Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1907-12-26

mates-a dig Tree duu pteeehIs ioI all'
Bert rode out every day as soon as
his duties were done to help Mary in
the decoration Of her tree, and they
all anticipated much pleasure. After
the children had gone home with their
presents the young folks were to have
games and a supper and q good old
fashioned Virginia reel.
Christmas fell on Saturday this
year. Bert had expected to be there
every evening during the week to
help, bat Tuesday. Wednesday, Thurs
d4v and Friday passed without word
from him, nor did be come.
At FIRST Mary was surprised, then
hurt, then indignant. he should
have sent her word at least if be had
not intended to come, aud she went
about with a heightened lor, but
with heavier heart than the occasion
warranted or she realized.
The skies were dark and the houss
gloomy, and she was growing very
tired Of the whole thing since Bert
had not come to help he was so ca
pable and SO CHEEKY. Well. she had
lived twenty years without him AMI
doubtless would not die if he did not
come at all.
The reason of Bert's apparent de-
fection was that Mr. Burnside, his EN-
ployer, was dangerously i'll. He Was
alone in the world, having no relative
living, and it became B9rt's duty to
remain with him and take care OF
him, for Mr.. Burnside CO I'D not bear
Bert to leave him. Bert had written
to Mary and with the strange gener-
osltY which strikes any man when 1t
regards the woman be loves, Bert
gave an old negro dollar to take the
letter. The dollar and saloon prov.
ed too much for the old man, and the
next morning he Was carried 10 the
c4laboose, while the letter lay soaked
scrap of paper in the mud.
Mary loved dogs. Bert knew this
and had intended to give her superb
st. Bernard dog as her Cnristm4 as gift.
This noble creature was in a small
neighboring place to which there Was
no railroad, and Bert had had his
friend make a large box 10 which to
bring him to Mary's home. The box
Was large and really quite han isome
and WAS provided with air holes.
The splendid dog would be taken In
1t to the plantation and set on the ve'
randa in daylight. or, at least, that
was Bsrt's plan. A letter was writ
ten and enclosed in strong envelope,
which was also to contain the key to
the paddock, AMI 10 Bert's pockets
we're tacks and hammer to fasten it
on the top Of the box.
Friday afternoon Mr.. Burnside
passed away In the arms Of his young
clerk. The old man had sincerely
loved Bert, aud Bert loved him,
though still somewhat in awe of him
Bert was truly grieved, but "men
must work, so Bert hastily gave the
necessary orders for the funeral Sun
day, and then he rushed to his friend
to sep about shipping the deg so that it
should reach M4ry's home at the pre-
else time.
When Bert reached the little town
be went to the express Office and by
unusual offers managed to persuade
them that the dog bs delivered as he
wished, though they would have to
ride nearly all night. But there vas
a moon. They were to follow as soon
as they could hitch up.
But when Bart reached hia friend ne
found him in bed. 80 be would have to
get the dog ready for shipment him
self. he went to the stable and found
the box. 1t was large and roomy and
had soft hay on the bottom But
Prince Roland was as big as a nau,
aud Bert began to wonder if this box
would be large enough for go moustrous
dog to turn in. Hs tackled the let
ter containing the key to the self
locking paddock on the top. and then
he thought he would get il himself
and see if 1t was large enough. BE
found it quits roomy enough. and the
warmth was agreeable. he lay down
and curled around in a comfortable
position while wondering what Mary
would say to the dog and fell asleep.
BE was worn out with three nights oi
watching. and he slept 40 soundly
that be kaew nothing of what toos
place after.
What did happen was this: Th'
men came for the dog, found the BIZ
box with the paddock on. snapped tina