OCR Text |
Show - --- -- - -- - -- -- -- -- . - , . . . . ' - . , ,.. . - ' - s .. , - . -- : A. .,.. , ' , TIE - , .. , , , - , - . , ! ; , - ; out Johnny played on Um Door with bia last yesea spirmer. "Gee I hepit Santa briny me ipite - - ' ' .. , of ' Tom - San?' .,.,..Then ' , JtheY...,.11117nr,..! '"", - , , - , .. .. s'e ,: - ,.... 0 0. , . . - , c a LI , ,.. , r -- . ". , , ': - - ' , ' - - ' AY .... , . ,.... , , , .. f , . . ." " , -- re .. : ,, ig ; A , ', , 1 , ... . ti -7 - - t,HK131MA.) POEM . p many-blade- , , , , , I (r - f o- ' fri,16 - , 1 , t 1 , 7 ' '.' alt,t,, - ,- tictot;4. . e. ;" - '.; ". - . , . . , - , of ly little house where Ami ed anxiously for ten o'clock. She ' , - ' - ,, ,d, .:, , ' .. - - ead1:1 - da' , - eeu a, , , . , , ... , o'lieve , b , - Yar. , ollevemas , ,, . - -- - , ; I hl'n . - -- ' -- - - - - ' with--"Dad- llyt, 'I -- IT-11- . t - - , .. , , . . , . .. ', , , .. - . - , . a e aerv m inderly.- - - ,,,.-.---- lib - . - , ' yepsn , rah tpeP notice old Crab. lady Ann? Jensen exciaitio ed. "Who'd ever have looked for And nibbled thatr he at his gingerbread man. away 'Sure a surprise." piped Joe Yates.. "Wonder what has hap. petted.' When Ned reached the door with young' John, he heard Ann singing. It was a very different voice am:trace that- - gmewi- Ned this morning- when Ann ed on the porch. She drew.Nedr; face to her own- and kissed nint "Ned. deer. we so to see you. I've been so good happy all year, thinking and working for you today." Lovingly she watched little : - shawl a oil hl eradr altdd. taking a plate of gingerbread men, left from the tan and brown stockin gs. offered them to the happy youngsters. wishing earn of them a warm, Merry Christ. msa. "Gee, did , "-.,, . A-nn e"... A group of children singing Christmas carols passed ths lone- , - - lit-ti- - tler auturnstrnamathe-coal----mee------ e - - kin. g them.--Bar- -- - - - . chant delivered to Ann a great load of. coal all the coal inn would hold; The merchant at the dainty shop deliveradAesarm pair of blankets. Neither knew who paid for ire tultively knew. It was Ned. While Ann planned and work. ed. Ned took note of conditions as he remembered them on that ' visit last Christmas. Marks on the ceiling showed the roof leak. ed. The carpet was threadbare, The curtains were old and rag. sett. It was plain to see Ann had a few of life's necessities - only told none Of its oomforts. Daddy Tom's, Christmas money had ro turned to Ned many-folIt would be a Christ-likthing to spend some of it on Ann. So he drove with little John at his aide. that crisp Christmas morning. and in his inside pocket vras bank book made out to Ann Jones for $600. Ann was up before daylight to be sure the heat from the e old novo would warm the room by ten o'clock. She patted each gift in its separate wrap. ping with- tender affection. tn her shaky hand, she had manes,. ad to write on each: "From Grandma Jones to dear little John." Two tiny stockings strip. ed brown and tan were with gingerbred men 'and cooki- j , . wet:n14a, , ' , , - - , , next Christmas for him. I've got Its mate in the same paper r put it away. In thst Minims morn. in& I haven't touched it since," After prondeing to come next Chrisunu- - at 10 Lek. Ned, left, and when he delivered his tier . man at church that night. he knew in his soul it was more blessed to give than to receive. The next yeor sped swiftly for busy Nod. Ann spent steeples nights, planning just what would go into that pair of brown and tan stockings. Finally, she decal. ed anULU. gingerbread men with white frosting for jackets, currants for buttons. sweet spice cookies and pink popcorn bails. All these she could make herself. It was a pleasure to save to buy the wool to knit bright small stockings and mittens, a cap, and beat of all. a thick warm picket. It seemed to Ann as she knit - and stitched that her heart pew lighter: the world looked good once more. When the frosty days : - - , - - -- . . '"'t ) . - )) 4 --,, , .,..... chureh---tonigh- - 1 , - -- sinally., ; ..., , - - 1 - - 9. , , t ',,, - . , . ,, , . . s - ',-- 1 .., , , , .. - ritizzr i .. t ILL t Lu la J , . - - pn: 1 ,(-,1''' Sftal r U T...,A d'. q.... 1 Itil , n - - OV - . with pride. Allot had gone with mayba-Itime, it will come you Chrisunas cheer to a neighbor. know the Master saitt in his The phone rang. It was long dist. agony: 'Forgive- them. r Fothen ance, and a, voree at the other, they know not what: they do? end of the line said. 'Ned, thin in Ned. I didnt. know. eithet. I John. rm at Junction; was On my didn't know. "I'll toll you what- we'n do." way to Mother's but had to buck a snow drift and broke my car; he said. and lifting bar carefully wish you'd let her know I can't by the anne he ban ferried and half led her tothe halleized coal make it there before tomorrow- -t and lonesome nova, Lifting the lid. he said. guess she's pretty miserable." John paused., for 'wen- burn the little stocking Ned's answer and then said. with all its memories."' "You will? Thanks., old- boy; See "Don't Ned. Don't burn, it" ' you tomorrow." she said, pushing his hand Nedhurried' from the phone aside. gently burn it." Then -- with the words, ruigim in Ms of the time she was r she told him -- aare....Guses ohs's' pretty- - kma"- intendhig to- burn the otner lit. some and miserable.' The- - tam tle 'steeling.- when Nell said 'pleasanuwes of the past dropped, 'Don't burn it, mama. maybe away from Ned. All he saw was- woo Aber Uree Santa Claus will ..: a lonely old woman, on Chrimnms, too. He was going to talk "So let me have. it; N.,ed. and t on. "It's in the a iittle child in more bitosed to give than to re,, -a- tel, is there little child about advt." Wu it true? He'd put it your home. awere thenr Me age you to. the testa. Be- took a- - large .f.es, a little boy about that site basket Alice had Christmas ' and rOW imthialobstoen. his kind friends. the Walters. farewell. The little juggling train rumbled back down his mountain aide, onrrying him ut a small college town a few miles fromius old home Be obtained work. in the evening' and on Saturdays. Ile wrote his father about his plans and plunged heart -and soul : trite hie work. ' TOM' ivrots back. mrm Daddy so' proud of you, Ned. and. will call to ate you,- - as soon as the farm work lets up a little." -- While crossing the street oneevening to the stationery store. Ned saw the ,ted brown horse he and, Johno7' had 'entotret much, 00iningdown the street. He waited until he came near enough to hear Johnny hill out ' "Dad's very sick. Ned.. . Doctor sent says there's no hope.,..,.14. - ,, ma to tell you.", . . Ned- - enteeett-'eb-' When-skit' niont; Ann left with a ;cowling sneer. but Tom reached a feeble hand to the boy. ands ,thew ram tenderly- - to hint ' aDadoy yom- 'won't' ha' with And ,be nut rose next morning. ' - 1,,,. ' Alb, .. ' - cL, - - - - , - N , 746', , to-si- a'' - - - . . .,. , - - - , , Chlislthas .. ,, ''' .,, Lit , . . I ,,,' .t:,.,.-----....:- ; , , ,.. to fctrget Christmas story... 61;1t We all hig -she wiluld be able f - ' ' , it. ' - ,.-. ' ; ' This morning Ned- - Cams slowJ, ' Tom. trying calm., Ji.., toward his lather. Hitt voice, said. 'Yea I think that would be was husky as he sold. ',',Dad, the , ' boys are going to- the mins to flue, well, all go. " r work thia summer. Would :But a raging blitzard changed Mind if I went with them?" you Tom's eyes filled.. This- steel their plans.. awl Johnny plead, was the beginning' id what 'est. "Daddy, can't you tell us a' would eventually take ?fed away' otOrT, I reel. for sure. ,hatust.tesfrom him. "It will he pretty lonesome for goodness true ammonia etoryr Dad when you're gone Ned. but believe I can.' ...By George. if you really want to try it, I. " Daddy Torn answeredo and with a boy 'on each, Imee he ,bepn .calli: rettoort8.N113ta's hand and look., the-- - very deptlut of the- ed where the-li,og Jolumyli-letroy's soul as he solemnly odd: , they, and his own We had bi"Ned. 1,want you to vrrite to come intermingled On'the 'school me often. Understand? No mat. te what comes. I want you to grounds - wben, thc7-1- played let me know about lit you may marbles together.' , As ha tm. need help. and remember. Dada folded the tale, theboys thrilled always ready to he rem - last s to some ?trona were maddened' cent. Keep your mind ottd your Your mother would by oaten and leepeet 'to .titter itotilclean. ' want you to do- - that. and so toes in eager expectancy at still would Dad." Tom looked at the others. Gradually. .Tom led on pitifully small- 'Amalie in Nett's and on.' one 'Christmas followhand. "Wait here a moment." Ned looked :across the goo ing anhther with every toy men. tor - were-stripe- . - - - chairs for ITytull'I' ..", &shad, upstairs- to get their. ''' ittockings., , an- -. ,,.". one without boles." maid ' lolumy. but Nedit drawer con. 'tained only one pair; 7'hey old- sad- look Mto bil- tathees brawn, and- tan. a gift e7es. Ned couki stand punish. filen Aunt ?dary on MA last ; ', : mentbut he couldn't stand the birthday ": ' look al pain on his Daddrs taco. pureb,naseethbnlinnehthesnrioldt,hointlir end , Johnny. seeing Ned's predime - Jtiat that a heavy sten sound, , offered to lend him one 'ment. mistletoe, filled the basket with ' :; ed at the doorway, and In came dainties from their overloaded of his, but Nod declined, took one .; . shelves...mince pies, a, small Daddy Tom as the children call., at hie own. paired 4d..... his chair I plum- pudding. oranges. apples. L ed him Tom tosead up little I and went off to bed. Bun andy said, "Welt, well. al. 'Need anything from the Jun ig- appeared Just then-Ne-most- - Um tcr$anta, isn't lit at the door to say.."Mr. Nelson's starer Tom asked of Ann when 'ST at the door. dad; wants In les Just a few more hours." they were alone. "It keeps open trnt 1t-4eqb 4"43 -you." Then noting tha quiet littis can soon be and I t ' late ! tonight, "All tight, Ned, you finish i Ir;"1 c chap In th e corner be asked. back." the basket. Its ter a I packing Sick Nedr IC ehe , l? very lonely old lady. Wrap it up "No, I have everythinr , Ths 1111WIT was a very hum theevery best way." replied sullenly, Ned looked the basket over. , VA WILLES W4NG5GAMID, bla "No sir," 5 II L1TAH OGDE he and nutsr of N, No candy, no nuts, no popcorn. candy "Plenty 'Ns Daddy, Nod ain't tick:, ' no mouth- organ! What a basket! chimed In little Johnny. 11 was I questiomtd. , He proceeded at, once to supI II , I ), ' ktft "Yee. I Wm and he forgot and plenty." T '7 -t ea chasing ...I Ira ply those treesurre of boyhood, I ' . me to "Want 11.1 1 help anYr and dashing upstairs three steps 111111CTOes the porch with muddy i. )4- Izi) . ; N, at a time. loon came down with She turned finely toward him. : feet, and Mother said bed have iiiii tat" .IL..;i,,1 a little brown and tan sock. fill,,,, screamed. almost she "Not Nor WI bed to tims and there 41-kat 1, . ,' , ed with choicest candies from rf , "'rho bluest help you can give not hare any supper... , t a his own box. Little did he snow 0 o tk0 .t I to guess the sock he had taken out of the keep away. "Wal, rnt lorry Ned," eaid his ins is ,. .odat dresser drawer would bra such . lather., "But I'm tura it won't ' this lint the first time rve fill, I resulte--H- e wrapped- - the basket: t happen again. so I don't think -- silt Christmas stockings.' In bright tissue. tied it with gay. 1 I. I How Can Christmas in Germany meant laden trees. Sing? Tom looked at her sadly. and Mather will mind it you jump ribbons. and harmed it to his Tinseled and starred. with love on every gilt. mind about "Never father with. down now imd play awhilit with without a word went up stairs. e sock- ow can I sing of Christmas while the guns 21t Rut that was, yesterday. Now. men are tall bringing-thCries of dellgh got a mete. Clatter in warning, and our fears increase? And straight iiS pines and unifrwm as with's. lia lifted the frightened little nide upstairs MOM' about dayOn his way. Ned met Joe, the Sue While In nest Little and of massed fort battalions solid Morningg mapk as pictured gammons "Now wall a and Dainty-Shomid. light his in Ems keeper, persuaded chap Arii daily fare, how can I sing of peace? him U. unlock the door of the And drilled to meet the let's see how the spinner, works." end Nellie bugged the new dolls d scythes. a dairry about-and 'tore Santa, from bought Him received bad who will? came to Who would turn back? Vet. while we are engrossed Wby sing of Assured the boys wan limy they spread good lavender and white. in shawl der about scattered We lean yet on the rock of "tooth for tooth.popcorn In changing old for new, how much ts losti with du spinner. 'Yam went into and they one that would be lovely on any Which he prepared for burning in the kiln. dear old lady. Then he added dot kitchen where Ann was put the room in their glee. , some warm woolen gloves. bedTorn dropped oft to sleep ' Of charity to torm the lime Of Truth. ting the supper dishes in the romn slippers. and a pink and How can that Babe's first indrawn breath be heard ILL Help Me To Sing again..., Her failed to beet, the cupboard. ' housedress. each wrapped white the which by paused Above this clamor with its grtm intent? footsteps "Ned bad soPPerr hi alket , in holiday colors. Then he went awoke in on hie and'velsers more. hes not bedmeen door, but he O. Man of Nazareth. come back this day; , How can the armored hearts of men be stirred In a tiny room with the blinds beer- Joimny say. Ohl Let us but touch Thy garments or that gem By one lost star in an unseen firmament? going to have any, rzis sick and time to drawn. Ann sae er face hard O. words. be sharp as bayonets. to sting thud of drudging to keep thing , nevermlnd Ned. 'Twat: a dirty with love, whose wrinkled. The neighbors had. and Glowing ray kith trick. I'd tall IL But don't cleaned up alter Till rigid knees go down before the King? , learned, long since, to keep away, Blazed in a star one night in Bethlehem. T too cold It s Their Christmas cheer and gifts "Atm" Tom odd br se tender' t'ti, out. Teach us again the law we failed to learn. had been repulsed until, they A moment- Istee' Torn stumbled voice, Ws is Christmas Eva To love the Lord. our God. with heart and soul. had left her alone in her Misery. new animate by Don't spoil it for the yotmgsters. IL I Can, Remember Peace acrosseJohnny's , The girls bad written iettee and ,To love our neighbor. asking no return ' Christmu is note had door. it It lent gifts only from a sense of reedy for the chit. the bedroom .."'Save one of faith. the faith that makes us whole. duty. Ann sat huddled on the tied to it, written m Johnny's I can remember peace upon the world. dren, you know." me to sing, and touch all hearts to heed old lounge when Ned nipped at. Help old scrawl: your boyish ,"KeeP Peace. white and shining as this rippled snow. "You mein tor RIM" she raw ; the door. She opened it partly Never a time when song was wanted more.. If 1411S. ilantai Claus. I can rtrnember days when faith was curled and said curtly as she spied the plied bitterly. "What are you spinner old song, but give each word the smid justthat want don't one , I have Ned can't package under Ned's arm. 'Well: Around our hearts like flowering mistletoe : doing with that plater' ..1"' never known before. And bullets ..., 1 of force someone imagine I'm earring or none ,neither." Ned. Yuletide in England' rang with revelries getting supper for t - ,..'ThySpirit.Chrisr:Tky,word. that song of peace. freezing sad sent charity to on stairs. down continued Tom 4 14 He's been tuning errands for me Of caroling and merriment adrift.. Fixed in Our hilbAbl:i:;;;; the world release. . rkilig , VS: came to say John has brok11: bring tee, all day and you remember, he I Johnny was sitting in the big :;:" . . ) en his car and is at Junction. 'cold Sandwid; at tucker' with tears atmming had ;ally I He will not be able to reach here I' down his face. and as Tom en . until tomorrow. I hope you will 1 v to he room the tared have 4 very Merry Christmas." pointed 'Thart because he wasn't, ...... , He 'paned her trr the doorway, rID,(---),,,-----here. rm not going to keep a the- cludr where Ned hao hung IA met the parcels and basket on , ,,, , Nt before: the his evening meal stocking No. not , Veit for waiting. the table. and was about, to see see what I "Gee.. II , Daddy just teed his hand ana tell her who him, and ttuit's that, Tom Janes.' . 1 - -. .., he was, but thinking it would Just see." and tee "Bur Atto he wasn't here bee she-diTirol 1.1 &roues the old impleasentriess in ' 7 ' ))1 gauss I sent him on an errand to what Tom saw chilled his soul. 1474 her- - soul. he left.- - wishing her 1111)5 1 the blaelronith's and be had to There on the back of Noda chair once more arvery Merry Christ,4,..'.t -1 brown wait. I didn't hear him compisdn I, hung a little tan, and 71Itemmo. 11 11 1 As he opened his ear door. a 'Ned , can--b. about the cold sandwich. but he I stocking. limp and empty, Jo f' -fa.... 1.1.. 477, N.; --familiar voice spoke. "Well, of ",.7C't:; ; it Alt... .N.0 is going- to have a wenn sup didn't get a thin& not a single AsOis, all people, Ned Jones!" mid turn, 721.,,,A- thing. and If Nen aren't have . ' 4." t ing. he met an old collerm pal.. e" -.-..... 11,--...I Christmas. ' for dan't. They had feasted and starved '' Daddy Tom proceeded to anything , , , ; ,' .. .", . together. studied. and played on want any either." ,. '' .. ' - - , ,,..., warm , , the left , overs, and, then ' ' the football teem. The stei was He voice was gone. ''goln's put called Ned to .. , wending its way to the woof be, , ' ' ' : , , . , . - ' .. . fore they parted. Just then a hal. was through 'l'om sans& on his boots, coat and hat and and Tom were married. I tinned., and even the first red. den and felt a tinge of sorrow be died with ' Ned's arm around shrill voice called. "Ned Jones, to the barn just In time out went Johnny and taking each lad by come here. Come here- this inIt leaving.. But a glance at the him. Ned ears aPPleit that Santa had cunning' Today Tom.- Went- - alone with ' the hand he led them to the to see Ned affectionately left the new mound When Ann ruled supreme housewbere stant,. I say." maw not the - ly gathered and put in each of Ile wreathesthe his calf. in erased little that lOrrOW at pet ressing snow any, leaving. hill out behind, the barn country cemetery, It brought back all memories - the- boy's stocking& Out avith were imoweovered fastall knew His him he between. thee ties And, motmda, of years gone by. He almost felt thoughts working where all three tried to forget 'I'm so ,aCterY' about tith, old home were broken. the made of her hands un his his and returned when father the and woatherworn on the date he'brought haarda.naill 'neePiss: my boy", he said. and ""P"Ka everything except that it was a ten. dollar bill in his forever.. r ears. as be- went back to the All There were tears inrlhispeyes and ' some money Into Ned's Cbriatruas Eve ,hand. wooden heed ' -.' house. 1 After it tong. hard suggle. the was 'that a a tan in his throat as he said: and "nail day lump Ann pointed to the table' here A town was and "Tomorrow. fhim well go to shout the ; nettle and Susie , were fast diploma brown that "And little Nees Ned the won. stocking. 'trap brown.nen left hangtng the street al the told father morning. end and lay little college., and Ian asleep when they returned and you ran mend si for anything e oocic filled with candies, and entry on the back or ciasamates, football glory and the stocking. so pretty with brownl - son It was time to say goildbye. , : both boys began again with the you'd like." Torn watched the boyos until they ' and tan, He' do .1..ones, I' this' him, campus beloved, it little; lemtd to. and ina boystripes. hung limp Ned pressed Me taLuer's big faced life as an benindt us man. Me, a would,uyou id woman!' A were out of sight SilentlY- - he spinner. Out in tbai kitchen- Ann lits aorrmee to an orphan empty en the bails of.his chair." telling At youoffice a takehand care the man in "Deer both as his nit of was finishing the dressing for young healthy thepoat morning ewe, call. -- i.e. before he - left- the little eollege ' your prime! Would you hurt me .,..- - r Amiearefully 1istening in' the. rayed, e the turkey for Tom always. man. .,whtspered: "I know. how 'tia the Ned like , found' a town. this. letter , from of the mini Nedr ''' atone At room, diklared gate mai he heard the inwardly Iteturning home, eI hope you'll believe aged to raise at least two big Daddy, only I don't want you to erse home& a motherly looking Mr.' Walters congratulating him me ' revenge. : on I success when his onto for the holidays each year. feel bad. (91,1,10 anyway it don't clatter of knives and forks as and other I didn't teriderivwoman, was say among caring for Ann tot the dinner table. and in thee basket." ' lutowmit The years dragged slowly by a plant in a tub:, When Ned ht. things, Ned part of - returned. . ''That's a dandy fat leilow,'" matter; I mean it don't- matter Johnrirs' He interest the mine in the described the packing room boutshrill and your board.: hard. and yestere for yoke, much. Let's all childhood we Tom, but Daddy play. forget ' , said an Sneeda arm around i slipping ,he day for S201.,1 suggest you use, and wrapping and thee - its re hint, her husband. Mr. last ended as Ned and exclaiming. el tell you .1 won't 'Ann. But tits wife didn't to, about It." it Wa1ters4 was foreman of the wordtc ti.,, foundation, for a pee, eat a bit until- Daddy Tom feels finished Tom But to school. did it Johnny nutrient home. A man needs te --Don't bother to Mina ins sock-barIt big high Ned In a matter ee- Mine. wag time. short spend to the caress, Instead she like he can eat.' It to was hasn't feetif and hte much much. the streets in plant matt" a, and ' and he..exPecta any somettrieg very May, good rang placed positioni turned bitterly upon Tone, , She looked at him. coldly and , ' Toms heart stood almost still with happy call of"schoot is living with the family,' was won spread his branches." el suppose you think you did went out of him that Moaning. of a the Two miles steadily. "L believe you. Nedi I real the along privileges enjoying highway.. ounHe come and play." knew from now on llife would sPlAin se Pe saw Ann slap John. a smart thing tonignt. Torn ,,, , a Ned panted "For gale sign. It home you ever lied 'in , , be very different between him iiy across the face With it wei. 'e As Daddy Tom worked Willy One evening as-- Ned' washed was a corner kyt trhich had been your Ts' seI betieve you now."' IOnert, How do you thinic Ili the dust and grime of the mine part ot an old- feint& A- largo Something Inside of her seemed would never lowv1." He stePPatt.,In between ever be able to manage that child and Ann. The cutting weeds near the, small from his hands and face. Mr. evergreen treeliee the ens, at, tbomamneitut:lw-tnibel:licattbe a Christmas again that he, them and with ,A rough,,inuid ,, white .' with you butting in like thatr' garden fence. Ned, aitha no iteareelLeWalters- Reid kindly, "Mind if I hit old imme attracted him, 110, wouldnt remember a little 'boy pushed Ann away. bundle , his in was band, fore want I week Ned?' neonplied to with wash the over, Ned you eWhy Ane se id Tom, at. with his ams isroimd recales neck ra promised this' boielrefathee "You brought them to me Ned, : approached. Placed very care. tilk a tittle tee you' about an in. placed the deeds to the lot with tempting to draw her to him, and a Little brown-anhis a safety beloved Re vestment never matte,e' in look, 1m rd diploma' and, after ymt go. telmight tan stock-..hfully in the bundle eras the UV told Ned of a new mine and its, dttosit box and d 'the Master- said that it were over' here Ned. began to look for mind, Mg tt)416 it." ha almost shouted em turd brown ing U. . ten and ' containk ' hanging. sock, a to to confided work. a him have mill stone brtter thaP Letilemeathlk litetleh"ee, , ou: frrtoruot , at, ben, prospect& NM, That collecting himself.. ing the Cltristinas money his lite his ii. , He Two theWalters plan for the coming year weir around one's neck than to offend the back of a he said firmly. 'Ann, undernts..d loutige. She wept bitterly. Then. was to a "Sold wrote intv. little to he mote and but .he college. sad go little again: ther had him be. everything given years , I little child. Nees only a little heart and Johnny's raising her tearful evm said. his !honey to that end. Then of your interest in the mine. En. loyally. Ile ono" aid for all Lime, you ars (bre. Where the sock's mate was log clam Just the tame age as he thought 'of the, Mtstems ckwed find S400. I suggest you Ned., I want never to strike one of these oink'. when' to "berth home ' - - Joneny. I,et's makathemhoth. , paced up end down- in the -little build on reay It I. maid My .1Iye little memerineetree ittinin? allertrat. between the barn ant gren , Christmas morning Ann- : het striped stocking. and he told bis that lot" Later Ned built that me years oven, sou would not : happy, especially for christmawe ' a find litthe eminv stocking on Dinner was mostly a farces home and took to It the girl he friend the story"I would relit. the house.. , door opened the beater Imola, ,, well .. annuals, eoh had chosen tor his lite's comyour chair Christmas morning. ly like to invest. that money,' Tom. turned and to , The .., big turkey... plump-- - and .t1;,e'thing 'that isad, made bur ' g ' where Ive , added. need will it lonely years to he Med it panion. your thoughts. are- the the hay. stack where. c Brindle brown., left the table 'be nmett ' feel so guilty, but when 111think it all out Intteatt, of Once each year. Ned nand ot , when he is oide' ,ber said harshly, as she pushed him. mooed for her breakfast ' same the in was which it Mr.. Walters took the money shape the gravel of Father and Moth. ;Towing mellow, I Made myself it Ann tie- Nen- screamed, out.t. eDoret seay.:- 'Tett aleraya think of wondered from Ned and said. "MY boy. er. With barvd head. and also paid grow more end nme hateful tire " Don't! plaeed steaming hot In front of" ' burn Ned's why there sass no milk stocking, : ' , tii I persuaded myself the world see to I'll. her on. days that it dear Aunt money homage at the tomb of your yes. ' end to' grain that trite iting,, OM did: ' Tom's plate'. Sometime later Dowtri-- A nn, bed fled to her was against me. But I know. '"..... is not lost I believe it will grow Mary ' of Wier not mention ID or it Illtt noticed ..lonnnY rushed into the roota own reom.l. wrapped the sock in and YOU' know, It was my Own until it fills your little stocking Again Christmas came. He ' - ., 'Arm." ba odd ligatn au tender, that Nad was not hungry watthed &rota fill stockings in. . Unit. Daddy!' There piece-a- t. Christmas, paper snit, to overflowing." hone,n to turn - - - his own can 1,,arrn home. coinforteole Nest her ectukt.---i- r vou W for-yoga- don't . stallht"lhetheresilthveller of 7:harin411 Prngrant at, the church, bowl his Johrinr, Pashad' YNece in it hastily found, Ind pushed - tare foe meb at tre MOO morning. his own little son.'Neri rye me mew, 6ut L min don't take your spite cracked, wheel,. away ,, withisut-and Mist Dix Is going to tell' a to the hottam of her trunk, bop. Few cold and tasrup, Ned twos, Junior, rLtpiayett his new watch sok you to think about it. and , ,. - : , , ,,,..0 .. ( ' - 111ve .. - : it. she said nothir.g.tho kitchen, Tin .tvento some dor' overrun tying then ita Wreath& Be had- done this sway Ovid-m- u since the epedimio had rob- bel Anne home of oi huaband uand father and Tomes of a avand motbeaN At first,. Ann had , onn,n with him to the email comet, both toyed...es slept., and together she and- Tom bad talked. of the past and laid on - the two graves their emblimts ot. love. But, the, spirit- of letdown' had crept into Atml sour until, it had poisoned all that, was line. Tom: bad promised his old par and echommate on his death bedthat Ann' and, tz:scre !rho need, liar Alice-baddied of the dread' diseeee.' and they laid them side bj aids on MOsimile! day...? Alter three, year. ' of lonely. etruggle.-'- Ann- In the sitting room', Johnnyand. Ned arranged two chairs side by side on which to hang their stocking& They naked em. titidly of the joy, they expected with tomorrow and the coming - ; 1R., touching Out 121 td with branches. Jones. before-yothrough with thia ,I'll shots' you what is."'" ,..,. ,, 0 ., es - I eau "tomtit. but little chap yet.' ' cot Ned. hes only a: she cried, "spite? "Spiter u're with a stripedbrand new-onwheel this- year." he add is be strugged with bis broken toy. . "I hope he brings ma a doll wWt brown curls imd a lace thew' piped in little Nell its sha to sleep in put old Baggety Ann - ' ' the rocker.. a "Come on Ned .'"called Johnny, 'cam on and play. It h. life., to. you. I'll P1, 11!all - ' : whoa- thing to Daddy!' , 4.0;- no, you inuan't do that" T' tried out a halt fellow- an a chair in the comer. He knew , ' ttutt tilling' insimt-- trringing that , ' , , ,r- -, , - ; ; -- 17,, 1C:,. i , , ( , . a . : DEm.r.::.71 H , ,L,. : , - , , --11aae' dee - , . :.. ,. -.1 0 fole.,oisto ESTH E REDe H.0 IT. FA . : ,(-4- 1 . . , - . - , ., , , . NEVIS, - t . ., rrlI- I , c, ..,. , . - , - - tA , , SALT. LAKE: CITY, EATLT,DAY, , - .;,,,N , , : !. ', '''"- '. -. , . , . i , , , .. ' - - . . . anohdntrapedhethlinemwraotepeettlidthieeughglfetita with delight at he staid. "Now-ca- f skate and sleigh-rid- e and not take cold. Can't I. daddyr Then Ned drew the old lady to his side and plated the bank book In her hand and for the filet...time she learned of- - Tbm'e gift. 'We'll have a new root on the ; house .w,d a "dfor , -- -' - ' sts , - - - - attibedl-re- -- intend ran, may Jui etleed'..acadne said; - toward whitcuriously' : the first,. sate. atin.the hasim.k of.,?4,ed- - So good."' ,,, "en. etittreirseel half aloud. "I won'. detif i t Anode,. him .happy--do this for me as I have been ail' ' through the yearege oianning : r .htm knodueeher beside the Hula - old ' lounge and prayed: "Dear Lord, I'm so happy: L. thank Thee for all that has nava ,, paned. But above all. I, thank, !Thee that the. Spirit of .Clirig sent Ned to ooften my hard na; ture and .o teach me Imre, In. 'sued of hate. And dear Lord. I bare 11Truittle vitt:lpod stix'motolv Ines at haul.. blested to give than to receives.' that !....as , u . . - - n-- ' - - - - ' -- - . , ' , , , . , . , , . - - - , - - |