The Ordway new era., 1909-12-24

display OF the
forces of Nature as this seemed to be
n snow.spout, II such a word may be
coined.
Just before entering the snowy
realm on an east.bound train.
Harold Lancaster had telegraphed to
Hollyville. n pretty little village in
Illinois, that he was on his way home
and would be there in season to as
sist in the church festivities on Christ
mas, after which the train had plunged
into the mountain region. lie did not
know that his telegram was not sent.
ms before 1t was dispatched the wires
had broken under the weight of the
snow. and all communication with the
east was suspended. The train plunged
ahead, assisted occasionally by con
venient snow-plow. and was making
fair progress toward the summit.
where 1t was expected II would meet
with less obstruction than on the
western slope.
Harold had gone on trip up
through the wonderful Canadian
country in the fall. promising to re-
turn to assist in giving n Christmas
entertainment In the church. of which
Edith Lowell. his sweetheart. was the
soprano. as he was the tenor. lie
had written little musical skit, in
which he was to essay the part of a
trumpeter and messenger. to announce
to the Christian world-or the soon
tobe Christian world-the birth of
the Saviour: and his announcement
- - /. h.,
beautiful soprano voice Of Miss Low
ell In n welcoming aria, which had
been composed with particular refer
ence to her exquisite method of bird
like triliings. which was one of the
features OF her voice that made her
SO popular with those who listened to
her voice Sunday after Sunday.
AS Christmas approached, and day
after day passed without any word
being received from young Lancaster.
she seemed buried in gloom as deeply
as were the foothills and even the
peaks as well as the canyons of the
great dividing range of the country.
All this time, out in the Rocky
mountains, train was creeping along
slowly and muffled tenor voice was
murmuring, almost muttering, in oc-
casional voicings. ~ son is born to
the Highest" and again. GLORY Halle
lujah!" as though in rehearsal of the
event in the little church in Holly
VILE.
At last Christmas eve arrived, and
the congregation in their seats were
expectant. The choir singers seemed
to take their cue from Miss Lowell,
and a small modicum Of success only
was anticipated.
Everybody was ready for the start.
and there was a pause. The blast on
the trumpet sounded. which was the
signal for Edith to rise and be ready
to greet the tenor announcement.
'If only Harold were here!" she
said soto voice, as she arose. 1T
will be hard for me to sing it." She
stood expectantly. II have no inspi'
ration without Harold"
Following the trumpet signal, fig
ure appeared in the distance; but
Edith did not have the heart to look.
There seemed to be little commo-
tion.
20, dear!" she exclaimed, II hope
that end of It will not fail also, as
fear this will"
Then a clear, ringing voice sounded
forth, which acted on Edith like an
electric battery:
"A son is born to the Highest!" she
heard, which was followed by GLORY
Hallelujah!" taken up by both choir
and congregation.
Her inspiration had arrived. She
knew the voice SO we'll, and her heart
leaped, as her voice rang out In the
opening notes Of her aria. which IN
turn was SO inspiring that 1t brought
the entire audience to it's feet, and all
remained standing. IN difference to
her sweet delivery Of the words and
notes alike.
ut was . great triumph" said the
old pastor, as he was being consratu'
lated.
"And love was the keynote. saio
= knowing young deacon.
y Eyes, love to Cod" said the pastor
= Ana to man, I addsd the deacon. &