Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-12-12

Hnally tOlu tne
''pauper" to leave his house
and never to return until three
/ Christmas days came together.
Then he could have his daughter as
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
talns returned from a voyage.
The Christmas breakfast had been
rather less cheerful than usual and
it 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
. long voyage and had few little
presents he wished to give her. Mil
dred FASTENED to the library. anxious
to let her thoughts dwell upon more
cheerful subjects.
lust as she
ntered the doer tie
rudy captain turned around. saiuted
and wished her a Merry Christmas.
adding that although he was day
late with his greetings it had been I'm
possible for him to see her the day be-
fore. and anyway, 1t was just as well
10 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 I
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
be presented to Mildred.
I brought these to you to-day 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 10
make me believe that Christmas was
yesterday.
1T is tomorrow" said Capt.
Jonas.
"T'aint to-morro-.- said Capt Ze-
no just as emphaticaliy. yesterday
was Christmas day and can prove
IT,"
And can prove It Is tomorrow.
said Capt Jonas. warmly. You must
think can't keep my records
straight"
Both the worthy captains were fast
reaching a point where II meant give
in OF fight. when Mildred's younger
brother. Max. who heard the noise.
came in. and asked what was wrong
Mildred told him. and after & min
ute he asked: How far did you sail.
Capt. JonssT"
Clear around. boy"
and which way did you goy-
West. all the way"
And how about you. Cap; Zeno!''
Same thing. only east
Then Il Is easy said Max. You
wen; from east 70 west Capt Jonas.
and lost a day. You are q day BE-
hind. 30 Christmas Ia tomorrow for
you. You went from west to east.
Capt Zeno. and gained a day. 50
Christmas was yesterday for you. The
rest Of US stayed AZ home and have
Christmas to-day. so that We have
three Christmas days altogether. yes
terday. to-day ana tomorrow
Mildred rushed TO her father and
caught his hand. %. father. don't you
remember your promise7-
The stern face Suffered and as be
placed his hand on his daughters
shoulder Willis Hudson said. The
laws Of nature seem TO work in your
favor. n you can reach John By
phone you nay invite him 10 dinner.