Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-25

: would not object 10 taking his lesson
on Christmas day. ans had appealed
TO Kenly, who, being alone. dreaded
Christmas, especially since 1t always
set him 10 thinking about his lost wife
and children. He had telegr9phed that
he would arrive on n train that stop
ped at the station nearest the Carpen-
ter farm at 6 o'clock in the morning
and was telegraphed in reply to come
directly TO the farmhouse.
1t was ESQ o'clock when he ap-
preached the home IN question. and
though it was stiil dark he saw 10y
lights in the windows that there were
children in the family. v no were up
and diving into their stockings. His
heart sank within him at remembering
his own children. who. II they still
lived, Were probably doing the same
thing He wondered IA what part OF
the world they were and II their moth
er were in condition TO give them
Christmas presents. One thing he
knew-no new father was celebrating
Christmas with them. for he had never
received notice OF an application for
divorce on the part Of their mother.
Snow had fallen the day before, and
n three-quarter full moon, sinking to-
ward the west. was casting a million
lights upon II. Professor kenly, as
he was now called. trudged on, wish
ing that he had some other place than
the farmhouse TO spend a couple OF
hours that the children might have
had time before his entrance to exam
inc their presents and their eXuber-
ance OF delight might have had time
to expend itself What he desired
was TO be furnished with some break
fast and then TO sit down with the
farmer and begin his instruction. But
there was no other house near by. and
those he saw I'm the distance were al
lighted up, indicating that fond par
ents and their children were making
merry over gifts Santa Claus had left
during the night. So, there being no
hotel in the place. he was obliged to
go on and stand the merrimeut AZ best
be could
There was a babel inside when, kick
ing the snow of his boots. he knocked
at the door. He heard a voice telling
the children 10 stop their noise for a
moment; then the door was thrown
open. and a woman stood In the open
ing before background OF logs burn
ing on a hearth, children, toys and the
confusion Of Christmas morning
"Gaeat heavens! jennie
There was no surprise on the wo-
mans face. only n smile of welcome.
She threw her arms around the visi
tors neck and drew him into the house
us that FthelT' But without wait
IN fNr h. ~, - IL, }, Is.
arms and Rugged her. while sammy.
recovering from his surprise with II
child's jealousy fought for his share OF
the caresses.
This is not "a accident. is it?' OK
claimed the father turning to his
wife
NO. I read In the Farmers Home
and Fireside that Professor William
Kenly was instructing the farmers I'm
this state and wrote you under an as
sumed name 10 come and give me
some instruction. I planned for your
coming at this time aud hoped for it,
but hardly expected it."
There was little opportunity at the
time for further explanation ana Civ
ing each other events that had occur
red since their parting. Both were
happy in the knowledge that the hus-
band had done his duty so far as he
had been able, that his mother had
received the care due her and that he
had at last assumed the position 10
which his talents entitled him. He
must inspect every toy Santa Claus
had brought Ethel aud Sammy, listen
ing to each In turn. and when they
had finished he took from his pocket
two silver dollars. giving one to Ethel
and one TO Sam. causing their eyes 10
sparkle with delight
Then they oil sat down g. breakfast.
The husband and father. having travel
ed all night, required IA" good things
his wife had provided for his ex-
peCted coming. For the FIRST time I'm
years he occupied a seat facing his
wife. while a child sot on either hand
He reverenuy gave thanks for the
happy Christmas reunion Providence
had given them all aud the ability
vouchsafed him 10 assume his proper
position az head Of the family.
All day the husband and wife felt as
~ they were cnJ0rirr a happy dream.
II seemed 60 them that il could not be
ffiF- ana illuFl. v I'D WIS 'i4 fNbuku
10 remember her father whom they
were parted. shared their delight As
10 Sammy. be was pleased that now.
Ike other boys. he bad a pop" and
would likely - the recipient OF pen
mics. 10 say nothing OF nicEels and On
occa siOnal dime.
The wife by her energy ana ability
had acquired a good farm. and n was
decided that the husband should dis
instructinR others ana put bis
knowledge 20 their oyyn use on her
farm. The result was a product that
had never been known IN that region
before and that brought prosperity 10
he planters. Many q Christmas they
spent together after this first one; but,
.hough they were happy ones, they
never brought the exquisite delight OF
heir rpIpfuu