The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1896-12-19

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''Why shall we eat tonight?' asked
Stankley, as he saw his wife getting the
tea table ready; I'VE Il only be hungry to-
morrow, and there will be nothing in the
house to eat all the long day.
Sufficient the day the evil thereof, W
was his wife reply. eff the worst comes
to the worst. Mrs Hill will let us have
something for our Christmas dinner. Her
husband has been very busy this week,
and they will be able to spare something.
Il would rather starve than ask them
for food, - was Stanley cruel reply.
Il would not, said Mrs. Stanley. as
she sat down to eat her bread and drink
her tea.
The door of large greengrOcer
opened. A blast of wind, accompanied
by whisk of snow, blew into the store.
4 man carrying large market basket
emerged as the wind and snow entered.
Merry Christmasr' was shouted after
him. He waved his empty arm at the
well-wishers inside as he strobe away into
the night. The basket was heavy, for it
was well loaded with good things; a big
fat turkey lay triumphantly on the top Of
a pile of potatoes. 1t was surrounded by
garnie of deep red carrots, light green
tips of celery, with the ivory-white stalks;
blushing red apples were relieved by the
warm glow Of oranges; hidden away be-
meath the tempting fruit were winter veg
etables. while protruding out at the side
was the neck of what appeared to be
portly bottle of wine
"A special treat for the little woman.
Hill had said when he purchased it.
The happiness of the hour made the
burden light As Hill walked over the
sidewalk. crunching the white snow under
his heavy boots, happier man did not
live in New York The streets were
crowded. as is usual ON Christmas Eve.
Every one seemed intent upon his own af-
fairs; each hurried along on their way.
One seemed to catch the infection,
Peace on earth, good will toward men.
Hill had made up his mind to 20 home at
once. lie was not working that day,
having resolved to take Il holiday. The
snow was drifting He did not notice.
until he had run into them, two men
standing ON corner. The men. too, had
their backs TO him. When the heavy
basket his one in the side with sharp
blow he turned with anything but a pleas
ant remark. The words had hardly left
the speakarS mouth when he shouted:
viii YOU believe your eyes? ID :
Phil Hill and he : got marke! basket
and full at that :
Hill stopped, and by the aid of the
street lamp recognized two fellow newspa-
per men.
\ conversation followed.
No, | can't go with you tonight,
Phil was saying, as he was about to move
away. My wife is home waiting for me,
and promised to be home early. 1t is
near midnight now, and I've got this in
formal basket to carry Sorry, but can t
join you.
I'VE won't keep you late, urged
Brown, one of his friends. Jones, here,
is awfully lucky tonight, and old man
Brunson says he expects all the newspaper
boys to call on him tonight He has pre-
pared hot lunch for us, and you Il find
all the boys there.
The temptation was great. Hill way
cred
BranSon's was a favofite resort with
''the boys. 1t was a place where they
got their midnight lunches and their beer.
The old man had bought number of tur-
keys, and was going to have Christmas
rattle. Hill knew if he went he would
not reach home until late; yet he thought
that perhaps, after all, his wife had gone
to bed, so as to be ready for the holiday
tomorrow.
Thus excusing his own weakness, he
suffered himself to be led away He found
1 both Brown and Jones willing to assist
him with his burden-and at the same
time help themselves to his apples. Bran
son was not far from the place he bad
met his friends Soon the trio were there
The old man greeted them heartily. He
put Hills basket away in safe place be-
hind the counter, telling his guests tt
make themselves at home. This was easy
cOngenial crowd had gathered in the
little room. At one table party vert
playing pitch" preventing themselve.
from getting too dry by drinking beer. Al
the pool table there was a party of six OIL
seven trying to pocket the balls, and thus
save themselves an additional expense fol
drinks. The real amusement, the rafting
of the evening, had not begun. Hill wal
: uncomfortable at first; soon the lights, the
tobacco smoke and the merry hum of voices
brought back his old feelings of careless
ness. Before long he was one of the party
at the card table. The lunch was served
at midnight; then the rafting began. The
chances we're but ten cents, the winner
having the choice Of morey or bird. FIX
cited little groups hung about the table il
the center of the room while the rafier
shook the dice Beer flowed freely. Egg
nogg and toddy were introduced. Nor
than one felt the liqour to some extent
but the excitement was at its height, ant
no ORG cared.
Hill had saved several dollars from hi
market fund, but they soon melted away
In their place a phantom march of empt,
glasses foated before his eyes. These HI
did not care to see. In vain, to hid
them, did he tempt fortune and throw tn
dice; in vain did he tie Jones in the high
| est throw for the turkey. Invariably di
5 Jones beat him. Jones was in luck-Hi
/ was not,
+ The night grew apaee,
II One by one the men left the place; sti
Hill remained. 1t was nearing clock
, and there were few remaining. Hi
friends, Brown and Jones, had gone, an,
how long Hill would have remained is har,
to tell. A scuffle started in the back par
of the room.
. Go..a.ol .o,,.wl, s4,o hol anta,a1 IL,