The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1903-12-25
HIS CHRISTMAS FAMILY.

"Did you hear what the old man
said to me when he gave me the temp
asked Robert Allerton of the bright
faced cashier, as they prepared to close
the office the night before Christmas.
''He said: Take that and make a mer-
ry Christmas for your family"
"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 know, that I could call my
family. What good is Christmas, or
ten dollar pieces, or anything, for a
fellow who don't belong anywhere?"
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 for
get your troubles" said his tender
hearted companion.
1T isn't merely good time want" "
said Robert; "I'm not baby; it is to
have somebody that belongs to me to
make good time for"
"Wby don't you adopt family OF
your own for Christmas?" asked the
sirl, with sudden inspiration.
Robert stared at her in amazement.
"But, really, why couldn't you?
There aae 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 y
and the girl hurried away.
Adopt a family, great idea!' 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 any ybody where he went; a
bright-eyed, clear-hrained, 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 supremely
happy, and father proud and glad.
I'm earning enough" thought
Robert. II could support mother
and sister, too; and I'm going to be
promoted. Mr.. Wilkins, the manager,
told me so today. But what's the use?
1t will only be few more dollars to
put away in the bank. 1t does seem
as if things were pretty we'll tangled
up in this world sometimes. I'd give
up my job any day if could have a
family like John Witherbee's, and yet
he is always grumbling because he has
to help at home"
As Robert walked aimlessly down
the street, be found himself uncon-
sciously scrutiEizing every woman and
child, with the idea of possible proprie-
torship.
The door of a church stood inviting
ly open, and because Robert did not
belong anywhere in particular, he en-
tered and sat down in corner. Some
thing unusual was evidently in pro-
gress. A man stood on the platform,
!, 4 s""m..d tn he acting as auctioneer.
Who'll take them, family of sew
en-, two sick babies, three little girls,
an old grandmother, and lame father?
Deacon Bliss? l know your generous
heart; you always bid for the biggest
and hungriest family. The next one
is sick mother and three small chill
dren. Perhaps I'd better stop to ex-
plain before proceed farther. l see
there are number of strangers who
have come in since l was talking. We
have 10 families on our list for Christ
mas celebrations; none of them will
know that tomorrow is Christmas un-
less you help US to tell them. Now,
get in your bids quick, for they are
going fast. Remember the good Lord s
'Whosoever, and snap them up lively;;"
and the voluble deacon proceeded with
his list.
Robert sat and listened with added
interest. Its not such a preposter-
Gus idea, after all, this adopting a fam
lily for Christmas" thought he. l
wonder if there are any left that will
fit my case?'
"Here's the last on my list called