The river press., 1914-12-16

uu uTeSNllS. Iiuct IL CpuIu give
mother present! I know what Id
like to give 'er-one of them cases to
old needles and thimble an bodkin
which | saw at 'Amilton's bazaar. Bnt
II ain't much good wishing" And
here her reflections came to an end. for
she found herself at the warehouse.
She had soon delivered her parcel to
the fat manageress and received the
poor payment due and. threading her
way cleverly back through dusty cor
ridors and down winding stairs. soon
found herself in the jostling street
again. She turned her footsteps home.
when a CLEAN Of something bright on
the dirty pavement caught her eye.
She bent down. 1t wasn't-no-yes, It
was-a silver sixpence! She picked it
up. Could such luck be true? A silver
sixpence found on the ground and
therefore her very own. to do what she
liked with!
"Why, now I'll be able to git mother
real Christmas present. It's Jest like
a fairy tale" she thought. her blue
eyes shining with excitement. IAN
know what I'll buy. an Ill git it. too.
before l go 'ome, cause it won't take
me a mint"
HamiltOn's bazaar was not very far
away, and, sure enough, in five minutes
Flip was gazing steadily in at the bril-
ltantly decked and lit window at
needlecase in red velvet and gold. m
article which for all its gorgeousness
was marked but tivepence three far
things.
Il want needlecase with thimble
an bodkin an reel of cotton, like
them up there" said Flip with all the
dignity of possessor of wealth.
We'll. you must wait Bit" snapped
the assistant, turning to another Gus
toner, stout. CHEEKY looking man.
accompanied by two rosy. we'll dressed
children.
Il bin waitin' long time Why
can't You git me one down." replied
Flip. with the perseverance of the
cast end child.
The girl impatiently detached one OF
the neeulecaSeS
where is your money!" she asked.
Ere. of course. Wot dyer think 2"
said Flip. handing her the coin.
The saleswonan took it. looked ut
it once careleSsly. again narrowly.
why" she exclaimed, this is not Il
sixpence at all-it is only an imitation
one" And. turning quickly. she beck
oned the tall. imposing looking shop
walker. who stood near. This child is
as she gave him poor Flip's treasure
trove.
lie examined it and then. taking hold
of the child'S thin arm. said:
Come. come: where did you get
this money from: Tell the truth
now"
Flip's face went red and then very
white. She did not realize or under.
stand her otfense. She only knew that
If the sixpcnce was bad she could not
buy the dearly coveted gift. Her heart
seemed ready to break and she hurst
into tloo,; Of tears as she sobbed out:
Il found it in the street-it's true. 1t
is But can't buy the present now"
The shopwalker hesitated. and then
the CHEEKY looking customer who had
been waiting his turn to be served
broke in by saying in voice that
had strong country twang in it:
Don't you cry. lassie. You don't
mean any harm, guarantee Let me
see that coin" he continued turning
to the shopwalker. who did as he was
desired. for he was being addressed
by an old and valued customer.
"Well. don't know said the
CHEEKY man. 1T is not a sixpence. |
agree. but it is half sovereign and Il
very good one too" And in the twin.
king of an eye he had deftly exchang-
ed the imitation siXpence for gold
coin from his waistcoat pocket
"There. my lass. take your money
and run home
Was it a dream? Flip pinched her
self when she was in the chill streets
again. No, it was all true-a happy
reality to find a bad sixpence and then
see 1t transformed into golden half
sovereign. She had forgotten the vel.
vet needlecase: she had but one thought
to get homeland home she soon was,
| where her anxious mother heard all
her wonderful adventures
So. after all. it was real Christmas
in the top room.