Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1898-12-22

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I he 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
shuffied half way to the door, then
%huffied resolutely back to the counter
again.
"They're for Love, you know" he
said courageousIy. An Loves sick.
She's hurt in her back, an she says the
"ater don't taste good She's set on
having some lemonade. An mother
says if you'll trust her, Mister Tap
Dan-"
"Ain't trusted her since way back
most to flood time, I'd like to know?
Amt her page in my ledger chock full
= trustings this minute? When she's
settled that page up. mebbe I'll begin
ever again Il trusting her-mcbbe so.
But not till; so you needn't stand there
waiting for lemons. Nights well 60
right along home, sonny"
But Loves pinched. white little face
pleaded with Jot. and Loves restless
little fingers tugged at his heart
strings. Poor Love. and the water
II mt taste good. If there was just a
squeeze of lemon juice in it, Pluck up
courage, Jot-one more trial. For
Love, you llnow-for Love.
I'll do chores to pay for EN-, 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
I'll carry it right home an hurry back
an do chores. I'll come quick as-as"
"As your ma pays her bills-jist about
as quick as that" laughed Abel Tappan.
roughly Il don't knows I'm suffering
for chores this time o. night | guess
Dove. or Love, or whatever her name
is, II have t o drink water spell longer.
Your ma can put some vinegar in to
3iven it up, with sprinkling o sugar.
! useter drink that with relish when
was little shaver. You've got to pay
for 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
Gu his face radiated scorn
Keep your old lemons," he cried, his
voice quavering unsteadily. 1--WE don't
want 'em! %, poor little thirsty LoveD
guess we amt beggars | 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 doe
ter an lots of medicines"
He took long, manly strides toward
the door, his indignant voice trailing
after him. Mrs. Drusilla Wyncoop, just
<Ltering, ran into him, and her ample
figure and the tapping folds of her
shawl quite engulfed the little scurry-
ing shape.
Land Of liberty" she cried, cheer
i,y, who's this running over me just's
if ! didn't amount to anything! o, you
lothian? Wei. guess I'll have to get
E.y life insured! Good evening, Abel
I though: maybe you wouldn't mind if
Hi"PP'u ~ " St'NlS up my h''ouh' =
To-morrow's New Year. and | couldn't
sleep a wink tonight up to my ears in
debt"
Abel Tappan beamed at her over the
counter. lie hunted up chair for her
and put ii near the stove.
II guess wouldn't be more than up
to your elbows, Mis- Wyncoop," he
laughed. ioyiaIly. Not deep enough
10 keep you awake. But knew you'd
he in tonight, just as wells knew
should eat my supper. ! told Becky
says; Mis- WEAccopi pc in to pay