The San Saba news. [volume] (San Saba, Tex.) 1873-1966, 1886-01-02

and to even these little boys, as they
came back, things had u dull and lone
some look Some oft cir kind friends
had died and some OF tho pets about
the place were gone. Down the broad
garden walk they ran to sec if the
flowers were still there. They had
seen the good gnldener in the spriug
timo plant the tiny seed and now they
found Il few of the flowers still bloom
ing and lifting brightly tinted facca to
be kissed by the breeze. But alas
the ono who had tended them with
snch constant cis vas gone foreyor
and, though tho flowers did not seem
yet to know abou' it, nor to feel the
solemn stiffness of the garden, the two
little brothers felt their loss, and talked
sadly of the good, kind gardener
Speaking of him, they remembered
that his little children were now or
phans, and their hearts were filled with
tender, loving pity.
Tho days flew by until Christmas
had almost come, and many were the
chats between the little brothers about
Santa Claus
al wonder if we couldn't do some
thing for Mr. Sulivnn's little children"
said Archie, one night, as the two
boys sat before the bright fire.
elbow do you meant"
"Well, you know, he is dead, and
may be Santa Claus won't think about
going there
iIIow would my boys like to play
Santa Claus" suggested mamma.
ooh, that would be fine fun OK
claimed Archie. "But how could we
do itl"
"Slip into their house at night and
fill the stockings" answered Jamie,
eagerly.
"Noj mother thinks the best way
would bo to select from your toys and
books those which you are willing to
give awayj then, Christmas Eve, We
will send them to Mira. Sullivan, and
she will fill the stocklugs,r
Tho little brothers were greatly de
lighted with tbs idea, and talked
about it until bedtime, then, next
morning, straight to the toy closet
they wont, md pulled everything out
ON the floor. On! tho time they had
deciding what things should be CIV en-;
but at last the matter was settled, aud,
putting the chosen toys into baskei
the boys ran with them to the sitting
room.
" See, mamma, sail Archie, here is
my pop-gun and the funny blocks
Aantic gave me- my knife, though one
blade is brokenj and my box of sold D.
icre."
81 just put in my horse aud whip
and two picture-books,n added Jamie,
"Well, dears, answered mamma,
these will do nicely, but we must sot
the basket in the nursery corner, and
ityou are willing before Christmas to
ndd anything more, all will go to-
gethcr."
al have nothing else, said jamie.
but my little trunk and red wagon. |
jast couldn't give them, you know
"The best thing have, answered
Archie, ia my bank, and that has thir
ty-fiye cents in it. Surely could not
part with that"
At last, Christmas Eyo had core,
and mamma called them, saying
"Now, boys, let's fix up the basket
With great gleo they brought it to
the dining room and watched mamma
add her contribution. Oh, how many
good things found their way into that
basket A large ham, freshly baked
bread, sweet, fragrant gingersnaps,
rosy apples and golden oranges.
"Now, boys, is there anything else
you are willing to giyc7"
"YJn know, darlings, it ia tho birth
day of our dear Saviour, and weshould
show our love for Him by trying to
make others happy, oven il it must he
by giving up something which we our
selves prize very highlyn
They waited for no more, but bound
cd on to the nursery, Directly they
returned, aud each brought cherished
object
Archie, his bank, the coin iinglinl
merrilyi aud jamie hls precious rec
wagon.
"Here mothcrln they exclaimed
"theee must so, too.n
al Was almost eure my boys coul,
dnd something else"
A tendon light came into Archie
oyes. "You remember, mothoi, Ill
that givoth to the poor iendeth to tn
Lord,in
Then wado, a merry.mced it'll
darkic, was dispatched with tho has
<eU II was very heavy, but he rod
tho sleek brown bony, Joe, aud di
? ! ~ ,,,fa1 IL ~ ali