And he gambled that fifty cents
away in the slot machine and came and told me a lie!"
"Little Eddie Landis! Why--Joe, he's just a baby."
"Well--that's what the place is doing to the babies. I don't like it.
It's dirty and sneaky and it's working hand in hand with the saloon.
It has no business in this town."
"But, Joe, it must have something that this town wants or it wouldn't
be doing business. It can't be all pure wickedness."
But Joe's anger was rising in leaps and bounds so that his very hands
shook. Mrs. Dustin stopped and laid a soothing hand on the little
shoemaker's arm.
"Joe, whatever you do don't get angry in there. Hold on to your temper
and don't let yourself even look mad if you can help it. We mustn't
humiliate the children for they'd never forgive. You better let me do
all the talking at first."
Joe nodded and with that they came abreast of the curtained windows and
stood still for a second to gather up their courage. Then Mrs. Dustin
very quietly opened the door and stepped in with Joe.
She stood smiling at the door and at sight of her the noise stopped as
if by magic. Every child there knew the lovely, blue-eyed little
mother of Peter Dustin. The only one who did not know her was the
proprietor standing in stupid wonder behind his counter.
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