Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-12-22
CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE GULOH
by Albert BigeIOw Paine.

1.
The mines had been shut down for six
weeks, and money in the camp was scarce
Bad weather had set in early, and the con.
tnued rain found its way through the roof
of many a cabin. There was beginning 10
be sickness. In the cabin of Sandy Carson
there was little girl-the only little eirl
in the camp-very i'll. A cold at first.
then a fever had come. and day after day
little, sunny haired Nellie Carson, whom
the miners had loved and petted and spoiled
since the first day of her arrival, steadily
grew worse and wasted until the whole
camp spoke in whispers, even up at the
Red Light, where they were gambling.
Sandy Carson and his wife, with their
one child, had arrived at the camp late in
the fall with barely enough money TO nav
the teamster who brought them, and there
had been little mining weather since. As
stated at the beginning, money in the camp
was scarce, but it was, perhaps, more so in
the Carson cabin than under any other
roof in The Gulch. This fact had made
no difference to DIR. Dick, who worked
claim in pleasant weather and practiced
medicine between times. He remained
with the Carsons day and night, almost,
and the miners knew that he would save
Nellie if human skill could avail.
They were as anxious as he to do what
they could for the child, and had ordered
expensive luxuries by the stage that came
down twice week from Green Valley, and
once, by DIR. Dicks advice, they had sum-
moned great physician from the city, who
had charged them one hundred dollars only
to tell them that DIR. Dick was doing all
that anybody living could do, and that the
fever must run its course.
To DR.. Dick, who now hung over the lit
tie sufferers bed and watched the futtering
breath, and felt the little hot wasted hand,
it seemed that its course was about run.
The parents, exhausted with watching,
were in the next room asleep. His patient
had been delirious at times, and as he leaned
over her she began muttering.
Isn't it Christmas yet, mammal she
whispered. "You said could have doll
when Christmas came, and want it so bad,
mamma; isn't it Christmas YETI"
Dr. Dick lifted up his head and stared
about helplessly. 1t was Christmas Eve.
He had scarcely thought about it himself
until now, but the sick child in her uncon-
sciousness had somehow remembered and
through the burning tide of fever had held
fast to a promise of weeks before. The
tide was running out now; its force was
nearly spent. By morning he believed the
moment would come that was to decide be-
tween life and death If only the dol
could be there to lay in her hand when
consciousness came there was just chance
bare chance, that the decision might be
life.
Isn't it Christmas yet, mammal" she
repeated. isn't it Christmas yet!"
When Mrs. Carson awoke DIR. Dick told
her.
Have you dollP he asked anxiously.
Tears sprang to the poor woman's eyes.
II have never bought it. have prom
ised it to her for year. told her tina
when Christmas came she should surely
have it. Then we moved here, then Nellie
was taken i'll, and did not remember, anC
oh, DR.. Dick, we have scarcely money fol
food"
Half an hour later Dr. Dick went ovel
to the Red Light hotel for supper. Loung
ing about the office was the usual crowd
Every other occupation ceased when thu
Doctor entered.
How is shel How is she tonight, Docl
they asked in a subdued chorus.
1t was raining outside and the new GOMEZ
walked over to the fire.
Iherell De cnange by morning Vi oe
fore. l can't tell you till them" He pause'
and, turning suddenly, added, "Boys |
there anybody here that will ride over T.
Green Valley tonight"
There was a moment of silence. Gree
Valley, the nearest town of any size, wa
a good twenty miles away and the road
were believed to be impossible. The stag
had missed two trips. Greeks we're swollen
and the mud in places would be to tn
horses knees. A gang of outlaws infeste
one part of the road and the stage had bee
fired on. Presently one of the men spoke
'Any of us would CO." he said, but
don't believe there's a horse in the cam
that would carry grown man there an
back tonight, and the Kid here wouldn
care to risk it, reckon"
LET the Kid talk for himself, " answere
q brisk voice, and a boyish figure steppe