The Commonwealth. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1911-1914, 1913-04-18

corners and under brush heaps, and in
other secret places chosen by wary
hens; truly he had reason to be con-
cerned about the money realized.
The paramount thing now with the
boy was to get fair price for eggs.
He reasoned that, if there were too
many eggs for the people, the supply
of eggs must be reduced, since it was
out of the question to suddenly in
crease the number of people-and how
was it to be done? IF only the roup
would come" he reflected, as it had,
once in his memory, and well-nigh
caused the extinction of the hen tribe
in his neighborhood.
This young trader in eggs had read
of the burning of baled cotton on the
wharves of the South to raise the price
of that commodity, and though he
hadn't thought much about the Incl
dent, such solution of an economic
problem by children of a larger growth
furnished a suggestion to him now.
"Why not kill the hens?" he thought.
But after reflection he was revolted at
the idea of destroying life; and he fin
ally hit upon plan that seemed hui
name, and looked feasible. He won
dered that it had not occurred to him
before.
The next day, during recess at
school, three of the locality's most
promising young financiers were dis
cussing the egg trade. Said Johnny
Summers, the leader, to Eben Grimes:
Are you selling any eggs now for your
mar"
mo-" replied Eben. "They amt
worth more'n five cents; ma says,
don't pay to take them to Smiths"
Uriah Sands echoed, 1--WE amt selling
either; Mr.. Smith says there's too
many eggs for the. people that want
them"
Suppose we gather up nearly all
the eggs every day and throw them
away" proposed Johnny. you and
Uriah do this and 1 will do it, and
We'll tell Sam Long and the other
boys to break their eggs. After awhile
eggs will be scarce, and We'll get a
good price. People burnt up cotton
once to raise the price. l believe we
can get fifteen cents a dozen, as we
used to, and maybe more. We needn't
let our mothers know we are doing it.
The two listeners Strengthened up
and looked wise; and in few min
utes there was an agreement entered
into by three boys about to become
manipulators of the market. At the
first opportunity they inspired several
Iother boys to cooperate in the destruc-
ton of eggs for the benefit of the COM
munity.
In a short time, in various out-of-
the-way places eggs were being daily
smashed against stumps, stones, and
all sorts of objects which offered the
proper resistance. They were hurled
| with a force, born of an enthusiasm
for the right. Each actor was silent
and thoughtful, having but one aim in
view-to get fair price for eggs.
Meanwhile, these market manipulators
kept their ears open for market re-
ports that might issue from Smiths
store, and housewives began to re-
mark that 1T was unusual for hers to
quit layin' so sudden. No matter
they said, I'VE couldn't get anything
for eggs now, any way"
Unsuspecting hens cackled on, and
continued the supply for destruction,
while unsuspecting women were will
ing to do without what they could not
sell
At last, one day, news went over
the neighborhood that Mr.. Smith was
asking for eggs, and offering ten cents
dozen. Before the boys came home
from school their mothers had heard
of the advance in price, and had be-
gun to think of ways and means to
induce hens to lay.
About the time when Uriah Sands
should have arrived at home his
mother took a notion to 60 to the barn
and other nesting places to see what
her hens had been doing and to learn
what might be on hand for the mar.
ket To her surprise she saw Uriah
moving stealthily from the barn TO-
ward the woods. carrying a basket Of
eggs. Curious, she followed al a dis
lance, and watched him TO go to q
large tree, and dash the contents Of
the basket against &c. Consideration
at first, then anger. and lastly cur.os
. lty possessed her Confronting heI
boy as Ire turned out of the woods
she said sternly
"Ur.ah. what dId sou DO that fore
Ur.ah was startled and coaed "Tc
raise the price OF them" be replied