers. 1--WE haven't an chees'