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Show A USEFUL GIFT. TIIK little kindling pedler noisted the heavy bi ket from the tail of his wagon and staggered up the walk to the basement door, making headway with dilllculty ogalnst the keen wind, peppered with ball. After he had taken his burden Into the kitchen he started out again, when Mrs. Brown called him. She held a little bundle. 1 "Oh, Zcke," she said. "Here's a little Christmas remembrance for you." "Thank you. ma'am." "It's a real nice skirt. It's too small for me and too big for my daughter, but It's Mill good. The colors In the plaid have run together some, but It's quite handsome. hand-some. The bottom Is frayed, but It can be mended. Tho seams arc loose, but they can be sewed. It'll he useful for your wife." "Thauk you, ma'am. I haven't any wife.'' "No wife? Well, for your sister, then." "I haven't any sd.stcr." "Your aunt or cousin or somebody." "I hnven't any." "No women relatives?" "No ma'am." - "Well, then, give It to some, friend who can 'isc IL" ' "1 haven't any." . , "Dear me! You might inuke it Into a pair of trousers," said Mrs. Browu dubiously. "But there's no one to do It for you." " "No ma'am."- ' " ; "Well, it's a real nice .skirt. Here it Is. Zcke." "Thank yeu. uiu'am." The little kindling pedler shutllc-d down the walk, his shoulders hunched against the swi-cp of the storm. Out lu the street his. horse, gaunt, sharp ribbed and patient, stood with lowered heud. Tin? little pedier l""ked at the animal a iuoment, then slowly unrolled tho wklrtand rare fully tore It from bcin to waistband, lie- tossed it over the horse's back, making It fu-sl with a I'll of Ktrlivg. "I "most forgot yon. Jennie." be said, as he mounted Ul3ly to his Ktat. "Merry ChrUnuus" |