Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1897-12-17
svNs OWN came the soft,
~ heecy snow flakes, fly

it whistled around the
great brick buildings. If the
large white fakes continued to
fall at this rapid rate the whole
city would be clothed in a pure,
elistening mantle of spotless
white ere the dawn of another
day.
1t was growing late the cleo
trio lights would soon be the
only light at all the pedestrians
seemed to be in a great hurry to
reach their homes-al' those
who were fortunate enough to
possess a .home. Yet, there
were many who had no such
place. Some would have to lind
shelter from the cold singing
blasts of that winter night Ill
some damp, chilly alley, or on
the BARE leety marble step OF
a rich mans mansion, where
so few find their hunger relieved
or are given common ralment.
Such people there are living IN
the world-Faithless, Hopeless
and Charityless.
It was OF Saturday-just a
few days before Christmas. The
great handsome stores were all
aglow with the brilliancy OF
electricity. Slowly moving
along the street, facing the
piercing wintry winds, a Slight
figure was passing. Need she
hurry? All, no Sic had nc
home; not even a rude spot
where she could call by the name
of lone. Yet, still there was
hope in that brave little heart, a
fond hope that it would be her
last night without a home. Ev-
cry day she wandered the streets
looking for a place to lay her
weary head. But, oh how vain
her hopes had been-long days
of constant wandering and no
home yet. She paused now and
then to look in the beautiful Win
dows cf the stores, where the
sales ladies were busy Eurrying
backward and forth, waiting
upon those who were selecting
Xmas presents for their loved
ones. "Ah me, that SO much
reminds me of the time when |
was employed in the large store
a: home. How delighted | was
to see Christmas come. | used
to receive many nice little pres
ents, but sine poor mamma died,
| have ha5 } happy Christmas
days" soliloquized Dolly Rey-
mouth, as she peered with her
great deep blue eyes in the fine
plate glass windows. She was
shiverfng from the cold wind
and slfow as it stung her scant>
lily clothed form, and drawing
more closely the old cloak she
wore-one that had served her
many seasons slowly trod
on, crushing the fast laying
SHOW beneath her feet, not know
ing whittier to Wend her way.
Presently, she raised her sor-
row filled eyes toward the dark
sunless skies, and ,murmured a
stifled prayer. Then she thought,
'Do the angels know as they sing
in their heavenly choirs to-
night. singing perhaps the sweet
triumphant songs, that they in
tend prais,ng their King with
on Christmas day-do they know
how homeless, penniless and
friendless | roam the streets to
night? Will they not remem>
Der such as /? Mother, have
you forgotten your homeless
child You whom God has
blessed with a home in Glory,
away from the trials and strug-
gies of this merciless world ?
Oh dear angel mother Won't
you plead with God to let you
come tonight and take me home
with you ? Please, dear mother,
[ am so cold and hungry to-
night: out III the bitter, cheer,
ess world, Why did Heaven
AXE you from me. why did Hell
whom we call l00c, leave mel
lere alone with no provision for
ife?
"Ab, how mysterious yes l |
lad myself still hoping on, that |
here will be a higher day yet