The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-01-03

Twas the Night Before Christmas, ' and she gave him her version of that best and oldest Christmas story of the Babe whose cradle was a manager. They had finished the plum pudding; the Colonel had given the time honored Sweetheart sand wives' and '"The ser- vice forever and had drunk Dotty's health with deferential courtesy that charmed her. The spirit of the time was with them. Now was her opportunity.
 "Culn," she said as she moved her chair nearer and looked into his kind eyes. Its Christmas Eve, ain't 1t, when every body should forgive everybody and do good and help everybody and give 'em presentsT' ts
 '.Yes, Dotty, it's Christmas Eve. when everybody should forgive. and'-thinklng of Washington--"forget, too.'
 Everybody should forgive everybody. should forgive everybody, you should forgive everybody"
 "Yes. Dotty." s
 "Culn," she said, in her excitement standing at his side, her eyes full of in- tense pleading, you will forgive Bard. won't you-the best man. the best friend I've got? He's in the guard house. Wen be So happy, everybody put poor Bard; everybodyll have Christmas but him. You won't keep him there: 'twould be awful, awful. And Bard's Santa Claus the clothes and wig and whiskers won't fit anybody else. We can't get along without him" She caught his arm. You will. won't your"
 Che saw a sterner look in his face, his lips drew together.
 He took her on his knee. 'I'd do almost anything for you, Dotty, but can't do that" She began to cry. ''No, it wouldn't be right. I must obey the rules of the aerVice--eVerY man must" sA
 ''If twas any other day" she sobbed, T wouldn't say a word, but to-morrows Christmas. What will we do without him? And. Culn, he's my friend. my best friend. l can't have him in the guard house; I can't"
 ''The rules of the service are the same for every day, Dotty." -%
 ''It ain't right; 1t ain't right for the service to have every day." and in her indignation she jumped from his knee and stamped her little foot upon the floor, and her eyes snapped. Nobody ever treated anybody so before, and with whitening irony-'if Jesus forgave everybody and Washington and General Grant forgave it wouldn't hurt the ser vice any to forgive poor Bard.'' zaA
 Her loyal eyes had such yearning sup plication, such fearless earnestness of in- dignation that his grave old heart felt @ responsive thrill.
 He drew her to him. "I was wrong and you were right. Bard shall have his Christmas; you shafl have your Santa Claus"
 She threw her arms about his neck and kissed him. .-s.
 "Oh! I'm so glad you've turned out so good" And with a little satisfied laugh: -"I knew you wasn't so awful hard as you look and everybody says. They shan't say so any more; guess not.
 wen settle 1t now" the Colonel said. 'Jenks!'
 The orderly came in and saluted.
 ''Order the sergeant of the guard wi i-l file to report here with the prisoner Bard'' G. ',a-,
 In few minutes the sergeant brought Bard in.
 Step outside, Sergeant Jenks"
 My man." said the Colonel, we've known each other twenty years. We've both got gray hairs in the service. per haps. more blows than thanks, but it's the service all the same, and, according to our rank, we have our duty" Here DOtty winked a reassuring eye at Bard. 'Now comes this little girl and says, To morrow's Christmas. and as Jesus for gave everybody, you must forgive Bard.' Damme. it ain't discipline, but I've prom ised her. Drink spoiled a good man in you, Bard, l know it, and you know 1t. There's a lesson in what she says, and hope neither of us is too old to learn. Orderly, the sergeant" The sergeant came in. ''You will release Private Bard from arrest and allow him to go to his quarters"
 They all saluted and went out.
 Now. Dotty, this is our secret. It wouldn't sound well to have it said that I pardoned a man for-it's Gods truths-no other reason than because you asked it's
 "I won't tell" she said. Bard won't toll I'll git up early and see him; the othsrs'll just think come to see you.''
 Dotty's absence had been discovered and Mrs Daly was loudly calling.
 There's Daily" the little girl said; 'Tve got to go."
 I'm going to see you home. of course" And the Colonel escorted Dotty. Here she is, Mrs Daly. Dotty took pity on a finely old man and ate her Christmas Eve dinner with him.
 'You've given me the very incest Christ mas present, Cuin. hain't got only this for you tonight" and she turned up her face for him to kiss, but there's some thing real good for you on the tree, and" lowering her voice, "our santa Claus'll give it to you.''
 Good night" said the Colonel.
 Good night" Dotty called after him.
 Did you ever?' aaid Mrs. Daly.
 T never did" said the sergeant.