FIRST EARNINGS. 181

an empty basket and half a dollar in small
change in his pocket.

“Half a dollar!” shouted Bessie; “ why
that is enough to pay the whole year’s rent,
Tom.”

Tom handed his father a quarter of a dollar,
and put the rest in his own pocket.

“JT don’t want to take your earnings, Tom.
Here, Bessie, keep the bank.”

“ Just as you say, father; it is yours, and I
will keep it if you say so. I have more
radishes for your supper to-night, and I shall
have a basket full for to-morrow morning.”

The next morning it rained. Bessie and @

Tom did not mind a pelting shower. They

J.
*

ran into the garden, and pulled radishes and

spinach enough to fill the basket; and again it *

went to market.

“ Now,” said Tom, “ after I have done up
the morning chores, I shall be able to read all
day. Get your work done, Bessie, and sit
down to your sewing, and I will read loud.”

“Then I shall know something about chem-
istry, too. Delightful! delightful !”

And Tom was as good as his word ; he read