Part 22 (2/2)

for a ride this morning. I didn't know what to say. And I had to promise her she could go to the picnic if she got well. That'll mean a pretty dress, and hat and shoes.

_Jim_

I don't know where you'll get 'em then.

_Mary_

Looks like we ought to be able to give our children a little pleasure.

There's poor Billie and Tom don't more'n get home from school an' lay their books down till they have to go to hoein' and pullin' weeds. I don't blame Billie a bit for runnin' away and goin' fis.h.i.+n' last Sat.u.r.day.

_Jim_

I don't either, though I had to whip him for it. I can't do without his work and get through.

_Mary_

Get through? When did we ever get through anyhow? Look at this, Jim.

(_Picks up paper and points to paragraph._) Beef steers sold to-day in Chicago at nine cents a pound. It cost us fourteen cents to raise ours, and we're countin' on makin' things easier by raisin' more next year.

And see here, it says _beef_ went _up_ in the Eastern market four cents.

_Jim_

Steers down, beef up! Robbin' both ways.

(_Enter_ BILLIE _and_ TOM _with schoolbooks, which they throw down, shouting: ”We got a half-holiday!”_)

_Billie_

The big boys are goin' to play ball. Dad, can't we go watch 'em?

(MARY _and_ JIM _look at each other._)

We ain't seen a ball game this year, and we want to learn to play.

They're makin' a little boys' team at school.

_Mary_

Daddy's workin' awfully hard to-day. He needs you bad to pile brush for him.

_Jim_

You can't go to-day, boys. Next time----

_Billie_ (_hopeless_)

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