The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-06-13
STRONG AND STEADY
CHAPTER K.
By HoRATIo aLerR. JR.

CHAPTER x.
In due time, to Joshua's great delight,
the lottery ticket reached him. 1t was
several days in coming, and he had 81
most given it up, but the sight of it rails
ed his spirits to the highest pitch. IT
seemed to him the first step to fortune.
He began at once to indulge in dazzling
visions of what he would do when the
prize came to hand: how the "old man"
would be astonished and treat him with
increased respect how he would go to the
city and have a good time seeing the
lions, and from henceforth throw off the
CALLING yoke of dependence which his faith
ers parsimony had made it SO hard to
bear.
Whenever he was by himself he used
to pull out the ticket and gaze at 1t with
the greatest satisfaction, as the key that
was to unlock the portals of fortune, in
dependence and happiness
But at length the long-expected letter
arrived. Joshua did not like to open it
in the postof1ice, lest it should attract the
attention of the postmaster. He there
fore withdrew to a place where he was
not likely to be disturbed, and with trem-
bling fingers opened the letter. Some
thing dropped out.
81 wonder if it is a check?" thought
Joshua, STOPPING over and picking it tap.
But no, it was an announcement OF the
drawing. Joshua's numbers-for each
lottery ticket contains three numbers
were 8, Is, so. But of the thirteen lucky
numbers drawn out Of sixty-fve, neither
Of them was one.
Slowly it dawned upon Joshua that he
had drawn nothing, that his five dollars
had been absolutely thrown away. But
there was a letter. Perhaps this would
explain it. Joshua read as follows:
Dear Sir--We regret to say that we
are unable to send you prize this time.
We hope, however, you will not be dis
couraged. Some of our patrons who have
been most fortunate have commenced by
being unlucky. Indeed, singularly enough,
this is general rule.
Hoping to hear from you again, md
to send you in return better news, we
subscribe ourselves, very respectfully,
"GRABB & CO."
The effect of Joshua's i'll success was
to make him very respondent. He thought
of all he had intended to do, and now
his castles had crumbled, and all in con-
sequence of this letter. He had been so
sanguine of success. Now he must write
to Sam that his visit to New York was
indefinitely postponed-that Is, unless he
could induce his father to provide MIN
with money enough to 60. The prospect
was not very encouraging, but he felt des-
perate, and he determined to make the
attempt. Accordingly, just after supper.
he detained his father, just as he was
returning to the store, and said:
"Father, wish you'd let me go to
New York on a visit"
"What for?" asked Mr.. Drummond, ele-
waiting his brows.
Because I'm eighteen years old, and
I've never been there yet"
'Then, if you've gone eighteen years
without seeing the city, think you can
go a while longer" said his father, I'M
der the impression that he had made a
witty remark. But Joshua did not APP
preciate the humor of it.
I've lived in Stapleton ever since I
was born" grumbled Joshua, land have
of life''
do you? Well. I'm sure I've no objec-
ton"
MAY I 60, then?'
"Yes but, of course, sou will pay your
own expenses"
How can II" exclaimed Joshua, in an
giy disappointment. Il have no money"
''Then you can save up your allowance
till you have enough"
"Save up en- twenty-five cents week
/ couldn't go till l was an old man,
II know Of no other way" said MIR.
Drummond, with provoking Indifference,
unless you earn the money in some way"
''You treat me like a little boy!" said
Joshua, angrily.
"You are better off than am. l have
to work for all get. You get your board,
clothes and pocket money for nothing"
''Other boys 60 to New York when they
are much younger"
II have told you you can go when ycu
like, but you mustn't expect me to supply
the money"
Mr.. Drummond put on his hat and
crossed the street to the store, leaving
Joshua in very un6lial frame OF mind
CHAPTER XI.
Two days later two women entered Mr..
Drummond's store. One was Joshua's
customer and she wore the same shawl
which she had purchased of him. 1t nap
pened that Walter was out but Mr.
Drummond and Nichols were both behind
the counter.
"Have you got any more shawls like
this?" asked the first lady. whom we will
call Mrs. Blake. Mrs. Spieer, who is 4
neighbor OF mine, liked it so well she
wants to get another just like It."