Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-12-16
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RUTH|E'S CHRISTMAS.

Wv nat the use an
none OF EN- for us. Ihey only Ior flch
kids"
ell, let look at EN- any way ~ "'
we can tell Ruthie ABOUT en-
That settled It, ihe chiiareh Kan a9
Sast as their legs could carry then uh', 4,
Chey reached the shop whose "lhuers
were full OF the most wonderful Toys III
fact, everything that could De lhlaglleu
co delight the hearts of children We're
here most temptingly displayed. Eacn
article was freely commented upon, ana
duly admired by the two lads, unul at
CAST Dan said:
Nov let's 80 right off and tell Ruthle
Before we forget EN- and they seam
pered back to the miserable place they
called home.
Mounting tho steep, narrow stars, ana
passing through Il dark hall, they went
softly iuto tiny room at the back of the
house. On the bed in the corner lay a
little misShapen figure, with a pale, thin
face, and big, hollow eyes. 1t turned
slowly and painfully as the boys entered.
Say, Rath3e, cried Joe, you jest
Sughter see the fine Christmas toys III
4he wiHdorS. I'll tell YOU about EN-;
and he described with much enthusiasm
she marvellous treasures the shop win
3ows contained. interrupted LOW and
chen by Dan. who supplied any material
ais brother lacked.
Ruttie listened eagerly. The descrip-
lion of the dolls pleased her best Joe
had observed them particularly on her ac-
count and was even able to describe
how somc-of them we're dressed.
oh. how l wish 1 cou,4 just see one"
she sighed, and hold it in my hand 1t
would be 50 lovely" and, in her earnest
1eSs the child tried to rise, but sank back
with Il cry of pain.
At that moment, the mother black
SOwned, sad-faccd woman, entered the
room, and prepared their frugal supper,
after partakng of which the children
were soon in bed and asleep
Only a few months before poor Ruthie
had been as straight ana strong as her
brothers but one day she made Il 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 fer her child in a hospital. but
influence was needed. which the poor sell
dom have. so Ruthie had since lain in her
little he'd. unable to rise and often in
great pain.
Since the day Of the bows visit TO the
shop windows. Joc's head had been full
Of plan, which grew as the DAYS passed
Oh.
One afternoon. inst at dusk, before
shc lights were burning, he went again
20 the place where he aud Dan had seen
abe windows full of toys. The shop was
crowded with customers. and watching
mis- chance he Stole SOFTLY inside and bv
reason OF his small size, glided unno-
dced among the moving figures. until he
4eached the counter. Stretehinc out his
hands. he Stealthly saatched a doll from
among Il lot one of the clerks was shows
ing a customer. and sIpped ont of the
door lust as the lights Jared ND. RIM
ming all the way. he arrived at home
safely. He rushed up the stairs. and into
the room. shouting:
81 got yer~dol Ruthie; youskin hold
ct. 1t amt to keep for always, but
you kin hold it," and he waved his prize
before Rurhies astonished and delighted
Ayes.
She held out her hands eagerly and
SrSsped the doll. She smoothed the flax
en- hair, and kissed the blue, staring ewes.
sn~ pressed the unyielding little form in
her poor, thin arms. Joe witched her
wabh 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