Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-12-20
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RUTHIES CHRISTMAS.

"Well. let's look at 'em anyway, so as
we can tell Ruthie about EN-"
That settled it. The children ran as
fast as their legs could carry them until
they reached the shop whose "winders"
were full of the most wonderful toys; in
fact, everything that could be 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 tAe miserable place they
called home.
Mounting the steep, narrow stairs, and
passing through a dark hail. they went
softly into a tiny room at the back Of the
house. On the bed in the corner lay a
little misshapen figure, with 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 'em;'
and he described with much enthusiasm
the marvellous treasures the shop win
dows contained. interrupted now and
then by Dan, who supplied any material
his brother lacked.
Ruthie listened eagerly. The descrip-
ton of the dolls pleased her best. Joe
had observed them particularly on her ac-
count, and was ~vaa able TO describe
how some of them were dressed.
"Oh, how wish could just see one"
she sighed, land hold it in my hand. II
would be Iovely;'' and, "a her earnest
ness the child tried to rise, but sank back
with cry Of pain.
At that moment. the mother, black
gowned, sad-faced woman, entered the
room, and prepared their frugal supper,
after partaking of which the children
were soon in bed and asleep.
Only a 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 had 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 fun
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 where he 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. glided unno-
ticed among the moving figures, until he
reached the counter Stretching out his
hands, he stealthily snatched doll from
among a lot one of the clerks was show
ing a customer. and slipped out of the
door just as the lights flared up. Run
ming all the way. he arrived at home
safely. He rushed up the stairs, and into
the room. shouting:
4 got yer doll, Ruthie; you kin hold
it. 1t amt to keep for always, but
you kin hold it." and he waved his prize
before Ruthless astouished and delighted
eyes.
She held out her hands eagerly and
Erasped the doll. She smoothed the flax
en- hair. and kissed the Dlue, staring eyes,
an~ 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?"
I'm the shop"
''D4d yer steal it?" she asked, looking
at him sharply.
''No, borrowed it. I'll take it back
when yer through with it. When'n yer
be drought
"Oh. l suppose tomorrow Ruthie
said with 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 TO J0e'S
keeping. and told him to take it back t.
the shop.
For it wouldn't be honest, you know, y
said the little 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 II amt
hurt a bit l only borrowed ii. so as
Ruthie coald hold it n while She amt
never had one. and she can't get ont to
look in the winders, cause her backs
hurt
The clerk stared at the boy in amaze
ment TIE doll had not been missed and
this little scene was beyond his compre
tension.
A gentleman. who was standing near
and had seen and heard all. came up 4
Joe. and laying his hand kindly on hi:
shoulder. asked:
'who is Rurhie. my boys"
MY sister. sir was the reply.
And how old is she?". continued tbs
gentleman.
Eight. sir"
And she never had DOLLY
"No. sir"
The stranger turned % the clerk.
please wrap I'D the doll nicely h
said: and when the Parcel was ready. h'
paid for 1t. then spoke again 10 the boys
Now. take me % Ruthie," and Joe anc
Dan obeyed.
As they walked along, tae Kind gentle
msa. who was a physician, queSuonet
the lads about their sisters injury, ans
they told him all about her fan. and how
their mother was too poor 70 have he
properly cared for As they entered III
room. the mother. who vas preparing th'
midday meal. looked up in surprise a
she saw the strange gentleman with Jo'
and Dan. Tie boys rushed 70 their SIS
ter's bedside with the doh.
Here's yer doll. Ruthie. back again
It's ter keep fer always. The gentle
man give it Ter ser.