The Cook County herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Minn.) 1893-1909, 1907-09-28
HIS FIRST
CHECK
By CELESTE NJ. A. WINSLOW,
Oy V6141011 M u. W1N0LV"e
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copyright, by Joseph B. Bowles.)


John Burnham was recognized as
genius by the inhabitants of his na-
tive village, the only doubt being
whether his talents would prove a
paying possession. So, when at the
age of l9, the young man received
check for $40 in payment for story
he had contributed to the columns OF
the Great Enlightener, it was quite
natural that his fond mother and Sis
ters should let the fact be known
among their immediate relatives and
friends. Of course, the pleasing intel
.,gence could hardly be restricted to
any limited circle, and the entire pop
ulation of Millburg speedily became
aware of the great financial success OF
the young litterateur.
The youthful writer woAld have re-
ceived the check with that overwhelm-
ing delight, usually depicted in similar
cases, only that the exigencies Of the
situation were forced upon his mind
to such an extent that the sum OF $40
seemed, like a tallow dip in dark
night, only to render the needs more
apparent.
If you could only have the new
suit you need,'' Mrs. Burnham allowed
herself the luxury of remark1ng, al
most under her. breath; "and you
ought to, after working so hard all
the time; and then you have had to
wait so long-a year for the story to
be used, too
"A new suit" repeated the young
man, sarcastically. IF l could treat
myself to pair of shoes out of it I
should be glad But 1 would rather
buy you gown-the idea of your 60
ing without everything, and my dress
ing like dude!"
When you dress like a dude, I'll
get the new gown" laughed the little
mother. But of course there's no use
talking" she added, smothering
sigh.
mo, there is no use talking" also
sighed the young genius, "but you see
there may be some use in writing"
he said with brave jollity, depositing
a swift kiss on his mothers cheek.
A succession of fond maternal ex-
Carnations and caresses followed,
while the truest of all love shone in
the eyes of mother and son. But the
$40 was relegated to it's proper place
among the past's long list Of amounts
which could never again be expended
The following afternoon, John Burn
ham encountered stylish pony-cart
on his way down the street, and his
charming third cousin, Estella Bangs,
shook her whip menacingly toward
him, as mode Of commanding him to
stop. Her father enjoyed the repu-
tation Of being millionaire, and the
family spent several months of the
season at their delightful cottage near
BY
why, John,'' she exclaimed in far
more cousinly tone than usual, you
are getting to be a famous author!
Forty dollars for story! Why, that
is more pin-money than I have spent
in two weeks. Now I am going to
let you invite me to the theater this
evening, in honor of the event." A
bewitching smile played over Miss
Bangs daintily-cut features, and the
was really irresistible Nevertheless,
the young man braced himself for the
defense.
THANK you, immensely" he said,
bowing profoundly. LET me see;
tickets, So; carriage, S. bouquet, 81;
supper afterward, from two to ten;
hiring dress suit Oh, no, excuse me,
i'm ECfo thn sSxyS1 1T ,1~r
valued as it might be, would cut too
deeply into my s40.'
"You horrid fellow!" pouted the
young lady, drawing her silken draper
les around her and gathering up the
reins more tightly. '*You know it
needn't be all that
Il have heard of such things" re-
piled John, impressively. perhaps I'll
walk to church with you next Sunday
evening, if I can raise the nickel for
the contribution box"
"Oh, you ridiculous wretch!" gasped
his third cousin, alliteratively, while
she hurried her pony's departure by a
spirited cut of the lash.
"One disposed Of" soliloquized John
Burnham, with prophetic sigh, for
he perceived a pretty girl tripping
down the walk toward him. "Sophie
Dale, of course"
"Oh, John!" she exclaimed. cordial
ly. 1--we just heard all about it. You're
going to be rich and famous! al.
ways knew you would. I'm just awful.
ly delighted-and you remember you
promised me something nice when you
got into the Great Enlightener? 1t
was about a year ago; I'll let you OF
with box of French candy"
"A thousand thanks, Sophie, I'm
sure" responded the rising litterateur
gravely; "but read of little girl be-
ing poisoned, the other day, by French
candy. I'll bring you bag of peanuts
some day when I find some particular
ly fine ones. A distinguished bishop
recommends them for sleeplessness-