Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-12-25


~ pered Mrs. Philander anx-
wv iously as her husband shook
the snow frop his coat and
carefully wiped his feet on the brand
new doormat.
Couldn't get one.' returned Philan-
der moodily.
Couldn't get one! Why not. James
Philander!''
Il forgot 1t. Bella. until just as got
Off the train. and as that was the last
train from town ! couldn't very well
walk back and look up a tree. BY that
time the shops would all be closed
and
walk back. Such nonsense! OF
course II you haven't thought enough
Of the children to buy them a tree
MY dear" interpolated Philander
desperately. don't say another word.
I'll find tree somewhere tonight II
l have to rob the church OF the Sun
day school trec.'
He thrust his arms into his overcoat
and grasped his hat. but Mrs. Philan-
der put out n OBTAINING hand.
James" she said seriously. you
cannot find a tree in Rose Heights to-
night. You know there is not shop
In the Heights. and where else would
you look for treey
81 shall walk into the woods and dig
one" returned Philander. with dignity.
well. you could do that. James, but
to -. In
moon. You will lose your way"
"Nonsense!" returned Mr. Philander.
81 hope l know my way around Rose
Heights. I saw very handsome pine
tree In that strip Of woods back on the
Turkey hill road. could walk there
blindfolded and lay my hand upon that
tree" he asserted rashly.
every we'll" returned Mrs. Philander
reluctantly. II hate to have you go,
James. but the children will be so dis
appointed. The presents are all ready,
and have been up IN the attic and
got the base for the tree and all the
ornaments-in fact. everything Is ready
except the tree"
'The tree will soon he here" said
Mr.. Philander grImly as he jerked on
his arctics and turned up his coat col
lar. "Just bring me the spade from
the woodshed. please" he added.
"a spade. Jamesi thought they
chopped trees down. The ground IL
frozen"
"Of course. the ax by all MEANS" re-
piled Philandcr irritably. He was
veyed with himself for having forgot
ten to order the tree. which was one
Of the necessary adjuncts to the Phil
ander Christmas. He had never for
gotten II before. He meant TO order
Il that morning and have II sent to his
suburban home later In the day. but
an important business matter had drlv
en the remembrance OF fhe festival
from his mind until his wifc's greeting
when he opened the door recalled II to
his attention.
lie sailed forth. bearing the ax. and
waded through the newly fallen snow
10 the corner OF the street. where he
turned toward Turkey hill road. The
snow was only six inches reep. and
the walking was not so had. Gray
clouds hung low. and there was thick
furry of fakes as Philander turned the
corner when he reached the strip OF
woods II was showing heavily. and he
could only guess at the location Of the
particular pine he had In mind.
He whistlcd chcerily as he walked
along. for his spirits were rising. He
felt warm glow stealing over his
tired frame as he anticipated the de-
light OF the three small Philanders
when they beheld the seifsame tree
that they had so warmly admired
short while before set up In their own
parlor. ablaze with candles and rich
with gifts.
Mr.. Philander stopped and thrashed
himself vigorously with his arms.
There was a faint grayness In the air
that was reflected from the fallen
snow. and there was the tickling rush
of flakes IN his eyes. When he reach
cd the very opening In the woods
whore they had admired the tree he
turned around ana looked carefully up
and down the road or course he
could see nothing. nor was there the
faniest Iinlle Of bells. II was a
very lonely spot.
Mr.. I'hilander knew that the strip Of
woods was private property. and he
also knew that nc could make II all
RIGHT with Lake. the owner of the
wnods. an the following day. as Lake
lived four miles away and II was I'm
po~sIhle Ia ask his permission now.
Although Mr. Phllander. had stated
thar he could put his hand on the tree
in the dark. he found II rather diff
cult thing To do after ALL He lost
himself several times IN the dense
thIcke,s. and all the tree trunks SEEM
ed unfa miliar to his touch. Then. all