Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1909-12-25
A CHRISTMAS STORY.

came. there had been no hay to keep
her alive Unspeakable joy and thank
fulness had therefore come to the little
home when q week before the good
bishop had taken the COW to his ample
sheds and filled the big bin with flour.
There would be no Christmas presents
such as they had been used to. but the
little flock was happy because their
mother was happy
And then there was the delicious Sc
crct which Hans had shared so long
with the younger tots. Many a time
they would steal into the little front
room and surround an oblong wooden
box painted green, on the lid of which
was girls name in yellow paint, and
below 1t the words
SALT LAKE CITY,
ASIERIKA
From the depths of this chest issued
delightful odors. scentlng the entire
room. and Hans was certain he could
see little red apples-see them with his
nose, and he also knew they were for
Christmas. Then the little youngsters
would giggle and suppress their de-
light, lest mamma should find out.
What Hans did not know was the
pain that these mysterious little visits
caused her mother: nor did he inter
from her eyes on Christmas eve, as
She placed In each little stocking the
meagcr gift
But now Christmas was comel Hans
gloried that his prediction had come
true. Moreover there in his hand was
the precious gift he had wanted for so
long HIS little brothers and sisters had
eaten theirs; but Hans was a lad of
Imagination. He could taste his apple
by anticipation. and knew that If he
ate it. he would not have It, To pro-
long his pleasure he strolled up the
village street. thinking how good 1t
would be to eat the apple. till his
mouth watered for It's delicious flavor.
Alas, however. for the lively hopes of
the little boy! He had gone only lit
tie way when he met Mary Holton.
Mary had no father. either, and her
mother was poor-oh. so poor. And
Mary had been sick for so long, and her
face was so thin and pale. The only
features not plnched about her were
her eyes. Hans saw them. how could
he help It? They did not look at him
only at his apple.
What should the boy do? His heart
began to break with terrible misgiy-
ings. Why didn't she go away, or at
least turn away those hungry eyes?
II was his apple. not hers. Was 1T any
OF his fault, that her mother had not
hidden away apples in her trunk
months before. Any way, It was not his
business to look after the poor.
But-but-oh. she's been so sick, while
he-he's been so well. and had such lots
of fun, and then-then, she doesn't ask
him for 1t. oh, II he could only run
away
And with the thought he starts
swiftly back for home. Then-some-
thing in him makes him stop. turn
round, and march brayely up to his
little enemy and give her the applet
A half hour later the little mother
heard a chIld's low sobs under the bed
In the front room. Reaching under
the curtain she drew into her arms a
little boy with tear-stained counten-
ance.
What is the matter. darling9" she
asked. what are you crying for7"
For awhile Hans could only sob for
reply. Then, at last he said falter-
ingly-
"'cause. cause. gave Mary my
apple"
II was now the mothers turn to sob.
THANK Cod" she said. "for such a
brave boy"
That was AZ years ago-42 years of
unalloyed Joy for the sacrifice of one
minute of pleasure.
Think what his memory must have
been. had he not given the apple,
Reader. would you know the blessed
ness of giving? Let your gift. then.
grow out of the pure soil OF self-sacri-
flee.