Los Angeles daily herald., 1885-12-20


not sleep, but twisted and turned until
day break. He then arose. dressed him.
self and sought the outside air to see II
that would cool his fevered brain, but
all to no purpose wander where he
would. The prayer he had heard kept
ringing in his ears. Like Mark fwain's
stPunch, Brothers, Punch, they were
always with him. His footsteps kept
time to themi horses kept time to themi
the jingle Of the bells on the wagons
kept time to them; the church bells
tolied them out, and il seemed to him as
though the little birds sang them. Fate
led his footsteps past the residence oil
his lawyer. Acting upon sudden i'm
pulse he splang up the steps and gave
the door bell vicious pull. IT was
very early in the morning. and the law
yer, surprised at this early summons,
hastily threw up window and de-
manded what was wanted.
Come down at once, brusquely re.
.ponded old Two.Per-Cent.
The lawyer, recognizing his wealthy
patron fastened to obey. Presently
the door opened and he ushered him in.
''well, MIR. Jettison," said he, what
can | do for your
DRAW me up release on that Hard
ing mortgage, aud be quick about it,
will you, gruiIly responded old Two
Percent
The papers were soon ready and he
took them, leaving at the same time a
generous fee for the lawyer, who POI
litely ushered him out with IA Merry
Christmas to you, Mr.. Jettison.
"Merry devilsl" was the amiable re.
Spouse of old Two-Per.Cent. ''lf you
suffered the torments 1 have you'd have
Merry Christmas hang YOU he NUT
tered.
After leaving the residence of the law.
yer he seemed to be in a fever Of excite
ment. He quickly sought out coal
dealer aud ordered such a load that
caused the dealers eyes to open, leaving
instructions to have it delivered at the
Widow Harding's. Next he rushed to
the grocers, and gave them such mn or.
der that caused the clerks to stare In
wonder. O Two.Per.Cent actually
buying groceries, and for Mrs. Harding
Would wonders never cease He has
tened to dry goods store and pur-
chased three pairs of ohildren's stock
ings Into the toe OF one he folded up
and placed the release. In the Others
he put twenty.dollar gold piece and
then filled them up with choice
candies. Next he purchased the
two largest dolls he could find and a
splendid bicycle, after which he bought
a fine fat turkey; and, loaded with these,
he directed his steps towards the resi-
dence of Mrs. Harding. The people he
passed upon the street turned and stared
al MN IN aulh1elheht. vs." i""'' e''
Cent loaded with presents Aud then,
again, he looked like another person
his eyes glistened, his step was springy,
and actually bright smile hung around
the corners OF his mouth, while his
cheeks were aglow with excitement. To
the people that knew him he appeared
to be veritablc anomaly--such thing
had not been seen in years. Arriving at
the house he tiptoed carefully up tine
walk and placed. his load on tho door
step and huag the stockings on the
door.knob.
He then stole away and took up a POI
sition behind some trees to watch tho
effect of his surprise. 1t yet very early
and the family had not arisen, preferring
the warm comfort of their beds to the
cold room without fire or food. After
while the children, unable To longer re.
strain their impatient curiosity, jumped
out of bed, hastily dressed and ran down
stairs TO see the stockings they had hung
up surreptitiously during the night
Alas. they were emptiness itself Poor
little children, they checked down a huge
sob of disappointment and turned braVely
away. Little Roger dung open the door,
when he uttered shout of bewildered
surprise. Quickly the Others joined him,
and oh, such shouts of Joy, mingled with
sobs of pleasure, as they viewed their
treasures.
mammal Mammal they screamed,
Santa Claus didn't forget us, Come
aud see
Their mother quickly obeyed, and
when she saw the many gifts before her
she burst into tears. But they were
tears of joy and not of sorrow
Little Nellie, busy with her stocking,
.oon discovered the folded paper, with
curiosity she opened it, exolaim.
ng.
"See, Mamma, here is letter from
Santa Claus
The mother took it, and as the full
l Gaming of its contents burst upon her,
The sank upon her knees and gave forth
/ prayer of thankfulness to Him who had
heard aud answered her prayer for help.
Did Two-P Percent, concealed behind the
rees, felt sneakingly ashamed of him.
Iolf as he heard blessings rained down
ipon his unknown head Roger, intent
ipon trying his bicycle, soon discovered |
,im.
Mamma Mamma he shouted, 'I've
ound Santa Claus! Here he Isl" and he
dragged him forward
"Oh, Mr.. Jettison'" cried the widow, |
eizing his hand and kissing il. whilst |
ears of gratitude StrPAmed down her |