The Fable 'Proving That Spongers are Found in a Drug Store' (1914)

Once there was a good-natured old Scout who opened a drug store on the corner with the intention of making money enough to buy bird seed once in a while. The first Gink who blew in wanted to know the correct time, and not a cent's worth did he buy. The next was one of those hurry-up guys who wanted a city directory and wanted to know if Murphy was spelled with an "F." Shortly after Estelle came in and wanted to wait for Laura. She was dying for a drink of plain water, she couldn't drink soda water because the gas got up her nose. Finally, when Laura came she bought a postage stamp, and not having any pennies, said she'd be in later to pay for it.