THE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. 187 



foot of a certain tree, knitting a stocking, and tending her 

 little fruit-stand. To her he turned his steps. Arrived 

 there he was surprised to find quite a number of people col- 

 lected around the spot. Pushing through the crowd, he 

 discovered the peanut stand gone, and in its place a huge 

 hamper piled high with fresh grapes. The old woman, 

 usually so quiet, was all activity, weighing and selling her 

 fruit to an eager company of purchasers. In a moment or 

 two all were supplied, and there was a lull in the trade. 

 The western grapes had come. 



" Say, g rann jj where are your peanuts ? " 



"Peanuts! Why would I have peanuts when the 

 grapes is come ? " 



Johnny was struck with a new idea, and the saleswoman 

 turned to another customer. This was a young man, who, 

 as soon as his purchase was made, turned to go away. As 

 he did so he caught sight of Johnny. He paused and then 

 said : 



" Is your name Wellson ? " 



" Yes, sir. John Wellson, Jr. What's yours ? ' 



The young man did not reply, but fumbled in his pocket 

 for something. 



" Could you do me a favor? " 



" Guess I could, if it is not holding horses or running 

 errands. Don't like to go errands." 



"It's nothing very severe; merely to give this note to 

 Miss Wellson." 



