Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1890-12-25

Filadelfy brick, what they used to build
fine houses with, that's what We are
I'll find tree; trust me for that" AnG
the delighted boy went to his bed, di
rectly over the one occupied by little
Pete, to dream of all sorts of Christmas
delights.
And Mrs. Brown good-naturedly for
gave Patsey's somewhat unconventional
enthusiasm.
The treat for the snewsboys this par
ticular year was an entertainment given
by some young people who were charit-
ably inclined and who had nothing else
to give. 1t was presented in hall very
near the home the night before Christ
mas, and all the boys having received
free tickets were glad to go. Among
other attractions on the programme was
one song, sung by beautiful little girl
with yellow hair, who was dressed all in
white and seemed like an angel to the
newsbOys, who looked at her with awe.
The boys could hear every word, for a
child's utterance in singing is always
very distinct, and the voice that sung
them was so soft and musical that it
seemed to float all around the room.
This is what they heard:
Fear not for behold, bring you good tidings of
great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto
you is born this day, in the city CT David, Saw
iour, which is Christ the Lord.
The song repeated itself as the music
changed, and again the boys heard:
For unto you is born this day
In the ely of David,
In the city of David,
A Saviour, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
There were other features humorous,
beautiful and bright, but none took such
hold on little Pete as this. He dreamed
of the golden haired singer that night,
when other little ones were having "vis-
ions of sugar plums," and Santa Claus,
and big dinner. His stocking was
hung close by the narrow bed, and after
Pete had fallen asleep Patsey had filled
it with peanuts and candy, and an Or
ange or two.
The tree stood ready, and there was
hardly boy who had not contributed
something to put On it. This was the
matron's secret for not even Patsey knew
that she had told the newsboys about
his plans for his brothers Christmas
One ragged chap gave bright new five
cent piece, which Mrs. Brown had some
trouble in fastening on the tree. An
other brought an Easter egg, which had
long been one of his cherished possess
ions, and some put their money together
to get Pete knife. There was also a
toy cap pistol left over from some ones
last Fourth of July, jumping jack, lots
of apples and popcorn cakes, some can
dy, penny picture book, and "other
things too numerous to mention" The
red mittens hung gayly from one branch
and squeaking bird from another. A
brass watch and chain, bought on the
street, swung from the tip of third
branch, and altogether the small tree
was startling sight, or would be to
some children used to the graceful wax
candle trimmed ones of grand parlors.
When the little fellow awoke early |
Christmas morning he made dive for |
the knobby stocking which hung by his
bed. Then there was a cry of delight as
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
intt hot rcfA inJ - InJf
ye hang it up to see what 'ud be in it in
the mornin'? Go long wild ye now; 1
don't want none O. yer goodies" as Pete
held out handful.
Then the delighted little fellow began
TO offer the other boys some, and this so
touched them that they vented their
feelings by various characteristic re-
marks:
"Pitch inter 'em yerself, Pete"
"You're a goose to give away what
was give to you"
81 don't eat candy before breakfus,
cause it don't agree with my oonstitoo-
'hun."
"You're a jolly chap, Pete, that's
what you are
"Three cheers fur Pete an his stOckin,''
aid some one. They were given with
will, though it was against the rules to
make noise in the dormitory, but every
me overlooks such demonstrations at
and so did Mrs. Brown.
When all the boys had gone she took
,harge of Pete, but kept him ont of her
'itting room, much to his surprise, bid
ling him wait till Patsey should come
lome; SO he played around contentedly
or while.
"Does you know where the City of
David is?" he asked suddenly. 81 heard
bout it las night" he said. 81 think it
vas angel that sung it" ]
Mrs. Brown was busy just then, and s
he gave little heed to the child's prattle
md he said no more, but in his mind
vas vague idea that he should like to
ind the place because that beautiful
title girl had sung about it, and so it
must be very nice.
When Patsey came back he looked
at Mrs. Brown, and she said
It once, "Come into my sitting room,
,oys. have something to show you" {
Patsey's astonishment was nearly as I
yreat as Pete's, for he thought the small
rec would not have much on it. There
{ was, well filed, and as Mrs. Brown
gave Pete the things, she told who each
lonor was. Both boys were wild with
ielight, but as it was nearly noon when
,he tree was bare, they begged place