CanÌƒon City record. [volume] (CanÌƒon City, Colo.) 1883-192?, 1907-12-12

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I9 pleted his toilet.
As the crowd surged about him.
bewildering look crept into his face.
clerk approaching him, asked: Some
thing for you. sir?" He attempted
to reply, but a more desirable custom
er attracted her attention and she
passed on.
Presently 4 young lady approached.
and bidding him cordial good after
noon. asked: Can l be of any use to
you. siri" A genial smile lighted the
rugged face as he said Il take II kind
ly of you, lady. to 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 great many people
here" she replied. Now suppose we
begin. What shall we start our list
WITH"
Let's begin with mother" eagerly
replied the old man. "A spell ago.
Eli. our cat. broke her best preserve
dish and calculate she'd be pleased
with another"
Th pencil moved rapidly. Then as
she looked up he said: Mother
thought 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 OUT
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 to
fx up the parlor with. Mebbe silk
spread to put on the marble top table.
don't know what else. Can't you
think OF something7"
Il certainly can she replied
We'll. that's about all, except the
things for Baby Belle
Your grandchiid'" questioned the
lady.
No. ma am. 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
motherless ones besides the baby II
only she had gone. TOO
Nancy God knows best says /.
He always does. says she. But I've
been thinking. here We be not SO
dreadful old hale and hearty. Liza
is married, Mandys keeping com
pany Soon we'll be alone on the
farm Now why can't we take the
little one
We called her Belle. for she came
when the Christmas bells were ring
ing.
As he finished the lady's eyes we're
dim. How beaui ful In you. she
said What shall we get for the dear
baby
and some picture blocks: then we
must have little bonnet and coat.
for she does enjoy going around with
US"
Quickly the afternoon wore on: the
last purchases were made. and quiet
iy the lady added a large box of
candy, and bunch Of holly to the
well nlled basket
As the old farmer took the basket
on his arm. the lady asked: Where
10 your gift. Mr. Burt!"
Bless your heart" he replied. II
don't want nothin I got a pound OF
tobaccy up the street: II will be fun
enough for me to see the folks
pleased"
Taking the tiny sloved hand In his
mitteued one. he said: Thank you
kindly for all the trouble you have
taken for the old man God bless
you. dear lady A merry Christmas to
you"
II was nearing midnight In .
mansion In . richly furnished room
sat lady In evening dress, gas
log sparkled upon the hearth. and
leaning against the holly banked man.
tie, q man looked lovingly down upon
the sweet face.
lust think" she 10 saying The
dear old man didn't desire the slight.
est thing for himself. 90 I slipped .
box Of cigars addressed to him into
the basket. He certainly was one oe
natures noblemen.
Listen. Harry. there are the chimes.
Merry Chrtstmas."
The same stars shine kindly down
upon the quaint farm house In the
plain sitting room In Z wooden cradle
the Xmas Belle siumbers sweetiy.
just then the cracked bell In the
old meeting house rang out joyous
peal
Drawing his wife to him. he pressed
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