The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1901-12-20

lous with JOY. ne filled the little
stockings that hung in . row in the
bare kitchen of the Darrow house.
left whole pumpkin pie in the cup
board, and went home. leaving .
promise To come again in the morning
and see how the mother and children
were getting along. Mrs. barrow was
much better. She said she thought
she would be able TO get up in tho
morning.
Christmas morning. as soon as they
had had their breakfast. Mr.. and Mrs.
Bennett again drove over to the OAR
rows. They found the mother sit
ting up, happy with her children over
their humble gifts. They had been
sure that Santa Claus would bring
them something, and he had not be-
trayed their childish confidence.
II declare" said Samuel Bennett.
when he and his wife were again in
the cutter. on their way home, 1t
seems kind o. Christmasy, after all"
IL don't know but il does" admit
ted Hannah. I've kind o. made up
my mind we amt the worst of ever
was, after all"
She was learning the true lesson
Of Christmas time-that il is doing
for the least of these" that gives the
deepest joy. But she was still TO
find the fuller happiness Of that
Christmas day.
land" she exclaimed, as they
neared the house. There's the ex-
pressman in front Of our gate. What
can he want?"
II don't know" replied Samuel. III
can't he anything for US"
But it was.
II brought your package" called
the expressman, "only it's a box"
The mysterious box was soon car
ried into the house and opened. l,
was generous in size, and as the Gov
er came off it was found to be vel
| filled.
Here's letter, Sam. Open it,"
Samuel Bennett opened the letter
which bore his name, and read il
wonderingly. 1t said: Dear Uncle
A
/ am still alive and prosperous. Al
Christmas approached. thought o.
YOU and Aunt Hannah. as the onl,
living relatives / have, and | send yo,
something 10 make you think Of me-
There was further explanation, an'
then the letter ended with: Now
Uncle Samuel. if you need any assist
ancc. let me know. | shall be glad I,
help you. have plenty and TO spare
and If can do anything for you !
will be blessing to me. Write L
me soon. Your affectionate nephew
John Bennett"
MY brother Henry's boy" sal
Samuel. IL never knew what had be
come OF MIN. Amt it queer?"
"Queer?" said Hannah, feelingly
II call it Godsend. And TO think
grumbled and found fault with til
Lord. Wasn't / wicked?"
And then she sat down and bega
to weep.
Don't, Hanna. 'Tain't nothin' I
cry over. You didn't mean it. and tn
Lord'll forgive you. Let's take til
things out of the box"
There were many beautiful gift
; for both Of them, John Bennett ha
: shown his liberality when he packs
the Christmas box.
, Sam" remarked Mrs. Bennett
when they had examined and wol
! dered at the last article. and the be
had beer removed to the wood she
Il wonder il you couldn't 60 and e
' a few evergreens. We might trim |
4 little
: "Of course. | could" answered Sar
: uel. radiantly. 1t amt far TO Il
= woods. and the snow amt deep theI
e | could get some in no time
\ Then you get some. And viii
: you're gone. Ill go 20 work and &
o the best dinner ! can. Well have
d Christmas, if il is kind of la
( one
Y "Oh. Hannah" cried the delight
Z. old man. with a suspicious shake
5 his voice. you make me SO happy"
Il II feel that way myself. Sam" ;
replied.
Then she did something which $
e had not done before in many yea
Z. She went up to her husband a
kissed him. He, surprised into sile
: ecstacy. blushed like boy. as
G went out after the evergreens.
n That kiss was the sweetest Chri
k mas gift he had ever receivcd.-N.