Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1901-12-26
Farmer Pettigrew's Christmas.

Old Farmer Pettigrew was driving
along the pike toward the county
town, the grays going at brisk rate.
There's that young Evans walk
ing" he said to himself. "He is
dressed up as if he was going to catch
the train"
"Going up the road, BOb2" he said,
as he passed the younger man. I'm
bound for town"
81 was going down by the train,
but don't mind riding behind your
grays, laughed the other, climbing in,
"that is, if you'll agree to bring my
stuff back.
$50 'tain't two wagon loads, was
the retort. He liked Bob Evans be-
cause he joked and laughed and was
good company.
"What'll your load be?" he asked
Bob, as the hard mud few from under
the horses feet.
mot much weight" laughed his
companion. Christmas gifts. This
is the time when a little money buys
a lot of things to warm the heart"
"Sho," said Farmer Pettigrsw,
"when you're as old as I am you won't
be spending money for Christmas,
There's no one but me and mother.
We'd look fine making Christmas
presents.
That you would" replied Evans
heartily, land it would make good old
Aunt Pettigrew feel ten years younger.
l wish you would"
"Now, Bob" exclaimed the older
man, "ars you in earDest2"
Never was more so. She is often
lonesome since your daughter moved
west. She would be not only sur
prised, but happy"
"What are you going to get Addie ?
me? o I've been planning for
months. A new dress for one thing.
Books she wanted and some little
knick-knacks. Nothing is too good
for my wife. She deserves more than
can give her. But I'm getting some
things for mother, too. / wouldn't
forget her. Well go over tomorrow
afternoon an see how happy she'll
be over our presents. "
II never did give anything except
little candy to the children on Christ
mas, said the old man.
About the middle Of the afternoon
Bob Evans hurried into the big dry
goods store after numerous bundles.
He was surprised to see old Farmer
Pettigrew sitting at counter near
the front while an obsequious clerk
was holding up folds Of gray silk.
Bob was so glad that he stopped TO
aid in the selection, and tlen went on
his way. 1t was nearly dark when
the two men met at the livery stable.
Old Farmer Pettigrew was as excited
as a boy.
Say, Bob, l bought her chair,
too, and comb. and candy, and I'm
kind Of ashamed to give them to her.
And l sent Minnie ten dollars, regis
tered letter, you know"
Bob shook the old mans hand.
"I'm glad l came in with you. |
Just wish | could see auntie when you
give those things to her.
"I'll tell you about it, Bob.
But he did not introduce the sub
iect, when Bob went over the next
week. The young man followed him
out to the barn lot and asked MIN
about the gifts Old Farmer Petit
grew looked at him long and solemnly,
a sort of culver about bis mouth.
"Well, when l laid them out by
her bed Christmas morning, Bob, l
just stepped out. She didn't come
out, and got scared. l PeePed in
through the crack, snd--and-she
was on her knees by them sobbing. /
didn't calculate it was going to have
any such effect, Bob"
"Bob's eyes grew misty.
81 went in then, and she rose up
and came to me, and she said Pa,
and kissed me for the first time in ten