OCR Text |
Show I i I 4 V ' Vjf llv THE TRI-WEEKL- vr JOURNAL, LOGAN, OTA El DECEMBER 24 1M8 Y her venerable head unChat.-brought a few coals in my wife as she bent Jdhn Frostberg did so fiStT eXposM-abo- ut The eteighi stopped in .front of a smnTl til it rested on the pillow at the' side of the faces of two children. Alercy! basket,, which I bad the pleasure of one story frame building. An old fashasVirmtirn; jt. Tin iu the gutter, and theyll help, ye her aged husband. are children! he exclaimed. I cast them oat forever, exclaimed ioned square window, extending ' two be useless. In 75 yearlJt oa will box the em k ia know. the put .jest Ill Yes, host, sleeping John Frostberg. Ilia face was the pio- feet from the house, was dimly lighted replied a man who --seemed aor uat all cf et e their covering.-1 rthe hearth. Beside There ws sgi at?rwTfcr ee too. tnracf agony. Great drep-- nf sweat by hqto. said John em, and ye neednt be afraid to heap utterly heartless. came from every pore; The demons sides, panes small and dirty at the Rags for bedclothes? iu his .presence You,B which, up.-Saying heapJem f wererbrightnid Frostberg. i ( ' Where is the bed? asked the host. instead of putting them in tho box. he aud be turned into tbe street. They were tagging and rending at clean. Strings were stretched ncro. Bee could be if tho only Father, grate, melj. his heartstrings, determined if possible and from these dangled cakes, littla They are lying on rags. There is uo emptied them all into Yon found them? Did you not buy am sore be would let us remain if .only! to bnrst the tenement they had so long bunches of candles, bunches of raisins, bed under them. No sheet, nor blanket, for a few days until I am gone. '. ' with here and there a toy a supple nor coverlet over them. Nothing but them? asked tbe woman, occupied. ' No, my dying -- ebildJ told kjn of 1 believe you John Well, I found the rags first, pointing to' the 'sleeping Frostberg, said Jackr--a tiny doll, a paper elephant, a rags. She em conwerted somo you, but his ears were closed to my paper, and gathered them off the streets; .his guest, bet I mast test you. Put tin horse and carriage, with other com- womanfindin as em, the same so is stcry. Ob, if when you go God would them whicn make as to ; washed and coals, cqver-on your great jont and' 'muffle yourself mon toys, such as the shopkeeper thought us all we - up. We must take a rids, together I would gait the purchasing ability cf his ing for her babes. Did yon ever see her and I cenwerted' a few of era into bo so merciful as to take our end thus and from three suffering j bread.He drew a loaf of bread 'have a fclcigb,at the it.M.r.' customer." Extending from the front said the his bide must Wo will, little the aud laid coat it pn under his of tbejwlndovv sill were pies, piles of t crosses as our mother. wife em Heavy when to and stand. conwert Its easy cake and parcels of candy. Crowding CHAPTER IV. ; , not Were wo them. must we carry cm are, i b i w n n do easy. on d noses got yeve wery ar , with t w press' .Without remonstrance or word, John ed them. would . he able How can I ever repay ,you? I hope lighten them, j against the paffes, were ragged chilFrostberg obeyed his guest. Coat, muf- dren. John Frostberg attempted to leave Some were hatless and others She has turned her face full upon you, j that some day I shall be able to xuiko fler and gloves were soon on, and as he when the host detained him as: that yon might read iu its. expression yon some return not as pay, but to coatless, while all the girls were shavvl-les' on head the his : gnest said the woman. he asked: placed his hat and most of them were without , Where are you going? Wdvo get more leJ the way to the sleigh. It looked as bonnets. There they stood shivering in Into the room. No, I connot enter. if made cf mit, iand as he stepped into the cold, gaping into the window with tliug , except the wuh us ail tbe I could not lock them intbe face. it he feared thutit Would fall to pieceB months and eyes. Occasionally a child in her arms this little wasted fuxia guawiu whicb-nbuihfs death. Yon go. with his weight. He noticed that while no better clad than those who thronged (touching' one of the ' babes), that she time. Ill jest leave this caudle for iear presence would te ' s that was them attest the .snowflakes, be tbo with truth Tell the air night-itof her story with the babies might, sick in (Mod they shall remain the' sidewalk came rnnninginto the might ' . that the debt is paid. face. them she on Tell ever. there -- was none in the sleigh, though street, entered .the shop and spent a sank time. Weary, pleading it must have stood in the storm for an penny or two. The purchaser was the your, steps and was there when you j Ho laid it against the loaf of bread Oh, tell them anything and everything,' hour. Ah he took bis scat, invisible envy of. the ragged crew., When the came from 'ohange. She held out her j and started for tbe door. He limpod cs and it shall be ns you have said ! I bt hands tacked robes about him until he shop was without customers, a little hpnd and asked you to look. Did you he walked. seeeb yoy, be quick, lest he die l(a ' were horses smothered. The do tho You womasked No. it? were almost said she where aro lame! the that is in thir chair die! old would man reach a face with wizen ,was Why, you bed than mof the same material as the sleigh. They over the pies and cakes and give the faithless officers of the law that they an. IIow did yon get hnrt? , It is better todio in that thrust did not look like flesh and blood, but string hanging between the legs of the did not drag her to prison. Af the sound him, Yes, by acoideut. I was wery busy tbe street into which you " like fog. The guest, who had now be supple Jack a pull. Jack would kick of the word prison '6he sprang from workin of a barl wboH some gentlemen said the host. . come host, gathered up the reins and at his ownihead and taDgle bis long yonr steps. She had but one thought' passed, and as I was ini tbe way, one of John Frostberg felt that lie was sinkiaud that was to reach her other babe.' em jist give me a push into the street5, ng,- wheu the stropg arm of tbe h&t the word the team fairly flew. There with his long arms. The ragged were no bells on the horses, and as they clapped their hands and shouted it. Yec, boro him up. and lifted him into the Dragged to prison,-4- t would be left in and I fell on my hip, dashed over the snow bed not a sound laughter at the antics of the toy. this desolate room to starve and die. I'm not strong riko I once was, el fid I fekigh. In ' apotlier moment ho wa at She fled from jour cruelty , to this wouldnt push over so easy. Im was mada On they flew through nar-rcDoit some more. Make him gitti is bido, end ns the- - team rose fro: the streets until they reached Wido-wawretched home. She will starve here if old and rickety and goes down wtry earth to the pathless air John Fret, berg hisself again, they shouted. Here they met sleighs which were Only 5 cents for that delicions sup- one bingle resource fails. Her benefac- - j easy. I got tho piece of carpet out jf in very agony exclaimed: ' filled with young ot both sexes, singing, ple Jack, remarked the little wizen tor is a ragpicker,- who occupies a low- that wery barl, as is wery nice to keep Oh, (Spare rue! Show me noxuoref shouting and laughing until the air faced shopkeeper. "Cant noneof ye git er room. lie keeps her aud the babes em warm. Good night I was goin to My brain is on fire aud my heart L ach- -' alive. was weighted with their merrymaking. 5 cents fer to bay him? say Merry Christmas, but will Wait ing. Iu mercy spare meV . ChristAs the 6lelghs passed Tbelflre aud pain wm purify ycu, till 'morpia .in the hopes that it will leaked Merry at the ragged John Frostberg Y. CHAPTER The crowd and muttered, These are the voices. from camo suit Somethin better. turn many up. not eousjnme you. One moru sce, Jehu. may fipasi John Frostberg could stand no more. Goodnight. "host responded, Merry Christmas! children of the poor. Then turning to Frostberg,- one more scene, and- only but Jobu Frostberg sat in silence. The his host ho said, Dont yon think it God of mercy, forgive me.' God of Good night, ' kind friend ; good on 9. Tbtn I will Ic.ivo you. You must sidewalks were thronged with people, is getting very warm? at the same love renew my .opportunities. Send the night. look upon it. It vyill save 'ber, uud, A hurrying to and fro, entering stores, time pushing the robes from Lia person. poor to me again. Crowd my office with ' ' I think something will' turn np, what is stillbetter, it will save you. What is your opinion, Eefore the lost could reply they heard them. Block my doorway. Cause them said tbo host. only to rofippiar with arms filled with Jehu Frostberg made uo answer. II J to cling to me in he street and lead me John Frostberg? of the their and greata child crying. pockets packages rested in the sleigh as though dead. to their homes. Ob, Geif, renew my coats packed, with them. The streets Yes, right now. Ill speak to ber, What is that? asked John Frost-xerDo yon want to tee her, Jc. .i were brilliautly illuminated, and the . he opportunities. neck an his endeavor in asked the hot. replied. y stretching Frostberg? show windows of the stores were mar- to see. .Thawing,- John Frostberg, thaw- No, net now. I have other matters Back to tho crowded city, ever tho for you to attend to. The morning v. iJl ravines and rugged hills, over tho ro.fs vels of t'l.rjtyjmd taste. NotwithstandNothing, answered the host, only ing.. Do not mock me. wars I rather me, do. Rise early, John Frostberg; rise! BUrt above tho tin intense cold, pity everybody ing that little thing's feet cannot ftand the Epires, across the great a lie. Help mo to liva been have We will leave hero, living happy, and smiling faces greeted smilsnow to cf and the and through tho throng eyly ice, pointing ground biting pleasure An unseen hand, hoisted tho window ed streets tkcy'pcd, until a narrow v ay ing fates at every turn, while the sound a little child who was bare- thetrnth. Show mo tho way. You are on it, John Frostberg, you . noiselessly, and in a moment tho two of little t battering voices penetratfd footed. was reached. are on it, replied tho host were In the sleigh. John Frostberg did tlie srmts as tho store doors were Bless me, bless me! Shoeless! We will not enter here. It is not A rap at the door interrupted. In an t robes. lie was burning m o. opt hofueed'ny said John Frostberg. She must be proYon will be able to see necessary. instant tbe light which made every- hot. Away flew tbe misty horses, over Go along! said the host to the vided with shoes. Where can we a said tbo host, pointing Look, get enough. horses and the puce Was increased. pair for her? Poor littlA thing! Feet thing so visible went out, and dead tbe roofs of tbe houses aud over1 tbo to the upper window of a twosti darkness prevailed. tops of cupolas and spires tbe weird dwelling. They flew past a larpd sleigh. John freezing! The light is very dim, and Who is there? asked the woman. Frr-tb- i team flew. They passed over a great 1 think she has wearied rg noticed that it was filled wif and fallen, to He came then a Just up. policeman It is only me, old Fred. child:' pleasure ground. Its dtives were crowd- sleep over her daily toil. Perhaps ksiie girls and boy, iu the mid t spoke to the child in a rough tone, when God bless you, God bless yon! mut- ed with sleighs, filled with youth and stood .an tl.hrlymau with of who:-has been thinking of Christmas eve 25 an older one crying as she spoke: tered the woman as Ehe felt her way to beauty, and song and merry laughter, It may bo that she has sigh-- , Jibe's my little sister. 1 was holdin tbe years snow white hair and I card. Whenever door, on opening which a stoop greetings, ' and the sweet .jiugling' cf ed andago. herself into forgetfulness. and now arms of but wept cf her, a out, met it my give stopped. children, bevy shouldered man of 60 entered, bearing bells filled the air. Tbo sound of tbo ,it Do yon see anything? criiultim elderly, man I cant. Jump-inin ouo hand a lightod taJiow dip anil bells died cut.- The scngrTmdiatrgbter J ohu Frost berg'b tr a: uedTIm eyes hi It looks crowded, but it is not. There; Why did yon bring her here? ask-,e- the other a bnsket. . and shouts of the merrymakers grew his anxiety to discern the object at the room for a million more! I have driver, the policeman roughly. Yes, its me. Its late to he disturb- - j fainter and fainter, until they were lost window- -' The --light was iow ia the this thigh for ever 1,800 years and Oh, she wauted to come so bad. and in of ye, but I found such a nice pic-cin the diotance. Then they prssed over socket and fitfully flickering. A tongno have never had it full. Jump in, dar- seo all thatLings, and I carried her and of curpet today and that as how I ficUb and deep ravines, which of flame would rugged shoot up for an instant bolded her till my arms give out. Didnt knowed it would keep the babies warm, were smoothed and lings; jump in exquisitely sloped and then shrink back, as if reluctant to At the word tho little ones sprang you, isaditr Sol washed it andjlried i and here it with snow.. Even. tho. bald rocks were aid in exhibiting tbe Eorrowfnl piclura' into the sleigh, and tho fun became fast The big, burly policeman picked her Is, cleats and warm and dry, aud itll sheeted over with the white carpOb tbo tongue cf flame fot a moAgain and furious, while the elderly man up, and, gathering the side of bis great- cover them sweetly, as its cold-Are you asleep, John Frostberg? gettia ments : space, and then darkness imshouted coat, wrapped her little bare feet in it. er. inquired tbe host. John Frostberg was tremthe. penetrable. He held ber to the window while the Tis the merry Christmas time No, I am awake and busy with the as smitten with death. though bling loved He lh of faced Lord wizen the Christ, little shopkeeper gave birthday long past. I am at the old homestead, of flame. He would that tongue Again r.r;t little children and bade them bring supple Jack a pul). When tbe toy had and under the chestnuts and elms again. see crowned bead with fair, a them to him. done its gymnastics, tbe policeman tapShe is with me. I am gathering wild that was and all. The face was hair, and on There were clapping of hands the head, paying: ped the older girl flowers wading for buttercups and her hands: Then in hidden, resting one as This of home. will shouts the Show tho , great sleigh passed way joy cowslips'ond climbing tbe rocks for the darkness for a few seconds which apon with its precious burden of Christfreeze if it stays here. wild honeysuckle, while she claps ber peared likn an age, when tbe tougne of mas eve hearts. When John Frostberge The girl scrambl'd her head where tbe hands and throws kisses to me, as I flaxuo again shot up. The face was from rose down saw he club bud touched. then started the great sleigh, host hold up the flowers. raised aud exposed, and on the instant bis seat All the children recognized the street, with her faco tamed back to , Thosedays will return, John Frost- Jobu Frostberg bad jumped from the him and kissed their hands to him in the shop window. berg. They will return if you wish . sleigh. , , , . response to his greeting of .Merry The host whistled and tho boms them. he ! exclaiu ed. hVniiy! Christmas Fauuy.V' Christmas! Merry Return-Mretu- rn started. He gavo a littlo jerk, when return repeatI he - .. T shouted. .of in faintest Fanny Fanny. the Jphn Frostberg ed John Frostberg. they left tbe earth and commenced Whats tbo matter, sir? Whom do whispers said, Merry Christmas! prancing through tbo air. Noticing tbe Suddenly tbe pace slackened and tho reThe host alone heard him and aeiial flight, John Frostberg grasped hia horses dropped to the earth and stopped Where Is hhe?. Where is he? Where marked, You are thawing, John Frost- host tightly as he exclaimed: - --- ' at the side of un old fashioned brick t am I? was answer. no there but We are flyberg, What does this mean? honse, which looked os if it had grown Who. sir? What she? What be? Away they dashed, heedless of acci- ing tbrongb tbe air and not on the out of the ground. Locust trees surI dents and fearless of danger. Tho enow Yon are in your own room, sir. rounded it like, sentinels, through Jbe streets.., , Frbst-ber"had ceased to fall and the heavens were is It 'yOuTMddisonfand you ouly Jnst an elevated road, John bare branches of which the keen wind sighed John Frostberg, ns he fell buck sparkling with a million coronets. Tho that is all. Just as safe as if you sang a whipping song. streets were in inch a blaze that night wero on terra firms. Dont hold me so Be kind enough to get out, John into the scarlet chair. be able to Yis, sir; iti me. Who were you never appeared to be challenging day. We would get said tbe host. Frostberg, ' John Frostberg began to feel uncom tight sir? Theres nobody here hut As John Frostberg obeyed, the host through the labyrinth of ,theso teneselves. two our I was comin to y$ur lortably warm. He pressed away one of ment houses, so we will jnst step in took him by the arm and led him from room when heard you call. You the. robes which. were bound aroond through the windows. We will not disI sir, the sleigh to a window, The shutters him, stretched his neck, twisted his turb them, though they wake easily. It were open and the blind up a few inches. must have been doin it iu your sleep, body, and said: is difficult to sleep when yon aro hunIt is not necessary for us to enter. sir.' Have you had lmd dreams, sir!? It is much warmer here than down gry and cold, and most of these teneJohn Frohtberg made uo response, Wa can see and hear enough. Look! town. That is a bleak, cold place of ment people are hungry and cold. sat in his chair, his head restiOon but John Frostberg saw a large room, ,Bc hrlhcr to the trfndow. mine. . s The horses stopped at a fifth story n bed in a comer,' on which was the scarlet pluh. with f Ho took from tbe basket which he had bad, sir, to have bl,d dreams. Its Temperature is about the same,, but window. The host touched' the sash, lying an old man. At hi side stood a a on floor as of the and piOcu carpet, put the surroundings are different. Besides, and it flew up as if by magic venerablo woman with brow wrinkled Very bad indeed, sir. I suffers from be opened ont said : aud she is in yon are tnawing, John Frostberg. Yes, aud cheeks furrowed.. A young girl, them myself, sir, and they always tiling asleep, Step lightly; Its a lovely pattern, aint it? with them bad feelias. Is there any sir, thawing. Let ns leave Wideway; so are. her babes. Follow mo anil yon so wrapped in a heavy shawl, was seated indeed. will It them Yes, keep crowded is us with Vit rich. the Let. over ... go will not stumble thing I can do, .sir? in W anything. she said as she walked to where Her!m easy chair in front of the grate. w&rm, 1 where we can see the poor. the when dark Madison; Nothing, entered, nothing. they Though eyes were large and sunken, yet of The poor, the poor, muttered John room was instantly flooded with light, the children wore lying and spread it wondrous Well, sir, good night, fir, an4 I Her cheeks were brightness. over them.' ' Frostberg, as though he were trying to shroud white, save a spot in the center hope, sir, youll not tie plagued ,wEh Tuck all aronnd Thats it more dreams. Good night, right of the two the meaning', oomprehend just sufficiently strong to make every 'em. Im sorry its not jest a littlo big- of each, which was scnrlet Her face any Good . Words. night. Wake mo at tbe da" wus visible. thin and wasted, and her hand, thing in the room distinctly would wrap clear' around of day, John Frostberg did not Yes, the poor. Yon, do not know Asleep on a chair, her head resting on ger, then it which Jay uncovered, was' almost man his Madison much about them. You have seldom a little stand, was a woman. In the them, said the old man. ns he bade him gy She raised to as her it month You are so kind, and I and the little He seen their faces. Often you have seen grate a few coals were rested in his sourjet chair, night. if to still a cough, that she had scarceburning. There with his eyes closed, while ho breathed their . outstretched, withered, bony was no carpet on the floor or other fur- ones so dependent. Were it not for you ly strength to make. wo would die. hnd ceusuljUa hands; you could not avoid them as niture in the room. heavily. The Not so, not so. God takes care of ye. the"We must goTIIe has no pity, said song. Tho masschimney did faces. (heir see to I want coal was misty with of you Where is her bed? asked John you old his man, in turning restlessly Whats that story ye was jtellin me bed. ' them look into their hungry eyes and Frostberg.ashes and tho white flames had all (fiod , Me bird about the that fed tbe hollow cheeks and wasted features. The pi&n Where? echoed his host He may relent. Surely he, is not out, leaving hero and there little ebasrm has birds. eight may help to thaw you. where the embers still showed. For a On tho floor in the comer of the room still You aro bis raven to me, said the without some compassion. I will go to few Ou through the side streets flew the minutes ho was silent, gazing on was what appeared to be a pile of rags. him tomorrow and plead. On this Christ woman. L.nru-, they reached a point where The host led the way to thorn. Then his eyes wandered to vacancy. gift day he will be more tender. God 'Sttfhll CMI lAf !ts,wer8 narrow and the dwell-n- c hand. Slowly lie opened I'.l MJPbk . cjiochad sidfill will his ? a.hejidfuLJie heart with pity, said the ia ilRd XrJtmir andiUu'S'Hb r find-The- y have-never-m- a-a- -iJ These-rags-ar- rapr Niv-joujum- wereoot-ieavieg-bHH-witfKr- em-jap,- -- - st ll tit . . -- - -- the-windo- s, . ei-e- es -- J - J - T w y. J - - j g, N - ( . , 1 H. -- d ! j ! -- j I ! i J sun-hin- y . , . ' g; - , 4 s , - , , - - I , - -- sir, . trans-parcu- - - si' t. 1 |