The San Francisco call., 1909-01-30

Mrs. Merlin gave one glance at thu
cropped head. then sank back IN her
chair without a word.
At the expression on his wife's faca
Mr. Merlin turned quickly
Doesn't it look fine. father2" said
William. eagerly, and you ought to see
my bicycle! It's out on the Diazzar'
There was an ominous silence, them
Mr.. Merlin spoke. What do you meaps
William? Where have you been7 Who
cut your hair?"
A look of apprehension crept into
Williams face, for fathers voice was
very stern. Mother said might" he
explained. II sold four curls to Miss
Little. She had to have EN- and she
gave me $15- Then I took the gold
money the grandfathers game me.
You said I could have a bicycle
when 1 got my hair cut, and I thought
you'd be glad to have me buy it with
my own money, cause you're poor
William stopped-but father still
waited. Mr.. Burns let me have the
wheel for 20 cents of. cause owe
Mike 20 cents"
Mike" calculated Mr.. Merlin.
Mike Tupperty, down at the engine
house. He lent me 20 cents for an
emergency and Mr.. Ferraro cut my
hair. wanted him TO make it short
like Anatole Fascfs. but he said this
was better"
And them" said father.
Williams breath was coming short.
'Then I sold the curls to Miss Little
and bought my bike. Mr.. Burns gave
me a paper to give to YOU" and Will
liam produced a receipt.
During the narrative Mr.. Merlins
face had worn varying expressions
Now he looked across the table at his
wife.
7 did tell him that. Jack. but
never dreamed the child would take 1t
in earnest
Il saved you the longest curl.
mother" Williams lips quivered.
Mrs. Merlin looked at the fOrlOrn
little figure standing before her. Then
her arms suddenly opened. and VIII
liam, taking refuge therein. hid his
curlless head on her shoulder.
Mothers little man she whispered.
Don't cry. son. It's all right. Mother
likes it,
Then she looked at her husband with
an expression in which tears and smiles
were mingled. Your son." she said
and father smiled back.
William lifted his head. Il thought
I'd better do it before mother changed
her mind" he said slowly. But [
don't believe 1 could have stood 'em
another day.
Later. while mother was talking to
Miss Little William rode over to the
engine house. Mike took one delighted
glance at the transformed hgure-then
''Hoorayi" ne shouted.
He listened with rapt attention as
William told his story Once in while
he whistled under his breath
Only" concluded William. folks
don't always mean just what they say,
and father says it's always best TO be
perfectly sure''-his voice sank to a
confidential whisper-"but somehow
I'm kind of glad ! don't know
Mike nodded understandingly
And here's your quarter. Mike.
and''-he hesitated, then he held out a
little package carefully wrapped IN
tissde paper. He looked timidly into
Mikes face. Its a-curl. Mike. I
thought maybe you'd like It,"
A strange expression came into his
friends bluff face. He swallowed twice
as if he found words difficult. then
Thank you. William" he said. hask-
lily. Then he took the package and put
it carefully into his breast pocket.
I've got another for Miss Maydeld''
said William, and I thought I'd bring
her down to the engine house tOmor-
row"
wen give Terry McGovern a bath
tonight" said Mike. and we'u have
the horses come out special. It's a spe-
ciaI OCCASION