On Contract

A long, slim colored man reste.l on his snow-shovel in front of a house on Miami avenue and muscd: "James, you is a fooi! Whatfur? Why, for eontractin' to keep dis wak cl'ar of snow for de season for $5.00." He tbrew up a few moro loada, warmed liis fingers, and went on: " ïou tliought you luid a soft tbing on do contract business whon all de snow whot feil in 'Cernber, Jaimary and February didu't take three hours' work to cl'ar off. Oh ! you is mighty peart, you is! Here's half a day 's work and anow comin' down by de airt-loai l ! " He dug about three toet further, and then suddenly utterod a yell and callëd out: "James, yoti is all riglit - your hoad am do lcvelest kind o' level ! Itwaefive dollars for de. winter seasou, while heah de sun has crossed de Une a whole week ago, and dis snow liaint your business at all! You isn't uo fooi, James - yon shoulder dat snow-plow and walk riffht lióme ?"-