The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1909-12-29
BESSIE.

uCM 0OOl Adls
Couldn't get one" returned Philan-
der moodily.
Couldn't get one! Why not. James
Philander?"
II forgot 1t. Bella, until just as got
Off the train, and as that was the last
train from town l couldn't very we'll
walk back and look up tree. By that
time the shops would all be closed
and
Walk back! Such nonsense! OF
course if you haven't thought enough
of the children to buy them tree
My dear" interpolated Philander
desperately, don't say another word.
Ill find tree somewhere tonight If
! l have to rob the church Of the Sun
day school tree.'
He thrust his arms into his overcoat
and grasped his hat. but Mrs. Philan-
der put out 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 tree?"
II shall walk into the woods and dig
one." returned Philander. with dignity
well, you could do that. James, but
1t is II o'clock now and there is NJ
moon. You will lose your way"
Nonsense" returned Mr.. Philander
II hope know my way around Rose
Heights. l 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.
Very 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"
1.-THE tree will soon be 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.
IA spade. James! l thought they
/ SnORpCu lIctS uOWu. IlG ground Is
frozen
"Of course. the AK by all MEANS" re-
piled Philander irritably. He was
vexed 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 1t before. He meant to order
1t that morning and have it sent to his
suburban home later in the day, but
an important business matter had driv
en- the remembrance of the festival
from his mind until his wife's greeting
when he opened the door recalled it to
his attention.
He sailed FORTH bearing the ak. and
waded through the newly fallen snow
to the corner Of the street, where he
turned toward Turkey hill road. The
snow was only six inches deep. and
the walking was not so bad Gray
clouds hung low. and there was thick
furry of fakes as Philander turned the
corner. When he reached the strip OF
woods 1t was showing heavily. and be
could only guess at the location Of the
particular pine he had in mind.
He whistled cheerily as he walked
along. for his spirits We're 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 owl
parlor. ablaze with candles and rict
with gifts.
Mr.. Philander stopped and thrashee
himself vigorously with his arms
There was a faint grayness in the all
that was reflected from the faller
snow. and there was the tickling r,lsl
IF fakes in his eyes. When he reach
cd the very opening in the wood:
where they had admired the tree hi
turned around and looked carefully W
and down the road OF course BIZ
could see nothing. nor was there tn.
faintest tinkle of bells. 1t was +,
very lonely spot.
Mr. Philander knew that the strip O
woods was private property. and h,
llSO hHeW ludl ue COulu make IL al
right with Lake. the owner of TIL,
woods. on the following day. as LAX,
lived four miles away and it was i'm
possible to ask his permission now.
Although Mr. Philander had stated
that he could put his hand on the tre'
In the dark, he found it rather diff
cult thing to do after ALL He los
himself several times in the dens
thickets. and all the tree trunks seem
ed unfamiliar to his touch. Then. al
at once, he emerged from the under
brush. and spicy boughs of pine brush
ed his face.
'Hit it. by Jove!" he exclaimed. II,
dug the snow away from the trunk an,
with few lusty blows laid the tre'
low and dragged it trailing through
the snow. He lost his bearings once O
twice. and finally. at moment wheI
he almost dcspaired Of reaching hoIn