Sharp County record., 1899-12-15


tient."
an try, and keep on hoping" he said,
and they parted at the store.
The grocer met her with a smile.
Everybody liked Susy. No girl more
genial than she under ordinary circum-
stances, but to-day her face was
clouded, her manner preoccupied.
"Mr. Lee, have made up my mind to
sell Brown Bess," she said, after getting
the things she needed. "Do you know
anybody that wants horse?"
"Dnr me! Going to sell Brown
Bess! Well, was thinking of buying
young horse for my Alice. Is she safe
for a girl Of ten, do you think?" the
grocer asked.
Susy grew pale. She had not antici-
pated question OF that sore, but she
answered, after moments indecision:
"She is fond Of taking her own head
sometimes. No, Mr.. Lee, if find it hard
to manage her, she would never do for
your little girl"
"Ah, I'm sorry for that, Miss Susy,"
said the storekeeper "But I know a
man who wants spirited horse. What
would you sell her for?"
81 leave that to the purchaser" Susy
made answer. Papa paid SIS for her
more than a year ago, and | wouldn't
want to take less than that. for need
the money very much" she went on,
"and if you will be so kind as to take
an interest in the matter" She
stopped, her eyes wistful.
"Why, of course I will," the grocer
responded. "Tll send my boy to your
house with the groceries, and he can
bring the horse back with him. If any,
thing is done in the way OF sale I'll let
you know at once"
Susy thanked him and went on her
way home. AS she came in sight of the
house, an old-fashioned, two-story
building, where dilapidation was rem
dered picturesque by profuse growth
OF ivy that covered the front porch and
much Of the exterior walls, she felt
more comfortable as she thought over
her prospects. In imagination she had
her mother quite reconciled to all her
plans, her school life assured and all
things going on swimmingly. For who
knew but Brown Bess might bring her
800, she was so spirited and handsome
Workand home seemed brighter. The
grocer's boy came for the horse, and
though it was hard parting with the
pretty creature, Susy, in expectation OF
results. bore the separation bravely.
Cant we take little of the money
you get to shingle the roof?" her moth
er asked as the horse was led away.
"1 hope so," Susy replied blithely.
And you still think of going to
school? Amt you too old?"
I'm not 1s yet was Susy's answer.
Many girls go to school till they are
co."
"And there's clothes, to think Of
dresses and bonnets and Shoes"
"Oh, they'll be provided" Susy said,
with little laugh.
"An' winters comin'-an' it's two or
three miles to the 'cademy," her mother
went on, each time throwing more
plaintive cadence into her voice
Toms clothes are terribly patched
an mother needs fannels. | amt SC
young as l was once, but l amt sayin
anything about myself, on'y it's kind
o hard to spare you," and the lines in
her mothers weak face deepened.
Mother, wish you could see it as |
do. l must 60 to the academy" Susy
made reply. ITS the opportunity OF
my life. But tell you what will do.
II l get 500 for Brown Bess III divide
even. Fifty dollars would 60 long
way, wouldn't it?"
"Well, yes, $50 would get everything
we need" was the reply. But you're
never goin' to get 500, You'll be more
than lucky if you get $50.
"Well, mother" said Susy, desperate
ly, IF l only get $50, I'll divide even.
1t will be $SJ coming in every month if
only get the school,"
II don't sees there's any chance of
that said her mother, with woe-be-
gone face.
Day after day Susy waited, but no
word came about Brown Bess. Tom de-
clared that he believed there was no
prospect of selling her, but one day
Charlie Grant drove up to the house, his
face fairly beaming.
II thought I'd bring you the news"
he said, as he came in the bright living
room.
Have they sold Brown Bessp' Susy
asked, her voice trembling in her ex-
citement to hear.
well, yes-that Is, il you'll take the
price they oifer,' Charlie made answer.
"Oh, l hope lisa hundred" said Susy.
"a hundred" laughed Charlie, rs
that what you value her at? Lucky for
you that | was in at the bargain. That
horse will be worth thousands of dol
lars before long, The man who bought
her trains horses for the race course.
lie has discovered remarkable quail
ties in Brown Bess as u trotter, and is
willing to give you 1000 for her."
A thousand dollars Susy stood for
N pomnnt lila , .,,t,a, ,,,.. Il, A -