The Ordway new era., 1909-12-24

finally told the
'pauper'' to leave his house
ard 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
tains returned from a voyage.
The ceistmas breakfast had been
rather less cheerful than usual and
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
long voyage and had a few little
presents he wished to give her. NIL.
dred hastened 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 Merry Christmas,
adding that although he was a day
lot xs,lth t1 IS hol
possible for him to see her the day be-
fore. and anyway. 1t 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 I
could sail clear around the world and
be 50 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
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 to
make me believe that Christmas was
yesterday.
"It is tomorrow" said Capt.
Jonas.
"'T'aint to-morro---." said Capt Ze-
no just as emphaticaliy, yesterday
was Christmas day and I can prove
It,"
= And can prove 1t is tomorrow"
said Capt. Jonas. warmly. You must
think / can't keep my records
straight"
Both the worthy captains were fast
reaching point where 1t 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 1t is easy" said Max. "You
went from east to, west Capt. Jonas,
and lost day. You are 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 today. 50 that we have
three Christmas days altogether. yes
terday, to-day and tomorrow"
Mildred rushed to her father and
taught his hand. -. father, don't you
your promise7"
ne stsrn face softened and az he
,lae6d his hand on his daughters
iAopIdef Willis Hudson said: The
sNs ~ nature seem 70 work in your
axof. & u ~ On rsa6h John by
nlea4 you may tnv1ts him 70 dinner,
4 !! n 4! ~ u Z. - I Il