Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1895-12-19

children: Il guess we are going to
have jolly good Christmas. Mr.. Pot
ter is rich man, the people say, and
will pay well and promptly for work
done. can earn $50 this week If he
gives me the work he speaks Of"
The effect of the good news of work
obtained was felt by the whole family.
The children were exultant and good
tempered as they went OF to school.
Mrs. Browning went around with q
light step and cheerful heart singing
at her work. It is wonderful how hope
lightens toll. AS she sang and worked
she thought what comfort and pleasure
the coming $50 would bring. They
could nearly square of with the grocer
and butcher, and consequently enjoy
Christmas that much better. She
thought of her husband working away
SO cheerfuIly in the cold, his heart full
of the thought of what his wages
would procure for his family, and her
heart blessed him as a good, kind hus-
band, and life seemed very sweet and
bright to her. Mr.. Browning came
cheer and hope than when he went
away in the morning. Mr.. Potter
seemed to be man to whom money
was of small consequence. He was hav-
ing wonderfully nice Jumper" made
for his children, and had given orders for
Mr.. Browning to go right ahead and
build the wood-shed. The children all
rejoiced again over the good news of
work, and exulted in the thought of
generous gifts and turkey for Christ
mas.
During the week both the grocer and
butcher called around to see about their
bills, and were both assured by Mrs.
browning that they would receive some
money on Saturday night, jnasmuch as
Mr.. Browning had been so fortunate as
to have steady work all week.
Christmas day came on Sunday, and
it would be necessary to get all the
gifts and the good things for the Christ
mas dinner on Saturday. The day was
very cold, and John Browning found it
was going to push him hard to get the
wood-shed done by evening. AS he
wished to have little time In which to
enjoy spending his hard-earned money,
paying what he owed, and IL the happy
employment of going with his wife to
buy Christmas gifts for the children.
he employed fellow-workman to as
sist him on Saturday. AT noon he made
out his bill to Mr.. Potter, and carefully
placed it in his pocket, feeling that it
was as good as SO much money. About
five o. clock the last nail was driven,
his tools were gathered up and Mr..
Browning went around to the front Dart
of Mr.. Potter's house to see his employer
and get his pay. just as he raised his
hand to ring the bell, Mr.. Potter came
out, followed by his wife and children,
all heavily wrapped up, and evidently
just starting on a journey. A large
sleigh stood at the front gate loaded
with trunks and valises.
81 have finished the wood She'd" said
Mr.. Browning, land called TO ask you to
look at it and to present you my BILL"
''All right, all right, Mr.. Browning,
but we are just starting to the city to
spend the holidays, and cannot pay
your bill till return, which will be in
two or three weeks"
.But my family are needing and de-
pending on this money!" said Mr..
Browning, with sinking heart, land
it would be very inconvenient to wait.
Could you not"
mo use at all in insisting, my dear
fellow" said Mr.. Potter, in tone half
gay, half insulting. Il need all the
money 1 have, and more too, now that
] am taking my wife and children to
spend the holidays in the CITY,"