The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1907-09-05
. ess-ss Nss-s~1 U-SA->sV\ q
: HIS FIRST !
| CHECK /
4 By CELESTE M. A. WINSL0W.
!slrN lb"~s~Nlp~~~s.NHp~~ssNH~Fsl
By CELESTE M. A WINSTON.



John Burnham was recognized as a
genius by the inhabitants of his ma
tive village, the only doubt being
whether his talents would prove
paying possession. So, when at the
age of 10, 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
ligence 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 would have re-
ceiVed the check with that overwhelm-
ing delight, usually depleted 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 a 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 remarking, al
most under her breath; land you
ought to, after working so hard all
the time; and then you have had to
wait so Tonga year for the story to
be used, too"
"A new suit" repeated the young
man, sarcastically. IF | could treat
myself to a pair of shoes out of 1t |
should be glad! But would rather
buy you a gown-the idea of your 60
ing without everything, and my dress
ing like dude!"
When you dress like dude, I'll
get the new gown" laughed the little
mother. "But Of course there's no use
talking" she added, smothering a
sigh.
No, 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
q 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
go was relegated to its 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 a 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 a far
more cousinly tone than usual, you
are getting to be famous author!
Forty dollars for story! Why, that
IL more pin-money than have spent
In two weeks. Now am going to
let you invite me to the theater this
evening, In honor of the event" A
bewltching smile played over Miss
Bangs daintily-cut features, and the
expression Of her bright, brown eyes
was really irresistible. Nevertheless,
the young man braced himself for the
defense.
Thank you, immensely" he said,
bowling profoundly. Let me see;
tickets. 80; carriage, IS bouquet, 81;
supper afterward, from two to ten;
hiring dress suit Oh, no, excuse me
Cousin Estella the privilege, highly
valued as 1t might be, would cut toe
deeply into my $40"
"You, horrid fellow!" pouted the
young lady, drawing her silksn draper
les around her and gathering up the
rsins more tightly. you know II
needn't be all that"
Il have heard of such things" re
piled John, impressively. Perhaps III
walk to church with you next Sunday
evening. If can raise the nickel fol
the contribution box"
"oh. you ridiculous wretch" gaspet
his third cousin. alliteratively, while
she hurried her pony's departure by {
spirited out of the lash
"One disposed of" soliloQuized Johr
BurRham, with a prophetic sigh, fol
hs perceived q pretty girl tripping
down the walk toward him. Sophie
Dale, Of course"
"0h. john" she exclaimed, cordial
ly. I've just heard all about 1t. You're
going to be rich and famous | al
ways knew you would. I'm just awful
ly delightsd-and you remember yol
promised me something nice when yol
got into the Great Enlightener? |
was about year ago; I'll let you OF
with box Of French candy"
"A thousand thanks, Sophie. In
sure" responded the rising litterateur
graysly; but read OF little girl be
ing poisoned. the other day, by Frencl
candy. I'll bring you bag of peanut
some day when find some particular
~ Ane ones. A distinguished bishoI
recommends them for sleeplessness-
perhaps they'd exert q soporiAc eifee
cnsyour memory, which seems almos
too acute"
The pretty hat tossed disdainfull,
and the pretty face under 1t expresses
positive displeasure, to say the least.
7 tAink you are just ~ mean as cal
be- John BurnhamL" she declared, en-
phAtically.
The young man parted the thrus
with one Of his most brilliant smiles
aass.L -