Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-23

bit warm, and now must go to my Latin"
Il dare You to shout your wish to Santa
Claus up the chimney, Missy. like We all
did" said roguish Martin, the pet of the
Franklin primary
Well, scamper away, and I WILL" an
swered his sister. and as they trooped out
Missy, left alone. in the cosy Washington
chimney corner, did truly tell her wish to
Santa Claus
ana now Christmas eve was come and
Mlssy's own wish was forgotten in loving
thoughts for others. She and John turned
on the avenue in quiet street. where lived
three little friends. and were hurrying
through the gateway to pull the bell and
shout. Merry Christmas to ALL" when
suddenly a quaking throb at Missy's heart
ana sob in her throat stopped the greet
ing. The children had heard the sharp
swish OF lash, the thud of a kick and a
dogs cry of pain. How discordantly the
cruel sounds tore through the starlight
stiffness. Some figures covered darkly
against the opposite wall. Worse than
brutes, muttered John, urging his sister
forward. They left the basket and went
their way. Poor fellow, good dog" Missy
whispered. wiping tear from her cheek
Repassing the gateway into the street
Missy fancied the soft pattering sound of
little padded toes on the icy pavement and
presently felt warm breath. then a cold
something, against her wrist and there
Get out" cried John. firmly. Now,
Missy, We can't stop to speak to every stray
dog and cat We meet tonight" he added,
with a brothers authority.
Hes only saying How do you dor" an
swered Missy. meekly, quite used to such
admonitions from John.
The stray dog passed ito heef' at the
word. and was lost in the frosty darkness.
Two muffied figures also hurried out of
sight. blowing a low. shrill whistle
Missy and John had much to do, and now
stopped before great house, where only
one boy lived. but he was dear fellow, and
his gifts lghtened the load perceptibly. 1t
was nearing midnight, weird time for chill
dren to be abroad. on Christmas eve. They
went up 10th street, and when nearing
Dupont Circle a shimmering white figure
shot past them into the open park. A dog
again, now jumping madly in the apparent
JOY of new gained liberty; he made our two
the center OF his caressing circles. returning
again and again as they crossed the park
Where can he have come from?' asked
Missy, with concern John noticed that the
dog had collar. and said he must belong
near by. Go home" he added, with stern
emphasis. and the white dog made off
obediently.
Their next stopping place was at a very
small house In dark narrow alley. The
biggest basket went in here and stopped
their shortest way led through the dark
alley. Who should appear as If to guide
them near the end but the white dog, more
composed than in the park. but sweeping
his tail confidently still. This will never
do said John. The must be made to 20
home" The dog bounded blithely forward
and "nows our chance to lose him." said
John. Dash across this vacant lot and
through the alley on the other side" on
they darted, thinking themselves rid Of
their persistent follower. and when safe in
New Hampshire avenue again, when 10 and
pehoid! there he was waiting on the curb