bution, Mr.
Ellison's firm stood to gain on regular rates--provided it really cared
thus to advertise Star Stove Polish. To active youngsters the wandering
up one street and down another, leaving cards at every house, handing
cards to every passer-by, was a huge lark. When the four dollars were
paid, it seemed almost like getting a Christmas present out of season.
Johnny's imagination was fired.

"There's lots of printing we might get," said he. "Look at all the
envelopes my papa uses, and there's his letter-heads, and
bill-heads--and lots else. But we can't do it on that thing! It takes
different kinds of type."

Thereupon Bobby got out his catalogues and told them of the second-hand
self-inker to be had for twenty-five dollars, Enthusiasm burned at fever
heat for about three days, then the sickening realization that the total
capital of _Orde & English, Job Printers_--including the four
dollars--was just seven-thirty pricked that bright dream. The approach
of Christmas inspired Johnny with a new idea. He and Bobby risked a
half-dollar of the capital in cards embossed with holly wreaths. On
these they printed "_Merry Christmas, From ---- to ----._" These had an
encouraging sale among immediate relatives.

But in spite of these gratifying commercial ventures, Bobby's disgust
grew. It might make marks on paper; it might earn money, but it would
not take full-sized type, it would not print more than two lines. By
these same tokens it was not a printing press, but a toy; not the real
thing, but an imitation, and Bobby was outgrowing imitations. Finally he
made a definite statement of principle.

"I'm not going to use her any more," said he with decision, "I'm sick of
the old thing."

"But I've just got an order for fifty cards from Mrs. Fowler!"
expostulated Johnny.

"Then go on, do them," replied Bobby. "I won't."

He retired to the corner, leaving Johnny wrathful. There for the
thousandth time he pored over the pages of the catalogue showing the
beautiful 5x7 self-inking press.

XVII

"SLIDING DOWN HILL"

One morning Bobby awoke before daylight. It might have been the middle
of the night except that, far down in the still house, he heard a
muffled scrape and clank as Martin set the furnace in order for the day.
Bobby knew six o'clock by these dull, distant, comfortable sounds. The
air in the room was very frosty and Bobby's nose was as cold as a dog's;
but underneath the warm double blanket and the