Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-01-14
ABILENE WEEKLY REFLECTOR ABILENE KANSAS JANUARY A. B97TWz FACES

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one side were cans Of fruit, meat and
other groceries piled on the shelves one
above the other, and packages Of starch.
oatmeal, washing powder bars Of soap,
boxes Of figs, and what not it would be
hard to say. In fly specked glass case
on the counter was variety Of bright
" colored candies, and at one end some
tobacco and few cigars. Beneath the
counter we're kegs u various kinds Of
nails, horseshoes piled on the floor or
hung on long rack, and small farming
implements. At the end nearest the
door were rakes, scythes and shovels Of
various kinds for various uses. There
were shoeboxes, perhaps half filed
with rough boots. And in the middle Of
the floor, which was not too clean in
spite Of the center being freshly swept,
were barrels Of crackers, sugar, salt,
-four and meal. And then behind him
were shelves piled high with calicoes
thread, jeans, jackets and overalls,
brightly colored suspenders, handker-
chiefs, and a variety Of small articles
for ladies use. In the rear Of the room
were barrels Of molassss. vinegar, kero.
sene and linseed oil, all lying on their
sides in rests black with filth and smoke.
There were also barrels upright In
which might be oats, corn and cotton.
seed meal; perhaps also barrels Of salt
pork and corned beef, and small barrels
for fish and can OF oysters.
A sudden hopeful thought came to
Alec as he looked from one to another Of
these articles. Mr.. Higgins was alone,
with only 'Lisbeth TO help him. He was
stiff and rheumatic, and 'Lisbeth evil
IDENTIFY had more than she could do in
caring for the tavern and In housekeep-
ing. Why should not Alec become a
clerk in the atorel He would offer him
self, proposing to work for board and
lodging until Mr.. Higgins thought him
worth more.
hardly had be decided to do this,
with q sort Of rush Of hope and expect
ancy, when Mr.. Higgins numbered in,
but as soon as he saw Alec be stopped
short, and Alec quickly rose and turned
TO face him.
"Wsll, sonny, what can do for your"
asked the old fellow in rather more
kindly tone than be had spoken in the
day before.
II wanted to see II you would let me
help you in the store here for my board.
You seem to need somebody, and | could
make myself useful. haven't any
money, and I am unable to get farm
work. and | would do anything to earn
my living until could have a chance
to look round a trihe. You seem to have
nobody here but your daughter, and you
have more than you can do yourself. l
am young and spry, and could learn
quickly, if you would let me, am sure.
II you would just give me trial for
few days. you could tell by that time
what l am able to do. F."
Alec spoke earnestly and eagerly as he
went on and advanced nearer and nearer
the counter, till he fairly leaned over it,
and Mr.. Higgins shrank back against
the shelves with his hands in his poe
cts, for a moment taken aback by the
fierce onset,
But as soon as Alec paused he recov-
cred himself. He looked at the boy
sharply for moment and seemed salts
fed.
"You amt no city chap up here for
lark, be your" he asked suddenly.
"No," replied Alec simply, but in
way that apparently satisfied Mr.. Hig-
gins.
Then the man looked slowly about
the store, and at last remarked, as if 1t
were the conclusion Of his thought:
"Mebbe do need somebody to help
me. I'm getting sort of old and rheu'
matte. amt as spry as ! once was
And your victuals wouldn't put me out
O. pocket so very much, a-seeing's we've
got to cook anyway and get things at
wholesale.
Then with merry twinkle he looked
at Alec sharply and said:
"Ef you're going to work for your
board, spose you want to begin with
breakfast. Well, ef you step inside
there, cal'clate 'Lisbeth will sort O fix
you up"
Then he numbered of toward the
postoffice department, which was at the
end Of the counter nearest the door.
Alec watched him a moment, and then
timidly made his way into the dining
room.
'Lisbeth was sitting alone at the end
Of the table finishing her breakfast, for
she had been waiting on the others.
GOOD morning." said Alec tenta-
lively.
She nodded q welcome, with smile.
"I'm going to work for your father
for my board, and be said You would
give mo some breakfast, lie went on
after a moments pause for her to speak,
Of which she did not take advantage.
'Lisbeth Immediately rose from her
place, and motioning him to ANOTHER
said:
III you'll cit down, III get you some
breakfast right off " With which she
hurried into the kitchen.
ITO BE CONTINUED