The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08
Tom, Snfthy and Peg, Detectives.

Ever since vacation had set in Tom, Smithy and Peg had been busy fishing In the big river that ran near the town where they lived. And each boy de- termined to make enough money during vacation to buy himself n pony, if such thing be possible.
 As the river was full of fish and the people of the town great fsh-eaters. the three young fishermen found quick sale for their daily catch. dlsposing of It to the village butcher, thus saving them selves the time of peddling from house to house and at the same time giving the butcher an opportunity to make a little profit.
 As the fish always bite better at night than during the day, the three boys de- clded to set trout lines each evening. go- Ing every morning early to take on the fish, In this way they would have the days in which to do small chores for peo- pie about the town, making now and then an extra nickel or dime to add to the pony fund.
 The first morning after setting the troutlne the three boys were 1ubilant over the enormous catch. Twice as many as we ever caught by day." laughed Tom, counting over the flsh.
 "Wen get bout two dollars out of this baech," declared Smithy.
 'I can almost see my pony hitched nt the gate waiting for me-" said Peg, as he lifted the fish into basket Think I'll pick out my saddle today"
 When, half an hour later, they marched Into the little butcher shop, carrying their fish, they saw there Harold Travis, a boy belonging to their classes at school, but fellow not at all popular with the boys, for he was deceitful, oyerbearing and lazy.
 When Harold saw the three baskets of fish weighed out. the silver coins for them passed across the counter to Tom, Smlthy and Peg-who divided the sum equally between themselyes-he opened his eyes with some astonishment,
 Why, you fellers," he said. as he tol- lowed them out on the pavement, "did you catch all those fish thls morningr"
 "oh, no, we've got troutline down be- low the bend" explained Tom.
 Gee! l wondered If you'd worked that hard-as to eaten all them this morning." said Harold, himself too lazy to work.
 Well, 'taint the work we mind" said Smthy, looking the contempt he felt for Harold, but the fish bite better bv night than by day. Then, we have the days in which to do other kinds of work. In tending Colonel Andrews garden for him every morning and Tom and Peg pick up a lot f little jobs at the stores."
 What you goin' to do with all the money you're makin'f' asked Harold.
 Get us each q pony" explained Tom.
 "Whew-w-wf whistled Harold. wy, you can't get enough money off'n fish 10 buy ponies, can your
 Watch us an see, srinned Peg. Then the three workers separated to go to at tend to their various chores, and Harold seated himself on a goods box to do a little thinking. He did not think many minutes when the scheme conceded in his mind seemed 10 please him, for he smiled, got up and re-entered the butcher shop. Stepping up to the counter he bent over and asked the butcher what he paid for fsh.
 Cant bargain tor apy more fish now." said the butcher, shaking his head. Them three kids-Tom. Smithy and Peg supply me with all can handle"
 But s'posen they didn't ketch any?" asked Harold. "Then would you buy from me?"
 We'll" grlnned the butcher. knowing the ugly traits of Harold's character. 'I reckon if them boys what never was knowed to run away from job of work don't ketch any fish there won't be no use you tryin' the hook and bait"
 ''Oh, you needn't feel so sure of them kids-there are others" said Harold, with . sneer. Then he walked out Of the-shop.