The San Francisco call., 1897-01-03

each had become embittered by the con-
stant nagging of the elements, and had
withered up in despair.
However, the good people were deter
mined that their hearts and interiors
would be SO sunshiny that the Storm
King would reign unnoticed.
To make arrangements a committee was
appointed, and from it, Miss Nutter, a
teacher of the higaest grammar grade,
was chosen to take charge of tie decora-
tions, not such an easy task without flow
ers, In California where every one expects
a mass OF bloom, even in the heart of win
ter. But Miss Nutter had an artistic
mind. and willing assistants in her pupils.
On Friday, before holiday week, she di-
vided the older boys into committees to
get materials for decorations-one to get
redwood one bam boo, one flowers and one
| Christmas berries. The last was composed
of Bert Edwards, Joe Sales and Will
Mackin, three chums, who were seldom
apart. Win was of very hopeful dispo-
sition, seeing great fortunes ahead, and if
one scheme failed ready to adopt another.
Joe was cautious, but quick -witted, af-
fectionate and never happier than when
tween, with his quiet, happy ways,
smoothing many little eruption OF
temper.
As they met together after school Joe
asked: Aren't you glad she chose us to
get the Christmas berries? It's easy
enough TO get redwood and BAN boo and
flowers, but 10 get enough Christmas
berries we'll have to skirmish over the
hilis.'
POOL" scorned Will. 81 know where
there are lots of berries-the reddest
and most perfect"
Most perfect! And you're ready for
graduation" laughed Joe.
"Oh, that's nothing to some of your
breaks, old chan; but I don't care for
grammar now. Ny minds on Christmas
berries"
"Poor little mind can hold only one
thought" interrupted Joe; but Will.
never needing him, continued: "You
know the hill the other side of the gulch
where we found that blackberry patch
last summer on old man Davis ranch? !?
California ia boys, with even the best inten-
tions. will forget the proper prefix to
mans name.) Let's go over tomorrow
and investigate"
''I'll bet We don't get one," answered
Joe. "I'll bet those greasers have got
them ALL You know Jacinto and Pedro
Care ship them to San Francisco"
oh, the dickens! L suppose, then, we
won't find a decent bunch within ten
miles. Those greasers take everything"
and Willis hopeful face fell so low that Joe
lauohed and teasinulv said.
Not everything, chappy. Wasn't it
you that exclaimed last week against the
lsziness of the greaser and disputed with
us on the injustice of the grlngo? Now,
when they exert themselves little, you
grumble too. 1t takes a lot to satisfy
some people"
"Oh, shut up your joshing. You don't
like them any better than /, answered
Will, not quite amiably.
'Look here, fellows, you're getting on
dangerous ground" chimed in Bert, fear
ing an explosion. Let's get down to busi-
ness. Can you fellows go hunting for
berries tomorrow afternoon? / am sure |
can"
"Yes, of course"
"Well, then, let's start at l."
"Hold on! l can't get off so early" put
in Joe. 1.-THE dear maternals got no girl,
and / must help do the lunch dishes.
Can't leave her with the dishes, and Ruth,
too, that child"
Another Ruth story" groaned Will;
but Bert added: "Don't mind him. He's
only jealous. It's hard luck to be an only
child. What's Miss Perpetual Notions
latest2"