The Forrest City times., 1900-12-21

never did such a thing in my life before! It just seemed like everything went. all on a sudden, 1 hain't been rale strong, some way, for a long time"
 "No," Dr. Temple answered, quietly
 But if don't do to give up! What with the fruit season and harvestin', thrashin and the like, there's a sight to do. l don't see why I have this give down now-just at Christmas! It's too bad!"
 And may be worse" the physician replied, his keen glance resting on the sewing machine piled high with unfinished work. Mrs. Merrie. if your friend over there fell to squeaking grinding and snapping thread, should you go on working at full speed?
 "Why. that wouldn't be very smart in me, sir, to wear it outl I should stop and oil!"
 Thou sayst the thing I mean! Your old worn-out body bids you be- ware. I'm not going to give you any medicine. You need rest-absolute rest. l advise you to accept the good cheer of the season; leave home, and take a vacation"
 Four solemn young faces turned blankly to the stern one of the man of science. Mother leave home, Jack and Joe, Jim and Jerry (diminutives of Jacqueline, Josephine, Jemima and Jerusha, the Merry Jays'0 grasped the situation at once, and realized it's hopelessness. It is all very well for rich man to prescribe rest and change. but another matter to follow his advice when the purse is fabby and family cares crying with a voice which will not be comforted. A pit eous little smile drew down the cor ners of Mrs. Merries mouth
 "Oh, fix me out a little quinine, doctor, or calomel! You know I can't leave home Christmas is here, and the poor children have been slav- ing away at their books and must have their good time. I'm all right" Dr. Temple snapped the straps of his case and arose. When you col lapse again" he said, coldly, you had better call another doctor-one who will give calomel."
 Jerry, youngest of the Jays, had been standing remorsefully by her mothers chair. "I know what Dr. Temple thinks" she said, valiantly. He thinks if you cannot rest-with grown-up daughters-your case is hopeless and he gives it up. You can follow the advice; she shall have her vacation. sir!"
 Spoken like a man!" the doctor answered, heartily. (Jerry wore her hair cut close, and walked and talked with a slight swagger) "Take care of her; mothers are not a drug in the market. l will go now-good day, friends! I hope to see roses on those checks before spring comes"
 What a very absurd mani" the mother exclaimed, dropping weakly back against the pillow. Why did you send for him, girls?'
 Because" Jerry answered. rising 10 the height of self-accusation, "be- cause we needed some one to tell us how selfish we are, In school, every one of us-not a soul to give you hands turn. And in vacation-oh," with a remorseful groan-"last vaca- tion l made crazy quilts!"
 And very pretty they were, too, I'm sure. Whats the matter with you all? I ain't complainin'!"
 of course not But we're guilty all the same. She shall have her va cation-what do you say, girls?"
 Christmas or no Christmas." was the verdict.
 Last summer" Jim remarked, gravely, q went off to Cousin Vic's, and kept my hands white. It's mas turn now"
 But ma ain't agoin' to your Cousin Nic's," Mrs. Merrie announced, reso- iutely. Mas agoin' to stay right nere. l see me a-askin' your poor pa Tor money!"
 me word money" brought frown so four faces. Well, we'll get sup per and talk it over" Joe said, sober y, Lou lie still and rest"
 Ma was nothing loath. It was I'y IeIy pleasant lying there in the twi- "dtcRlng the shadows clasp pauus and dance along the rafters. 70 'en .,, the odor of camphor, suggestive VI illness, did not trouble her. The l,,oi ooh grew very quiet. She was n'te girl again, out in her fathers oaV hunting pond lilies, when Jim patted her hand.
 here's your toast and tea. moth eGr G she said, shaking her a little. Iake It now while it's hot. We've talked 1t all over with pa, and have ueeloeu about your vacation. You are to nave one. We will take you of eo-ihorrow.' Luxurious idleness pre- vented argument.
 we'll she said. fumbling with the