Weekly Trinity journal. [volume] (Weaverville, Calif.) 1857-1972, 1865-12-23
TROT! A CHRISTMAS STORY.

= For IECE'BEi
" HorEpALEr'
/ l opened nay sleepy eyes as the conductor
voice rang through the ears. and, taking my
carpet-bag, sprang out upon the platform oil the
little station My brief holiday was over, and
with shrug, prepared for my short walk
through the morning air, looking forward to the
good fire and delicious cup of coffee was sure
Mrs. Watson was keeping for me.
1t was a very rare event tor to leave the
little village whose name heads this story. My
father had been the only resident physician
there, from the time when | Il boisterous
school-boy, up to the hour when, in his profess
sional rounds, he fell dead with heart diserse
in the main street, leaving me, his heretofore
assistant sole heir to his name, property, and
practice. Ten years before, they had carried
my dear mother to the little churchyard and
in stalled Mrs. Watson housekceper in her place.
The villagers were willing to let the young
doctor step into his fathers place beside their
sick beds, and for FIVE years had filed his
duties. In al those five years had taken no
holiday. so whea an invitation came from my
Clement Payne, to spend Christmas with him, at
his fathers place, on the Hudson was sorely
tempted to accept, aud finally concluded to do
So It was literally ChrisfmdsI spent leaving
home at midnight the 24th, and my friend 5
house exactly trenty-four hours later. 1t had
btth IL picHNttl b4t'th Ill tiiG lilNthot'Hr VI my
Fife and rs | stood at sunrise the liopedale
station platform. was sure my recreation would
give yigor for my daily duties.
As | turned 10 descend the steps leading to
the road, some impulse, nay, Providence, led
me to look in at the window of the room, by
courtesy . Ladies' Room" of thc station. 1t
WAS cold and dcsolatc. No fire was lighted,
and there was no furniture, unless the hard,
wooden benches against the walls could be so
= u .
benches, sleeping SCUM ly, lay strange child.
HIS dress Of rich fur-;rimmcd velvet, the warm
far cap, long CATERS and mttens, spoke OF
wealth and care, and the pale face, round
which clustered short curls of 4 sunny brown,
WAS round with health and wonderfully bcauti-
lul. He was Hopedalc child | knew them
all. Ny professional instinct made my heart
thrill with sudden shock, as | caught sight OF
the pale face, for well knew the danger OF
that decp sleep in the biting winter air How
long had he been there Was he already dead
were the questions ! asked myself as | strobe
across the room, and lifted him in my arms.
There was breath came from the white lips,
no throb at the wrist, only Il faint, very faint
nutterag under my fingers as pressed them
over the baby heart. Mantling him warmly in
nv heavy cloak, | tore down the steps. and
raced along the road homeward at pace that
would have considerably amazed my patients.
bad any of them been awake at that early
lour.
Allowing Mrs. Watson no time for amaze
ment, | pressed her into service, and in what
she called "a jify" had the little form
urdrcssed, in my bed, and undergoing the most
/ vigorous treatment. 1t long before we
were success fu. that my heart almost failed
me; but at last the faint heart throbs grew
stronger; color came to the pale lips and
checks. and n pair of large brown eyes appeared
l from under the heavily fringed lids | had
watched anxiously.
Only look of sleepy inquiry was visible, as
he stared moment at me, then obeying my
order to drink the warm food Mrs. Watson
held to his lips my little patient closed his eyes
again. and turned over to finish his nap. He
was safe now | knew leaving him to Mrs
Watson's care, who by this time knew as much
about him rs did, went to sleep myself to be
ready for the days duties.
1t was nearly nine o'clock when my house
keeper reused me to say that breakfast was rea-
dv. and the child awake.
Very wide awake | found him, the glorious
brown eyes staring round my room, taking in
every detail of its arrangement.
WHO are YOU? How did get here Am
%earlv at Australia? Who's that man in the
nicfure ~ were the questions poured rapidly
forth. before | had time to frame one inquiry
Il want to get up Who's got my clothes 2?
came next then. i" Who put me to bed without
any night-gown?'
Not a sign of fear OF word OF inconsistencies
was puzzled.
What is your name s asked, sitting
down beside him
.Trot | want to get up
s.yon shall get up in minute, but first tel
me your name, and how you came to be asleeI
in the station!
NV name 5 Trot; and the piaguy car.
started off without me when got out. 1t wa:
n dark night, and l could not catch them, SO
went into the room and went to sleep TIL they
came again -,
..No: nobody but just me. I'm going t(
Australia"
Going to Australia +
.Yes, Ellen s there They have roses there
at Christmas, and we wanted some for ou
tree. .H