Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1873-09-02

ing christmas nymn. Chrlstmas
eve" said Ralph, sadly. "Christ-
mas eve," echoed his companion.
"Come, we have finished dinner.
Suppose we take stroll up Broad
way, and spend dollar or two on
the beggars. Come!"
EARN in arm they sauntered
through the street talking earnest
ly till they found themselves in the
brilliantly lighted quarters where
the retail stores were doing thriv-
ing business. Crowds were hurrying
in all directions. Distracted shop
keepers were trying to make one
pair of hands do the work Of ten.
Family men were hurrying home
with delightfully."- suggestive parcels
under their arms, in their arms, in
their overcoat-pockets, and swing
ing from their fingers. Children
were spending the boarded pennies
of a month. -r..-
At one of the gay windows of a
large toy shop two children were
standing, who attracted the eyes of
Ralph and Tom at once by their
faces. They were neatly dressed in
blue, with blue hoods round their
golden curle, but their clothes were
of coarse materials, and carefully
patched and darned. Woolen nit
tens covered their fingers, and
coarse boots their feet.
"Did you ever sec such angelic
faces!" said Tom, softly.
"Come nearer"
Drawing nearer, thay heard the
oldest of the children, q demurc
, little damsel of eight years, say
gravely:
"If only Santa Claus knew we
| had moved, sister, he might come
f yet t."
"No, nurse said he couldn't be
cause mamma was sick, Minnie"
"But when she gets well p
"Then it won't be Christmas. L
: won't be much like Christmas nov
, without Santa Claus, viii it!'
"Who is that talking about me I!
t said Tom, in gruH voice; "who i
|. talking about Santa Claus ?"
Il ooh! Oh - cried the children
I looking up.
5 "But you amt Santa Claus" sal,
> Minnie.
"He is ever so old"
| "Thats my father. He's awfu
q busy tonight, so he sent me t.
, find some of his pets; and l was t
, look especially for Minnie--Minni,
, what was the name 2"
"Minnie Wentz !" cried the child
eagerly "and this is sister Ellie ~
"Ralph! Ralph! for Heavens sake
bear up!" cried Tom, as his frient
reeled against him, as if fainting
"Come inside"
Grasping Minnie with one hand
and half carrying Ralph with the
other, Tom pushed his way into the
crowded store. The shock of the
discovery was but momentary, and
once inside the store, Ralph drew
the eldest child to him, while good
natured Tom took Ellie to make
purchases.
"Did you say your name was
! Minnie Wentz ?" asked Ralph, tax
ing the child's hand in his own.
"Yes, sir"
"And your pappa and mamma
are they deadw
"Papa was drowned when was
a little girl, but mamma is only
sick"
"Whcre do you live?'
sin Blocker street. Nurse said
we might come to see the stores,
if / took good care of Ellie
"But you have been in New
York ever since papa was drown
ed 2"
"Oh no, sir. Mamma made
cloalks, and we lived in Boston, bat
she came here to make cloaks too,
for the gentleman's other store
here. Nurse takes care of rs
when mamma is out, but she is sick
now. Oh, if you please, sir, can't
/ go to Santa Claus too!"
Scarcely able yet to realize the
happiness which seemed so near
him, Ralph led the child to where
Tom was loading Ellie with toys,
and carrying on q laughing oonver-