Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1892-12-24


Farmer Blake had finished the chores
early to-night, and had just come Id
"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 fxin',," 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 a good
sum of money As 70, MS wife, for six
months she looked forward to Christmas
with pleasure, and back upon it with
delight for the other six months
"There'd be no use living,' she said.
''if it weren't for Christmas and chill
dren."
Frank was now to take the warm wa
ter to the chickens, for, as the farmer
said, clocks if it might set in for
good spell O snow, an the critters d
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
patted old Dobbin and Molly, as, turn
ing the lantern from side to side, he
glanced around.
"There!' he said to himself, "if |
haven't forgotten the big key? 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
wlsps. only slightly disturbed the silence
as the boy stood still for moment 1t
was not very important matter. It had
happened before that the barn had been
left unlocked, but only when it had been
forgotten. and as Frank thought, eff
anything should happen, father would
blame me. But the wild sweep of
snow, as he opened the barn door, blew
out the light, ani in the dark, half
blinded by the sleet, he fumbled at the
latch, until at last, having secured it,
he hurried into the house, and then-he
really forgot.
4 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. little fellow of about FIVE years,
had been drawing pictures, as he called
his marks, and looked up with dreamy
Ar
Is iss lowing, father" he asked
Now, father exclaimed Frank
'tDo sou hear that: Who would ask
such question but Robi Yes, you silly
boy, i Is showing. and likely to keep
on Tor good wnile. Do you ,hipk II
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 might
clear of fore mornln an the stars
come out
Mother said Rob, suddenly raising
bis head, Did II snow when Jesus was
born7''
Land sakes :" exclaimed Mr. Blake.
"HeaF that nowl How d'you suppose
Io".-caild% We "eFen IneTe.
Mrs. Blake pat;ed the little golden
head, but thoug Mt it wise not to attempt
AZ answer
Everything II shape, Frankl' said
ais father.
And Frank. & little econscience-stricken
iooaed out toward the barn door. and
SAID
Yes. sir, its swfully cold, too"
u hope no one IS out OF doors to-
nignt. said Mrs. Blake Did the ian
tern blow out, Frank Well, now, the
SHOWS driving around so. it seems as if
ID feel better II taere ~2ia light IN il,
scd = vas hung ont % the porch. Some
one might be losing their way. jns. 70,