Mexico Missouri message., 1907-12-26

clerk approaching MIN, asked: some
thing for you, sir?" He attempted
20 reply, but q more desirable custom.
or attracted her attention and she
passed on.
Presently a young lady approached,
and bidding him cordial good after
noon, asked: "Can be OF any use to
you, sir?" A genial smile lighted the
rugged face as he said II take II kind
ly Of you, lady. 10 help an old man.
You see daughter Liza and her folks
came to-day. My 'tother girl Mandy
stayed home TO help mother-that
counts for my being here alone.
didn't think to have no trouble trad
ing, but got confused like"
There are a great many people
here" she replied. Now suppose we
begin. What shall we start our list
with?"
Lets begin with mother" eagerly
replied the old man. "a spell ago,
Ell, our cat, broke her best preserve
dish and calculate she'd be pleased
with another"
Tn pencil moved rapidly. Then as
she looked up, he said: Mother
thought a fine table cloth for Liza, her
little boy Samuel must have some
toys, and her husband Is a great hand
for reading, he must have some books;
but you see, lady. don't know much
OF reading matter, so will you pick
'em 0ut?"
Then there's Mandy, she's keeping
steady company; he's to work In the
city. He's coming tomorrow, so
mother said TO get her something 20
fix up the parlor with. Mebbe a silk
spread to put on the marble top table,
! don't know what else. Can't you
think of something?"
Il certainly can" she replied.
We'll. that's about all, except the
things for Baby Belle"
Your grandchild?" questioned the
lady.
''No. ma'Rm," he replied, you see.
last year Just as the meeting house
bell was ringing in Christmas. she
came and her mother, our neighbor,
went.
The next morning early drove
over. Mother called me into the hall.
Samuel" says she. there are -four
motheriess ones besides the baby. II
only she had gone, too
Nancy, God knows best says L
He always does. says she. But I've
been thinking. here we be not so
dreadful old. hale and hearty: Liza
is married; Mandy's keeping com.
paay. Soon well be alone on the
farm. Now why can't we take the
little one?'
I'VE called her Belle. for she came
when the Christmas bells were ring.
ing.
As he finished the lady's eyes were
dim. How beautiful In you," she
said What shall we getfor the dear
baby?"
Il was thinking that a doll baby
and some picture blocks; then we
must have a little bonnet and coat,
for she does enjoy going around with
uR."
Quickly the afternoon wore on: the
last purchases we're made. and quiet
~ the lady added a large box OF
candy. and a bunch OF holly to the
well filled basket.
AS the old farmer took the basket
on his arm, the lady asked: where
is your gift, Mr.. Burt?"
Bless your heart" he replied, Il
don't want nothln'. l got a pound OF
tobaccy up the street; It viii be fun
enough for me to see the folks
pleased"
Taking the tiny gloved hand in his
mittened one. hG said: Thank you
kindly for all the trouble you have
taken for tho old man. God bless
you, dear lady. A merry Christmas to
you"
II was nearing midnight. In q
mansion In richly furnished room
sat a lady In evening dress A gas
log sparkled upon the hearth, and
leaning against the holly banked man.
tie. man looked lovingly down upon
the sweet face.
Just think" she IL saying. The
dear old man didn't desire the slight
eat thing for himself. 80 I slipped a
box Of cigars addressed 10 him into
the basket He certainly was one Of
natures noblemen.
Listen. HARRY. there are the chimea
Merry Christmas"
The same stars shine kindly down
upon the quaint farm house. In the
plain sitting-room in wooden cradle
the xmas Belle siumbera sweetly.
just then the cracked beli 81 ths
old meeting house rang cut a joyous
peal.
Drawing bis wife 20 him. depressed
hfs lips 70 her wrlnkled forehead. say.
ans; -1derg Christmas. mother