The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-12-27

good to do thing O. that sort, arter
all.
Then he drove along in silence tilp he
arrived at the poyertv-stricken home of
Jacob Smith. Somehow his cheerful
ness deserted him as he got out of his
Anticipated vehicle and approached the
door. He had not met the unfortunate
Mr.. Smith since the time he had been
compelled to relinquish his home some
months before, and the thought of
coming face to face with him now was
not pleasing, even though he brought
cheering news to the inmates of the
household.
His low rap was answered by a hollow
eyed cadaverous man, who looked
almost liercely into the rugged face of
his hitherto tight-fsted neighbor.
Il suppose [ must ask you in, said
the careworn man as Mr. Strong nodded
to him, but can't say that you're
welcome"
Shouldn't wonder eff | wasn't" re-
turned Absalom, whose courage re-
turned now the ice was broken, and he
followed his not overcordial host into
the house.
A sick woman lay upon bed,
couple of puny children, with pinched,
prematurely -old faces, played YEARLY
with some blocks before the fire, while
an older girl was doing the homework
as well as her youth and lack of strength
would allow.
Absalom Strong looked carefully
around the room. There was nothing
of Christmas cheer visible, and then he
attempted TO make known the object of
his visit
"Now Jake-Mr Smith, come over
here to-day to see eff l couldn't sorter
lift you up leetle, cause | knowed you
wuz cast down, an this is Christmas
when every man orter try an make
some one happy
1t was the first speech of the kind
Mr.. Strong had ever attempted, and he
was agreeably surprised at his own flu
ency, while Jacob Smith, after his first
start of establishment at such words
from AbsalOm Strong, fell to wondering
whether it was some half-starved goose
or attenuated turkey that the close
handed farmer had brought to COM
memorate the sacred holiday.
Look here now, Jake" continued
the newly awakened man, Il want to
do the fair thing byyou about that farm
business. Business is business, of
course, but I sold the place at ter bic
good ligger, an you'd orter git some
benefits as well as me.
Jacob Smith nodded while visions of
such muniiiceut sums as five or ten. or
possibly twenty-five dollars, rose before
his minds eve,
Everybody says I'm tight an graspin'
an mean Absalom Strong went on.
but I'm agoin' to try an do the right
thing by you. made one thousand
dollars slick an clean out O that farm,
an may | be roasted eff ] don't give you
every cent of it,
Jacob Smith could not credit his
senses. why he gasped, Il never
considered the place worth more than
one thousand dollars.
Il know, but / got eighteen hundred
dollars, an my mortgage, all told, wuz
only eight hundred dollars. You shall
have the money Tomorrow and with
out waiting to hear a word of thanks,
he quilted the house aud once more be-
took himself homeward.
1t was somewhat after noon when he
arrived, and the well-cooked goose was
growing cold, but Absalom Strong had
never felt so happy before in his life.
AS he drew his chair up to the table he
told Polly what he had done.
You're a fool, commented the fru-
gal housewife; and the husband smiled,
if such 4 distortion of the face could be
called a smile, as he answered:
Il wish I'd ben fool long ago."
And then he added as he looked from
the window, This is what ye' call a
green Christmas. | think I'll keep its
memory green as long as | live"
Mr.. Case somehow got wind of Alb
salom's generosity, and did not insist
on the payment of the forfeit, though
Mr.. Strong never hauled another load
of the bark
But Absalom is different man. and
even Polly has evinced at certain times
slight show of generosity. or perhaps
symptoms of this commendable virtue
would suit the case better.-J W, D0-
gidSon, in Springfield (AdSS.J Repu6-
licda