Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-08-04

is the most expensive one. It's very
pretty"
The three surveyed the lamp doubt
fully. It was a small lamp of brass,
with an elaborate shade set with pink
opalescent glass.
ut don't cost enough" said Prole
with regret. Its mighty pretty. miss.
but we couldn't hand out no measly
present ike that to Emmerett. Show
us something better"
The girl stified an exclamation and
took them to case full of silverware.
As they gravely examined knives and
forks the girl watched them uneasily.
at last, flushing deeply, she spoke.
Most any girl would think that lamp
was a nice present"
They shook their heads negatively
Its got to be something pretty nice
and tasty" said Tony Gof; you see,
her names Emmerett. and girl that
has that handle to her is used to good
living"
I'VE couldn't get anything poor look
ing" added Pepper, and Jlnk Probe
nodded assent
"It's a nice lamp" persisted the girl
1--WE might git four or i've lamps
enough for the hull house. Let's look
at them again" Jink Probe turned
suddenly TO lead the way back to the
lamps; his sharp elbow dug into Tony
Gof"s ribs, and that stout gentleman
leaped backward to fall heavily
against one OF the china laden tables.
When the Gathering crash had died
into silence Mr.. Cor picked himself
out Of a debris OF broken dinner sets
to confront an irate little man who
danced wildly before them and de
manded instant reimbursement for his
losses.
1t required the united efforts Of Tony
COTS companions to convince the an
cry proprietor that the offense was
not Intentional
You can't fool meT' he sputtered
loudly. 81 had a place shot up oncet
in Dead Eye and they didn't leave so
much as a glass salt cellar-wiped out
my hull stock OF china and glassware
and
Drop it, confound ye" growied Jink
Probe Jest you compose your little
bunch of cinnamon sidewhiskers and
git down and count up your loss. /
reckon we can pay fer what we break.
We're a-shoppin' fer cut glass and cut
china, and we've paid fer so worth al
ready"
The three ranchmen stood rigidly
in their tracks while Mr.. Farnum and
the black haired girl took inventory
of the shattered crockery. Many OF
the pieces of various dinner sets were
whole and there were several vases
that were cracked or only slightly bro
ken. These Mr.. Farnum announced
would be total loss to him and the
ranchmen might as well carry them
away.
Six dinner sets and four vases and
a glass water pitcher had gone down
to destruction, and Mr.. Farnum dole
fully announced that 800 would barely
cover the wholesale price.
In silence the 500 was handed over,
while the girl stood near with down
cast face.
"AlI these pieces that amt broke be-
long TO you gentlemen" remarked Mr..
Farnum magnanimously. "Of course
they amt no use to me because none
OF 'em match anything else I've in
stock. There's cups and saucers and
plates and
81 guess wen be going along" in
terrupted Probe slowly as he thrust his
share of the remaining IS back i'll his
pocket We've spent about all the
money we reckoned on in this here
place There's a mighty pretty little
pink lamp up in Red Spider fer three
ninety eight what will have to do fer
Emmerett."
NH
treating form Of her employer and
then laid hand on Jink PROBES sleeve.
She was laughing. but the tears were
in her eyes.
Don't you dare buy that pink lamp"
she whispered You set out to get
the incest present you knew how for
that girl. and it isn't your fault that
you've lost your money. You take all
the dishes. and I'll mend the glass
water set and you give 'ern to her for
the wedding present, and | reckon
she'll be proud to think what was in
your hearts. aud that's what matters
anyway She paused breathlessly,
her eyes like stars. her cheeks pink
with excitement
How d'you know she would rather
long arm over the broken china and
eyed her doubtfully.
Because I'm Emmerettw she said
triumphantly.
The three stared down at her in de
lighted amazement. Then three hands
shot out TO grasp hers, and Jink Probe
spoke again. We might aknown Ray
mond's girl would be like this" ne
said.
We was afraid Of your long name"
grinned Pepper sheepishly.
1--WE kin shorten It and call her Miss
Raymond" put in Tony Con innocent
~.
Miss Hodge uplifted a slim brown
finger. and her cheeks dimpled under
their friendly admiration.
Don't you dare call me anything but
Emmerettr' she said severely.