The Falls City tribune., 1909-12-17

utes passed and
finally told the
"pauper' to leave his house
and never to return until three
Christmas days came together.
Then he could have his daughter as
a Christmas gift. As "A man of honor
John Dean could only submit to the
decision until he could convince the
wealthy man of his mistake.
Now 1t so happened that Willis
Hudson had men and ships In his en-
ploy-men who sought out the utter
most parts of the earth for what they
could find to please their masters
eye. Jewels and trinkets from foreign
marts, delicate perfumes, rare fruits.
soft fabrics and countless curiosities
came to him each year through his
faithful assistants, and Mildred was
always allowed to choose whatever
she wished whenever one of the cap
tains returned from a voyage.
The Christmas breakfast had been
1t was with a feeling Of relief that
Mildred heard her mother call to her
to come to the library.
Capt. Zeno had just returned from
a long voyage and had a few little
presents he wished to give her. Mil.
dred FASTENED to the library, anxious
to let her thoughts dwell upon more
cheerful subjects.
Just as she entered the door the
rudy captain turned around. saluted
and wished her "A Merry Christmas.
adding that although he was a day
late with his greetings it had been i'm.
possible for him to see her the day be-
fore, and anyway. it vas just as well
to wait, for he had many business mat
tiers to talk over with her father, who
did not like to discuss business mat
ters on Christmas day, SO he had not
entered port until about two hours
ago, and had let the sailors celebrate
Christmas all day yesterday.
Why exclaimed Mildred, to-day
is Christmas, Capt. Zeno. You must
have lost your reckoning on your last
trip"
No. Miss Mildred, yesterday
was Christmas. DO you suppose |
cou'd sail clear, around the world and
be 20 forgetful of Christmas Our rec
ords are perfect
Just as she spoke the bell rang
again and Capt. Jonas came in loaded
down with numerous bundles. which
he presented to Mildred.
| brought these to you today so
that | can leave here tonight and
spend Christmas with my family to-
morrow" said Capt. Jonas.
Tomorrow" asked Mildred, Why
Capt. Zeno has just been trying to
make me believe that Christmas was
yesterday,
ut is tomorrow" said Capt.
Jonas.
'.af'aint to-morfo. said Capt. Re.
no just as emphaticalIy, yesterday
Mas Christmas day and | can prove
it"
And l can prove it is tomorrow"
said Capt. Jonas, warmly. You must
think / can't keep my records
straight"
Both the worthy captains We're fast
reaching a point where it meant give
in or fight. when Mildred's younger
brother, Max. who heard the noise,
came in. and asked what was wrong.
Mildred told him. and after a min
ute he asked: How far did you sail.
Capt. jonas
Clear around. boy
And which way did you go?"
West. all the way"
And how about you, Capt. Zeno?"
Same thing, only east"
Then it is easy" said Max. You
went from east to west Capt. Jonas.
and lost a day. You are a day be-
hind, so Christmas is tomorrow for
you. You went from west to east.
Capt. Zeno. and gained a day. so
Christmas was yesterday for YOU. The
rest of us stayed at home and have
Christmas to-day, so that we have
three Christmas days altogether. yes
terday, to-day and tomorrow
Mildred rushed to her father and
caught his hand. 20. father, don't you
remember your promise?"
The stern face softened and as he
placed his hand on his daughters
shoulder Willis Hudson said: The
laws of nature seem TO work in your
favor. If you can reach John by
phone you may invite him to dinner,
to give him his present"