The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1884-12-26


we'll. l guess, if it wasn't fcr-fcr the
the moggage.
4 The Whut?"
1.-The moggage we've got on our farm
ut home. Mike said 50, an George an
me we've hunted for it lots o times
The child's voice had grown low and
fearful, and she knitted her brows as
she sp ike. I'm seat Of it, too; it's
somcthin' awful. George thought twas
bear. mebby; but Mike said twas
more like wolf Did We ever see one,
Uncle Josllua?"
The old man did not answer. but be-
gan raking down the fire with IL great
deal of noise
Joshua called his sister, winding
tile clock.
"Wall." he snarled.
"Amasy Andrews S ez good a MAJ
ever tro,l sole leather. l declare fer it,
it's shamc'
"shet up, Sally! Will ye?' Mr..
Andrews turned upon her Amasy
Andrews S shiftless creature. l amt
no use for 'im.
Patty sprang to her feet, with her
shoes in her hand. "You didn't oughtcr
to talk SOP. she cried. Indignantly.
Uncle Amasy's so good to me-" and
then she broke down and cried.
Sally, take that child to bed!' COM
mandcd her uncle, and disappeared.
Patty went home soon after this: and
when the stage stopped at the door,
Aunt Sally held her fast, saving be-
tween her tears: "le mus come ag'n.
darlin'. Promise us We will" While
Uncle Joshua snapped in his crossest
tones:
90 course she'll come ag'in. Don't
be a fool Here, Patty. come to me.
That's somethin' to remember me by,"
thrusting I'll gold piece in her hand.
"An this, holding up little package,
"ye tell yer Aunt Polly to put in your
stockin' C'ris'mus."
And then he took her to the stage.
When Patty showed her gifts to
Aunt Polly, at night, that worthy
woman took the money between her
thumb and finger.
Lands sake!' she cried, "ef that
don't beat all It's a tive-dollar piece,
Amasy Andrews, as sure's VIC live!
Who'd a Thought til OIL man'I acted so
like folks!'
Hes real good.' loyal Patty, in all
her excitement, did not forget to say.
Il like Uncle Joshua fustrate. Oh.
but Aunt Polly! won't that buy NV new
shoes?'
The man and woman exchanged
glances, and then Mrs. Andrews STONED
and kissed her niece.
The short winter days passed quickly.
One night at dusk the two excited chill
dren hung their stockings in the chin
ney corner before they went up stairs
to bed. The next morning. in the dark
and cold, two little night-gowned fig
ures crept down the back stairs, SILVER
ing and sleepy, but happy beyond
words to describe.
Don't ye 10 k? Don't We dass to
look till I get tn fire agoin'!" COM
manded George, as he lighted the
lamp.
Honest, l won't, Georgy!" his sis
ter promised, covering her eyes with
her hands.
"There; it's n goin'? Tin glad 1
fix't it last night. Now look, Patty,
oh, look, quick
"M'ttens" cried the boy, diving into
hisYocking.
.sggins!" cried the girl.
Patty! look ere, won't We? a
sled, u true an honest sled
ooh, Georgy! doll! A lovely, great
big doll! Oh, amt glad"
That's good news. said Uncle
Amasa, cheerfully, as he and his wife
appeared at the door. "Air ye salts
fed, chidren?'
But Patty had, at last, come to Uncle
Joshua's box. I'll cut til string with
my new knife" George cried. "Now.
less look; mcbby it's gold watch and
chain, Patty"
faint nothin' but wri!in'," said the
child, bewildered.