The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-02-08
Vanderbiit's Christmas Gift.

cident of Mr.. Vanderbilts drive: While
he was passing through the park small
boy attempted to cross the road in front
of his flying horses. The boy, in his at
tempt to avoid the horses, fell over in
the road, but was not hurt. Mr.. Van
derbilt was frightened. He does not
care much for human life, but on this
glad Christmas day he did not want to
run over anybody. Bad enough for his
railroad to crush, pierce and burn the
life out of them. There was difference
between that and actually doing it him
SELF He felt so glad when he saw the
lad safe and sound that he, who had just
been preparing to rush on in the hope
that he had not been recognized,
pulled up and beckoned the boy towards
him.
Here, Johnny" he said, "here's a
dollar; don't you try to cross roads that
way"
"Why, sir, I was running for doctor
Father told me to hurry up, cause he
'ad to go out and mothers all alone"
why does your father go out on
Christmas Day? To the rum shop, 1
suppose" said Mr.. Vanderbilt, frown-
ing.
"No, sir. Father works on the rail-
road, and if he misses day he gets
docked"
Even Christmas"
eyes, sir. Mr.. Vanderbilt don't let
up on nobody cause it's Christmas.
"He works for Vanderbilt, does hep"
"That he does, and more's the bad
luck of it, as he says"
"Why?"
"Well, you. see, mothers sick, and
father has been staying up nights with
her, and then he'd take nap, and twice
he got late to the switch and got fined a
quarter each time"
"How much does he get day?'
Zone dollar, sir"
"Seventy-fve cents day?" Good
God! and sick wife at that" thought
Mr. Vanderbilt, and his heart misgave
him. Was this right, after all? and
what sort of Christmas dinner will you
lave to-day" he asked.
1--WE don't get none Father amt
at home, and mothers sick. the money
has to go for to buy medicine, you see,
SIR"
This was hard, and no mistake.
will you take me to your house?"
asked Mr.. Vanderbilt.
Eyes, sir; it's right here, sir" said the
boy.
It is a picture of desolation, but clean
ly; no carpet, but good substantial
cottage; small sprig of frs, a woman
sitting in an easy chair, thin, pale, but
cheerful. When Mr.. Vanderbilt en-
tered, the woman exclaimed:
"Why, you're not the doctor, sir?"
No, my good woman; but came from
him. He is very busy. Now, what is
the matter with you?"
weakness, sir"
"What from?"
"Well, sir, hate to say; but I think
it's from want of food"
81 thought So and Mr.. Vanderbilt
turned around and put $50 bill in an
envelope and also his card.
"In half an hour open this and send it
around to the store. You will find a
prescription that will do you good.
There is also a card in here. Send your
boy to that address to morrow and I'll
give him something, too. You shan't
starve any more.
Before the SICK woman could say any
thing he was out an off; but AS he rode
back to his palace yesterday afternoon
his face looked the picture of good
nature. He smiled and laughed to him
self so that people turned around and
exclaimed, "What can be the matter
with William HIP" When anybody
looked at him he did not pale, and the
rattle over the hard road made rhythmic
music to the joyous beating Of his heart.
It was the merriest Christmas day Mr..
Vanderbilt has spent this many year.