“My name isn’t Sister,” said Veve politely. “It is Veve McGuire. This is our coal too.”
The little girl picked up several small pieces which had tumbled from the rear of the truck. However, they were not the size she needed. Veve saw better pieces over by the chute, but was afraid to try to get them. The coalman was shoveling so fast she knew she might be struck.
“Please, can’t you wait a minute?” she asked.
“All right,” agreed the coalman, resting on his shovel. “Pick up what you want.”
Veve darted in and gathered up several pieces. As soon as she had jumped out of the way, the coalman went on with his work again.
Veve stood watching him a moment.
“My, but you are a strong man,” she said admiringly. “Do you know what I would do if I had large muscles like yours?”
“No,” replied the man. “I suppose you would be a coalwoman.”
Veve laughed because she knew the man was teasing her. “I wouldn’t like to get as dirty as you are,” she said.
“I don’t like coal dust either,” returned the man, “but it can’t be helped. Well, what would you do?”