The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1906-02-09

Just once when you'll so right on ans
get hungry again" he grnmbled.
Meow. Meow"
Its very uncomfortable being hol
low all the way down 10 your toes.
know" sighed Bob. but" The
dropping corners Of his mouth sud
denly Strengthened into smile reach
ing almost from ear 10 ear Got an
idea, :" he exultantly cried. waving his
cap in the air. "Til diyy. Kit. I'll
divy' Spend part Of the nickel on
you; part on Mary Ann-hurrahl"
A moment later Bob breathlessIy
entered a corner grocery.
Give me two cents worth OF milk"
he demanded in his most impressive
manner as he wriggled on to stool
and spun his nickel on the counter.
Where's your pail. sonny"
Bob regarded the clerk in open
mouthed CONSERVATION. In his fash
OF inspiration this small detail had
escaped him. What could he do?
Freckles and Theodore were both in
the GrottO. so that he could not 20
there now. and there was no time to
be lost. for in half an hour he would
have 10 start downtown after his pa
pers
Perhaps" said the clerk. chuckling
over his own wit. you'd like me to
pour the milk straight into your
pockets?"
Couldn't couldn't you loan me
something" stammered the embar-
raised Bob. I'D bring IT back in ten
minutes-honest"
A peal OF laughter filled the little
shop you don't catch old dogs with
puppy tricks, I've loaned things 20
kids before. No. sir. you won't get a
drop Of milk from this establishment
until you run home and fetch your
pail"
Bob slowly descended from his
stool. Then it's Of, he sighed Il
can't"
Say" interrupted the clerk. actu-
ated partly By his business keenness
for trade. partly by the disappointed
expression on the youngsters face.
I've got one Of the finest tin pans
you ever see. Your ma can have il
for milk. fry her meat in il. and use
II for a wash-basin between times
It's worth every bit OF ten cents. but
folks have their notions about a pan
being smooth and sleek. and because
OF this here little bump in its back
that don't amount TO hill OF beans,
III let yon have II long with the milk
for your nickel Is IL a go, kidd"
Bob hesitated. vision OF Mary
Ann in all the beauty Of her red pig
tails tied with pink tape and her dear
freckled face. with its laughing brown
eyes and scornful little nose. seemed
10 shine before him in a sort OF golden
hare Then suddenly a plaintive cry
rang in his ears and he forgot Mary
Ann: forgot his own prosperous con-
dition as member OF the gang living
like a swell in fine cellar; remem-
bered only a starved little alley cat
and a starved street urchin who. none
too long ago. so often went without
food for days
Bob wriggled on 70 the stool again.
"Its a 60" he announced. emphat-
ically.
Bob stood grinning down at the hap
by alley cat tapping the last drop Of
milk
Been having the time OF your life.
kit he asked, with a chuckle
Before the kitten could answer
shrill Hello. Bob" fioated over his
shoulder
He turned with a start. and gazed
al Mary Ann
Where did you get the milk" she
asked.
Grocery" concisely replied the boy.
Buy It with your own money!"
Bob nodded
Il like-cats." murmured Mary Ann.
for some strange reason bashfully
hanging her head.
The crimson leaped from Bob's chin
to his dirty little forehead. Then per
perhaps, he excitedly faltered.
you'll let me give you the kitten for
fora valentine"
You mean it-honest2"
For his answer Bob gently lifted up
the little alley cat ard lovingly placed
IL in Mary AIMS eager. outstretched
arms
Wait a minute-that amt all" said
Bob. his voice quivering with pride.
I'm a-going to give you the pan. too.
Mary Ann Philadelphia Press