Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-02-15

ed him on the sledge to inspect 1t. 81
would take 1t II could, but it has been
cut too young Leave the rest for sew
eral years longer"
Jasper turned white with disappoint-
ment: his mother and he had counted 80
much on the sale Of that timber.
There 10 one thing here, however,
which want very much; 1t will just suit
my invalid boy .or valentine, we'll say.
will take 1t back with me when CO."
What is itY'' asked Jasper, puzzled.
Its your pony here. What will you
let me have him forf"
The boy gasped at the idea of selling
Ginger. He had never dreamed of such
thing. Il can't sell him; indeed.
can't, SIR"
"What! not for a hundred or hundred
and fifty dollars1 There is not much
time; must make this next train" and
the dealer looked at his watch.
Jasper thought rapidly. A hundred
and fifty dollars! That would ward off
the mortgage, take his sister from SER
vice, get groceries and tighten his moth
er's sad, worried face.
Well, what do you say? Would you
like to ask your father frst?" the dealer
questioned urgently.
mo, oh, no! Ginger Is mine" and
Jasper put his arm over the pony's
shoulder. a suppose you would never
sell him to anyone else, and would be
kind to him?'
Certainly. Edward, my son, will treat
him like his best friend. The colt will
have good home"
"Then take him, sir; take him at once"
nud Iasnor atOrtad to0vors1 ba,,o
Here, here. my boy! Don't forget
your money. Ten, twenty-five. one INN.
dred and fifty. Here it isl and he
pressed the bills into Jasper's hand. pre-
tending not to see the tears in the boys
eyes. "Good-by, and thank you" and
he flung of all hut Glnger's headstall and
led him toward the station.
Jasper had one hundred of his money
left after he had supplied his family
with provisions and brought the sister
home. and he determined to open small
grocery store, something that had long
been needed in that region, SO bare. of
conveniences. His venture fiourished
from the start, SO that the sister had to
take charge of it most of the day, while
be, with an aged successor to Ginger, de-
livered orders all the country round.
When two years more had elapsed he
found himself with such a bundle of
greenbacks as net profit that he decided
to go to Baltimore to either buy Ginger
back or deposit the money in the bank.
ut would be much better to put it in the
bank, Jasper" urged his mother, "for
You don't know what may have happened
your horse by this time"
After he had taken his seat in the
car the boy suddenly remembered that
the next day would be St. Valentines
Would the banks be open in case he
could not find Ginger?
1t was a balmy, clear day, that Feb
IA in Baltimore. Jasper walked up one
street and down another, noting churches
houses. horses. birds-everything TINT
came In his way-and forgetting for the
moment that he was In search Of Ginger.
From one square he turned up a street
toward handsome residence. Waiting
just opposite the door was dainty trap
to which was hitched pretty bay pony.
Suddenly this pony began to rear, to
jump. to whinny. to shake It's chains and
to step far up on to the pavement. and
Jasper turned to see-Ginger. Ginger.
who had recognized him first, after all!
oh, Ginger!" he exclaimed. caress-
ing the pony as If it were long-lost
brother. 1--WE come for you. Wouldn't
you like to 60 back with me2 You look
very fine In your silver chains. but
wouldn't You rather go home with meY"
The lumber dealer stood in the bow
window looking out on this little scene,
his eye drifting from 1t to the white
Grape, tied with black. swinging from
the door bell. He dung up the window.
stepped out on the piazza and called to
Jasper.
Come here. my boy" he said: II
recognize you, though 1 have forgotten
your name. Would you like to have the
pony again?"
Il would, awfully," answered Jasper.
Il have brought the money for him; here
It II" and he held the roll of greenbacks
toward the lumber dealer.
no, no, don't mean that; put that
In the bank. hut will give you Ginger
to be yours again. He has been q dear
little horse and sivsp-ald given" he