The Minneapolis journal., 1905-06-17

work. The Revolution
had lett the colonies poor.
Most of the inhabitants Godfearng and hard
working but the highly educated among them had
little money So Debby and Dory had to work hard all
that morning. After dinner they allowed to
60 chestnutting the hill This time they did not take
the little with them.
There had been a long term of summer school and
there was a until after Thanksgiving when
the long winter term would begin. The children
making the most of their holidays.
''Le's not go in the sheep pasture, suggested Deb
by, as they climbed upward.
'sNo,'' agreed Dory, with affected bravado 1T
dom cent for that old Jehu, that he s got
poke but the sheep clean the chestnuts FAST
that we had better go where they haven't been at EN-
''And don't want to be disturbed anyway went
Debby, 'because want to talk something with
you. I want your advice.''
This hattered Dory. He adored Debby, with her
bright black eyes, fair pretty skin and bright mind He
modest boy, and felt that he not 'smart'
she In way he was not but, tho he was not
quite quick, he had better judgment, and certain
hard common which Debby lacked. She appreci-
ated this and showed it. The twins quarreed sometimes,
but the WHOLE they really fonder of each other
than most brothers and sisters w.. - -~
"When get up to the woods [ will tell you but
not before,'' said Debby, in confidential tone.
cit is such private matter that mustn It let any
'Goodness, Deb'' whispered Dory under his breath.
He almost with curiosity by this time, but
Debby only looked mysterious than and hur-
ried toward the woods.
When they had to place where the chestnut
trees quite thick Debby to begin her
disclosures
''Who made old Lady Barron s crutches?'' she in
quired.
''I guess Dr. Barron's brother-that rich merchant
who lives in Boston-bought them in town.
''Oh dear! I wonder how much they cos'
"Oh sights of money, probably,'' opined Dory.
"Who wants any crutches? Oh''-remembering sud-
denly-''is it Aunt Spiddy?'
F'she said she wouldn't slipped if she had had
eruches like old Lady Barron's. They much
nicer than hers.''
There was pause. Debby knew that Dory's slow,
good old head hammering at the problem which
she had suggested. r-.
:sBen find out,'' he said at last. tHe knows Ed
Barron So well-and Ed Barron must know
Dr. Barron was the village physician, whom everybody
revered. His mother stately grand old English
woman, who had lived with him for many years. had
broken her hip long and very lame. Ed the
doctors eldest son.
Debby went on to sketch her hopes and aspirations
regarding pair of fine crutches for Aunt Spiddy
She felt much hopeful than she had felt last
night.
If it's only $1o'' she said, tI believe by year from
now-or two years, at most, you and could earn it
''It's probably lot more than slo-and don't see
hoy o you 5s and dot ns"r could ever SO
had to be the one to give the courage.
If lived in Boston now, )" proceeded Dory cor in
Springfield or Northampton might something
but here in Brchmont-where the grown-up men,
I've heard father say hardly dollar in cash from
years end to another-why, Deb, don't believe we
=, ever could do it.''
'sIt is coming to be muster day next week. re-
marked the undaunted Debby.
'tWhat of that?''
'tThe Giles children and Daphne Bacon sold cider last
front h hes to e Re2 ad a cutie
good deal. There such sights of people around
muster day!''
''Father wouldnl It let us sell cider.''
'sWen-there are other things besides cider Now
boiled chestnuts
'sohchestnuts thicker'n spatter' observed Dory
ssEverybody will have his pockets full.''
" But they won It be boiled, and will have 'em boiled
Just sell my little tin cup
a cent-we make a lot-maybe.'
ttMaybes don't fly at muster time, scofed Dory.
ssAnd if pick out lots Of meats from wanuts and
butternuts - Debby bravely, knowing Dory
would probably make fun of this dea too I think
good many people would pay cent for cupful Of
them.
cts awful sight Of bother to pick out cupfu Of
nutmeats,'' grumbled Dory.
II it much you do confessed Debby But
we going to $10 have got to do work.
we have got to do things that don't cost anything