The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-07-10

led Jessie to school on her first day and
had introduced her to the teacher as my
best friend, JESSIE"
That happened some eight years before
this story opens and when Jimmy was
seven and Jessie five. And ever since
that day Jimmy and Jessie had been the
very warmest of school fellows as well
as dear neighbors. Their fathers homes
joined and the children had grown up
like cousins Whenever Jessie wanted an
escort anywhere all she had to do was to
call over to Mrs. Jackson. please, Mrs.
Jackson. may Jimmy go with me to So
and-so?' And Mrs Jackson always found
1t convenient to excuse Jimmy from any
task that he might be of service to little
Jessie White.
But this morning of which l write
Jimmy stood with serious face, slowly
shaking his head. mo, JESSIE he was
saying, Il just can't afford it. I'd love
to buy a share in the motorboat-but !
just can't"
Jessie's face fell. I'm so sorry, jim
my" she said softly. ~ had so hoped
you could buy a third share in it. You
see, cousin Ned White and his chum,
Billy Burt, have enough to pay two-thirds
of the price of the boat, and they asked
me if l thought you would go into part
nership with them, putting in one third of
the price. I felt sure that you would,
Jimmy, and told them so. You see," and
Jessles face turned n shade pinker II
want to go on their boat excursions and,
of course, want you along, too, 1t would
seem sort Of strange not to have you one
of the party. Mamma has promised to
chaperon us some Of the time and Aunt
Mary-cousin Ned's mamma, you know
will go with US at other times. And papa
has given his full consent for me to go
on these boat excursions up the lake, for
he has the greatest confidence In you"
Jimmy stood silent for a moment.
What did your father say about me2'
he asked trying to hide the feeling of
pride in his voice.
well, he said that If you were always
of the party he had no objection to my
going along for you were always cool,
level-headed young chap who could be
trusted out of your fathers sight, and he
said that was more thnn he could say of
cousin Ned. Oh, papa thinks an awful lot
Of you, Jimmy. And so does mamma"
And Jessie turned her blue eyes away, for
Jimmy was looking deeply into them.
Jessie, 1t makes me feel awfuly disap-
pointed not to be able to go into partner
ship with Ned and Billy on the bout" he
confessed. mot that l care particularly
about motorboatS, but because l want to
go-for-for-your sake But just now l
really cant afford it. You see, l had
quite little bank account when school
closed, but l gave it to mamma. You
know she has not been East for many
years, and she wants to pay her sister
visit. Papa was bit hard pressed for
money, so-well, / gave mamma what
money l had for her travelling expenses.
She is planning on starting East this
week. And-I just couldn't deny her this
pleasure-not even to buy third share
In the motorboat, jessie"
Jessie's eyes shonc with admiration as
she looked straight into Jimmys face.
you are brick, Jimmy Jackson" she
said emphaticaly. "And I'll always know
that you're In the right, no matter what
other folks say. OF course, when l tell
Ned and Billy that you can't see your
way to Joining them in the purchase OF