Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1914-12-22

an presents! Fancy II could give
mother PRESENT. / know what I'd
like to give 'er-one Of them cases to
old needles and thimbe an a bodkin
which / saw at 'Amilton's bazaar. But
1t amt 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 jostIing street
again. She turned her footsteps bone,
when a CLEAN of something bright on
the dirty pavement caught her eye
She bent down. 1t wasD't-no-yes, II
was-a silver sixpenceI She picked 1t
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
a real Christmas present It's jest like
a fairy tale" she thought her blue
eyes shining with excitement, IAN l
know what I'll buy, an I'll git it. too.
before ] go 'ome. cause it won't take
me mint"
Hamilton's bazaar was not very far
away, and, sure enough, in five Minutes
Flip was gazing steadily in at the bril-
liantly decked and lit window at
needlecase in red velvet and gold. IN
article which for all its gorgeousness
was marked but ivepence three far
things.
Il want needlecase with thimble
an b0dkin an a reel of cotton, like
them up there" said Flip. with all the
dignity of n possessor of wealth
We'll. you must wait Il bit!' snapped
the assistant. turning to another GUS
toner. stout. CHEEKY looking man,
accompanied by two rosy. well dressed
children.
Il bin waitin long time. Why
can't you git me one DOWN. replied
Flip. with the perseverance of the
east end child.
The girl impatiently detached one OF
the needlecases
Where is your money! she asked.
Ere, of course Wot dyer think 2"
said Flip, handing her the coin.
The saleswoman took 1t, looked at
1t once carelessly. again narrowly.
why" she exclaimed, this is not a
sixpence at all-it is only an imitation
onew And, turning quickly, she beck
oned the tall. imposing looking shop
walker, who stood near. This child is
trying to pass false money" she said
as she gave him poor Flip's treasure
trove.
He 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 offense. She only knew tnat
If the sixpence was bad she could net
buy the dearly coveted gift. Her heart
seemed ready to break. and she burst
into floo,i Of tears as she so5bed ont:
- found It in the street-it's true, u
Is. BIT can't buy the present now"
The shopwalScr besitated. and then
the CHEEKY looking customer who had
been waiting his turn to be served
broke in by saying in a voice that
had strong country twang in 1t:
bout yon cry. lassie. You don't
mean any harm, | guarantee. Let me
see that coin.' he continued. turning
to the shopwaIker. who did az be was
desired. for be was being addressed
by an old and valued customer.
"Well. don't know" said the
CHEEKY man 1T Is not a sixpence, |
agree. but 1t IS q half sovereign and q
very good one too" And in the twin
king of an eye he bad deftly exchang.
.d the imitation sixpence for a gold
coin from his waistcoat pocket.
"There. my lass. take your money
and run home"
Was 1t dream? Flip pincbed her
self when sne was IN the chill streets
again No 1t was all true-a happy
reality 10 find q bad sixpence and then
see it. transformed into a golden half
sovereign. She had forgotten the vel
vet needIecase: she had but one thought
to get homeland home she soon was,
where her anxious mother heard all
Der wonderful adventures
So. after all. it was q real Christmas
In the top room.