The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1890-12-25

, some put their money together to get Pete
knife. There was also toy cap pistol
left over from some ones last Fourth of
July, a jumping jack, lots of apples and
popcorn cakes, some candy, penny
picture book, and "other things too
numerous to mention" The red NIT
tens hung gayly from one branch and q
squeaking bird from another. A brass
watch and chain, bought On the street,
swung from the tip end of third branch,
and altogether the small tree was a
startling sight, or would be to some chill
dren used to the graceful. wax candle
trimmed ones of grand parlors.
When the little fellow woke early
Christmas morning he made dive for
the knohby stocking which hung by his
bed. Then there was cry of delight "a
he held it up in true orthodox fashion
by the toe, and the peanuts tumbled out
over the oranges and the candy over
the peanuts.
"Oh! oh! Patsey, is they all fur me?
he called out. This walked some of the
other boys, and they, with Patsey. rolled
out Of bed and began to dress, because
papers must be sold Christmas morning
as well as any other time.
Course they is, Pete," answered Pat
sey. ''Ain't that yer stockin', an
didn't ye hang it up to see what I'D be
In it in the mornin? Go long wild ye
now; don't want none O yer goodies,
as Pete held out O handful.
Then the delighted little fellow began
to offer the other boys some, and this sc
touched them that they vented thei,
feelings by various characteristic re-
marks:
pitch inter 'em yerself, Pete"
You're goose to give away what
was give to you"
II don't eat candy before breahus
cause it don't agree with me constitoo
shun."
you're jolly chap, Pete, that's what
you are"
Three cheers fur Pete an his stock :,
said some one. They we're given with s
will, though it was against the rules tt
| make a noise in the dormitorv. but every
| one overiooks such demonstrations a,
| SuT1SttIdS, anu 81 luIS. DAOWU.
When all the boys had gone she took
charge Of Pete, but kept him out Of bel
sittin,, room, much to his surprise, bid
ding him wait till Patsey should come
home; SO he played around contentedly
| for while.
"Does you know where the City Of
David Isl" he asked suddenly. 81 heard
about it las night" he said. II think il
was angel that sung it."
Mrs. Brown was busy just then, an6
she gave little heed to the child's prat
tie and he said no more, but in his mint
was vague idea that he should like K
End the place because that beautiful Lit
tie girl had sung about it. and SO i
must be very nice.
When Patsey came back he looked in
quiringly at Mrs. Brown, and she sale
1T once, Come into my sitting room
boys. have something to show you"
Patseys astonishment was nearly a
great as Pete's, fCr he thought the small
tree would not have much on it. Their
it was, well filed, and as Mrs. Brown
gave Pete the things she told who eacl
donor was. Both boys were wild wit
delight, bat as it was nearly noon whe1
the tree was bare. they begged plac
to put the treasures in. and started out
Pete with his red Inittens on prou
hands. to the ''restyurant.
"Patsey, do you know where the cit
of David isl asked Pete. as they wake
gayly along.
Now, Pete, what makes yer talk 8
silly? No, don't. an. what's more,
don't want ter" said Patsey decidedly
This city suits me well enough"
Didn't We hear bout it las nigh
Patsey, when the angel were singin?"
That were girl, Pete; but she di
look like a angel, sure 'nough. don
remember the city Of David, though"
Pete trudged on with a sigh. He W.
used to having his questions remain III
answered. After good dinner the DO,
started back to the home, but as the
neared the place group of Patsey
chums came up and asked him to jon
them in some fun they had planne
The home was block or so away. al
Pete said he could go the rest of the wa
alone, SO Patsey left him and went wi,
the boys. The little fellow trotted O
looking so happy i'll spite Of his VOL
clothes and cheap, clumsy shoes tn
many whom he met smiled at him.
4 fragment of that beautiful 50,
again sounded in his ears. The city
David. He would find it himself, Pc
thought, and though it was but st.
further to the home he turned and We
: up another street, resolved to ask q ?
> hceman. None appeared, and he walk
ON and on, thinking that perhaps t
3 city he sought was next to his own cit
and if he could only get outside Of ia
great place he could find what he sougt
More and more tired grew the little fes
8 and at last, frightened and chilled.
stumbled on a crossing, just as dashil
team driven by one Of four young IN
' in the carriage behind came around I
corner 1t struck the child and thru
9 him to one side, the carriage neve1
ping.
= There was a rush of bystaI
r the little figure. and when
Pete was very nmp and vi
scious, and he begged TIL