The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1902-06-06

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 raisns aud 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-checked
apple in the toe, and a paper Of fat wal
nut meats and one Of popcorn made into
taffy by some process known only 10 his
mother. There would be half a dozen
sticks Of pnk-andwh striped mint can
dy a ball Of yarn covered with good
stout sheepskin by his mothers own
hands, and at the top Of all such q
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 dis
turbing the man sitting there so quietly
Presently Tom Dorkins stirred. Phil,
ne said, in such a gentle voice that the
young man started 1t was so different
from the curt, brisk tones to which he
was accustomed, as your mother livingF
Yes, Mr.. Dorkins'
Are you going to spend Christmas
with her?'
Eyes, SIR" he answered, slowly. He
did not quite understand the drift Of his
chiefs questioning.
That's right" said Mr.. Dorkins, heart.
lily. And I'm going to spend Christmas
with mine, too; thing | haven't done fol-
nine years, boy. But I'll make it up to
her tomorrow. Nine years to make up
Do you think can do it?" He glanced
hurriedly at his watch. II can barely
make connections if I'm to get there to
night. l won't have time to go 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 oyercoat
and brushed bit of imaginary dust from
his hat before handing it 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, I've always sent her 4
present"
You're all she wants, Mr.. Dorkins,
Phil ventured to say. He was hardly
more than a boy, and he had deal Of
swallowing to do to rid himself of th'
lump in his throat.
Some splits of snow were falling al
Christmas eve drew to a close, and thu
wind sighed dismally around the corners
Of the house.
Grandma Dorkins piled an extra log OF
the brass andirons, and the rudy glow
lit up the room with a festive air.
81 wish the wind didn't howl so abou
the place" she said. restlessly. ut Seems
that mournful, exactly as II it knew II
been hopin' against hope, an Tom WASH
comm this year, either"
She smoothed her black silk apron will
nervous, trembling fingers as the up
trains whistle sounded.
"I'll soon know now" she whispered
feeling suddenly weak and old. II Ton
shouldn't come! 81 don't believe I'd eve
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. He'll come RICH
in, for he knows I'm expectin' him"
Yes, he knew she was expecting him
AS he came up the board walk he coul
see the freight Pickering on the wal
the wreath of Christmas green hanginl
against the window. His hand fumble
at the latch minute, then he opened tn
door gently and went in.
tom got home last night, after all!
old Mrs Dorkins cried, delightedly, a
she reached Homer Fox the blue mill
pitcher from the kitchen window o.
Christmas morning.
Gee whuts. You don't sayr Home
exclaimed. stamping the snow from hi
rawhide boots 81 guess you're happy n
birds in the springtime, Grau'ma Dor
kinsr'
Tom. hearing voices, came out from tn
sitting room, and finding Homer, wen
half way in the snow to meet him.
Prosperity amt pulled Tom up bit.
his mother thought, fondly. He acte
real glad 10 see Homer. What a lon
hand-shake he give him!'-Farm an
Fireside.
For the Nev Year.