El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-01-13

himself" he threw himself upon the
cot, worn out by the struggle which
had been rending him for days.
To the terrified and motionless child,
the masters" cry gave new life He
was electrified. He, Jock, just the little
muchacho, was to save the loved one
from something, he knew not what; no
matter, he would save him. and the
glory of his mission TRANSPORTED him.
The padre had told him to pray to
the Blessed Virgin when he was in
trouble. and she would help him, but
Mr.. Robert had never done so; that had
been the one bitter drop in Jocks cup
of happiness, and in his childish reason
ing he felt there was nothing to expect
from that source. He tried to think,
then started. Why had it not occurred
to him at once-''U. s." of course Help
always came from "U. S." the teacher
himself. the letters that always cheered
the master" the medicine that cured
him-there must be something in the
box from 20. s" to save the master"
Noiselessly creeping to the cot, he
found the master" in a deep sleep.
Softly to the box he went lifted the
pretty paper, then down on his knees
in loving alteration. ''U. s" had not
failed him. An angel-it must be one
of the Christmas angels Mr.. Robert
told him about-a great big. beautiful,
shiny angel, with a lovely, kind face.
looked up az him. The Blessed Virgin
would forgive him for touching the
sacred image when it was to save the
master" He lifted it reverently. then
a great light illumined his soul as he
saw what was under it-a tree with
pretty glistening balls and all kinds of
beautiful things. 1t was the gift tree.
He knew all about it. Mr.. Robert had
read it TO him. He would fix 1t and
put the angel on it and she would give
the master something to save him.
He cut down the branches of the arti-
fetal tree. stealthily watching the
sleeper for any sign of waking, then
placed it on wide bench at the foot
of the cot, with the big angel protect
ingly topping It. lighted the candles
and. with infinite faith in its power TO
aid. waited for the work of salvation
to begin. his great black eyes looking
almost supernatural.
The master" stirred uneasily, turned,
then opened his eyes How dry his
mouth. how parched his throat. II ne
only had something to Stake his thirst
Why. he had John had given him l.
He would get it and afterward-rrst
from this torment. He sat up. "Katn-
leen,'' he cried. Kathleen" and stretch
ed out his arms to the beauti- ii
angel whose face iIlumined by the
light of a candle directly below, stood
out in sharp relief against the black
ness behind it. Thank God. she had
come to save him Then new horror
gripped his very vitals 1t was Wis
ion. Kathleen was dead and he had
killed her. He would put an end 10
it all. and with a despairing cry that
almost caused Jocks heart to stop beat
ing. he sprang from his cot.
The quick action awoke his partlally
benumbed senses end he saw for IN
first time all of Jocks labor of love.
For 4 moment he stared helplessly NJ
it. then a great peace descended upon
him, the healing wings of the tinseled
angel stirred his sick soul with menu
cries of home and loved ones praying
for his redemption. He was not alone
in his hour of need. They were helplus
him to conquer and their faith wouln
make him strong.
He tenderly patted each little orha
ment, then opened a letter which hau
been tied to the topmost branch.
Dear Bobs." it read, "the girls n
sisted upon my sending the Christmas
angel because they said it looked so
much like me and I humored tnelr
fancy.
do you know that your period or
probation is almost over? II TINS
Christmas day finds you faithful 10 your
pledge 1 give you myself for CHRIST
mas gift-come and claim it when you
choose kathleen"
'Bobs' stretched himself to his full
height, drew in a deep breath OF GODS
good air. then turned to his little mu-
chacho the sunny. CHEEKY face OF the
MASTER
Jock! Jock! I'm going home. home
to U. s. and I'm going to take you
with me-"
Could human heart bear this Excess
sive joy and not stop with the shock of
it. Jocks bounded and bumped and
pounded. In this great moment of his