The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1892-12-22

early tonight, and had just come III
"for good" as he said. Everything had
been done, except the "lockin' up, "
which Frank, the Oldest boy, was to at
tend to, and all was to be ready for "the
Christmas fixin';' "the young uns had to
get to bed, SO as everything'd be done in
season."
The farmer sometimes grumbled that
"it was mighty hard work keeping
Christmas" but if he had been given his
choice, he would not have had the day
omitted from his calendar for good
sum OF money AS -: his wife, for six
months she looked Tor ward to Christmas
with pleasure, aud back upon it with
delight for The other six months.
"Therc'd be no use living" she said,
"if it weren't for Christmas and chill
dren."
ter to the chickens, for, as the farmer
good spell O snow; an the critters ID
better have enough feed for the mornin',
in case We couldn't get to en-
So Frank pulled down another armful
of hay, packing it into the manger. He
pattcd old Dobbin and Molly, as, turn
ing the lantern from side to side, he
glanced around.
.sThe-el' he said to himself, "if I
haven't forgotten the big key9 Too cold
to come out again. Father won't think
of asking about it, and they are as safe
as they ever are"
The solemn, slow munching of the
animals as they drew out the hay in long
wisps, only slightly disturbed the silence
as the boy stood still for moment. 1t
was not very important matter. 1t had
happened before that the barn had been
left unlocked, but only when it had been
forgotten. and as Frank thought, "If
anything should happen, father would
blame me-" But the wild sweep of
snow, as he opened the barn door, blew
out the light, and in the dark, half
blinded by the sleet, he fumbed at the
latch; until at last, having secured it.,
be hurried into the house, and then-he
really forgot.
A sturdy boy of eleven he showed
himself to be, as he stamped the snow
from his rubber boots, and tossed his
wet cap ard comforter into chair.
Rob, a little fellow of about five years,
had been drawing pictures, as he called
his marks, and looked up with dreamy
air.
''Is is showing, father7" he asked.
"Now, father" exclaimed Frank
"Do you hear that2 Who would asl
such question but Robi Yes, you sill.
boy, it Is showing. and likely to keeE
on for a good while. Do you think i
will last all night, father
Cant tell" said the farmer. "This
time o year amt wuth bettin' on
Might keep on for a week, an nigh
clear off fore mornin, an the stars
come out.
"Mother,' SAID Rob, suddenly raising
his head; "Dld it snow when Jesus wa
bornp
''Land sakesv exclaimed Mr.. Blake
"Hcar that nowl How d'you suppos'
We know, child2 We weren't thelc!"
Mrs. Blake patted the little COLDER
head, but thought it wise not to attempt
an answer.
"Everything in shape, Frank2" sai'
bis father.
And Frank, little conscience-stricken
looked out toward the barn door, ant
said:
eyes, sir; it's awfully cold, too"
'I hope no one is out-ot-doors to
night" said Mrs. Blake. "Did the Ian
tern blow out, Frank? Well, now, tn
SHOWS driving around so, it seems as
I'd feel better if there was light In II
and it was hung out on the porch. Som
one might be losing their way. rist &c
want of the light it gives. There's yer
little light between the Crawford static
and the 'Mills, and anyway, I'd iet
better"
"Pshaw MOTHER said her husband
"don't you think the windows give ligh
exoughi"
dwell, the windows will be dar
when we 90 to bed, she answered. can
besides, no one can see them TIL the
get in frcnt of the house. guess L
hang it out"
And with the wick turned up to civ
bright, clear light, she hung 1t by