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

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Farmer Blake had finished the chores
early tonight, and had just come III
"for good" as he said. Everything had
been done, except the "lockin' up, I"
which Frank, the oldest boy, was to at
tend to, and all was to be ready for "the
Christmas fixiu';" ''the young uns had to
getto bed, SO as every thing'd be done in
season."
The farmer sometimes grumbled that
''it was mighty hard work keeping
Christmas," but il he had been given his
choice, he would not have had the day
omitted from bis calendar for a good
sum OF money. As 10. 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
dreu."
Frank was now to take the warm wa
ter to the chickens, for, as the farmer
said, Clocks IL it might set in for a
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
pattcd old Dobbin and Molly, as, turn
ing the lantern from side to side, he
glanced around.
"Therel' 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 tho
animals as they drew out the hay in long
wisps, only slightly disturbed the silence
as the boy stood still for a moment. 1t
was not very important matter. 1t had
happened before that the barn had been
left unlocked, but only when it had becn
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, and 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.
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, little fellow of about five years,
had been drawing pictures, as he called
his marks, and looked up with dreamy
air.
SIS is saowing. father7" he asked.
"Now, father" exclaimed Frank.
"Do you hear that3 Who would aek
such question but Robi Yes, you silly
boy, it is showing, and likely to keep
on for good while. Do you think it
ggi!! last al! nishs, father"
"Can't Tell, said the farmer. "This
time o year amt wuth bettin' on.
Might keep on for week, an might
clear off fore mornin', an the stars
come out"
"Mother, ' said Rob, suddenly raising
bis head; "Did it snow when Jesus was
borni"
'Land sakesl" exclaimed Mr.. Blake.
"Hcar that nowi How d'you suppose
we know, cbildf We weren't theiei"
Mrs. Blake patted the little golden
head, but thought it wise not to attempt
II
Everything in shape, Frankf" said
bis father.
And Frank, alittlc conscience stricken,
looked out toward the barn door, and
said: ~
"Yes, cir; it's awfully cold, too"
81 hope no one is out-of-doors to-
night" said Mrs. Blake. "Did the Ian
tern blow out, Frank3 Well, now, the
SHOWS driving around so, It seems as II
I'd feel better II there was light in it,
and 1t was hung out on the porch. Some
enc might be losing their way. inst for
want Of the light It gives. There's very
little light between the Crawford station
and the mills, and anyway, I'd feel
better"
"Pshawl mother" said her husband !;
"don't you think the windows give light
ezouehi"
"Weli, the windows will be dark
whenwe 60 to bed, !" she answered, "and
besidss, no one can see them till they
got In front OF the house. 4 guess ri
hang II out.
7 And with the wick turned up to give
. bright, clear light, she hung IL By q