Stories For Free
The Marble Trader Part 1
The Marble Trader Part 1 |
2
During the waning years of the Depression
in a small south-eastern Idaho community, I used to
stop by Brother Miller's roadside stand for farm-fresh
produce as the season made it available. Food and
money were still extremely scarce and bartering was
used extensively.
One particular day, Brother Miller was bagging some early potatoes
for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged
but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green
peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display
of fresh green peas.
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I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.
Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the
conversation between Brother Miller and the ragged
boy next to me.
"Hello Barry, how are you today?"
"Hello, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank you. Just admiring the peas.
They sure look good."
"They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?"
"Fine. Getting stronger all the time."
“Good. Anything I can help you with?"
"No, Sir. Just admiring the peas."
"Would you like to take some home?"
"No, Sir. Got nothing to pay for them."
"Well, what do you have to trade with me for some of those
peas?"
"All I got is my prize marble here."
"Is that right? Let me see it."
"Here it is. She's a dandy."
"I can see that. Hmm, the only thing is this one is blue
and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?"
"Not exactly. But almost."
"Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and
on your next trip, let me look at that red marble."
"Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller."
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Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help
me.
With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him
in our community. All three are in very poor circumstances. Jim
just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes or
whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they
always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends
them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange
one, perhaps."
The Marble Trader Part 1 |
2
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