The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1903-12-12

to pick it up. In moment it was on the
table, and the village blacksmith was priz-
ing up the lid. The box was simply lock-
ed, and not soldered in any way. When
forced, the lid flew open SO suddenly that
the casket itself escaped out of the mans
hands, and the contents ratified out on the
oaken table. Then a cheer arose, and
Sir Graham gave gasp of wonder, for
out of it rolled diamonds, emeralds, tur-
uuoise stones, and the most wonderful Of
opals. The mass of gems flashed rainbow
hues in the light, and lay there before the
astonished eyes of the company--proof
positive of Hilda's correct Interpretation of
the rhyme. A kings ransom sparkled be-
fore them.
"Fiity thousand pounds!' gasped Sir
Graham. go my son o Hilda!'
He was 50 overcome that he sank back
fainting in the chair, and Cyril hastily
brought glass of brandy to revive him.
II was right, was right, cried Hilda,
clapping her hands. go Cyril! Cyril?'
sMy good angel!' And clasping her
in his arms he kissed her before them all.
Then there arose such cheer as had
not been heard in the old hall for many
long day. The men shouted, the women
wept, many shook hands, and all congrat-
ulated Sir Graham, who, on his part, was
too much agitated to reply. And in the
fireplace the yule log, having yielded up
the secret it had so wonderfully preserved
for two hundred years, fared and famed
in a glorious blaze.
''The Yule Log of Joy!" cried Cyril.
''God bless it, and you, my own Hilda."
When quiet was restored, the jewels,
after thorough examination, were re-
placed in the casket, and the prophecy,
with its secret couplet, which Hilda had
so cleverly discovered, was reread and dis
cussed. MIR. Markham, in his character
Of vicar. delivered a short sermon OF the
strength of il. 49,
-LtaGDServe.'' said he, ''the last two
words are, Have trust, which shows that
Sir Philip Rixton guessed that in their
despair his descendants might lose their
trust in God. Fortunately, he was wrong,
for Sir Graham and his son have always
confded their cares to the Almighty. Now
their belief in His goodness has been re-
warded, and they can still dwell under
their own fig tree.
"Hurrahr' cried Cyril, joyously. 81
shall not need to go to Africa now, and we
can pay off all the mortgages. -
'.Thank Godr' said Sir Graham, rev.
erently, ''and you will bring home to the
old Grange the good fairy to whom we
owe this wonderful discovery. Hilda, my
dear, kiss me. You have saved Cyril and
myself, and next year we shall be able to
hold another Christmas festivity in our
own hall. Thank God once more for His
great mercy
"That we must do now" said the vicar,
looking around. "Let us adopt Sir Phil
ip's advice, and have trust in God sjustice
and mercy. Let us pray.
And then and there the whole company,
rich and poor, gentle and simple, knelt
down, while MIR. Markham offered up a
beautiful and affecting thanksgiving to God
for having so dealt with His servant as to
save him in his hour of need Hardly
had he ended when far away sounded a
joyful peal of bells.
ssChristmas Christmasr shouted Cyril,
and taking Hilda by the hand he ran out
on the terrace, followed by the company.
The SHOWS far and wide sparkled in the
moonlight, anu Ill IHe 'hiaSo ooio" INV
bells rang out joyously from Hazlewood
church, proclaiminy the birth of Christ.
Hand in hand the lovers stood on the ter
race, with Sir Graham and the vicar beside
them Every heart was too full of JOY
and thankfulness to speak, but there was
no need, for from below there suddenly
sounded the clear voices of boys singing
the Christmas carol.
And the bells rang, and the clear voices
Aoated through the frosty air, and the lule
Log--no longer of sorrow, but of joy
famed in the hall. Cyril kissed Hilda,
and the voices again sang their message OF
Id