Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1901-12-21
GREAT OEKS and LITTLE AG0RNS.
a Christmas Story.

/
The weather had been mild and pleasant
until few days before the story begins.
The older folks had predicted an open
winter. adding that there are no such
SHOWS now as there were when they were
young. But the winter had started now
| in earnest and it was cold enough to sat
| isfy the most winteroving heart. The
inha bitants of Allentown We're satisfied
| at any rate.
| In the western part of Indiana was
Ruby valley, the most beautiful and
fertile spot in all the country round.
In the midst of this valley Allentown
lay, the hills that arose on all sides
were covered with walnut end oak. A
| small cottage, cozy and clean, stood a
little removed from the main portion of
the town. The small yard was sur
rounded by a neat fence. A large oak
spread its great branches over the tiny
house with a protecting air that seemed
to say, Don't be afraid; | am here to
take care of you"
That same oak had stood there for
many year, beaten by storm and rain,
shone on by sun and moon alike, but tall
and straight as ever Years ago old
Squire Martin had planted it, watching
its growth with much interest and often
repeating the old adage, Great oaks
from little acorns grow" When his sons
the farm and the hard work and longed
to give it up and go out into the world
and do something great, the old man
would say, Have patience. Even that
great oak from a little acorn grew; your
time, too, will come"
The squire died long ago but his mem
DRY is still green in the hearts of the old
folks who can remember him. The old
house was torn down, and the cottage,
built some years ago, is now occupied by
the 'squire's granddaughter, widow
with three children.
Mrs. Roderic had been making a scant
living for herself and children by sew
ing for some of the ladies in the town.
| But for some weeks work had been
scarce so scarce, indeed. that she some
| times wondered where she should obtain
the next meal. As for Christmas pres
| ents, they were entirely out of the ques-
ton; she must not entertain the thought
for moment. Last year ii was differ
ent. but now.
Clyde. manly boy of u, felt that he
could do without Christmas presents, for
he was almost a man. But Dorothy and
little Noel, they must have something.
What Christmas without even some
candy for them?
Never mind, mother mine! There are
| two whole weeks yet, l shall find some.
thing to do" he added in q voice of de-
| termination, rs ne plChtu up ms DOCKS
and started for school.
| "All that day the thought was in his
| head. What could he do? Sell papers
| Mo- There were already more newsboys
| than were needed. And he could not
| black boots but there must be some
| thing for me TO do" he said.
That evening anu for many succeed
ing evenings he hunted for something
| that he could make n little money at, to
| 81 10 fnr |, "
and the baby. 1t now lacked only five
| days until Christmas. Clyde was dis
Conraged but not ready to give up. He
went to bed early that the morrow might
bring something.
II remember" he said as he climbed
to the room where he slept, mother
used to say that her grandfathcr's ia
vorite saying was great oaks from little
corns grow. | just wish l could find an
acorn. Then kneeling, he asked the Max
or of all good to help him. He was
soon sleeping and dreaming of baby Noel
hanging up his tiny sock and laughing in
delight when he found what Santa Claus
had brought him.
All that night the snow fell softly, soft
ly, as though afraid of waking the sleep
ing EARTH and field and fence were soon
wrapped in soft white blanket. The
trees We're soon transferred into ghost
~ forms, but Clyde slept ON unconscious
of the good fortune the snow was stor-
ing up for him.
The next morning when Clyde looked
out upon the beautiful snow he was
pleased. Then, as an idea struck him,
he bounded down the stairs. Nobody
was astir. Stepping softly, he put on
cap and mttens and, taking a shovel, he
quietly let himself out into the cold morn
ing air. There was no snow falling now,
but the sky was still cloudy.
Going 70 the different houses, he asked
If they did not want him to shovel the
snow off their paths. Many, Knowing
and liking the bright-faced lad and his
hard-working mother. gave him the
work 10 do.
> The last place he went was to a store
: Of Oscar Alan grocer, Clyde entered
the store and taking off his cap advanced
, to the desk where Mr.. Alan was busy
writing and waited for that gentleman
to speak. Mr. Alan was very husy
and not disposed to be very amia6le over
an interruption.
We'll what is it?" he asked rather
gruliiy, without looking up.
IF YOU please, would you like your
sidewalk cleaned asked Clyde.
DO want my sidewalk cleaned,
heyT glancing at the boy over his
glasses. We'll, yes. | believe | do" h,
added kindly when he noticed the eager
look
CLYDE went to work hr.sky. Il he
licye | have found an acorn. Ii is small.
but think it will grow" ne laughed 10
himself
Mr.. Alan watched Clyde. and then 4.
he came III glowing from ,ha exercise
said, That boy viii do"
IL thank You, sir said Clyde as he re-
ceived his pay.
You have no school until after Christ
mas, do youE' questioned the S;oreleeppr
NO, sir. was the answer.
How would you like to run errands
for the store while You are not at school
lOur GRAND hoy is sick. | shall nav Won