Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1924-04-30
ONE CURE FOR GREEDINESS.
(By Ruth A. Gallison, aged IA, Han
cock Point)


was. Even as child he had
wanted his twin brother Jimmy's
things Everything had been done to,
break him of this, but it had stuck,
and now, a young man, he was
known as Greedy John
Jimmy was popular with all the
| people of the town, young and old.
He disliked very much to have his
brother called greedy" because he
| thought John would be real Xix
able chap, if he'd only conquer
! greedinesS
John had a real good pair of
skates-better than Jimmy's, but
Jim's We're new. One day John
| came in and said: Jim, I'll swap
skates with you
what for?" Jimmy asked, in
nocently.
oh, I'm tired of mine, and would
like to have change. John an
swered.
"Au right, I'll do it, Jimmy said.
John went off with the skates,
In a few days he was back. II
guess I'll take mine back he said,
Il can't skate as well on these; |
lost the race on count of EN-.
I'm awfully sorry, old man, but
I've duIled yours. | know you won't
mind though. They'll be all right
if you just have them sharpened.
Jimmy never offered to have
them sharpened for me, or pay for
it," John grumbled, as he went out.
Jimmy had dulled them on pur-
pose. thinking it might help to cure
John, but it did not In few days
he was back after something else.
One day in the spring he said,
Jim, may | take your car? I'm go
ing for a ride out to the beach, and
yours looks better than mine"
what will | do?" Jim asked.
ooh, I'll leave mine here. You
can use that if you need it.
"AlI right" Jimmy said, take 1t.
While John was gone, Jimmy
scraped some of the paint off the
mudguard, drove ten miles over the
worst road that he could find,
chuckled, and called it a day
When John came home and looked
with a dismayed face at his car,
Jimmy said Sorry, old top, but
| had a special call. Why, it was
way out in the country. I'm glad
yours was here. | would have hated
to take mine over that road"
John didn't say word, but turned
on his heel and walked OF. Even
this didn't teach him. One day he
| came into Jimmy's rooms, and saw
magnificent big bank there: Say,
| jim, let me have that. You may
have my old one"
Jimmy would not consent for a
little while, but John, bent on hay
ing his way, and the best, said:
"Jim, that's greedy! ought to have
| the best sometimes"
"You never earn it." Jimmy said.
| However | won't quarrel with you,
| take it."
John took it home, and began put
ting money into it. When he had
filled it, after some weeks, he took
il to the bank where he and Jim kept
| their money.
"Pease empty it and send it
around" he said. q have an en-
| gagement and can't wait for ii"
About week later he called up
the bank. 81 haven't received my
bank back" he said. What's the
! reason?'
I'VE sent it back Monday" the
clerk said.
Suddenly light dawned on him.
/ He ran out, jumped into his car, and
| sped toward Jims apartment He
raced into the room where Jim was
| i
Il want the bank book, so | can fix
it up"
what are you talking, about?"
Jim asked.
why the bank and bank book"
John said.
Sit down." Jim said, pushing
John into chair and taking the one
| opposite. Tell me about it," he
commanded John related all the de
tails.
John" Jim said, when he had
finished, Il hate to think you're a
dumbell."
I'm not" John denied, holly.
Then" said Jimmy, why didn't
you have sense enough to see for
yourself that they would send the
| p'Hh pe'NN W ihC II udt my NUMBER
on it. You said j. w. Cadmon, re-
member, there are two-natural,
wasn't it,"
Wouldn't the clerk know me?"
John asked dismally.
New one" Jimmy said, promptly.
How much?' John asked
weakly.
Only $500" Jimmy said,
cheerily.
Gosh, and to think l went with
out any tobacco all that time Just
for you"
1T ought to be lesson to you"
Jimmy said solemnly.
1T surely WILL" John answered.
And it was.
VA