Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1882-12-20
BLAzER---HIS CHRISTMAS.
BY MARIE A. BILLINGS.

Tony and Blazer were brothers. Per-
haps you never saw Tony, but [ am GER
tain that you knew Blazer. His bust
ness establishment was just off Broad
way, on Canal Street. His stock in
trade consisted of a box of backing,
with brushes, pair of lusty lungs and
an infnitessimal amount of "cheek. :"
Blazer paid particular attention to the
feet of the world in general, consequent
ly he could well be excused for paying
but little regard to his own face III par
ticular. Tony took no part in the mer-
camille operations; ne remained at home.
The ''home" consisted of garnet, not
overspacioUs, either, as to length,
breadth or height, and furnished on the
principle that ''man wants but little here
below" Tony was a cripple. He had
not always been a cripple; there was
time when he had run about as lusty
and as impudent as Blazer.
''When wine is IN, wit is out. Some
times that is not all that is out, either.
Timothy Taylor : that's Tony and
Blazers father-came home one night
with large amount Of spirits sin, F" and
pretty near everything else "out." The
evening repast was not such as pleased
the critical taste of Mr.. Taylor, hence
the desire which arose Id his mind to
chastise Blazer. Blazer objected, stout
II, There was nothing else handy to
fling at the boy, and so the father flung
Tony. Tony didn't strike Blazer; he
struck the foot of the stairs instead. It
didn't XIII him, though, it only broke his
back The law stepped in here, and
kindly assigned Mr.. Taylor Quarters
out Of town." the gentleman through
whose means 1Ony's back was broken
was also kindly let alone. He was
licensed to do it. Tony and Blazer were
let alone, too.
Neither cared, though; every morn
ing Blazer said ''good-bye" to Tony,
and, with cheerful heart, went down to
his business. Every evening, if trade
was brisk, he went home whistllng mer-
rily; If business had been very poor, he
went home more soberly and silent IN
til he was about block away, then he
began to whistle as cheerily as upon
prosperous nights. So Tony never
knew the difference. On this particular
evening Blazer whistled all the way
home. Il was not alone that business
had been brisk; 1t was not alone that it
was Christmas eve, either.
Christmas eve means a great deal of
happiness to some people, Whileto others
ii brings simply the spectacle of other
peoples happiness. Blazer had seen the
time when he had stood upon tho pave
ment and hated all the world for going
by him with such smiling faces. But
to-night-ah! to night-it was ali differ
ent, for Blazer had a secret.
I am almost tempted to tell you his
secret. I am afraid, though, almost,
that Blazer would be angry If I were to
let you know that, snugly tucked away
in an old tobacco bag, down in one cor
ner of his ragged pocket, was, to him,
q mine of wealth-an El Dorado-$5.
Five dollars! [ didn't mean to tell,
but now it's out and can't be put back
again-sone In nickels, few scattered
quarters and a great many coppers; but
S., nevertheless. How did he get it? [
shall not tell you. I might say he had
resolutely gone by the open theater
door-he who loved the lights and gilt
ter as well as any who went in; I could
hint how he denied himself the pleas
uIes Of the scent restaurant, cOntented
with crust instead; I might LET you
know Of the really Spartan fortitude
Will W1iCl-DuG uO, Sudl1 LOU say d
word, for Blazer would not like it.
Five dollars! What will it not buy
for Tony? rT ~.
Such dinner! such pies and turkey!
Apples, too-red-cheeked big apples;
oranges; oh, yes! Tony thinks so much
Of oranges grapes, figs, candy what
will it not buy?
How his eyes sparkle-how marrily
lie runs up the stairs, to their great de-
triment and imminent danger to his own
neckl how blithely he calls out, TONY,
old fellerI'
He always calls this when he comes
IN, and Tony always opens his eyes and
says "Biazer." Then Blazer bends
down to the bed aud says, sold boy,
how are yer?" And Tony smiles, always,
and says: "All right, Blazer.
Something IN Tony's voice tonight,
and In his wan southeastern a ritiful lit-