Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1873-01-10


some famous hugs and kisses. Then nc
went up to the turkey to see ii he could lit
it.
"Whats this tied on its leg, mother p
1.-The price, suppose" answered his
mother, glancing at the piece Of white pa
per:
We have this day given reading slowly
our head book.keeper, John Warner. one
fourth interest in our business from hence
forth, in reward for his integrity and faith
fulness.
Brown. SIMPSON 4 Co.
Dec. "a, 1867"
The ejaculation of the women were
| drowned by great hustle at the door, aud
in came John with his basket laden, and a
big bunch of celery 10 his arms. Behind
was boy with huge basket, from which
he drew forth big packages and little pack
ages, done up in brown paper and white pa
per. After emptying the basket, with amaz
ing CELEBRITY he rushed out. and John began
to enumerate bis purchases.
"Here are all the accompaniments for our
turkey, Mrs Beam-that is. all / could think
of; but if there are any left out, you must
tell me. Potatoes, turpips, onions. beets.
celery, eranberries. apples, bread for stuff
ing, thyme and sage, tea, coffee-there, |
leave the rest for Willie. Oh. I thought we
must top off with plum pudding. SO here
are the ixings for it; s'pose you can man
age it And just dropped in Ellen's to
see if she would come around 10 the morn.
ing to help you. She said she would be
sure to come"
"Well, declare 2" exclaimed Mrs Beam
quite overcome by all this kindness.
eff he ain t -growed thoughful!' said
old grandmother, as John went up stairs
to prepare his ever-immaculate toilet for
tea.
A happy group sat down to the simple
meal that night, but anticipations had taken
away part of their appetites, and tea was
soon over.
Grandmother cleared away the table,
while Mrs. Beam dressed the turkey, and
Willie looked on in wonder.
Why, here, Willie, run, take this paper
in to Mr. Warner | declare, if l didn't
forget all about it till I saw it just now"
Willie carried the little note in to John,
who was busy with the evening paper
Eth ! what's this = asked he, unfolding
the paper.
cit was tied on the turkeys Leg" an,
swered Willie
"Tied on the-What- what-one fourth
INTEREST,"
Tbs paper fell in his lap, and he set gaz
ing vacantly at it moment, then he picked
it up and read it carefully over and over.
There could be no deception about it.
The signature of Brown, Simpson & Co.,
was too well known to him to be mistaken.
Now he recalled numberless questions aud
remarks, which he had been too Innocent to
apply to himself, bat which had evidently
been intended to prepare him for this.
One.fourth interest He was rich man
now!
He sat there long time, and frequently
rubbed bis eyes with his handkerchief. This
was the reward Of years Of patient toll and
waiting.
Long ago he had made up his mind that
there was nothing for him but to be "John
Warner, Book keeper to the end,
The reward had come unasked, uuexpec
ted. He breathed freer now that he wouldn't
have to calculate on every dime laid out =
His sister and her orphan children should
have treble the allowance be had here' ofore
given them, and
But we won't tell yet what be is going to
do with the rest of his income
After awhile he went out in the kitchen.
Willie and his grandmother were seeding
raisins, and Mrs. Beam placing the celery
in bowl Of clean water.
"Why, Willie, up yet?' asked John,
pulling out his old fashioned silver watch
"Mothcr said I might help her, sir; but
| am going to bed pretty soon, SO Santa
Claus can come"
Santa Claus! If John hadn't forgot.
ten all about the important saint But
there was time enough for him.
After Willie had hung his stockings by
the chimney and gone up stairs, John asked
Mrs. Beam to 60 out with him.
II wanted to 20 myself" she said, car
ter Willie's skates, which | took to be mend.
ed, and buy him an orange or two. But i
don't know as ought TO spend any more
money. now that you have provided SO gen,
ereusly fer US ALL"
John said nothing, but he never before
noticed how old fashioned her shawl was -
He wondered if it was comfortable, but
thought he wouldn't ask her.
They got the mended skates, and went
on their way up the brilliantly LIGHTED street
1t was novel for them both to be out on
Christmas Eve, and they enjoyed extremity
the excitement such throogs of people go
ing up town. ssch throngs going down with
arms full of bundles.
The curbstones were lined with Christmas
trees, whose dark green was Swallowed on
the pure snow by the streams Of light from
shop windows.
Toy-stands and fruit stands were scatter.
ed along the sidewalk, feebly illuminated by
tallow candles, stuck in turnips in lieu Of
candlestieks
There was great shouting and busting on
every side, and our worthy pair stopped to
look at everything attractive, SO it was 60.
ing en- to nine o'clock when they reached
the Grand Bazaar which was headquarters
for gifts
John told Mrs. Beam to 60 in and select
whatever she liked for Willie, while he
went on up the street, and would return for
her.
She was fairly bewildered, on getting in
side, to see such multtudes of pretty things
She looked around, uncertain what to
choose, until she came across, just what
Willie had long wished fora box of tools
She took her stand by it, and waited long
time for Mr.. Warner.
At last be came, and asked if she had
found ANYTHING that suited.