Читать онлайн
Digging for Gold
Digging for Gold / A Story of California
CHAPTER I
GRANT AND HIS MOTHER
“Mother, this is an important day for me,” said Grant Colburn, as he entered the kitchen with an armful of wood, and deposited it in the box behind the stove.
His mother looked up from the table where she was cutting out pie crust, and asked in surprise, “What do you mean, Grant? Why is to-day any different from ordinary days?”
“I am sixteen to-day, mother!”
“So you are, Grant. I ought to have thought of it. I am sorry,” she added wistfully, “that I haven’t got a present for you, but you know Mr. Tarbox – ”
“Is the stingiest man in the country. Yes, I know that well enough.”
“I actually haven’t a cent that I can call my own, Grant.”
“I know that very well, mother. It was an unlucky day when you married that old skinflint.”
“Don’t call him that, Grant,” said his mother, with an apprehensive look in the direction of the door.
“He’s all that, and more if possible. When did he give you any money last?”
“Two weeks ago.”