The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-07

picking, knows how many back-breaking
frying, thirsty days Of work IL takes to
have its equivalent-at cents a quart
In ten one-dollar bills
AS for Tommy, he had worked with a
will that made heat and tired muscles as
nothing. for he had worked with an object
In view. The object was a bicycle and the
pleasures of anticipation sustained his flag
ging. aching little body through all the
scorching days OF toll.
Ordinarily, SO may not buy much of a
bicycle. but in this instance Tommy had an
acquaintance by the name of Joe Bildown
who dealt In bicycles. Joe was eighteen
years old. very much in earnest in his first
business venture. and from his working
aspect in the little dark. oil-smening room,
II looked as II what CRIME and grease were
removed from his stock went back promptly
into service upon his good-natured person.
Joe took secondhand machines in par
tial exchange for new ones. and. after
working them over, he turned them out into
the well-known "just as good as new
article. At the moment. he had fon hand
a machine that suited Tommy's age and
legs precisely. 1t was shiny and new of
enamel. FURNISHED of handle-bar, a little
worn about the tires. perhaps, but distinct
" new in regard TO its tan-leather racing
seat. The principal beauty OF this wheel,
however. lay in its price. After Tommy had
told Joe the extent of his summer earn
ings. Joe told Tommy. confdentially, that
though the wheel was worth an easy SIS,
he would let Tommy have it for $40.
Tommy walked briskly down the street,
kicking a stone along ahead of him by
way of company and amusement At the
turning of a street corner he was greeted
by two other boys. They were Howard
Danbury and Harold White. These two
boys were chums of Tommy's and he could
not resist the temptation Of flashing before
their eyes the hoard in his pocket
He drew his purse forth, pushed his cap
on the back OF his curly head, lifted his
eyebrows. spread his feet and stripped bill
after bill from the roll, while the bulk of
1t became smaller and smaller about the
deceiving core of whitfield pine
"Geel" said Howard. what are you going
to do with it. Tommy?''
81 might be going TO buy an autymobeel. .
answered Tommy. mysteriously, IAN I
might be going to buy a yacht, or mebby
a private car-but I'm notr'
law, now" Harold dropped his voice to
a confidential pitch. what are you going
10 get? Come on. Tommy, and tell"
Bicycle conhded the owner OF the
bills. briefly.
Joe Bildown?'
Joe Bildown."
On the strength OF this information the
other two boys swung as a boy and linked
arms with Tommy. In a row, taking UP
two-thirds OF the sidewalk. they went down
the street, eagerly discussing the purchase
Ten dollars said Howard. "Whew,
Wonder what I'd do with that much
money? Say. I'll tell you what-Id get a
battery and telegraphing outfit"
Harold spoke up promptly. the imaginary
owner OF the roll in Tommy's pocket, TN
tell you what I'd do. I'd get a goat-that's
what I'd do with SO. Jimmy O'Shea has
Billy that he wants to sell-harness.
wagon. everything-for sl0-geel"
II struck all the boys at the same moment
what curious coincidence this was. Here
was Tommy wiljohn with $40 in his pocket
and there was Jimmy O'shea with a goat
outfit for exactly the same price.
Boys" said Tommy. lets all OF us go
round 10 Timmys and see it"
At the O'Sheas Jimmy was only too glad
TO exhibit Billy and the wagon. Billy was a
pet, but lately he had become something of
a nuisance in the matter of the neighbors'
gardens. and Jimmy had been consoled
over the thought OF parting from him by
the maternal promise that half the price
he brought should be his. Billy had been
for sale for month, but Jimmy had be-
come acquainted with the curious but IN
variable rule. that when there is an article
you want very much TO buy. the market