by Jim Huckabee

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: October 15, 2009

Every town has its less fortunate citizens and Janice Blacksmith was Langston Grove's. She kept to herself never having any friends as she grew up. She was labeled a beggar woman by most of the towns citizens since she wandered the town rescuing discarded cans from the trash cans.

"Hey Frank just look at that old woman over there. She lives out on her parents old place."

"So what about her? She just looks like an old lady without any money to me."

"She comes to town picking through the trash cans and taking money from the hard working folks."

Frank watched as Janice walked from one trash can to the next.

"So Brent, what is so wrong with the woman scavenging cans from the trash? She isn't harming anyone. I don't see her stopping people asking for money."

Brent snarled his nose saying, "She is a black spot on the town and she should be put in an freak hospital or something."

Frank watched her making her rounds from one can to another. He watched Brent change into a person whom he didn't like.

"Brent I think you are the black spot on the town. You are obsessing over an old lady who isn't hurting a fly. What is it you don't like. Her freedom to live as she likes or maybe it's the fact you aren't the town favorite since you drink a little too much on Saturday night?"

"You son of...oh just forget it. I can see you don't get it."

Brent turned walking away as he grumbled something about Frank. But Frank just shrugged it off to a small mind.

Langston Grove was a small town in the western mountains of the country which was under the worst depression since anyone could remember. The town had been exempt from the troubles of the country until the Hastings Mining Company began laying off workers. The mining company was the main stay of the community holding the largest number of shares in the Langston Grove Bank and Trust.

"What is going on? The sheriff is driving around telling everyone to meet at the community center. I don't know Brent but we should find out."

"All right everyone just settle down. All of your questions will be answered by Mr. Ben Jackson. He represents the Federal Banking Commission. If all of you will settle down he will get this meeting started."

"Thank you Mayor Bradley. Everyone please hold your questions and comments until I finish."

The room began to buzz with gasps and whispering.

"People please calm down. I came to Langston Creek to close the bank. But the last thing I had expected to happen happened. A lawyer from out of town walked in introducing

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