Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1896-12-24
The "Swede KIDS" Christmas.

About twenty years ago homeless
boy appeared upon the streets Of Lew
iston. He was ragged ~ beggai and
would. In any other city in the world,
have been called q tramp. The perl
patetics had not come to the north
west In the 7O's. This visitor attracted
no little attention. His tender age, his
very ungainly proportions. irregular
features, and ruddy complexi seem.
ed to appeal to the sympathiss Of tho
generous people. The doors Of the best
homes In the city were opened for the
str snger.
At that time, y foreigner, whom the
people called a Swede, was engaged In
business here. The b"y was direct
from Denmark aud could not speak
the English language. He found Ia
the Hwede y friend with whom he
could converse, and took up his abode
In that household. To the majority of
the people Of the city the boy was
known as the "Swede Kid" and dur
ing his residence here he was known
by no other name. He was familiar
character upon the streets for three
wears. He was faithful and devoted
agent In successfully conducting an
important business enterprise, which
was fiaally transferred by the owner
to new company; and the old pro-
prietor and the hoy removed to home
stead In the Palouse country. The
"Swede Kid" from that time was
known no more to those with whom
he had associated In this city, hut
there are many here today who re-
member him almost NJ hero, 20 faith
ful was he In the discharge 0f every
duty.
1t II u part Of the story. however,
that the boy worked with the same
zeal at building home In the wilder
ness tor the man who gave him sheite:
In this city.
In the family Of the Swede was q
daughter ten years old at the begln.
ming of this narrative. She was un.
usually fair and was known In school
aud for that matter, to every resident
Of the city, a. 1.-THE pretty Swede GIRL
The memory of her beauty Is indelibly
fixed IN the minds Of some Of the mel
who were of susceptible age ut the time
uf her residence here. The judgment
} of the big hearted neople Of that day
\ Oil such subject, may not be q saf
J guide for the historian, but 1t was thel
, universal verdict that she gave prom
ise of being q beauty. The father,
seems, became convinced that 1t wa
\ the destiny OF the Child to become
very pretty woman; and that he re
h linquished his business and hom
here, because he was afraid the s0cia
advantages OF the city would educat
: her to All appreciation Of her naturs
G personal charms, and unfit her for
ls life OF hard work.
r The homestead was In u small noun
d tain meadow. A circle Of pine forei
| AIIoIuCu SuCbtCi SbC 0A
e distance divided the family from tn
r. noise, the flattery and the scandals ,
the busy and medd lesome world. Th
= father, the "Swede Kid" the motht
- aud girl labored 40 faithfully that tn
X wilderness was converted into II
! finest farm In the county. Every con
fort available was provided and 4
Ave years contentment and pea
reigned over the household.
| The beautiful girl. then q radial
woman, was the greatest comfort
the fathers falling years. He kne
well that In her heart she lOneed Z
the pleasures Of society, tut she W
/ sacrificed to life Of solitude In Obed
ence to his iron will; and no coinplai
had he ever hea rd. He WAS fiatter
at the success that had followed L
efforts to save beautiful girl from I
dangers of society.
When the Christmas season was q
preaching, the old gentleman felt ve
thankful over his happy past a
bright prospects. He planned u gra
program for family celebration. a
on the day before he drove to to,
fifteen miles distant 10 buy preset
and repare for IA grand feast. 7
morning Of his departure was an i'd
winter day. The crisp snow sang
song to the sleigh, as the fine tel
pranced over the smooth road a. u
the jov Of the family were iniectiO
The day that had promised 80
wAs n trpach prOus one 4 ne snov clO,