Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-12-24

then paused abruptly as Penteld ad
vanced
"Mr. Browning Jack stopped
short and stared with unbelieving
eyes.
The girl laughed softly. and tire
was Joy In her eyes as she raised
to his.
WHERE did you come fromr she
asked. dropping her parcels TO the
table and extending both gioved little
hands
From the Bar T." he replied la
conically. holding her hands firmly In
his great brown palms.
Explain why you are here OF all
places. ! left you riding the ranges In
Montana. aud see you again in the
country home OF my cousins, and you
call me MR. Brownlng!" she said.
Withdrawing her hands and removing
the heavy cloak that enveloped her.
Il was expecting Christopher Brown
ing. was sitting up for him. was
surprised when you entered"
Il am Christopher Browning" she
said saucily. Don't dare to tell me
that you did not know THAT
II didn't know IT," he admitted hum
bly,. Il knew you as Kitty Brown
ooh. the Clarks always abbreviated
II. And SO you did not know you were
waiting for me?" she said musingly,
drawing nearer the fire and holding
her hands % the comforting warmth.
1--WE been waiting for you ever since
you left the ranges. Kitty" he said
gravely.
She turned away suddenly. and her
voice shook slightly as she replied. II
told you that you must not"
81 cannot help II, Kitty. You must
know he began. drawing nearer TO
her.
"You may help me distribute my
gifts" she said quickly. recovering her
composure. "and while we are filling
the stockings you must tell me how
you came TO make the mistake In my
name and why you. instead Of my af-
fectionate cousins. are waiting for me
now"
Jack told his story while the girl dis
tributed the parcels she had brought
among the limp stockings. There was
even q gift for the capaclous sock that
represented Dick Mason's Christmas.
II have nothing for yours. Mr.. Pen.
field she said. regretfully surveying
the remaining empty sock.
ho N
changed your mind he began.
But | haven't changed my mind"
she murmured family.
Are you sure?" he insisted. Your
eyes. Kitty. betrayed you when you
came into this room. You WERE glad
20 see me. Say that you will go back
to the Bar 4 with me 10 the spring"
She hesitated. "oh. there is some
thing In the SOCK" she said evasively.
and she stepped forward and. thrust
Ing hand into the toe. brought forth
small card. which she exten III to-
ward Penfeld.
lie took II and glanced at the oppo.
site side He uttered an exclamation
Of surprise Then he held II out to
her.
She took It reluctantly. AS she look
ed n warm flush spread over her face
and she cried lmpulsively. "why. that's
miner
1t was snapshot OF the master of
the Bar 4 ranch standing in the cor
raj, surrounded by hundreds of horned
cattle
Did you take that picture. Kitty?"
asked Jack eagerly.
She nodded shamefacedly.
"How did II get in theref" he asked
with puzzled look.
A merry voice called from the door
way: ii found II on the door OF your
room, Christopher Kit. carefully wrap
ped in tissue paper. after you went
home at Thanksgiving. or course |
recognized Mr. Penffeld when he ar.
rived yesterday. and | wanted
something wonderful TO happen on
Christmas eve. and for the first time
In my life II has happened. And that's
all, except merry Christmas both!'
BLESS the childw murmured Jack
happily. gathering the abashed Chris
TOPPER into his arms.
"That's what l say. too" she whis'
nared softly