The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1890-12-25

hill: "The best indications of all
are there and l guess we'll have to
give it. So the leases signed gave
out to John Grant and Bill Simpson
t of all the profits on any thing to
be found on their land by the
leseeS.
Down at the city Mr.. Cooper, in
a 81 irit of benevolence was having
the cottage fixed up, and Splitter
had painted it; both Boring's and
Hurlbut's had been searched for a
pretty paper to use, and Splitter
and Younger were both hanging
that; neat cook stove, from the
johnson City Tin and Stove Co.,
was put in; carpet and furniture
from Wolfe & Melcher; dishes
from The Fair; groceries and meat
from Webb Bros, Earnest & Balls
and Younger's meat market, were
put in the house.
Astonished Mrs. Cooper exclaim.
ed, sWhy Silas," and he answered,
Martha, IS years ago-I did wrong
by my own flesh and blood; this
Christmas l want to make up to
this family for what our girl may be
suffering somewhere, / can get no
track of her; for a year I've looked.
One year ago they were at Nash
vile, then at Christmas they disap.
peared. They had six little ones,
too, mother; the same number as
these. Let us make Merry
Christmas for this poor family and
maybe the Lord will help find our
own grandchildren" Mrs. Cooper
wept, but said nothing.
The day before Christmas a cover.
ed wagon, drawn by two stalwart
yoke of oxen, containing Mr.. and
Mrs. Simpson, Will, (who would
come too, and the Grants, came
to the neat Httle cottage The
roads were bad and it was nearly
night when they arrived.
Inside warm fire in each CRATE,
and singing tea kettle was on the
kitchen stove; cOiored woman had
good meal nearly ready, but start
ed at sight of Mrs. Grant
"Miss SalIie Miss Sallie This
will nearly kill ole Mistis."
"No." said the old mother, COM
ing into the room, II knew it,"
Mother mother p cried the
daughter, and nothing was heard
but happy sobs.
Does father known said the
daughter when she drew back from
her mother to gaze at her.
81 do not know, but he will be
glad; he has been fixing your home
for your sake. as he hoped some
one might do fol' you; he has looked
for you to give me surprise, but
failed"
Just then rap on the door, and
the old servant opened with "Golly,
Massa, this y re is Merry Christ.
mas, indeed "' and father and
daughter forgot all disturbances in
a loving embrace.
Silent John Grant looked on and
then said slowly: "Can ye ever for
give me7 Ifnot III go away and
leave them to YOU
The generous renuDciation die
what no thing else would have done
reconcilied them to the good they
saw in the man, who, for their owr
good should give up hrs family.
The long table groaned with pro
visions and all ate hearty meal
Astonished children found grandp'
and gr sndma nice, but they wer'
sent ts, rest early, and the grand
parents IS and parents with the goo'
friend went out to play Santi
Claus Such spending of none,
never was before in THAI quiet fam
lily. At Kirkpatrick, Wotford I
MiIle RS, handsome toilet set 70
Matt ie; a collar and cuff box 70
Silas perfume stand for Jennie
! over at Fines, a nice book 70
James; at fatton's, lot Of candy
at w. w. Kirkpatrick's. clothes 70
the boys; at Fishback & Weiger''
breasl and confectionery; the Wind
sor was visited and a big Dime
order ed sent te several poor familie
lin honor of the event. At Rhe;
! Wool & Co.'S some pretty thing
were picked up for the little one
Over to Chritzman's, where my'
teriotn package, when found in tn
moETii lg, was hard Pump in job
GrantHs old shoe, a watch. 4
HiTsa ring for Matte from grant
msT a@sd at The Fair a big doll ft
lJennie. and trinkets for the young'
boys AT Vermillion's continni