“Things are awful expensive in the city, father. I’ve found that out since I’ve been here;” and then the heir of the Shindle estate told of the amount spent at Coney Island, until his father began to look upon Messrs. Green and Bartlett as capitalists, if they could afford to entertain their guests in such a manner.
“It’s no use to cry over spilled milk, so I won’t say anything more about it; but it’ll be a long day before I set down to a dollar and seventy-five cent meal agin.”
Then it seemed as if the farmer put from his mind all idea of the value of money, and from that hour until the day’s pleasuring had come to an end, there was not a moment which had in it less than sixty full seconds of perfect enjoyment.
Farmer Shindle not only invited the boys to several other places of interest, but purchased peanuts and candy with the recklessness of a spendthrift, until there was every probability the entire party would need strong doses of Jamaica ginger before morning.
The inhabitants of Baker’s Court were in a ferment of excitement when the amusement-seekers finally returned.
All were acquainted with the little match-girl, and more than once had they discussed the possibility of doing something to aid her for whom the battle of life had begun so early; but thus far nothing had been accomplished.
Instantly word was brought of the farmer’s generous invitation, however, every mother in the vicinity bent all her energies toward replenishing Sadie’s scanty wardrobe; and when Mr. Shindle and the boys arrived, she presented a much neater and more cleanly appearance than ever since Tom had known her.
Josiah purchased for his mother a lace cap that he thought a marvel of beauty because of the bright red ribbons with which it was tied. In making the selection he was aided by his father, who told him, as if it was a great secret, that when his mother was young she always wore red, therefore there could be no mistake if he selected a head covering plentifully bedecked with this color.
Fifty cents more of his rapidly diminishing capital had been invested in a gaudily-painted but not very serviceable whip for his father, and thus Josiah was to carry home gifts despite his charitable scheme.
Then the huge valise was brought down-stairs, and Farmer Shindle said, as he seized it by the leathern handles:—