The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1902-12-23

gMA man said to me whenS he
N ~ gave me the temp" asked
Robert Anerton of the
EQSA 3 bright-faced cashier Ras
w., they prepared to close The
Office the night before
Christmas. "He said: Take that and
make merry Christmas for your fam
n.y." =
"Well, wasn't that a very appropri-
ate Christmas suggestion?" inquired
the cashier ,s r-s
"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. Il never had d
single soul on the face of the earth,
80 far as 1 know, that 1 could call my
family. What good is Christmas, or
ten-dollar gold pieces, or anything,
for fellow who don't belong any
where?" and Robert guIped down
something that-sounded suspicioJsly
like a sob. 80 $50 -te4l1
Cheer up, and come over to our
house tomorrow; we'll help you to
forget your troubles" said his .tenderl
hearted companion.
'It isn't merely good time 1 wapt, :"
said Robert; "I'm not a, baby; it is to-
have somebody that belongs to me to
make good time for e''''"aN''s :.
"Why don't you adopt family of
your own fors Christi ma 81" askeds the
girl with a 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 ! must go.
Don't get blue; take my advice, adopt
a 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 stoodsonztheac corner, undecided
where to go, because it did not really
matter to anybody where he went; q
bright-eyed, clear Drained, =IoTinp-
hearted youth, candida te for sonship
to some loving motheFAor father; pos
Bes<ed with a perfect passion for help
ing those weaker than himself; a
youth to make mothers heart SUI
-premely happyy.and a father proud
and glad Il
"I'm earning enough" thought Rob-
ert. 81 could support a mother and a
sister, toos and I'm going to be pro-
noted Mr.. Wilkins, the manager;
told messo today, But what's the
tse2 It will only beAa few more dol
lars to put away zinthe bank. 1t does
seem as if things were pretty well
tangled. up in this world metimeS.,
I'd give up my job any day if could
have family like John Witherbee's.
and yet he is always umbling be1i
cause he has to help at home"
Roberts,walked aimlessly down.
the. street, he found himself uncon-
Sciousiy scrutinizing every woman a ia
child. with the idea Of possible pro-
prietorship.
The door of church stoodsinvitfDp-
ly open, and because Robert did not
belong anywhere in particular, be en-
tered and sat down in acoTner. Some
thing unusual WAS, evidently in prog
Eess. As man stood on The platform.
And sseepeh to be acting as auctioneer.
} sKhea take them, a. family of
seven, two sick babies, three little
girls, an old grandmother, and a lame
ifather2J Deac6nl BhSS22 Iknow YOUR
rgeHeEous rheart ;ay on always Ibid for
the biggest and hungriesu family.
The next one is a sick mother a I'd
three -sma ll,chi ldEen. PeEAap s,I'd bet
Ter step sts~exP1afn befSre EbAeceed
farther. I see there are a number Of
strangers who hBve come rim since X
was talking. We have. u families on
BUR list fol. Christmas -cefebrafib6.
none 81 them Aill kl6o&SI fb a tlSal MIR,
row is Christmas unless you help as
to gtella*AsAa. NdIx, iget-in ys6df iBygs
Observation-Disclosures going fsst>~ he
member the good Lords 'Whosoever.'
and snap them up liyslx;" and The
voluble deacon proceedec with his list.
RbHert sat and liste8eAwith SdHed
Pint % "a otSsuch; preps Il efss
CusA fdea, this adopting -
family for Christina s., thought he. Il
ROadsf.t askeTAf st9 al Die # hat VIII
g. NIX case 7, -....,.........
"Here's the last son my list" called
out the sdeatoh; ga fnother-and
dear little woman she is, too--and two
little maidens of three and ten. her