The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1886-12-24
DOWN THE CHIMNEY.
The Visit Of an UnJOeJcOn1e
"SnntU- Claus. "
ATeIe Of NewYorkt 1900.

@SyADe2mCEroW morning WIN Jhe
wood and don't suppose we'H
ba able to get back before "Wednesday
morning but 1 guess you won't be
afraid to stay here one night alone, vii
YOU ?''
John Comstock did not look at his
little wife as he spoke, but stood with
his back toward her, shaking the snow
from his old gray hat and coat, for he
well knew the shade of disappointment
that was passing over her face.
j"Wby, no, of course I'm not afraid, -
was the ready reply. What should 1
be afraid of, and up here among the
mountains in this honest little place
but it won't seem quite like Christmas
eve tomorrow night without you all
and you know it will be the FIRST time
we bavn't spent it together since we
were married, 4" she added, hesitatingly,
with slight tremor in her usually calm
voice.
John said nothing, but went to the
window and looked out. The storm
was beginning to break away. The
snow was now falling more gently, and
in ;he Eastifaint luminous streaks of sill
yer gave signs of perfect moonlight
night. He turned with a brighter face,
and spoke cheeTfuly:
The stOrmlis evidertlysFabout over,
If nOamore snow falls the roads will be
fair, and if we can get an early start il
-
get back eore'midnight-at least
some time before Santa Clans comes
down the chimney, - he added, merrily
but see here, little wife, l almost
forgot the good news that l have to tell
you. Parson Stanley settled that old
account with me to-day-paid me every
dollar and, interest besides, ard here it
Is. Now go and put it in a safe place,
and take good care of it till get back
Next spring we'n put a face on this old
log house that our neighbors won't
recognize. Great guns I'd like to
know where all this cold air comes
from - broke off John, with a sudden
change of subject. Good evenin'
good evenin' I thought I'd walk
right in without knOckin', kind o. neigh.
bOr- like, yer krow." and the somewhat
startled pair looked to see their neigh
Dor, Hiram Ottwood, standing in the
doorway.
Jimmy man you might as we'll kill
a fellowsas to scare him to death, - good
naturedIy exclaimed the honest host.
springing up and placing a chair for his
queer guest.
''Do tell did I skeer yer ? l thought
1 made a great rumpus as l came onto
the stoop."
We were busy talking and didn't
hear you. Why how blue you look
Here. take my chair near the fire, I'm
gong into the other room for awhile, -
and he kind hearted hostess rose as she
spoke.
30 no, I'm not bit cold. Just you
keep your seat, - he feebly murmured.
dropping Into the proffered chair never
theless without any ado aud spreading
his rough, cold hands in the very blaze
CA NNC OllTEA III ulcs IIltI 10 4lb
wife to come over with me fer a little
chat this evenin', but she was a-gittin'
the Children to sleep and 1uldn't leave, -
and the wretched fellows teeth fairly
chartered as he tried to keep up a show
of conversation.
I'm real glad you've come over, Hi
ram, for I want to ask you 10 keep an
eye on my premises while Pm gone
down TO the village"
jest so When be you goin' ?'' was
the quick inquiry.
TO morrow morning, bright and
early" replied the other, land 1 can't
get backltill real late tomorrow night. ,
'Well, Pm goin' down thar myself to-
morrow noon, but I'll have Hammer look
arter things"
"Is that so - inquired the astonished
John, for trip to the distant village
was not an everyday event among
those simple mountain dwellers.
Yes, that's so, but if Mrs. Com
stock feels at all skeered I'H have
Hammer come over and stay all night
with her. I saw two or three Triuns
q a-passin' down the road to-day, and
mebbe you'd ruther not be alone. Mrs.
Comstock, - he said, addressing her as
she now appeared.
Indeed, Pm not the least bit timid. -
was the spirited reply. There's not
enough life left in one of those poor
creatures to frighten a baby"
you're right. They wouldn't worry
a muskeeter. But I must be a-goin'
now" And, rising the awkward WIS.,
itor drew an old faded scarf from his
pocket and enveloped his head and neck
IN its folds. "Where be the boys to-
night ?" he suddenly asked. "Oh, they
have been abed an hour. THEY'RE 90
ing with me in the morning, you know. ,,
and poor, tired John tried not to look
bored As the fellow still fingered. A
few moments later he growled a sort of
good. night and took bis departure,
the door as he went.
"As good and honest a soul as ever
lived" said the husband at last, daring
to break the silence with hearty laugh
You don't suppose he is near enough
to hear me, do you ? I'm so sorry he's
going to be gone tomorrow, for could
feel perfectly easy about you if he were
only going to be at home. I'll tell YOU
what III do; III stop at Mrs. Otwood's
in the morning and tell her if any thing