The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-12-25

az does want some really truly Christ
mas" urged Bud. But his face bright
ened as his sister tied on his cap aud tip
pet, and they went out together. :,
Dot led the way up on to the railroad,
that was straight and more like o street,
she said. And then the shopping began.
The sun shone brightly, and the clear
crisp air wasso pleasant that the children
wandered further than they had thought
Of doing at first. Presently Dot suggest
ed that Il would be nicer to pretend they
were driving around in a carriage TO do
their shopping; and then, Of course they
had to go faster-so fast that Buds plump
little feet could scarcely keep up. But
he liked the fun and laughed merrily. Z.
"There!" said Dot, pointing to cat
tleguard, yard or two in front OF them,
Z" we'll call that u muddy place in the
road, where we have to get out Of our car
rage and walk, cause"
She did not finish the sentence, for be-
hind her sounded a long Shrieking whis-
tie, followed by quick, sharp, short ones:
and she turned to see that an engine had
rounded the curve and was close upon
them. For little way along where they
stood the road was built high and It's
banks were steep and stony. A short dis
lance beyond It was level again; but
Buds trembling, tired feet could not gain
even 40 near point in time. Dot saw 1t
all at glance, and as Bud screamed in
terror abe caught his hand and ran for
ward, sprang into the shallow cattleguard,
and, drawing him after her, held him
close and quiet while the train thun-
dered Oh above them. ,.,. s
Engineer and fireman had both seen
the children, and vainly tried to stop in
time to save them. The train slackened
speed and came finally to halt few
rods further on; and then the two ran
back, and reached the spot Just as Dots
red hood appeared at the top of the guard,
Several passengers alarmed by the signals
and the unusual pause, speedy followed /;
and small group had gathered by the
time the children were lifted up, safe and
unharmed-Bud shaking with sobs and
Dot trying her childish best to be COM
posed and womanly.
ave was just playin', We tried to
have a make.b'lieve Christmas, cause we
couldn't get no real one; and forgot the
cars" she faltered. .....:
One gentleman said something about
"great presence Of mind" which she did
not understand at all; but the engineer
patted her head, called her brave little
girl, and told her not to cry. Suddenly
she saw her grandfather in the crowd, and
was afraid he must be very angry, because
he looked 40 strangely and his mouth
twitched and quivered SO; but he did not
scold n word.
"She's deal more sense than most
youngsters Of her age, said the engineer
again, Lets take the poor little toads
up to town with us, and give them bit
OF real Christmas, as they call it,"
ayes" said the conductor, looking ut
grandfather, "let them go. We will take
good care OF them, and I will put them
in charge OF the conductor Of the down
train, so that they will come back safely.
They needn't be gone but two or three
hours and il will be Christmas ride for
them anyway" L.. :,
Grandfather nodded. II seemed as II
he couldn't speak, though Dot wondered
why. Almost before she knew it, she and
Bud were seated in the cars and the train
was rolling on. Actually in one OF those
beautiful coaches, riding away to the city.
1t had all happened SO quickly that she
could scarcely believe it, and had to turn
and give Bud little hug now and then
and whisper: "Its really us, Bud
il isl"
The passengers had heard Of their mar.
row escape, and were all very kind, fairly
loading them with cakes, apples, and or.
anges. Every bit Of that ride was treat
all the strange sights they saw and all
the pleasant people they met-and they
scarcely knew whether to be glad or sorry
when they reached the town. Then the
conductor bought Dot doll, the engineer
bought little cart for Bud, and the fire.
man added picture-book and package
Of candy; and afterward came another
delightful ride home again.
Many children would not think much
Of few cheap toys that were given them
but they were quite enough to make Dot
and Bud feel very rich and happy. And
how they did talk anu laugh All tue even
ing. ai.l
But It was wrong for ye to be on the
track, Dot; don't forget tina" y said grand
father.
"Yes, grandper," said Dot, "Im sorry
-only-if 1 hadn'twe wouldn't have had
the good Christmas time" .
J" But Pm thinkin' they come not be-
cause it was good for you to be on the
track, littte girl; but because God was
good" answered grandfather, more gently
than usual.
"Do you think he sent lem, grandper?'
asked Dot, almost wondering that she
dared to ask.
ayes, to be sure" said grandfather.
Dots eyes shone then. "l'm real glad"
she whispered to Bud; "'cause, if lie did
It, lie must care about us, and he can do
it all the time. Next Christmas ] won't
wish and wish. / s'pose I'll just ask
/ i.s..v