Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1901-12-18

see, she wants to know 1t reached him
and doesn't want to register letter,
for he must not know who sends it.
So run up with 1t and get receipt for
It that we may send her."
l was soon on Tenth street. The
number sought was tumble down old
rookery, and the children snowballing
each other in the street stopped long
enough to tell me that old Mr.. Jones
lived on the top floor.
"Come in" piped a CHEEKY, shrill
voice as knocked on his door. I did.
Seated by the window, nightcap on
head and spectacles on nose, sat a
bright eyed, gray haired, much wrin-
killed. old fellow, clean shaver and very
tall and stopped. merry Christmasw
he piped as soon as he saw me and
grinned affably, displaying a few large
teeth that were still white.
l stammered forth the conventional
answer. l could do no more than
stammer 1t, for such a salutation in
such a place quite staggered me. The
rickety bed, the unlighted stove, the
broken loaf of bread on the bare little
table, the absence of carpet, the two
chairs, told the story Of deepest pow
erty at a glance. L hastily gave him
the money and took his receipt
'Sit down on that other chair and
gladden. nay Christmas" said he. "This
gift of money is nothing to your COM
pany. / deserve it," he added a little
pettishly. Il have gladdened others
Christmas today"
"You haveY 1 was impolite enough
to say in my bewilderment.
''The BIRDS" said he, pointing out
the window to where a few sparrows
on the fire escape were pecking at
piece Of his loaf.
at is this that has made you happy
today in spite off,
zs"It Is ono-of the things That was
my Christmas giving. 1t was all I
could give until you came, but now
am under the necessity of seeking
human objects for my bounty. The
aims share of this is too big for the
birds.''
"Can you find any poorer than your
selfY' inquired.
Eyes, even in the palaces" he said
solemnly. Rising and leaning on the
long stick which he had kept beside
him, he thus went on:
IL began my celebration of Christ
mas yesterday afternoon by going to
the free library and reading Dickens
Christmas Carol For years / have
read 1t on Christmas eve-that Is, to
fill myself with the true Christmas
spirit Of charity, love, peace and good
will. 1t always succeeds. Has any
millionaire in this great city begun
more wisely?
Having finished my reading, walk
ed through the crisp, frosty air to the
boulevard to enjoy the sleighing. II
was very fine. Time was when used
to sit in one Of those vehicles and go
Swimming over the snow. l lost half
the sport. could not see the cutters
skim by, the rosy cheeks of the riders,
and ran risk Of a SPILL could hear
no bells but those on my own team,
but, all, standing on the roadside-how
different!
"The skating on the lake next inter-
ested me, and enjoyed 1t greatly.
Home to tea next, with a keen appe-
tlte. Had full larder and that appe-
lite would eat enough to be sluggish,
and then / should not go out again.
But a slice of bread, an onion and a
cup of black tea-no gluttony In that,
yet enough.
81 went out to do my Christmas
shopping. Oh, l saw everything-all
the riches of the earth displayed in
windows. Remember that the great
delight in most of them is In looking
at them. and that II they are personal
ornaments you cannot very well see
them after you put them on. Toasted
my eyes fully from the outside Of the
windows. 1t was the best Christmas
shopping ever did, and l have done
much shopping in my time, ! can tell
you.
Midnight mass - grand. celestial!
that fact stand between me and cpl
cureaT enjoyment.
Il slept the sleep of the contented
man, sir, dreaming of the beautiful,
bright skies and green fields and pleas
ant waters of summer that are all
mine. sir, as much as kings.
"See my Yule Log" He pointed to
piece of camel coal beside the stove.
Il will light that by and by. | viii
roast little joint of meat over II and
make me a little wassail-bowl of
cider with a roast apple In it - and
when my pipe Is lit and the street
lamp shines on the ceiling l win recite
for myself some of the old miracle
plays OF Christmas or sing an olden
CAROL
pardon me-" said /, starting up.
must go. You tempt me to share
your feast and lose my position.
must SO. ] wish knew how TO be
n hannv NO vou "