Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1888-12-29

must be cheerful. to keep poor Janet in spir.
its. I declare. John has forgotten hi:
spectacles.
They lay across an open page Of the family
Bible. Mrs. Gregory placed them on a shelf
About to close the sacred book, she
glanced down at the open page.
A Pickering fame from the fireplace
! brought out one single line so prominently
that she read it in flash:
-Weepin9 may endure for a might"
The flame died down. Then it sprang uy
again. brighter, cheerier. and seemed Il
fringe with gold the promise sweet that fol
lowed in the book:
-But Jog cometh in the n,orninor
II.
TAP Two-AT MIDNIGHT!
Husband! husband! don't complaint I
is wicked"
But what can We do?"
Trust in Heaven in adversely. as We die
when prosperity was ours!" cried Mrs. Greg.
DRY. bravely.
You've got me. father. and I can work
and we cannot utterly fall" spoke Janet
smiling through her tears. and caressine
detected. despairing John Gregory.
1t was a mournful family group. The
| farmer had returned home with a white
hardened face-on foot-from town.
Gabriel Marble had given the screw o.
torture another turn. He had seized upon the
| team driven by Gregory on a writ for debt
claiming that lie intended to leave the
county and defraud his creditors.
This last misfortune and disgrace drove
John Gregory nearly frantic. He had tori
to ribbons the note the constable placed In
his hands, and we'll II was that Gabrie
Marble did not present it personally il
Gregory's present humor!
Make me your son-in-law," the malevo.
lent schemer wrote insolently, and the
farm shall be decided back to you, and Janet
shall dress in silks and diamonds. I an
moving into my elegant new mansion to.
day, and she shall be its mistress if she
speaks but the word"
The thieving scoundrel!" murmured
Gregory. as he told his wife of the note
He drove poor Cecil to become wanderer
he has made US beggars. o. when will
such as he be punished?"
IN Gods good time" interrupted Mrs
Gregory softly. Come. John, We will moi
let it crush US. We have health and hope
and-Janet! We can face life again and win
a new home"
Tap!
There's some one at the door," murmured
the farmer.
He cut short his wife's words by walking
to the door and opening it.
A furry Of snow came in The winding
flurries beyond half-envefoped a mufled
figure.
May come in?"
a stranger! mo, yes! Come! We can
shelter you for a tiE :"
He is no stranger!"
The words were scream. In thrilled
amazement Mrs. Gregory gazed on Janet.
Cecil! Cecill I know you! Oh. thank
God! thank Godi-
1T ANTI" gasped Gregory. aghast
Yes. husband. it's hin!"
He It was! Cecil-Cecil Tyleri He had
cast aside his wraps as best he could with
those clinging. rapturous arms Of love about
him.
She was crying. sobbing at his knee as
the bluff farmer drew Cecil to the great
arm chair. The three lowered about him.
and looked at his sad face and threadbare
attire. and read no story of golden success
there. But he was home again. Obi life
was not so bitter. after ALL
Farmer. have failed. I nave come home
poorer than when went away!"
Those were Cecil Tyler's first words.
Have you?" cried Gregory. actually smil-
ing. Boy. I'm so glad to see you alive.
rich or poor-so glad to see poor Janet's
eyes glow with hope again. that bags OF
gold would not better it. You're welcome,
and if two stout hearts can't take care OF
two loving ones. why-why. life's all mis-
take: that's ALL"
How the fire glowedl How those honest
souls warmed TO grateful Joy? All! Christ
mas had brought its gifts. 1t was heaven to
hear laughter and mirth under that old roof
once more.
Midnight" spoke Gregory at last. aris-
ing to his feet. My the hours have passed
like magic. The winds this way. and We
can just hear Upton bells"
open the door. husband. I love the
chimes"
Mrs. Gregory's hand rested lovingly on
the farmers shoulder. and a gentle. far
away look was in his honest eyes as. the
door slightly ajar. they stood and listened.
while Cecils bronzed cheeks rested against
the soft. white brow of his afianced love.
Over the snow. mellow and echoing. came
the last runaway chimes of the belfries Of
Upton. They died away. John Gregory.
about to close the door. murmured:
Peace on earthl' Yes. it is here!-
Goodwill to men!" softly rejoined his
wife.
Except Gabriel Marble. yes. can't love
that enemy just yet. but won't think Of
him
Yes. We will
-Hellol-
The door was pushed back. q grotesque
form stood there.
Let me I'M
who are you? You have been drinking!"
-Mebbe. but Missus knows me; don't ye.
Misuse
He is a tramp: he came here for food to-
day began Mrs. Gregory.
And ye give il to me. and said I'd re-
member it, eh?- persisted the tramp. edg-
ing his way past the threshold. We'll. far
mer. shut the door. I'm booked for an hour
or two here
Old Jerry was slightly unsteady. He
chuckled and winked. but. while resolute.
was not aggressive.
I don't know" began Gregory.
Yes. We do. I've come here six miles to
tell story, Christmas story. and it's all
about Gabriel Marble. and-shut the door.
farmer. Time was when I used to come
here welcome. years agone. amt old