Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1901-12-14

gold in the freight It was Christmas
eve. and his stocking hung on nail by.
the high, black mantel. He was a great
boy of ten, large and strong for his age
slTothers man." she called him. She.
his mother-sat in the circle OF light from.
the cheerful fire stringing raisns and pop
corn on long threads to trim his baby
sisters Christmas tree.
He knew what he would find in that
stocking in the morning. A red-checked
apple in the toe, and a paper of fat wal
nut meats and one of popcorn made into
taffy by some process known only to his
mother There would be half a dozen
sticks of pink-and-w white striped mint can
dy, a ball of yarn covered with good
stout sheepslin by his mothers own
hands, and at the top of all such a
brown, spicy smelling, queer-looking horse
ginger-cake as he gazed down on now.
The noises from the street, the rattle
and roar Of traffic below them, were the
only sounds heard in the general man
ayers private office. The stenographer
had ceased to rustic his papers; instead,
he almost held his breath for fear Of dis
turbing the man sitting there so quietly
Presently Tom Dorkins stirred. Phil"
he said, in such gentle voice that the
young man started. 1t was so different
from the curt, brisk tones to which he
was accustomed, is your mother livingY
Yes Mr.. Dorkins."
Are you going to spend Christmas
with her?'
Eyes, sir he answered, slowly. He
did not quite understand the drift of his
chiefs questioning.
THAT right" said Mr.. Dorkins, heart
lily And I'm going to spend Christmas
with mine, too; a thing haven't done for
nine years, boy. But I'll make it up to
her tomorrow. Nine years to make up
DO you think | can do it?" lie glanced
hurriedly at his watch. Il can barely
make connections if I'm to get there to
night. | won't have time to go home,
Phil; you must stop at the house for me.
Tell my wife not to be anxious; I've gone
to my mother. She's old, and she's sent
for me. I'll be back Monday"
Phil helped him on with his oyercoat,
and brushed bit of imaginary dust from
his hat before handing it to him.
Il wish | had time to get something
to take her." Tom Dorkins said, as he
pushed the box of cakes into his desk
and locked it. I've always sent her a
present.
You're all she wants, Mr.. Dorkins,"
Phil ventured to say. He was hardly
more than boy, and he had a deal Of
swallowing to do to rid himself of the
lump in his throat.
Some splits of snow were falling as
Christmas eve drew to close, and the
wind sighed dismally around the corners
of the house.
Grandma Dorkins piled an extra log on
the brass androns, and the ruddy glow
lit UP the room with a festive air
Il wish the wind didn't howl so about
the place. she said, restlessly. 1T seems
that mournful, exactly as if it knew I'd
been hopinlagaiast hope, an Tenn wasn't
comin' this yeaH either"
She smoothed her black silk apron with
nervous, trembling fingers as the up
trains whistle sounded.
"Tll soon know now" she whispered,
feeling suddenly weak and old. If Tom
shouldn't come. Il don't believe I'd ever
get over it. That's what's been keepn'
me up all through the fall, an to be dis
appointed again" She sat with wide.
eager eyes on the door. Hell come right
in, for he knows m eXpectin' him
Yes, he knew she was expecting him.
AS he came up the board walk he could
see the freight hickering on the wall,
the wreath of Christmas green hanging
against the window. His hand fumbled
at the latch a minute, then he opened the
door gently and went in.
Tom got home last night, after all!'
old Mrs. Dorkins cried, delightedly, as
she reached Homer Fox the blue milk
pitcher from the kitchen window on
Christmas morning.
Gee whuts. You don't say!' Homer
exclaimed, stamping the snow from his
rawhide boots Il guess you're happy as
birds in the springtime, Gran'ma Dor
kins"
Tom, hearing voices, came out from the
sitting room, and finding Homer, went
half way in the snow to meet him.
prosperity amt pulled Tom up bit.
his mother thought. fondly. He acted
real glad to see Homer. What a long
hand-shake he give him"-Farm and
Eiresde.
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For the New Year