Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1902-12-25

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~ Robert Allerton of the
$<&- 3 bright-faced cashier as
VgZ, they prepared to close the
office the night before
Christmas. HE said: Take that and
make u merry Christmas for your fam
ily.'"
well, wasn't that very appropri-
ate Christmas suggestion?" inquired
the cashier.
my family!" said the young man,
fiercely. you tell me where my fam
lily is, will you? Other fellows have
mothers and fathers and sisters to
make Christmas for. ! never had a
single soul on the face of the earth,
so far as l know, that | could call my
family. What good is Christmas, or
t=n-dollar gold pieces, or anything,
for fellow who don't belong any
where?" and Robert gulped down
something that sounded suspiciously
like a sob.
Cheer up, and come over to our
house tomorrow; we'll help you to
forget your troubles" said his tender
~SNA bSN SOLb lJdIlOu.
ut isn't merely good time want" {"
said Robert; I'm not a baby; it is to
have somebody that belongs to me to
make a good time for"
why don't you adopt a family of
your own for Christmas?" asked the
girl, with a sudden inspiration.
Robert stared at her in amazement.
HaInt rnally- a
There are thousands of people, young
and old, in this city, who never have
anyone to make Christ tmas for them.
There's my car; sorry l must 90.
Don't get blue; take my advice, adopt
family of your own for Christmas"
and the girl hurried away.
adopt a family, great ideal" said
Robert to himself; but the idea still
fingered in his mind, and really there
was something strangely fascinating
in the thought of the ownership of a
real, live family.
He stood on the corner, undecided
where to go, because it did not really
matter to anybody where he went; a
bright-eyed, clear-brained, loving
hearted"youth, candidate for eonsbip
to some loving mother or father: pos
sessed with perfect passion for help
ing those weaker than himself; a
youth to make a mothers heart SUI
premely happy, and a father proud
and glad.
I'm earning enough" thought Rob
ert. 81 could support a mother and a
sister, too; and I'm going 10 be pro-
moted. Mr.. wilkins, the maDager
told me so to-day. But what's the
use? 1t will only be few more dol
lars to put away in the bank. 1t does
seem as if things were pretty well
tangled up in this world sometimes.
I'd give up my job any day if | could
have a family like John Wftherbee's.
and yet he is always grumbling be-
cause he has to help at home''
As Robert walked aimIcssIy down
the street, he found himself uncon-
Eciously scrutinizing every woman and
child, with the idea of possible pro-
prietorship.
The door Of church stood inviting
ly open, and because Robert did not
belong anywhere in particular, he en-
tered and sat down i'm corner. Some
thing unusual was evidently in prop-
ress. \ man stood on the platform.
and seemed 10 be acting as auctfopeer
"Wholl take them family of
seven, two sick babies. three little
girls, an old grandmother. and a Iaroe
father? Deacon Bliss? / know vour
generous heart; YOU always bid for
the biggest and hnngriesu family
The next one is sick mother and
three small children. Perhaps I'd bet
ter stop to explain before / proceed
farther. / see there are a number nr
strangers who have come in since
was talking. We have II families nm
our list for Christmas ceIcbrstiou.
none Of them will know that to-,,pr-
row is Christmas unless YOU heIr, Ms
10 tell them. Now, get in your b.I.
quick, for they are going fast. r,
member the good Lords 'Whosoeycr-
and snap 'hcm up Iivcly;" and the
TolubIc deacon procecdrC with his list
Robert sar and listened with added
Interest ITS not such a prepostcr-
ous idea, after an, this adopting "a
family for Christmas. thought he. "I
wonder II there are any left tbat viii
ft my case"
Here thc last on my list" called
out The deacon; "a mutLcr.aud "A
dear little woman she is, too and two .
little muideHs OF three aud ten: her
only son AIlaf in railroad accident