Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1909-10-07
At A RUMMACE SALE
The Little Pouch That Was
Bought by Its Maker.
Bv SYDNEY PHELPS,

Inc laISbIGSC, I'NN ANl''NoN'''>N' 80
that my wealthy Aunt Florence and
my cousins could do to help us in our
rummage sale.
Il don't believe we have $10 worth
of things all together she said. y
hopeless expression crossed her face as
she thougst Of the needed so.
How hateful all ones rich relations
always are" l burst out. Il believe
they sell their things to old clothes
men,
I'VE must do the best we cam" said
mother patiently. The poor people
who get them will be pleased anyway.
l wonder if any one will look in and
help us at the sale
NO one" l answered, with convic-
ton. Between hockey and
Hero Worship" mother interrupted,
laughing If we could only get John
Gray to come we would not have
standing room"
| did not answer. John Gray was
Just home from the Philippines. AS
IN interesting convalescent and hero
he was in great demand among the
girls But. though | had known him
from childhood, l refused to add one
10 the ranks of his adorers. so a cool
ness had fallen between my cid play
mate and myself
Mrs Denail is in the parlor,
rla'am." said the maid. and we went
in to be cLeered by the gayest little
lady in the town.
Mrs. DenZil had husband in the
Philippines and appeared to get along
very we'll without him. We would not
have willingly spared that brilliant
face with its wealth Cf fair hair. auda-
cious blue eyes and wickedly curved
red lips from our midst. 1t was vain
to try to look askance at Mrs. Denzil
her absolute frankneSs was so diSarm-
ing.
"You look worried she said. What
is it,"
'It is only our rummage sale" l said
sadly. 1.-THE things which have been
sent in will bring but a song, yet we
know Of no other way in which to
raise the money"
"a |'Are mems things any use? Why
not ask young Gray"
Il hardly liked to-" said mother
''All right, l will. He must have
heaps of things he doesn't want"
on went Mrs. Denzil, promising to
write to John Gray and send us the re-
suits of her appeal. Sure enough,
few days later she brought in her dog
cart huge bundle which she opened
triumphantly.
There. told you I would get some.
thing out Of him-shoes, lots of them,
brown and black; two suits, very little
worn; socks, collars, ties"
"Splendid"' we said. did he send
them all the way to your house"
NO; told him l would call for the
bundle this afternoon. 1t was to be
ready in his own special sanctum. He
was out. but old Jenkins showed me
in. l found a note from him asking if
this sort Of thing would be of any use
and saying that If we wanted anything
more jenkins could get it for me-"
Pursued by our grateful thanks, Mrs.
Denzil drove off in her usual whirl
wind. She promised to come to our
sale next day and especially begged to
be allowed to act as auctioneer for
Gray's things.
Mother and l returned to the exam
ination of the bundle. Actually, two
of his pipes" she said. How very
good of him"
Il said nothing. for just at that mo-
ment 1 had caught sight of something
which gave me a sharp stab of pain
Many years ago, when John Gray first
went to college, had worked its col
ors on a tobacco pouch. There had
been something more than mere kindli-
ness in our farewell on that occasion
He surely need not have sent the
pouch to rummage sale.
The sale came off the next day. In
the midst of a little argument with a
stout woman as to the value of a red
flannel dressing sack mother said to
me:
"Clare, both Of the Whites have
come. That is rather nice Of them.
They have brought another girl with
them"
looked up and smiled at the three.
Just then, to my surprise. the daughter
If our bank president appeared, fol
lowed closely by a fairly representa-
tive gathering Of the young ladies' of
the neiChborhOOd.
There must be some mistake" |
thought They must think there is
an entertainment TO follow
Just then heard Mrs Denzil's voice
Here I am she said. "in plenty of
time. Hurry up. girls; the auction is
going to begin. Can have chair put
IN that table? Thanks. The handle Of
my riding whip win be the hammer"
And. ninging herself with rapture into
the part. she began the auction.
The buyers were as wax in her
hands.
Look at these ties" she said in
tones Of ardent college |
,olors, club cOlOrs, rainbow colors. !
Girls. you will never forgive your |
selves if you let such chance as this |
slip Six ties, all worn-well worn. |
Did / hear you say a quarter, Miss |
Smith? oh, hope not, / could not |
listen to such an offer from you. Fif- |
" cents, Linda That is better, but |
not good enough" In the end she ex- |
iracted an offer Of s1.5O from the bank |
presidents daughter Never once did |