The Van Buren press., 1898-12-31

The thin, wizened little face across the
counter took on an anxious look.
Mother, she couldn't send the
money. She says if you'll please to
charge"
"Charge!-charge I'm sick o. that
tune, you can tell your ma. You can
skipper right home and tell her now.
When she wants lemons | calc'late she's
got to pay for 'em same as other folks
does"
Little Jot McKie's clumsy shoes
shuffled half way to the door, then
sluffled resoutely back to the counter
again.
They're for Love. you know" he
said, courageously. AN Loves sick
water don't taste good. She's set on
having some lemonade. An mother
says if you'll trust her. Mister Tap
pan"
''Ain't | trusted her since way back
most to flood time, I'd like to know?
Amt her page in my ledger chock full
g trustings this minute? When she's
settled that page up, mebbe I'll begin
ever again a trusting her-mebbe So
But not till; so you needn't stand there
waiting for lemons. Nights well go
right along home, sonny
But Loves pinched, white little face
pleaded with Jot, and Loves restless
little fingers tugged at his heart
strings. Poor Lovel and the water
didn't taste good If there was just a
squeeze Of lemon juice in it! Pluck up
courage, Jot-one more trial! For
Love, you know-for Love!
"I'll do chores to pay for 'em, an
you needn't only let me have one, Mis-
ter Tappan. The water tastes bad, an
Loves set on having a squeeze of lemon.
III carry il right home an hurry back
an do chores. I'll come quick as-as-"
"Asy your ma pays her bills-jist about
as quick as that" laughed Abel Tappan,
roughly. 81 don't knows I'm suffering
for chores this time o. night. guess
Dove, or Love, or whatever her name
is, III have to drink water spell longer.
Your ma can put some vinegar in to
liven it up, with a spriDkling o sugar.
] useter drink that with a relish when |
was little shaver. You've got to pay
Cor lemons If you want 'em out o. this
store. I've trusted you and trusted you
till I'm sick of it,"
Little Jot drew up his stunted figure
in injured dignity. The very freckles
on his face radiated scorn
keep your old lemons!" he cried, his
voice quavering unsteadily. 1--WE don't
want 'em! 20, poor little thirsty Lovel)
guess we ain't beggars! l guess we
mean TO pay our bills! Mother'd got
the money most all saved up, but Love
got worse an she had to have the doc
tor an lots of medicines
He took long, manly strides toward
the door. his indignant voice trailing
after him. Mrs. Drusilla Wyncoop, just
entering, ran into him, and her ample
figure and the tapping folds of her
shawl quite engulfed the little scurry-
Ing shape.
Land of libertyl" she cried, cheer
Gy, "who's this running over me Just's
& didn't amount to anything! O,you,
lothian? Well, guess I'll have to get
my life insured! Good evening, Abel.
/ thought maybe you wouldn't mind If
I dropped in TO settle up my account
To-morrow's New Year. and | couldn't
sleep a wink tonight, up to my ears in
debt"
Abel Tappan beaned at her over the
- I.1, fNr- her
and put il near the stove.
II guess 'twouldn't be more than up
TO your elbows, Mis- Wyncoop," he
laughed, jovially. Not deep enough
10 keep you awake. But I knew you'd
Re in tonight. just ss wells l knew l
should eat my supper. ] told Becky,
] says; Mis- Wyncoopll be in TO pay