The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-12-25

IL it only was the day before Christmas. IL
this committee decided upon having
turkey for dinner it would have to be
secured at any expense"
SIT is we'll enough TO talk that way,
Mike, but none of US are magicians and
can't SEES how we are going 10 get turkey
when none is around"
"Well. I'll tell you. boys, that we are
going to have turkey and I'm going to get
it,n Field exclaimed, with look Of decision
on his face. Mate, will you let me have
your mustaugW
why cert, jedge. III let yer have any
thing that yer want" Nate Cummings an
swered.
"Al right. Pll start to-Eight. You boys
can go on with the arrangements and have
the other good things made ready and I'll
start for the turkey"
"Do you really mean 1t, jedge" the COM
mittee asked in a chorus.
II was never more serious in my life."
Mike Field, when once his mind was made
up TO do a certain thing, always proceeded
to accomplish IL. AS soon as he had de-
cided to start out 10 search of a turkey he
made Nate Cummings 90 and bring up his
mustang and he mounted.
He did not tell the others where he was
going or how he proposed 20 get the turkey,
and rode off. After he was gone the men
returned 20 their places around the stove.
It was q cold night out, the snow was deep
on the hills and in the valleys. and none Of
them cared 30 spend much time In the open
air.
az think that Mikes going to play some
Joke" one of the men remarked after they
had seated themselves in their places and
ordered Billings to fill up the glasses with
hot toddy.
"He may, but doubt IL. He's got some
plan in his noodle, you can gamble on it,"
another reioined.
SIN bet any I'm tibet Mike fetches tn
game" Nate Cummings spoke up as he
threw log of wood In the fire.
"It's a go, Nate. I'll take you up. I'll
| bet yer forty ounces tibet he don't"
"Hers it air. Now ye put up an Billings
| will hold the dust"
Jack Billings was on hand and took the
dust from the men. weighing it on a scale &c
| see il 1t were just weight, and then put ii
away until the time came when the bet
should be won.
Three days passed by. Mike Field has not
| yet returned and it only lacked one more
| day before Christmas. The committee had
completed their work, the dinner was all
| arranged for and the meats and game were
being prepared by Pete, who few about the
camp with an air Of great Importance.
Christmas eve came, the Snagtownites
| were assembled at the Arms and still there
was no sign Of Mike Field. The members
| Oh bnc as well as Tue OEler4 VINO
had been informed of the judges expedi-
ton, began to grow anxious and to fear
that some accident had overtaken the man.
| Some suggested that a search party be or
gained, but this was squelched by the com-
mittee, who knew that if any such thing
were undertaken all Of their work would be
| thrown away.
During the night the clouds darkened
the moon was obscured and when daylight
dawned a terrific snow storm was raging.
One by one the SnaRtownites awoke, peered
out at the storm and made their way from
their huts as quick as they could over to the
Arms. The large room was filled with the
savory aroma Of the cooking. and Pete
moved from the kitchen into the room at
frequent intervals, busying himself at
setting the table. He was assisted by
Hattie Billings the pride OF Snagtown and
the only daughter OF the boniface, buxom
lass of 10. who was capable of holding her
| own against any man in the camp and who
would permit OF no undue familiarity from
any Of them. She had come to the place
with her father and was the only woman In
the camp. The boys treated her like a
| queen, but the only one she looked upon
| with any favoritism was Mike Field.
"lt does look, pards, es Of TIL ledge war
not goin' ter keep his promise about tibet
| thar turkey" Nate Cummings exclaimed as
be surveyed the decorated table and smAoked
bis lips at the hot spiced rum he was sip
ping. "Wot think yer, HatP'