Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-27
Patty's Penny


brown eyes round with anticipation OF
good things to come. Her bare toes
burrowed into the sand and stones with
out feeling their hardness, her two
short braids Quivering with excitement
and one little brown hand clasped
tightly the penny that was to purchase
SO much happiness.
What should 1t be? One thing she
knew-it was to- be candy, for it was
50 long since she had tasted any that
her mouth watered for 1t. From the
chocolate sticks, so tempting in their
rich provinces, her eyes turned to the
gayiy colored papers Of peppermint and
wintergreen lozenges. and then stray
ed on to brighten into determination as
she saw a box Of colored candy mar
bles. such beautiful marbles. and six Tor
one cent! Two for each Of u.s. said
Patty to herself. for she was generous
little soul, and always remembered lit
tic brother and sister at home.
So intent was she on her choice that
she did not hear the sound Of wheels,
nor did she see her good friend. the
rural postman, jump from his delivery
wagon with the big mailbag in his
hand. But he saw her, and his jolly face
broadened into smile as he said:
"Hulloa, Patty! Going to buy Miss
Brown out?"
She turned. smiling brightly, and an
swered. "Hulloa, Mr.. Rice"
Then she went up to him. and slip
ped one hand confdingly into the big
one held out to her, saying, See what
found this morning" and. opening
the other hand, 4displayed the moist
treasure within.
why, let's see that penny, Patty"
said the postman, with twinkle In his
bright eye. why. that looks just like
the one I lost yesterday afternoon"
Then 1t was Mr. Rice's penny, and
not hers at all! Poor Patty! her heart
seemed to sink right down into her feet,
1t was such disappointment Well.
ono thing certain, she wouldn't enjoy
buying candy right under his very eyes
with penny that he had said was his.
So she slipped away while the postman
went on into the office, never thinking
again Of his Joking words.
She would go and ask mother II she
ought to give it back to him. Mother
always knew what it was best to do.
So in haste she came into the room
where her mother sat mending little
garments in all stages Of dilapidation,
other in their hurry, and with some
tears, finally made herself understand.
Mrs. Price put her arm around Patty,
and drew her close, while her other
worn. hand gently smoothed the rough
ened hair.
Mother knows it's hard to give it up,
dear, when you have so few pennies to
spend for yourself, and she's sorry for
her little girl. But mother knows, too,
that you will bs . brave girl and give
the penny to Mr.. Rice a. he comes
along. There he comes up tho street
now"
Patty gave her mother . kiss, wiped
some tears away, and hurried out to
the gate where Mr.. Rice spied her
standing as he came driving along He
as he refined up his horse, heard her
childish voice. Here's your penny" Mr..
Rice"
For the t,rst time he remembered his
words at the Office.
why, Patty, child" he began, did
YOU think I really mean that that was
the penny lost? Bless your heart. I
lost my penny in a village ten miles
away. Now run right off and spend that
one quick before any one else claims
IT," And with hearty laugh and get
up there" to his old horse he drove off.
Mrs. Price, watching from the win
dow, smiled and said, II guess it's all
right" as she saw Patty's flying feet
disappearing down the street, and a
little later she was sure. for Patty burst
in vehemently. demanding: Where's
Ruth and Bonnie? I've got something
for them" ..,
Then with big hug for her mother:
"He was just Joking mother, and
didn't have to give it to him at all. But
I'm glad did what you told me to do
for I feel lots better inside
Az "