Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1896-12-31

ana the light was shaded by crimson
silk affair that created rosy. mellow
twilight through the room, which, to-
gether with the warm glow of the fire.
caused me to congratulate myself upon
my good fortune in having so many
comforts. even though was obliged to
work with my pen night and day. al
most. facing so many disappointments,
disagreeablc editors, and all that sort
of thing.
And then, as my mind drifted from
one thing to another, the happenings
of 4 whole year. the new friends l had
made, the old ones who had gone
away. the clock struck 10. had still
two hours with my departing COM
rade. two hours before l would be
called upon to welcome the new conner.
whose name. is. believe. 1897.
My head had dropped still lower
down upon the cushions. and think ]
must almost have dropped into doZe,
Wien shadow came Suddenly be-
tween my eyes and the rosy light Of
tie lamp.
This fact brought me to myself very
quickly. | assure you: and with Start
of surprise. l raised my head to see
who or what had gained entrance to
my room without my knowledge Vi;
any previous manifestation whatever.
l was obliged to look twice before
saw anything. and then. such strange
creature as met my startled gaze. A
little, old :. an. Weather-beaten, wrink-
led. whte-haircd. and so weary-look-
ing. sat perclled upon pile Of books,
his feet crossed worn old hat upon
his head. and altogether. lie appeared
to have been buffeting life's pillows for
me time, with neither haven nor
calm wherein to recruit his shattered
:;ils and rigging
At first he did not seem to be con
| scious of 10y presence or close scruti-
ny; but presently, lifting his dim old
| eyes to my face, gave me the benefit
| Of this remark:
$50. YOU are waiting to see me die
are your
10 say / was astonishcd would be
| putting it mildly, for l had no idea OF
| entertaining the Old Year in person
but after my first great surprise had
passed away and mad collected my
self little. concluded to improve the
opportunity and find OFT what mad
made my old friend appear 20 decided
ly Worn out, and what that great bund
lie contained that he had lifted from his
back and deposited on the table by his
side.
And so you are really the Old Year
are you: May l inquire what line OF
goods YOU carry; or, III other words
what does your bundle contain. and
how can such a small man as yourself
lift so great burden, much less carry
it around?'
| "Ah, me-" the weak old voice made
reply, you little know what l have
had to bear through this whole year
You remember how looked when yor
first saw me, a year ago at II O'clock
1 suppoSe?'
Yes. indeed"' FASTENED to assure
him. 81 remember what a plump
healthy, curly-haired. pretty little fel
low You We're; mere child. and sc
gay and light-hearted, too. Why! YOU
laugh rang out like silver bells. ant
your eyes were full Of laughter ant
trimming over with happiness ant
mirth. That is the reason l did no
recognize you tonight 1t does no
seem possible that you can be the Jolly
little chap l reached out welcoming
hand to twelve months ago. Dear me
how you have changed. to be sure"
YES l have; but you will not b,
surprised at the change When | tel
you what has wrought il. What dt
You think ! carry in this pack: Mott,
ing more nor less that the broker
promises that you poor, miserable, I'LL
happy mortals made ut my birth. Now
do you wonder that have grown oil
and almost worn out before my tin"
comes to die? Here. look ut this bund
lie and see If you recognize IT. All.
see you do. by the sudden start ym
give as your eyes fall upon It's coz
tents. Yes: these are yorr broken
promises which you faithfully swnr'
last ycnr nj this time You would FIJI
I'LL without fail. And how have y0,
kept these promises?
AS the old man pnllsed II moment Il
Ook ut me to see how appreciated his
last question. he seemed so sad nnt
worm out with carrring his heavy bur
! lens that felt guilty. Indeed. aud ~,
fac" turned scarlet Will, sl,nme NM
modification ns realized how E,ich
Ind helped to make The bright, laugh