The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1910-12-15

lined ulster and his sealskin cap was
pulled down over his ears there was
nothing to be seen save a pair of
very bright brown eyes and an aris-
tocratic nose.
Once in the snowy streets Anthony
Riggs found himself nearer to Christ
mas than he had been before. The
shops were overlooking with holly
wreaths and branches of mistletoe,
toys and games and candy and nuts.
Beautiful gifts were displayed in the
windows and many happy, %expectant
faces were pressed against the plate
glass panes.
! please, sir" said a small voice at
Anthony's elbow, cant you give me
a job carrying your bundles?"
What bundles?" frowned Anthony.
"Your Christmas presents-what
you're going to buy, sir" said the
little boy, respectfully.
I'm not going to buy any pres
ents," replied Anthony quite fiercely.
Here's something for you-go and
buy your own gifts and don't bother
Lax liz II uSL q uO14dl U4l3 luLO Lu0
eager little fingers and strobe on, I'M
mindful of the curious glances of
those who had overheard his conversa-
ton with the little lad.
A glittering window full of jewels
threw a flashlight on his memory. It
was in that same shop he had once
purchased a ring for Mary Wood. The
ring had been returned to him and
he had flung it into the farthest cor
ner Of his desk. 1t was there now.
He turned away and sauntered on.
In front of his W church, friendly
hands drew him into the brightly
lighted basement of the edifce where
progress.
There was a merry throng of men,
women and children moving to and
fro among the booths devoted to the
sale of fancy articles, toys and candy.
Supper tables occupied one end Of the
room and in ar obscure corner a for
tune teller's tent was made of gay
shawls. In the middle of the room
stood a gigantic Christmas tree, load
ed with gifts wrapped in tissue pa
per.
"Ten cents will entitle you to a gift
from the tree" explained his guide.
II don't like presents" said An
thony grimly.
Deacon Smithers smiled quizzically.
very well, suit yourself, Anthony!
There is the fortune teller-perKaps
she will predict "a happy future for
you! There is the supper table, that
will insure you a good meal-and the
booths-pay your money and take
your choice!!" He moved away and
left Anthony Riggs standing pale and
cold in the midst of the happy crowd.
Perhaps it was because he did not
know what else to do that Anthony
awaited his turn at the fortune tell
er's tent, and once within it's dim re-
cesses. he felt foolishly aware that
the future held nothing for him that
he did not know.
The gipsy's dark head was con
cealed in the folds of a lace mantilla;
from the flowing sleeves Of her red
fSASOt OOO1SO, GWO DILL UIOWu dcuS
and hands flashed out and caught his
large hand. The la%ce-draped head
bent owe his palm.
"You have had much sorrow" said
the gypsy in a low musical voice, "but
much Of it has been your own ma
king! Do the things I shall tell you
and you will live to be very happy
and see your dearest wish g%ratifed!"
Anthony smiled sardonically. "And
the three things I shall do?" he
asked.
"The day after tomorrow is Christ.
mas day. Tomorrow night you must
make three persons happy. Find three
persons who are poor and needy and
sorrowful and take them to you home
and provide them with a bountiful
dinner; have gifts for them and when
they have gone away blessing you
then, you may receive a gift your.
SELF"
What will it be? I don't want q
gift haven't kept Christmas for
years." protested Anthony, as he
placed some money on the table.
J Time you did, then! Don't forget