The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1864-12-17
for the gittle 9olks.
WILLIES CHRISTMAS GIFT.


tell you all a secret" whispered Su-
sic Lee to her brother, one morning
after breakfast. Mrs. Lee had gone
out to do some shopping, SO tho chill
dren had a good time for their secret
convention. As soon as they were
all in the room, Susie, who seemed
to be the only one who understood
the secret, began to tell them what
1t was. "Yoa know" she said, sit
is almost Christmas time, and we al
ways have some nice presents on
Christmas. You think it is Krist
kringle who sends them 10. US, but
Eve found out where they come
from. 1t is our father and mother
who give them to u.s."
"No it isn't, il is Krist Kringle,"
shouted Willie.
''I'll tell you how it is, little bro:
ther," said Susie. "Do you know
what Christmas isl"
''lts day when we get ever so
many goodies!"
"That's not all OF it, Willie. II is
the birthday of Christ. God, the
good, gave Him to come into this
world, where we are all wicked, and
help US to be good like Him. So
He was Gods gift to us and Krist is
only another name for Christ. And
you know all our good things come
from Him. God puts it into the
hearts Of our parents 10 give them
to Us. And think that as they al.
ways give us presents. we ought to
give them some too. II will make
them know that We love Them"
"Oh, yes" cried all the rest; "let
/. US give them some Christmas gifts,
too" 49, g t.
"Whe.e will we get money en-
ough TO buy things that will please
big folks!" asked Harry. us
Sand what can we get that they
will likew said Jennie. a.
,.Susie can tell the best" said A.
lie; 'slet her make plan for Us. We
ought to, for she was the first one 10
think Of it."
81 think they would like some
thing that we make ourselves bet
ter tkan anything we can pur-
chase. -.
So it YVES agreed by all that they
should each make something for this
object, and give their parents a plea
SAINT surprise. There were great
many sly talks in corners,a and great
deal Of quiet work going on for a few
weeks. There was an unusual amt
Of painting and drawing done, nee
die cases, work-boxes, pincushions
and slippers made. But there was
one little curly head which could
think Of nothing good enough to give
"Mamma," and the face Of little VIII
lie was sometimes very sad as he
saw the others doing SO much. The
little haLds were busy helping all
they could, and the little feet ran
quickly when there was something
needed to aid in the work OF love.
On Christmas morning. after their
own gifts had been discussed, they
gave their presents, and surprise il
was, indeed, to the glad parents
All but Willie. He had hidden be-
hind his mothers chair, and remain
ed there until the rest had gone from
b the room. Then came timidly end
laid a little paper in his mothers
hand.
"Mamma," he said, in trembling
voice, 81 couldn't make you any
thing, but ] love you just as WE'LL
l could not think of anything else to
give you, so I've brought you one Of
my pretty curls. Is ii good enough
for Christmas present, mammal"
There it lay, the beautiful golden
ringlet which had hung about the
face of her darling. Tears came 10
the mothers eyes as she took it; not
tears Of sorrow, but Of gladness-oi
JOY for the 1--we Of the precious child.
which knew ofno way to express it.
self but by curl.
"Yes, Willie, darling" she said.
rs she pressed him fondly to her
heart; "you love mamma, and that
is enough for Christmas gift"
Warm kisses she pressed upon hi,
brow, and told him beautiful things
as the little arms clasped her neck,
till her darling nestled down against
her heart and slept. No child ever
gave its mother a better, richer
Christmas gift, than little Willie, for
he gave her his heart and love. which
were more precious to her than all
tho costly things that wealth could
possibly purchase.
DEFEND ON YOURSELF. = Most
young men consider it great mis-
fortune 10 be born poor. or not TO