Los Angeles herald., 1907-11-17

white, whiring flakes were coming down IN
earnest. With the Danas it was pinching pov-
erty indeed. There was still enough coal to
last a month, but of food there was scarcely
any, and hunger began to show itself in the
wan cheeks and wistful eyes of the children;
Trlx and Gale stoutly declared that they did
not mind bit, but Winch and Tommy hon
estly confessed that they wanted something to
eat.
1t was at this time, and in the midst of the
driving storm, that rafting farm wagon,
drawn by pair of big, iron-gray horses, stop
ped IN front of the home, and up the snow,
whitening path to the shaky porch came old
Silas Craig. He carried a huge basket IN one
hand and in the other burlap bag contain
ing something pretty heavy, by the way ne
tugged it along.
Setting his basket on the porch, the old man
gave vigorous rap on the door Irux hew
to open it.
.~COme in, Uncle silas," he said, heartily
Come right in"
Mr. Craig, who was Uncle Silas to every
body in Dayton, recovering his basket, com,
piled, bringing with him great rush OF cold
air and cloud of snow
"a cold day, Mrs Ogden" he said, as the
still ine-oeking widow came forward to greet
him. Glad to see you, and you, too, Mrs.
Dana, and the baby-bless her little heart!
pretty as a pink! And you have nice fire,
storm like this" and he shook hands warmly
with the mother and daughter, and patted the
baby's soft cheek in the kindliest manner.
Yet, with all his CHEEKY cordiality, Mr.
Craig seemed somewhat nervous, and did not
give either of the women chance to reply
before he added, in a tone of mingled apology
and persuasion, for he well knew Mrs. Og-
den's proud nature and her aversion to ac-
cepting anything that savored Of charity:
well, now, seeing as it's Thanksgiving, L
thought these things might come in handy.
Hard times, you know, and children. 1t Just
occurred to me last night when / was ship
ping some of my turkeys to market that I'd
save one out for. you, and here it Is"
He removed the cloth, neatly tucked over
the top of the basket, as he spoke, and dis
closed fine, fat turkey.
Oh, Mr.. Craig, we cannot" began Mrs.
Dana.
YES, yeg can" interrupted the old man,
You see, turning to the old grandmother, 1I
knew John Ogden, he wasn't one to overdo
himself working at anything harder than fox
hunting, OF save what he come by through
others but that don't matter now. And
a right good, hard working man, and his kids
mustn' go hungry Thanksgiving Day, anyway.
There's more things outside. Here, Trux,
come and help take 'em IN"
Trux did not need second invitation.
you may depend, and complied with a haste
and Willingness that showed the sort of pride
he possessed had not been offended in the
smallest degree by Mr.. Oraig's Thanksgiving
offerings There was bag of potatoes, an
Uncle Sihs' own smoke house, generous
bag OF flour and two big pumpkins pies,
these last donated" by kind Aunt Hannah.
with special message that it was just for
old tunes sake to Emily" as she affection
ately termed Mrs. Ogden.
For moment the two women could not
speak for gratitude that filed their hearts
and brlmmed their eyes with tears
You are very good, Silas to remember
us at this time" faltered Mrs Ogden, good
and kind and thoughtful We dc need the
provisions For myself / might feel too proud
to accept of your bounty, but the children"
she put her hand caressinely on Tounnys
curly head as he. clung to her skirts, wide
eyed and hungrily, expectant of square
meal IN sight. Il can't see the children
starve."
mo-" replied Silas, emphatically. "That
would not be right at ALL They are fine
promising boys. They will grow up and be
fine men. some day, am sure-honest, use-
full men"
eyes" spoke up Trux, with youthful ar
dor, "and we will pay you back, Uncle Silas
every cent for all you have given us when
we are old enough to earn money"
~ That's IT. So. So indOrsed Gale. "oh, wen get
"And I'll help, too," manfully proffered
Winch, not understanding what it was all
about, but determined to do whatever the
| others did.
Mr.. Craig would not wait for Further
his departure, Mrs. Ogden said, as she laid
tremulous hand on his arm
| "Please tell Hannah how much ] thank
her, and you, Silas. God bless you, and Il
think you know how 1 feel. You knew me
me to come to this"
| Eyes, yes" responded the old man, ,m-
steadily. 81 understand. / was half afraid
to offer yon anything but, as you say, it is