New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-20

Robin Monckton had never spent Christmas away
from home before. but this year the temptation
hzzne IN the form OF a pressing invitation
Leslie Butler. q boy older than himself sent the
following epIstle, which not 10 be refused:
Dear Rob-The mater says may ask you here
FOR Christmas. so II you can square your people
think could manage TO put In a high old time.
I have brand new motor car. small, but g ripper
10 go; les Christmas present from my grand
father. II the frost lasts the roads win be Al for
motoring. and I'll teach you to drive. We might
spin and see your people on Christmas after
hoon; Il would be only a twenty mile You
tell them this Il they cut up rusty. Yours truly.
IL BUTLER"
Robin 3oyfuIy accepted with the pleasing reas-
turance that his people would spare him for day
two. but he must get home for the New Year,
they had q dig show for the kids" Robin, be-
ing the eldest OF his family, held proud position
that much 10 be enyied.
He felt himself distinctly an important parsonage
hs he travelled Tamplin late the afternoon of
Christmas Eve He provided with foot
warmer, some sporting literature and oYercoat
which dehed the bitter blasts without
How the windows ratified as the train sped on
through the dreary country! Above the sky looked
teaden. and Robins heart sank as fakes Of snow
began 10 fall His dreams OF flying over the coun-
try on Leslie's motor car began to take a shadowy
and unsubstantial form a terrific tempest OF
snow beat against the windows the wild whirling
flakes dancing in midair to the music Of a cutting
north wind Robin, despite his disappointment
riosty
All that was most abominable in the elements
seemed TO have combined 20 visit the earth that
day yet nothing could take from Robins heart the
dslir1ous sensation Of freedom which invariably
followed his departure from school.
Gradually he grew to feel amused at the fury OF
the weather. There was queer excitement in IT
which brought a strange longing for adventure.
A heavy fog. combined with the gathering IN of
the night. gradually yelled the falling snow from
bis curious gaze.
II was evident the train would be delayed for
hours. owing TO the disadvantages OF fog,
and Christmas traffic.
To Robin it seemed eternity before he found
himself on Tamplin station looking round eagerly
for Leslie. who had faithfully promised 10 meet
bin.
The little platform seemed strangely deserted-a
few sodden wreaths OF ivy decorated the ticket
Office, while dim lights gimmered through the fog
No sign OF Leslie. and Robins heart sank as he
stood forIornly shivering by his luggage. ask
ing help of Indifferent porter.
1T isn't likely any cab would turn out such
night as this!" answered the man. NO horse
could get along IN the fog and snow-the driver
couldn't see yard IN front OF his own nose!"
81 suppose / had better leave my luggage and
walk said Robin facing the worst in a manly
spirit
Suppose you had" grunted the surly porter.
i don't know my way. How far is it TO the
GrRngey"
Robin put the question politely. though he felt
hurt ct this trick the fates were playing him
surprised expression came into the mans stolid
face
~oh:" he said. with a mysterious smile. you
want 10 look at the Grange DO you? Well. there
won't be much to see tonight Stiu. If you must
so turn 10 the right and keep straight till you
IND q man sitting by the gate"
Ihis strange description was cut short by the
ringing OF bell, and TIE porter hurried away TO
sas opposite platform before Robin could question
Feeling somewhat newlldered. but with a stanch
ssSn tap Sn Iecea the stormy night his Unborn
oua 6 eSua 5as pgFsT have meant By saving he
creature In his senses could wish 10 sit out Of
doors in such terrible weather, -
Ssep ana nsd arfted into great heaps that looked
rsmswbered sIo2is IN through the gloom Robin
ths snow. and a sense OF relief eheered his heart
saght, lie was growing numb; and strange sleepy
. sfSIs s sIeps Oyer nm Sln ne oatted on, the
chilling him through and through.
meet with the sympathet,o COMMUNICATION Of his
VISIONS Of bSt meal 8ry eo t8 sn 55 h 70 zero
come blaze OF big log hrel
a small shelter in which an old man was sestSS
smoking Yet. oddly enough the human eye could
his v s'a i :S FOR s gaqss saia Robin E a5s
come the wrong way. irs so aWfUliy dark!'
The old man biinked. and peered up at him; the
boy thought his eEpTessen strongly resenhled that
Yes" added Robin. Mrs Buffers house She
Ives there with her son; and I've come 70 spend
I've" 80
Wei: there now L>e-'. what rummy got A
visitor for tho Grange-bless my heart!"
The croWlike individual burst into a cackling
laugh.
Why should & be funny?" asked Robin, with
rising temper leslie asked me-"
You see" replied his infOrmer There amt no
Grange this evening. because Il happens TO be
burnt down. terrible Gre broke out at early morn
nno utterly destroyed the building. Luckily no
lyes were lost though the young gentleman
pt injured and his maxwell, there she well
nigh eTazecl She regularly lost her senses did
with The shock ] guess they Just forgot all about
1ol--I reckon II clean slipped their men1orfesr'
The oio maa told the news IN perfectly calm
woos p9t nevertheless the fun horror OF the sRa-