Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1908-05-27

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GAS many shots as you like" he said.
'9Thank you," said the boy. 'NOt
now. Business is bad eh? Want part
ner?"
"There amt a livin' in it for one,
let alone two"
But suppose q partner could build
1t up and put it on a paying basis"
That's the kind O. partner 1 want"
The boy nodded.
"I'm looking round" he said. you've
noticed I'm from the country. 1 had a
chance to go on farm after 1 finished
school, but thought I'd rather go up
to the city and see If I couldn't find
some sort Of opening. 1 don't want
anything permanent just yet-I've got
too much to learn. At the same time,
I've got to get living. Maybe you'd
better take me on a salary for a spell.
l don't want to tie up for long. Wait.
You needn't give me a cent If 1 don't
put your business here in paying ba-
sis. When I do l want a reasonable
share Of the profits. What do you
sayY
The little man stared at him.
'You beat anything 1 ever say" he
said. Where did you learn that ven
triloqual business?"
The boy laughed.
"Out in the woods" he answered.
II was cutting wood last fall, and, be-
ing alone, 1 fell to trying tricks with
my voice. Pretty soon found l could
talk to myself in quite a sociable fash
ION"
"I'll give you job right away at the
terms you MENTION" said the little pro-
prietor. what do you propose to do
to help the business?"
ST propose to look around the park
first of ALL" the boy replied. "I1l come
back again little later"
you'll be sure to Gomez"
"I1l come" said the boy as he turned
and walked away.
The attendance was large in the park
that evening. And those who strolled
little proprietor had labeled his dolls.
There were only five Of them now,
and above the quintette stretched q
placard which announced in large let
tiers that they were the Original Goose
berry Family. There were Pa Goose
berry and Ma Gooseberry and Little
Willie and Sister Sue and Aunt Jane.
Tommy Carriers weak eyes almost
sparkled as he chanted the merits Of his
show.
Fright this way" he called, IAN take
a whack at the only original Goose
berry family. Three throws for nick
ell. There's Sister Sue and Aunt Jane,
too. You can't miss 'em." And he
turned around and winked at Jim Har-
risen, who was standing back ready to
gather up the balls.
His voice was so CHEEKY that little
crowd speedily gathered and the first
nickel was rendered.
The marksman drew back his arm.
"Stop, sir!" cried Aunt Jane In q
high, cracked voice. would you strike
a lady?"
"Wh-what's that?" stammered the
marksman.
Take one of your own size," said
Aunt Jane; shit the boy"
The crowd roared and the marksman
threw wild. He threw wild with the
second ball and the third, and then he
bought six more.
"Why, that's Peleg Saunders" said
Pa Gooseberry. "Howdedo, Peleg?"
Again the crowd roared and again
and again the chucklings marksman
threw wild.
It was a big crowd now, and all the
newcomers wanted to see and hear the
talking dolls. The nickels streamed IL,
and there were dimes, too, and even
quarters.
"Hit me If you can" screamed Sister
Sue. 81 don't care! 1 don't care"
''She's nailed on" said Little Willie.
Naughty! naughty" cried Aunt
Jane.
'Bow, WOW, VOW" barked Little
Willie, and the bark was so fierce and
so natural that the man with the ball
nervously jumped and almost hit Tom
my Carter in the ear
And the crowd roared with laughter
and pressed in closer.
.''Tis tn last rose of summer" sang
Ma Gooseberry in a cracked soprano.
"Hit her! hit her!" shouted the I'M
dutiful Willie.
But every thrower who came for
ward was so convulsed with laughter
that anything like good craftsmanship
was impossible. Old Tommy Carriers
stock of cheap cigars was scarcely bro
ken into.
And still the crowd pressed forward
and still the nickels and dimes poured
in.
"Gettin' tired?" Tommy Carter found
the opportunity to ask the boy.
The latter Strengthened up with q
ball in his hand.
NO" he answered, "thiS is only fun.
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