The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1871-01-26
BRET HARTES CHRISTMAS
STORY.

It was Christmas season in. California,
"a season of falling rain and springing
grasses. There were intervals when,
through driving clouds and flying scud,
the sun visited the haggard hills with a
miracle, and death and resurrection we're
as one and out of the very throes Of de-
cay joyous life struggled outward and
onward. Even the storms that swept
down the dead leaves nurtured the ten
der buds that took their places. There
were no episodes of snowy silence over
the quickening fields the farmers pillow
share hard followed the burrows left bp
the latest rains. Perhaps it was for this
reason that the Christmas evergreens
which decorated the drawing-room to ok
upon themselves foreign aspect. and
offered weird contrast to the roses,
seen dimly through the windows as the
south west wind beat their soft faces
against the panes.
Now said the doctor, drawing his
chair closer to the fire, and looking mild
~ but firmly at the semicirc!e of haxen
heads around him, Il want it distinctly
understood, before begin my story that
l am not to be interrupted by any ridlcu-
lous question. At the first one 1 shall
stop. At the second l shall feel it my
duty to administer dose of castor oil
around. The boy that moves his legs
or arms will be understood to invite am.
putation. l have brought my instru-
ments with me, and never allow pleas
ure to interfere with my business. Do
you promise?"
Eyes, sir" said six small voices, SIM
ultaneoutly. The vol;ey was, however,
followed By halt dozen dropping ques-
tions.
"Silencel Bob, put your feet down
and stop rafting that sword. Flora shall
sit by my side, like little lady and De
an example to the rest Flung Tang
shall stay, too, if he likes. Now turn
down the gas little /; there, that will do
Just enough to make the FIRE look
brighter, and to show off the Christmas
candies. Silence, everybody The boy
who cracks an almond, or breathes TOO
loud over his raisins, will be put on. of
the room"
There was profound silence. laid
his sword tenderly aside, and nursed his
leg thoughtfully. Flora after coquettish>
~ adjusting the pocket Of her little apron,
put her arm upon the doctors shoulder,
and permitted herself to be drawn beside
him. Fung Tang, the little heather page,
who was permitted on this rare occasion,
to share the Christian revels In the
drawing-room, surveyed the group with
. smile that was al once sweet and phiIo-
sophical. The light ticking of a French
clock on the manrel. supported by
young shepherdess of bronze complexion
and great symmetry of limb was the only
sound that disturbed the Christmas ike
peace of the apartnent,-a peace which
held the odors of evergreen, new toys,
cedar glue, and parnish in har-
monious combination that PASSED all un-
Outstanding.
"About four years ago at this time,"
began the doctor, s'I attended course
of lectures in a certain city. One of the
professors, who was sociable, kindly
man,-thoush somewhat practical and
hard Invited me to his house on
Christmas night. I was very glad to go,
g was anxious to see one of his sons,
who, though only Il years old, was said
20 be very clever. I dare not tell you