Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1909-12-17


and never to return until three
Christmas days came together.
Then he could have his daughter as
a Christmas gift. AS man of honor
John Dean could only submit to the
decision until he could convince the
wealthy man of his mistake.
Now it 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
rather less cheerful than usual and
it was with feeling of relief that
Mildred heard her mother call to her
to come to the library.
Capt Zeno had just returned from
q
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
ruddy 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 was just as well
| to wait, for he had many business mat
| ters 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"
mo, Miss Mildred, yesterday
was Christmas. Do you suppose l
could sail clear around the world and
be so 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 to-day Sc
that I 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.
"T'aint to-morror--,' said Capt. Ze
no just as emphatically, yesterday
was Christmas day and can prove
it."
"And l can prove it is tomorrow,
said Capt. Jonas, warmly. you mus
think / can't keep my records
straight"
Both the worthy captains were fas
reaching point where 1t meant giv'
in or fight, when Miidred's younge
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. "Yo
went from east to west Capt. Jonas
and lost day. You are day bt
hind, so Christmas is tomorrow 70
you. You went from west to cas-
Capt Zeno, and gained day, s
Christmas was yesterday for you. Th
4 rest of us stayed at home and hav
Christmas to-day, so that we hav
three Christmas days altogether, ye
terday, to-day and tomorrow"
Mildred rushed to her father an
caught his hand. 20, father, don't yo
remember your promise?"
l The stern face softened and as b
placed his hand on his daughter
shoulder Willis Hudson said: Th
laws of nature seem to work in yoi
favor. If you can reach John
phone you may invite him to Dime
y -. s,lxt. htn. hio .raoanfD