Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-12-21
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RUTHIE'S CHRISTMAS.

none Of EN- for us. They's only for rich
Kids
"Well. let's look at 'em anyway, so as
we can tell Ruthie about 'em."
That settled it, The children ran as
fast as their legs could carry them until
they reached the shop whose 'winders"
were fuIl of the most wonderful toys, in
fact everything that coul3 DE imagined
TO delight the hearts of children were
here most temptingly displayed. Each
article was freely commented upon, and
duly admired by the two lads, until at
last Dan said:
"Now let's go right off and tell Ruthie
before we forget EN-" and they scam
pered back to the miserable place they
called home.
Mounting the steep, narrow stairs. and
passing through a dark hall, they went
softly into tiny room at the back Of the
house. On the bed in the corner lay
little misshapen figure, with a pale, thin
face, and big, hollow eyes. 1t turned
slowly and painfully as the boys entered.
"Say. Ruthie." cried Joe, you jest
oughter see the fine Christmas toys in
the winders. I'll tell you about EN-"
and he described with much enthusiasm
the marvellous treasures the shop win
uVWo EOllbdlueN, interrupted INV anu
then by Dan, who supplied any material
his brother lacked.
Ruthie listened eagerly. The descrip-
tion of the dolls pleased her best. Joe
had observed them particularly on her ac-
count, and was even able to describe
how some of them were dressed.
"Oh, how l wish 1 cou4L just see one"
she sighed, "and hold it in my hand. 1t
would be so lovely" and, in her earnest
ness the child tried to rise, but sank back
with a cry of pain.
At that moment. the mother black
gowned, sad-faced woman, entered the
room. ana PR 'red their frugal supper,
after partalaing of which the children
were soon in bed and asleep.
Only few months before poor Ruthie
had been as straight and strong as her
brothers. but one day she made a mis-
step and fell down the steep tenement
stairs, and hurt her back. With prompt
medical attendance and proper care, she
would probably have recovered ere this,
but her mother had no money for doctors
or medicines. She had tried to procure
admission for her child in a hospital. but
influence was needed, which the poor sell
dom have, so Ruthie bad since lain in her
little bed, unable to rise and often in
great pain.
Since the day of the boys visit to the
shop windows, Joe's head had been full
of plan, which grew as the days passed
on.
One afternoon. just at dusk, before
the lights were burning, he went again
to the place whore ne and Dan had seen
the windows full of toys. The shop was
crowded with customers. and watching
his chance he stole softly inside, and by
reason of his small size, glded unno-
ticed among the moving figures, until he
reached the counter. Stretching out his
hands, he stealthily snatched a doll from
among a lot one of the clerks was show
ing a customer. and slipped out OF the
door just as the lights hared up Run
ming all the way. he arrived at home
safely. He rushed up the stairs, and into
the room, shouting:
~ got yer doll, Ruthie; you isa hold
It. 1t ain't to keep for always, but
you kin hold it, and he waved his prize
before Ruthies astonished and delighted
eyes.
She held out her hands eagerly and
grasped the doll. She smoothed the flax
en- hair. and kissed the blue, staring eyes.
all, pressed the unyielding little form in
her poor. thin arms. Joe witched her
with great satisfaction.
How do you like it?" he asked.
Lovely" answered Ruthie where
did you get it, Joe.
'In the shop"
''Did yer steal it?' she asked, looking
at him sharply.
"Ne, borrowed it. I'll take it back
when yer through with it. When'n yer
be through
"Oh suppose tomorrow" Ruthie
said with a sigh. Jest let me keep it
tonight"
So the borrowed doll slept that night
with the little cripple. instead Of being
packed away in its customary box on the
shelf of the shop.
The next morning Ruthie with many
tears. resigned her treasure 20 Joes
keeping. and told him to take it back to
the shop.
For it wouldn't be honest, you know"
said the lit lie girl.
Joe nodded Understandings, and in
company with Dan, went back to the
shop. When they entered, Joe went
straight to the clerk, who stood behind
the counter. and holding out the doll,
said very politely:
I'm much obliged TO yer, sir. 1t amt
hurt a bit. l only borrowed it, 50 as
Ruthie could hold it a while. She amt
never had one. and she can't get out TO
look in the winders, cause her backs
hurt.
The clerk stared at the boy in amaze
ment. The doll had not been missed and
this little scene was beyond his compre-
bensioh.
A gentleman. who was standing near,
and bad seen and heard all, came up TO
Joe, aud laying his hand kindly on his
shoulder asked:
who Is Rathie. my boy:'
MY sister, sir" was the reply.
And how old IS she? continued the
gentleman.
Eight. sir
And she never had dollT
"NO. SIR"
The stranger turned 70 the clerk.
please wrap up the doll 1-.ce.s.' be
said: and when the parcel was ready. he
paid for i, then spoke again TO the boys.