Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1884-03-08

AAaAAD WA~o &AaAA10 esroP 0Ot0 k0agO.
Feathers axe, restful, too GawninRly). yes
fun Of rest-f1l Of rest. Full moon to-
night on the wall opposite; ] can see it's
reelection. 1.-THE moon rises in clouded
majesty" " and whata place for q mario
lantern.
When We were boys, how Bob and I
used to wish, and wonder If we eve,
could raise money enough to buy one
and when we had the money We wanted
something else we couldn't get. Bob's
lead NOW. and I-why l see the moon
over my vi, shoulder. Wonder if one
can wish g the moon j. full. r might
try. Lets ae-vhat dD1 wish. Yes,
yes, all idskif Iswnh could see objects
md things on that circle opposite, as
Icy here ana take it easy-shats q, ,idsAt
Am ! dreaming. It can't 30 that one
glaas Of porter sit up in bod take
OF my nightcap-I pull my hair-pinch.
myseif-gaze helplessly forward, and
see where late had been circle of pale
light. A Aroom-small-m
ing cXeesless-oold No carpet on the
floor, ssve the littlS ugly green stripes
before bed In one corner. and the dark
Fireplace. Two cane bottomed chairs,
feeble as to iess, and paint Of noknown
color. 4 txble, reminding one Of the
Rebellion. A tin candlestick, few
dishes, a much thumbed Bible on the
mantle shelf. A picture of a sweet-faced
lady, in an old-fashioned frame on the
wall and no more.
A door to one side opens, and there
enters-a wee body, scarce ten years of
age, but such prematurely aged ten.
Such wizened face, hungry-looking
ten. Such poorly clad, large head,
large eyes, shivering, puny-looking ten.
The head is good can see that, ideal
ity little too marked perhaps. But
the hair is smooth, glossy and curling.
He brings chillness within that even 1
feel as I pull the bedclothes closer up
about my neck.
Now the door is closed, and the faded
old straw hat and ragged scarf hung on
n nail. The basket, which he carries in
one Of his claw-hke hands, set upon the
hearth, and he proceeds to remove the
lid, wAistling all the time .acttalIv
whistling, if that feeble little pucker of
those blue lips can be termed whistle.
First there comes from this mysterious
basket two candles, then a box OF
matches. The old candlestick is taken
down from the mantel, one of thez
matches ignited, candle lit and placed
proudly in the center of the table.
Now he delves down again into the
basket, and this time two bundles OF
wood and loaf of bread are brought
forth, his face becoming perfectly
radiant MS he beholds them. He is sing
ing now, over and over, Wont dear
father be surprised
There is not much music In this little
song, yet there is q choked feeling in
the throat of Phineas Rugby that he
hasn t felt for years What busy little
man he is now, running to and fro,
building a fire, placing the most com
Portable looking CHAIR before it invit-
inglv. Just put''rg the last finishing
touches on all as the door again opens,
and there enters-bless me, Jacoby my
1-bookkeeper |
Father, father, see r the boy cries,
as he dances to his fathers side, and
pulls him down in the chair, "your
Christmas present from your little son !
1 earned it myself-all myself. I'm
!. most q big man now, and we won't be
hungry any more. Oh, father Ibis
arms clasped about his neck, aud his
tiny face close to the elder one-''ain't t
we pleased ?"
Jacoby says nothing; but tears, such
AS 1 never knew a man could shed, fall
IN the dark curls of the little one. He
had changed a good deal i'll six months.
Jacohy had, and not for the better
no, no.
"Phineas Rugby. take my hat and put
il where 1t belongs" he says. after a
snort ana EltullIut iHti to!Ac
and sit on fathers knee anil tell him all
about this wonderful surprise.
lyon see" and the little head is
pressed close to the faded great coat ol
| the man, latter you went out I was
thinking and thinking OF the story you
had just told me-of the good prince
that went out in the world to help his
father, the king. And then remen
bered mamma used always to give you
Christmas present, and something
seemed saying: 'Go. Davev. so. go |!
! So l just put on my hat and that mic.
warm scarf Of yours. took the haske.
locked the door. and went ont, Just lik,
:, the prince, in the cold world Twas I
little 'fraid at first; but nobody uoticet
me, and hadn't went very far when
came 10 q store-oh the most beautiful
store, father. with two large windows
! all fuu .,f such u,cs books and p.est,