Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

Wis Brinton gazing across the counter at him,
his own countenance took on more yinegary
expression than ever.
Good evening"" said Jarvis, pleasantly.
'4Well, what is it you want, sir?"
81 called to speak to you about that bill of
ours"
Jarvis uttered the words in low tones, for
he did not wish to be overheard by those sit
ting around the stove; but when Mr.. Buxton
interrupted him, he did so in loud and an
gr!y. wv voice ,,..,, ,o.n ,.u. .,.o,
It ought to have been paid long ago. Some
folks seem to think we haven't anything to
do but support 'em; but this thing has gone
too far"
eff you're going to do all the talking, I'll
go OUT" broke in Jarvis, provoked at the
manner of the country merchant 81 was
about to say that l had called to pay some
thing on account, but you don't seem to wish
me to do it"
Mr.. Buxton flushed, and, looking hard at
Jarvis, held his peace, probably unable to ex-
press his feelings.
"How much would you like to have, MIR.
Buxton?"
II don't want to be too hard on you, for
know it is close work for your mother to
get along; but l have bills to meet, and
can't do it without money If you could
spare say three or four dollars, why, it would
be great lift to me-"
Jarvis flung one Of the gold pieces on the
COunLer. Lie DeduCuu yellow coin uaSneu
in the lamplight as it rebounded once or
twice, with the rich metallic ring peculiar to
itself.
Suppose we say five doIlars?"
THAT will do very well-.very well" re.
piled the happy merchant, slapping his broad
palm over the halfeagle to prevent its roll
ing off on the floor
1--WE may as we'll make it ten,' said Jar
Wis, with a grin, as he tossed second piece
on the counter.
bod
Buxton, making several awkward clutches at
the piece, which seemed to be trying to dodge
him; "and tell your mother that l hope she
won't feel hurt because dunned her rather
sharp like"
"That's all right" laughed Jarvis, who
could not help feeling that the grocer owed
no apology to any one, and that whatever
impatience he had shown should not be criti-
cised, unless it might be his curtness when
Then, softly whistling merry tune, Jar
Wis Brinton passed out the door, and resumed
his walk homeward. He met one or two ac-
quaintances, whom he recognized in the dim
light, and exchanged greetings with, but he
II know what Mr.. Buxton is thinking
about" he remarked to himself, with a smile;
she is wondering where in the name of crea-
ton stole the ten dollars gave him. /
give mother the rest. She win be delighted
when she learns how lucky | have been this
evening. suppose / will have to tell her
about the railroad train, but it won't do to
let her know anything Of that little affair
with young Mr.. Dunbar; she would be dread
fully grieved. I'll keep that to myself, and
hope she win never hear Of it,"
As was his usual custom, Jarvis had his
eyes and ears open, and when a slight noise
was heard behind him he turned like a fash.
Sure enough, the figure of man was plainly
outlined in the gloom.
"Wonder whether he is following me for
my money! was the thought which came
with the discovery; che wont get much, any
way, and he'll have to be very smart if he
gets even that"
Jarvis sauntered over to the other side of
the road, continually glancing back to watch
the stranger.
II think he means m, mischief, and if he
est running he ever saw"
But, instead Of following him, the man call
ed out:
rv."