The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1909-12-18

'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 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 curiositias
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 voyage,
The Christmas breakfast had beea
rather less cheerful than usual and
1t was with feeling of relief that
Mildred heard her mother call to heg
to come to the library.
Capt zeno had just returned from
a long voyage and had few little
presents he wished to give her Mil
bred 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 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 we'll
to walt, 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 |
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 lmerous bundles, which
he presented to Mildred.
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
ut is tomorrow" said Capt.
Jonas.
"'T'aint to-morro~," said Capt Re,
no just as emphaticaliy, yesterday
was Christmas day and / can prove
it,"
And I 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 point where 1t meant give
In or fight, when Mildreds 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 a day. You are a day be.
hind SO Christmas is tomorrow for
| you. You went from west to east
Capt. Zeno, and gained day. so
Christmas was yesterday for you. The
rest of US stayed at home and have
Christmas today, so that we have
three Christmas days altogether, yes.
| terday. to-day and tomorrow
Mildred rushed to her father sand
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. II you can reach John by
phone you may invite him to dinner
to give him his present"
| =