The Newtown bee., 1891-12-18

before that glorious holiday and the
boys have sought their slumber, paineG
by the thought that of all the, to them
rich gifts so long planned for the hare
working mother, nothing remains except
the few tokens their united efforts have
wrought from humble sources. The lit
tie jacket, part burned away, hangs be
side the bed, mute testimony to the un
selfish zeal of its owner in behalf of the
life and property of others, all seemingly
forgotten by those SO greatly benefited
thereby.
Below, the mother, with streaming
eyes, collects the few, poor gifts prepar
ed for her boys. The stockings hang
from the mantel in pitiful array. She
approaches and strokes them lovingly.
while she places in each the gifts, alas
so few.
But, bark. What noise is that? 'Tis
nothing but the approach of train
that is all.
But why such speed? So slow, when
all before have passed so swiftly? And
it stops before the house. What can it
mean?
She is answered by footsteps without,
followed by a hearty tap at the door.
She opens, to admit the train crew-con-
ductor, engineer, brakeman, all-not a
man jack of them would miss this for the
world. They stagger under load.
"a box, madam, Il Christmas box for
you and the boys, with the company's
compliments. And this, madam, is for
you!"
Thus the conductor, as spokesman, de-
livers his address in as few words as pos
sible, at the same time putting a letter
document and, as she opens it, a paper
falls to the floor. STOPPING, the engin-
eer RECEIVERS and hands it to her.
She reads--a check for five hundred
dollars. The accompanying letter says
'In part payment for one flock of tur-
keys destroyed and for services rendered
the -- Railroad CO., to avert dis
aster.'
Meanwhile, sturdy blows have remov-
ed the lid of the Christmas box. Surely
such huge box, such manifold contents,
were never seen before. The entrance
and commotion of the Railroad Santa
Claus had by this time brought the boys
from the chamber above with astonish-
ment beaming from sleep-startled eyes,
but soon they lose the sense of strangers
presence in the presence of that wonder
full box.
The rough men of the train stand is
lently by while the presents are display
ed. First warm, thick shawl and dress
for mother, then what? Suits for the
boys, and-not boots? Yes, boots with
skates attached, all ready for the ice !!
Such beauties. Well, we'll! Who says a
corporation has no soul? Here is certain
ly a railroad with u heart and sound
Judgment, too, as to what will please a
boy.
Now, pairs upon pairs of thick warm
stockings follow. One for each of the
boys stuffed full to running over with
good things, such as they had never
toe Of each, bright gold piece-a shin
ing double eagle-nOt turkey. 1t should
have been turkey, had the coins been
made to order.
All, we'll! it was long before they
reached the bottom of that box, but not
until one after another of the trainmen
had gone outside with a suspicious moist
ure yelling from his eyes he felt asham-
ed to confess to his mates, though it did
him honor.
There were books and games, apples,
oranges, nuts and raisins-a bird for the
Christmas table, with all the incidentals
which go TO make up a fine Christmas
spread, all ready for the cooking-and
there were thankful hearts and happy
faces produced from the box, as we'll as
many comforts for the long, cold Winter
before unknown in the little cottage by
Falmouth Grade.
The letter of Thanksgiving penned by
the mother, and addressed to the man
agement of the railroad company,
through tihom it was to reach the train
men and passengers or the tram saved IN
Falmouth Grade. for all were concerned
in the Christmas denouelnent to the tur-
key disaster, contained confession of
the real intent and purpose of the boys
on that Winters morning, which elected
this reply:
sit is foolish mind which schemes
and plans revenge for a wrong which can
be best adjusted upon explanation. We
hope that all may profit by this lesson of
a generous revenge. - Sunshine.