Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-01-08
6r. I told him IL was morning. but VIC

Dank Oh snow was all tncre was To be
seen. believe turned white. know
shook as people do with the ague.
Ten sticks of wood for fuel, one-half
candle for light and about pumpkin
enough for two meals. These were our
resources; and we were showed in.
Mother came out. She was paler than
yesterday, but calm and brave as ever.
Lets have fire, boys, quickly, and
we will have breakfast soon. feel sure
father will come to-day"
She lighted our one piece of candle.
couldn't speak. There was great
lump in my throat. My shaking hands
would hardly lay the sticks for the fire.
Mother put the pumpkins on 10 warm.
1t was all cooked now. We had only to
warm it up. Then she brought out a
little handful of cloves, that she said
she had found hidden away in one ofher
trunks. She put them on the table in a
sslt-dish. MAY be somebody will like
them for relish" said she, smiling.
wished she wouldn't smile. After
breakfast she read the Bible rather
longer than usual. After prayers Tom
and | washed the dishes, as we often
did, while she put the room in order.
When all was done, she put out the
light. 81 can knit as well in the dark"
she said; land am going TO tell you n
story, so you will not care" She told
US great many stories that day.
/ didn't see why | couldn't be rs
brave rs Tom. He told jokes and rid
dies, and helped ever so much to keep
the little ones amused. But my heart
was like lump OF lead, and couldn't
seem TO do or say thing to keep the
rest Frightened up or cheer poor mother.
Yet Tom knew how bad things were,
Just rs well rs | did. Bob kept his face
hidden good deal of the time when
there was light; but when he did show
1t nc looked as if the last day was come.
But then Bob was sick, aI'd | wasn't.
Poor Bess lowed for her food and
water. We were sorry for her; but
couldn't help her. We lighted the candle
again Mt dinner. We didn't have very
good appetites. There was enough
pumpkin left. so Lizzie had her supper.
She went TO sleep early, in my lap; it
was so still. The stiffness was almost
as bad as the darkness
And now it was Christmas eve. But
nobody said anything about hanging up
stockings. The little ones had not been
reminded that tonight was the time for
that; and we older ones were thinking
too much about fire and food and to-
morrow, even to speak of it.
Christmas will bring father, am
sure" said mother, after Lizzie was
laid in her bed. And now hadn't my
little johnny better be undrcssedP
Morning will seem To come sooner if he
huts his eyes carly"
- Me wants my supper first" said
johnnie.
The pumpkin is all gone. But, If
Johnnie is brave and patient, think
God will send him some breakfast
Does He know the pumpkin is all
gone" said Johnnie. with n quivcring
lip.
Yes. / told Him. lie will take
care that we have some breakfast.
asked Him to-" said mother. cheerfully
and confidently. | wondered If she
really felt so sure. I didn't.
But the snow is nj. up over the
door, so nobody can't get in" Johnnie
said.
God can find man who can shovel
away the snow. i guess He will send
papa home 20 do 1t, mother said.
I'm awful hungry!" said Johnnie.
mournfully. And then. in quick.
glad tone: "Ohl | shouldn't wonder il
lie sent some bread! Ma. did you ask
for pumpkin or for bread?"
For bread. dear. ! think 1t will be
bread"
"Oh! then I'll go to bed quick"
lie submitted to be undrcssed. and
when his head was on the pillow he
squeezed his eyelids closed together. de-
termined to sleep. that morning might
come sooner. He had TO speak once
more. Butter on 1t! Did you ask for
butter on IL. map"
Il asked for some meat A piece of
meat woud be good with bread.
Wouldn't it. .Johnnie?"
Yes; but I'd ha' asked for butter.
too" said Johnnie. and subsidized again.
I'VE had better go 90 bed before
the room gets cold" mother said. as
we sat crouching around the few glow
ing Goals that the last stick of wood had
Mother, how can you he so brave
and quiet2" said Bob. bitterly, with a
sound that was almost like sob.
Hush. deari BE brave and quiet
a little longer. God hasn't for
getten us. Are you so very hungry?"
- II isn't that. I've often been hun
gricr when I've been off i'm the woods on
n tramp. / don't seem to feel any APP
petite; but tomorrow"
"'Take no thought for the morrow
Let us, at least, try to obey that precept
for this one night. Go to your bed with |
a qniet heart. as / shall 90 to mine. |
There is glad Christmas in store for /
us yet" So we went to bed-if not |
with quiet hearts, at least with glim- |
mer of hope, awakened by mothers
strong faith. But we did not sleep.
The clock struck eight. There was a |
sound on the roof We started up 10 |
listen. Yes, surely there was some one |
stepping above our heads. "It's |
father" was our glad cry. We were
out OF bed in an instant, and beside the |
old chimney, which was the only outlet
Tor our voices.
"Fatherl Fatherl Are you therep"
we called. But no voice answered. In
stead there was n queer sound, IA OF |
rubbing and shuffling down |
.he chimney.
Santa Claus, for certain ~ said Tom. |
Well, it seemed as If It was. First |
n