Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-05-17

a sharp recurrence of the trouble in his
mind. Discomfort and unrest mastered
of the humid morning he strolled through
the ankle-deep clover of dream mea-
dow, shifting soft wild flower smells and
listening to bird songs and the murmur
Of water dancing over pebbles.
At the Madison street station the voice
Of the train guard suddenly recalled him
from the country of fancy to the city OF
fact. And with the return of rational
thought arrived the glimmer Of an idea.
During the morning Mr.. Todd abstract
eddy performed his duties, while he en-
gagged his mind in glowing speculation.
At the noon hour he hurried excitedly to
a nearby land Office. A young man be-
hind the counter told him astonishing
things. He said he was agent for the
Identical farm depicted in the car ad-
Vertisement. For deposit Of 500 and a
monthly payment of $15 during period
Of five years Mr.. Todd could become own
err of this idyllic little spot, including two
cows and brook.
Mr., Todd figured the possibilities on
the back Of an envelope. His wife held
strict supervision over the family finances
and he realized ne would have to save
the needed sum of money from his per-
sonal spending allowance. By abstain
ing from iced drinks tobacco and his
MONDAY lunches, he estimated he could
lay away 81 week. That would eventu-
ally suffice.
He began his long weeks Of saving
with the doggedness Of an ascetic. He
planned to entice Mrs. Todd into the
elevated coach when he had amassed
the amount Of his first payment on the
farm Then he would betray her to the
soft Establishments of the butter adver-
tisement The fulfilment of his yearning
at the last, he knew, depended upon his
success in alternating his wife's love for
the metropois Hs believed ns ID he he had nbh an
brook.
The rigors OF his prolonged abstinence
turned Mr. Todd into gaunt and unso-
ciable being. Day after day when he LETT
the store at noon he walked the streets in
furnishing solitude. He returned to the
store after the lunch hour with his belt
drawn tighter, but with an additional
quarter In his pocket to feed the little
nickeled bank which he kept in a drawer
of his desk On the occasional days when
Mr. Todd found his determination Waver-
ing under the stress of hunger or the
craving for tobacco, he sought the ele-
waited coach and fortified his resolution
with renewed contemplation of the butter
advertisement.
The weeks passed, and Todd's clandes-
tine savings account continual to grow.
At last, one afternoon he emerged from
the bank with the long-coveted hundred
dollars in his pocket In a fever Of ex-
ulta ton he returned home
Come here! Hurry he shouted as
he entered the front door.
Little Mrs. Todd came out Of the kitch-
en- and regarded her husband blankly.
Have you gone crazy?" she asked.
Mr.. Todd replied by selling his wifes
hat and Topping it awkwardly upon her
head. While she stood helpless in her
amazement he united her Bingham apron
and pushed her toward the door.
I've got something to tell your he.
cried as they reached the street. You
come with me and I'll give you the sur
prise of your Hfe!'
What in the world-?' she protested.
Not a. wordr admonished Mr. Todd
Listen! I've saved $780, and you didn't
know about it! I've got the money with
me in my pocket"
He suddenly drew forth the bills and
f1ourished them before her face
See! Look at it! It's all there! One
hundred beansi Know what we're going
to do with that? You come with me and
Il show your
Half frightenedly Mrs. Todd accompa-
Here comes train now" he cried, ex
citedly i m going to show you an ad-
vertisement in one of the coaches. Then
you'll know what were going to do with
the money!"
The Todds mounted the steps at trot.
Mr.. Todd pushed his wife through the
door of the coach as the train drew up at
the platform. He watched her face ex-
ultantly.
THE second panel from the end.' he
whispered his eyes burning with eager
ness. Now you know what we're going
to buy"
Mrs Todd reeled against her husband
as the train lurched forward. She looked
at the advertisement and gave happy,
incredulous cry.
For me. Todd, Oh. you blessed hus-
band! No dirt! No SCOT. And I'll never
again ask for maid.''
Mr.. Todd followed her enraptured gaze,
and stumbled back toward the door.
The cow in the bubbly brook had van
ished In its place had been inserted a
card announcing a reduction in the price
Of Vestal Vacuum Cleaners to 500.
CrHE END)