Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-11-13
BETH'S PREMIUM
By ELIZABETH PRICE

TT was very hot to sit still and sew. The needle
would get sticky in spite of all the help the little
emery strawberry could give it, and Beth's fingers
had never felt so clumsy and uncomfortable II only
May and Billy would play a little farther off il
would help some but there they in plan sight,
under the very shadiest maple, with all the ga Beths
liked best.
1t an apron she was raaldng-wlite canba. with
cunning pockets and bretelles that were to come
quite up to her shoulders and narrow delicate attinQ
over-handed every bit of the way around only the belt
1t wasn't at all like the aprons little girls wear iowa
days, but it stylish then and very pretty Beth had
made it. every stitchseams and facing that bad be
part OF the atting But oh there had been such lot
OF that-yards and yards it seemed 70 Beth. she
glanced ongingy out once more at the shade and Nav
and Billy, and the games. When you are only eight
years old there are things that interesting
than over handing Mamma, busy at her sewing,
Bethy'' she said You know we must send III to-
night so as TO have 1t entered time. You've done
you get 1t or not" Beth smiled back and decided that,
wasn't very far away do YOU think I'm get IL
mamma " she asked for the twentieth time.
/ don't know dear. If mamma was Judge. YOU
surely would but they haven't invited award any
prizes You mustn't count it too much for you mayS
be disappointed but time has not been wasted ever
if YOU get nothing but the pretty apron and e pleasure
OF knowing that you made it yourself and very neatly"
=; - iS LII In near OF premiums ana uys-I-
les! oemandeo uncle Id coming IN from the porch
It's the County Fair, Uncle Ed-next weekend
they have offered FIVE dollars the best sewing under
fourteen years DID, and I'm trying 20 get It, explained
winch you surely ought to do, for testify that
your sewing IS considerably less than fourteen years Of
age, declared the roguish uncle But Beth full
OF her subject to heed teasing Uncle Ed had been away
Tor month, and IT such a comfort ind somebody
VINO hadn't heard the matter discussed and again
In only eight, Uncle Ed, but I've been most as care
fu as fourteen don't you think! and the nccdlerough
ened torehnger' pointed 10 the tidy hem. Uncle Ed
hunted for his eye-glasses- because can't them
all without, he declared OF all the ridculously small
stltches-vhy, Beth I'll be surprised if those near
sGhted Judges don't think you've gacd that pettieoat
It's an apron, Uncle Ed" explained the small seam
stress, patiently. It's very important because II get
the money IT to go into the ba: help my educaon
so can be teacher, ard mamma won't have 20 work.
/ see Ard If you don't get II you'll have 90 be
ignoramus aryour life should Think It is i-portant"
And then LAY and Billy clacnored tle window. and
Beth SET the last careful stitch and the clock struck i've
The County Fair began as usual just as If Beth apron
and the children TO attend but Uncle Ed the last
day. and he to bring back word of the result. Beth
was certain she should sleep a wink until lie came,
no matter how late that was but insisted on hcr
gong 10 ped as USUAL and the thing she tllew Il
was broad daylight Uncle Ed was down in the dining
room but be didn't say muchust looked over his eye
glasses ard talked about premium pigs ard uiownG1aI
canes ard pretended lie hadn't heard a word about
aprons Betty crept away by herself She arderstood-
she hadn't gotten any prenirn ard Uncle I'd diiu se
have to be dressr1aker ike mamma, and sew TO natter
how hot il was
And then breakfast was ready and Uncle Ed called
her to come quick before he starved
Sne slipped quietly into her chair and slowly lifted er
plate to release edge of the napkin and there under
it. folded neatly, lay her very own cambria apron with
blue ribbon pinned fast. ard smooth, gray
green, fascinating fve-dollar bill
And this isn't ade-up story at all, for It every bit
happened.