Watertown leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1909-1911, 1909-12-24
A BIT OF
CHRISTMAS
By c. f. WYMAN

car, Watching carefuIly dial
faced thermometer and stopping to
turn screws OF the heating apparatus
III persistent attempts to keep the
pointing finger at 40 degrees.
Despite the discomfort of close air,
which was none too warm at best, the
passengers in the main wore Joyous
faces and didn't seem to consider the
numerous packages and bundles an an
noyance.
From Il waySde station, which look
ed as if it had never been neighbor to
any house where human beings lived.
poor little girl entered and dropped
into seat where an overCoat told that
its owner was probably in the smoking
car The child did not notice this. and
in her ignorance of travel it would
have made no difference if she had.
She might have been eight or ten years
old. but that air of self reliance was
hers which poverty's child often ac.
quireS very young. yet there was moth
ing forward or bold in her appear
ance, Her dress was of the scantiest-
thin cotton gown. barely concealing
the lack Of suitable underwear; little
worn shoulder shawl and a battered
straw hat
When the conductor appeared the
hand which presented her half fare
ticket waS red with cold. but the small
person lifted to him a wonderfully
frank face and confdingly informed
him that she was going to grandma's
fer Christmas and that the package
she clutched in her other hand contain
ed cookies for grandma.
The conductor smiled down at her.
A pitying smile it was, as he thought
of his own we'll fed, well clothed chill
dren, with whom he expected to eat a
late Christmas dinner when his run
was over. The smile fingered on his
face as he passed to the next seat and
saw that its occupants had heard.
Two women sat in the seat, stran-
gers to each other and as unlike as two
persons made on the same general
principles could be. One was tall, dig
nifed, young, wrapped in costly furS.
everything about her showing the per-
son who never lacked money or leisure;
the other, stout. jolly, elderly, comfort
able-a kindly and we'll to do woman.
Tts two had travelled miles and mics
side by side with not a word passed
between them.
Now both sat with eyes fixed on the
forlOrn bit of humanity in front Of
them. Suddenly the younger woman
opened her travelling bag and took
from it a soft gray shawl 1t was at
least two yards long and half as wide.
Folding it together. she touched the
little waif, saying in a low tone,
''Stand up, my dear" The child obey
ed wonderingly, and this woman in
the costly furs placed the folded shawl
around the small shoulders, crossed it
in front and bringing the ends to the
back, pinned them securely.
1t is yours to keep" she whispered
"a Christmas present" Then, turn
ing to the woman at her side, she said
apologetically. Il really did not need
it myself" There was blink of tears
in her eyes.
well. now," the older woman ex-
claimed in admiration, you just set
me to thinkin'i I'm really ashamed
that / didn't think of doing something
myself. Here, I've got two pairs Of
mittens for my grandson-just about
her Size-iD my hand bag. and he can't
wear out more than one pair this win
ter. Besides. | can knit another. It's
nothing at all to knit mittens." She
was busily undra awing the strings of an
enormous silk bag, but her glasses were
blurred, and her fingers were clumsy
with haste.
whats your name, little girl? Ka-
tie? Well, hold out your hands, Katie.
N.Y. Aren't they good fit! There's an
ether Christmas present to keep. And
here's q frosted cake. Just eat it right
now, Katie. Your grandma won't need
it. with all those you've got in your
bundle.'
The child again obeyed. She did not
say, THANK you" Possibly she did
not know how but she seemed to glow
all over and her eyes returned thanks
even if her timid lips did not.
I'm proud to know you, my dear"
the rolly poly. comfortable woman said
now to the young lady. for she had
been saying to herself all the while:
you're the right sort. can see that"
"And am proud to know you" the
other responded. almost shyly offering
her hand which was quickly buried in
a big, warm grasp. 1--WE all long to be
of service at Christmas time, you
know"
At that instant the man of the over
coat sauntered in to resume his seat
He gave low whistle of surprise at
the happy little traveller next the win
comprehended the situation. His right
hand made a quick dive into his trou-
sers pocket as if to get some money.
In another instant he withdrew it and
reached up to the rack overhead and
lifted down a large paper bundle. TAX |
ing the bundle across the aisle to an
empty seat. he opened it and took out
a smaller package from among many
others. Untying this package. he
brought to light a faXen haired doll
dressed in the latest style and resplen-
dent in a large picture hat. This he
placed in the little girls arms. saying.
From my little daughter. who would
rather you should have it, Then he
lifted his hat courteOusly TO the wom-
en-. took his OvercOat on his arm and
strode of to find a seat elsewhere.
Rich little Katie. Il