The fact was that Dee and I had done about three times as much selling as the Pores usually accomplished. Word had gone forth that we were keeping shop, and everybody hastened to the country store. Dee found this out by accident over the telephone. There was such a violent ringing of the bell that she hastened to answer it, not being on to the country 'phone where everybody's bell rings at every call. This is what she overheard:
"Say, Milly! Pore's have got some gals from Richmond clerking there. They can put you on to the styles."
"So I hear! I'm gettin' the mule hitched up fast as I can to go over."
And then a masculine voice took it up evidently from another section:
"They say they are peaches, too!"
"That you, Dick Lee? Where'd you hear about them?"
"Saw Lem Baker on the way, goin' for salt. He got it from Jim Cullen."
"I bet you'll be there soon yourself," broke in the voice of Milly.
"Sure! My car is already cranked up gettin' up speed for the run. S'long!"
"Wait! What you goin' to buy, Dick? Your sister told me you went to the store yesterday and laid in enough for a week."