The leader., 1902-12-24

w. they prepared to close the
office the night before
Christmas, HE said: Take that and
make a merry Christmas for your fam
ily.'"
well, wasn't that very appropri-
ate Christmas suggestion?" inquired
the cashier.
"My family!" said the young man,
fercely. "You tell me where my fam
lily is, will you? Other fellows have
mothers and fathers and sisters to
make Christmas for. 1 never had a
single soul on the face of the earth,
so far as / know, that could call my
family. What good is Christmas, or
ten-dollar gold pieces, or anything,
for a 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
hearted companion.
ut isn't merely good time want"
said Robert; "I'm not 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 sudden inspiration.
Robert stared at her in amazement.
"But, really, why couldn't you?
There are thousands of people, young
and old, in this city, who never have
anyone to make Christmas for them.
: There's my car; sorry 1 must go.
Don't get blue; take my advice, adopt
a family of your own for Christm as :"
and the girl hurried away.
adopt 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 sonship
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 su-
premely happy, and father proud
and glad. To an outside observer,
Robert Allerton's account with the
universe showed a liberal credit bal
ance. Fine looking, holding an excel
lent position, with certainty of pro-
motion, what more could youth ask
But Robert Allerton could have
shown you over against this mighty
hunger that no amount of promo lions
could satisfy.
- ''Im earning enough" thought Rob-
ert. 81 could support mother and a
sister, too; and I'm going to be pro-
NOTED. Mr.. Wilkins, the manager,
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 1 could
have family like John Witherbee's,
and yet he is always grumbling be-
cause he has to help at home"
AS Robert walked aimlessly down
the street, he found himself uncon-
sciously 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-
nj II n
thing unusual was evidently in prog
ress. A man stood on the platform,
and seemed to be acting as auctioneer.
who'll take them, family of
seven, two sick babies, three little
girls, an old grandmother, and lame
father? Deacon Bliss? 1 know your
generous heart; you always bid for
the biggest and hungriesti family.
The next one is sick mother and
three small children. Perhaps I'd bet
ter stop to explain before l proceed
farther. l see there are a number of
strangers who have come in since l
was talking. We have IL families on
our list for Christmas celebration;
none of them will know that to-mor-
row is Christmas unless you help us
to tell them. Now, get in your bids
quick, for they are going fast. Re-
member the good Lords whatsoever,
and snap them up lively;" and the
voluble deacon proceeded with his list.
Robert sat and listened with added
interest. sits not such preposter-
Gus idea, after all, this adopting a
family for Christmas" thought he. 81
wonder if there are any left that will
fit my case"
"Here's the last on my list" called