Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-12-19

pleasure of success and 4 knowledge OF
power fell away from him. Again he
heard the hickory logs cracking on the
hearth. the brass andirons cleaning like
gold in the freight. 1t was Christmas
eve, and his stocking hung on nail by
the high, black mantel. He was great
boy of ten, large and strong for his age.
Mothers man." she called him. She
his mother-sat in the circle of light from
the cheerful fire stringing raisins 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-checKeo
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 MS
mother. There would be half dozen
sticks Of pink-and-white striped mint can.
dy, ball Of yarn covered with good
stout sheepskin by his mothers own
hands, and at the top of all such
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 as
turbing the man sitting there so quietiy:
Presently Tom Dorkins stirred. phil,
he said, in such a gentle voice that the
young man started. 1t was so dinereht
from the curt, brisk tones to which ne
was accustomed, us your mother living
ives Mr. DOrkins"
"Are you going to spend Christmas
with her?'
Eyes, SIR" he answered, slowly. He
did not quite understand the drift OF MS
chiefs questioning.
That's right" said Mr.. Dorkins, heart
lily. And I'm going to spend Christmas
with mine too; thing haven't done for
nine years, boy. But I'll make 1t up TO
her tomorrow. Nine years to make up.
DO you think can do it?" He glanced
hurriedy at his watch. II can barely
make connections il I'm to get there to
night. l won't have time to 80 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 overcoat'
and brushed bit Of imaginary dust from
his hat before handing 1t to him.
II wish l had time to get something
to take her." Tom Dorkins said. as he
pushed the box of cakes into his desk
and locked it. 1--WE always sent her
present"
you're all she wants, Mr.. Dorkins,"
Phil ventured to say. He was hardly
10 had as n
swallowing to do to rid himself of the
lump in his throat.
Some spits of snow were falling as
Christmas eve drew to a close. and the
wind sighed dismaly around the corners
of the house.
Grandma Dorkins piled an extra log on
the brass andirons, and the ruddy glow
lit up the room with a festive air.
II wish the wind didn't howl so about
the place." she said, restlessly. ut seems
that mournful, exactly as If it knew Ia
been hopin' against hope. an Tom WASH
comm this year, either"
She smoothed her black silk apron with
nervous. trembling fingers as the up
trains whistle sounded.
I'll soon know now" she whispered.
feeling suddenly weak and old. If Tom
shouldn't come! II don't believe I'd ever
get over it. That's what's been keepin
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 I'm expectin' him."
Yes. he knew she was expecting him.
As he came up the board walk he could
see the freight Pickering 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
pitcser from the kitchen window on
Christmas morning.
Gee whuts. You don't say.' Homer
exclaimed. stamping the snow from his
rawhide boots. II 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 mp bit"
his mother thought. fondly. He acted
real glad to see Homer. What long
hand-shake he give him"-Farm and
E;ravidp