The Ears of Louis Read Online Free PDF

of a nut, he decided. He ran his fingers over the amulet. Things had been no better or no worse since Mrs. Beeble had given it to him. On the other hand, he had the bar bells. He might be on his way to becoming another Charles Atlas.
    If that was so, skinny Ernie and others had better watch their step. Louis took his cigar box out from under the mattress. He planned to choose something from it to give to Mrs. Beeble in return for her present to him.
    The plastic bag full of bird feathers was one of his favorites but somehow he didn’t think Mrs. Beeble would like it. He had a really good collection of foreign coins his grandparents added to from time to time. But what good would they be to Mrs. Beeble if she never left the country?
    Maybe a paperback book would be a good idea. Every time the school librarian threw out the beat-up ones, Louis retrieved them from the waste basket and brought them home. He was thinking of having a garage sale of his own one of these days.
    There was nothing in the cigar box that was right for Mrs. Beeble. He’d have to keep looking for just the right thing.
    He got his stack of mail order catalogues left over from last Christmas out from under his bed. Everything was too expensive. Maybe when he returned the wagon to the old man he’d find something at the garage sale that he’d missed today.

8
    Louis took the wagon back after lunch on Sunday. The old man and Agnes hadn’t bothered to take the signs down and it had rained during the night. The pieces of cardboard they’d used were shriveled up so the letters were blurred and hard to read.
    â€œHey there, sonny.” The old man stood in the same spot. The card tables seemed to hold the same items. The plastic owl, World’s Fair mugs, and pipe were still there. Only the spotted ties were gone.
    â€œThose ties had a bit of life in ’em,” the old man said, opening his sweater to show Louis. He wore the red and blue one. “I knew I could trust you. Agnes, now, she hears all this stuff about kids nowadays. She figured we could kiss that wagon goodbye. I knew you’d be back. What can I do for you today?”
    â€œI’m looking for a present for Mrs. Beeble,” Louis said. “She gave me this,” and, to his own surprise, he pulled out his amulet.
    â€œHandsome, a beautiful piece of work,” the old man said.
    A window in the house opened and the fat lady called, “Poppa! You know what I told you. You stop giving things away. I’m going down for a nap now, Poppa. Didn’t hardly close my eyes all last night.” The window closed sharply.
    â€œDidn’t I tell you she sleeps with her eyes open?” the old man said. “Not many left like Agnes.”
    Louis thought that was probably a very good thing.
    â€œHow’d you do with the bar bells?” He felt Louis’ muscle. “Keep after it, sonny. Perseverance pays off.” He put his hand in his pocket and came up with a collection of things Matthew would’ve liked for his hiding place. A ring with a blue stone, three dice, a key ring and four pennies.
    â€œI spent all my money yesterday,” Louis said.
    â€œThe story of my life.” The old man sighed. “I’m going to let you in on a secret. This here is not a genuine sapphire. On account of that, I can let you have it for nothing.” He handed the ring to Louis, who wondered what Agnes would say. If she ever found out.
    â€œI could pay you next week when I get my allowance,” Louis offered.
    â€œDon’t mention it. I like giving things to deserving people. When the present fits the person, like those bar bells, it makes me feel good.” The old man shook hands with Louis. “I hope Mrs. Beeble and that ring are compatible. Stop by some time and let me know.”
    â€œO.K.,” Louis said. “Thanks a lot.” He started out with a springy step. He felt good.
    â€œHey Elephant Ears, we know you!