Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1883-12-26

1
ing Of ivory checks suddenly ceased.
Then, in an earnest voice he told what
he had seen and heard, repeating every
word of conversation between the mother
and children. In conclusion he said:
"Boys, I think know every one of
you an know iist what kind % metal
yer made of. I've an idea that Santa
Claus knows jist whar that cabins siti-
waited, an I've an idee he'll find it afore
mornin'. Hyar's one O. the little gals
stockin' tibet I hooked of'n the line
whar' heard the widder say she'd hung
'em with the washin', The daddy o
them little 'uns was good, hard workin'
miner an he crossed the range in the
line o duty iist as any of us is liable to
do in our dangerous business. Hyar
goes twenty dollar piece down in the
toe and hyar lays the stockin' on this
card table-uow chip in much or little,
as ye kin aford.
| Hold them checks O. mine on the
ace, jack" said Brock CLARK, q gamb-
Ter, and leaving tie faro table, he pick
ed the little stocking up carefully, look.
ed at it tenderly and when he laid it
| down another twenty had gone into the
/ UOO " hCCp WALL IuC OuO YAaCCO
there by Dawson.
! Another and another came up until
the foot Of the stocking was we'll filled,
and then came the cry from the gaming
| tables:
"Pass her around, Jack"
At the word he lifted it from the ia.
BILE and started along the hall. Before
he had circulated round half-a dozen ia
bles it showed signs of bursting beneath
the weight of gold and silver coins, and
a strong coin bag, such as is used for
sending treasures by express, was pro-
cured, and the stocking placed inside of
it. The round of the large hall was
made, and in the meantime the story
had spread all over the camp. From
| various saloons came messengers saying:
"Send the stockin' round the camp,
the boys are waitin' for i'll"
With party at his heels Jack went
from saloon to saloon. Games ceased
aud tipplers left the bars as they enter
ed each place, and miners, gamblers,
spectators, every body, crowded up to
tender their Christmas gift to the min
er's widow and orphans. Any one who
has lived in the far western camps and
is acquainted with the generosity of
western men will feel no surprise or
doubt my truthfulness when say that
after the round had been made the little
blue stocking and the heavy canvas bag
contained over s., 900 in gold and silver
coin.
Horses were procured aud the party
despatched to the large town down on
the Consumes, from which they re-
turned near daybreak with toys, CLOTH
ing, provisions, etc., in almost endless
variety. Arranging their gifts in proper
shape, and securely tying the bag of
coin, the party noiselessly repaired to
the widows humble cabin. The bag
was first laid on the steps, and other ar
ticles piled up in a heap over it. On
the top was laid the lid of large paste
board box, on which was written with O
piece of charcoal:
"Santa Claus doesn't always Give
poor folks The shake in This camp"
X x y X
Christmas morning dawned bright and
beautiful. The night had been a sting
ing cold one, and when the rising sun
peeped over the chain of mountains to
the east, and shot its beams upon the
western range, the sparkling frost
flashed from the snow-clad peaks as
though their towering heads were sprin-
k]ed with pure diamonds.
Mrs. Stewart arose, and a shade of
pain crossed her handsome face as the
empty stockings caught her maternal
eye. She cast hurried glance toward
the bed where her darlings lay sleeping,
and whispered:
"Oh, God, how bitter is poverty!'
She built a glowing fire and set about
preparing the frugal breakfast. When
it was almost ready she approached the
bed, kissed the little ones until they
were wide awake, and lifted them to the
floor. With eager haste Totty ran to
the stockings only to turn away, sobbing
rs though her heart would break. Tears
blinded the mother, and clasping her
little girl to her heart she said in chok-
ing voice:
" Never mind, my darling; next
Christmas I am sure mamma will be
richer, and Santa Claus will bring US
lots of nice things"
"Oh. mammal
AA0 cAClAudGAOu Cdu0 JTOU llCCl0
Benny, who had opened the door and
was standing gazing in amazement up
on the wealth of gifts there displayed. "
Mrs. Sewart sprang to his side and
looked in speecbless astonishment. She
read the card, and then, causing her lit
tie ones to kneel down with her in the
open doorway. she poured out her soul
in q torrent of praise and thanksgiving
to God.
Jack Dawson's burly form moved from
behind tree short distance away and
sneaked off up the gulch, great crystal
tears chasing each other down his face.
The family arose from their knees and
began to move the stores into the cabin.
There were several sacks of -four, hams,
canned fruits, pounds and pounds of
coffee, tea and sugar, new dress goods,
and handsome warm, wooden shawl for
the widow, shoes, stockings, hats, nit
tens, and clothing for children, great
big wax doll, that could cry and move its
eyes, for Totty, and beautiful red sled
for Benny. All were carried inside
amidst alternate laughs and tears.
Bring in the sack of salt, lofty, and
that is ALL" said the mother. els not
God good to us?"
II can't lift it, mamma, it's frozen to
the step!"
The mother stopped and took hold of
it and lifted harder and harder, until
she raised it from the step. Her cheek
blanched as she noted its great weight,
and breathlessly she carried it in and
laid it on the breakfast table. With
trembling fingers she loosened thestring
and emptied the contents upon the table.
Gold and silver, more than she had ever
thought of in her widest dreams of COM
fort, and almost buried in the treasure
lay Totty' g little blue stocking.
We will not intrude longer upon such
happiness, but will leave the joyful fam
ily sounding praises to heaven and
Santa Claus. >..@ -
The whole story soon reached Mrs.
Stewards ears. She knew Jack Dawson
by sight, and when she next met him.
although the honest fellow tried hard to
push by her, she caught hold Of his
coat and compelled him to stand and
listen to her fearful thanks. The tears