188 THE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. 



Johnny took the delicately scented little note held out to 

 him and turned it over gingerly. 



"Oh! it's for sister, is it? I'll give it to her. I'll 

 put it in the bottom of my basket.'' 



So saying, he opened his basket and displayed his one 

 bunch of grapes. 



" Them's foine grapes, honey. Do you want to sell 

 sich?" 



"Yes," said Johnny, bravely. "I've got a big crop. 

 They will be ripe soon." 



" I'll give ye tin cents a pound for 'em, honey." 



The young man stared at the two, and then turned 

 away. 



" So it is all true. Here is the boy exposing his doings 

 without a blush. If so much is true, it may be all 

 true." 



Speaking out suddenly: "Here! young Wellson, let 

 me see that note again." 



But Johnny had gone. Delighted to find still further 

 market for his fruit, he had gone home, swinging his basket 

 as he went. 



Arrived there he went to his sister's room. She was 

 not there. 



"Gone out," said Kate. 



Johnny dived into his basket for the note. Alas! it 

 was not there, lost ! 



