The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-12-21
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* The u.
Great Gifts
A Christmas Story
BY CLARlSSA MACKlE
Copyright by American Press Asso-
citation, 1911.
A Christmas Story
BY CLARISSA MACKIE
by American Press Asso-
citation, 1911.

level measure OF NDlteneS5. he
lights of the stores cleaned through
windows crowded with Christmas
wares and shot pale diffused rays
across the sidewalks.
In barrels grocery store a group Of
men were gathered around a glowing
coal stove.
Il hear that Walter Hoops has come
back" remarked Len Darrell.
II wanter know The same express
sion of surprised incredulity ran around
the circle.
"Yep-came home tonight on the mail
train. Fender said he passed him walk
ing down from the station"
"He must have come back broke, then,
couldn't afford to ride down on the
stage on a night like this" remarked
Henry Slade contemptuously.
Fender said he didn't even have an
overcoat on" added Darrell, giving
forth his information In delightful NOR.
sells.
''Shucks!" exploded William Otis
who was third cousin removed of
Waiter Hoops and consequently morti-
fed at these outspoken remarks. ~
washed my hands of Walter long ago, -
he explained to his companions.
"All of us did" agreed Henry Slade
"When mans fool enough to lose ev-
cry inch OF ground that he's Inherited
he can't expect thrifty folks to hold
him up when it's all spent and he ain t
got nothing"
That's right, Henry. Walter didn't
oughter let himself be bamboozled out
of his property by them spectators
He couldn't prove nothing against EN-.
They was mighty clever
"Well, he couldn't get his place back
again If he wanted to. Iaidlaw was
telling me that ii was sold to rich
New York party for summer home"
II wonder If Walter will show up
in here" said William Otis uneasily.
Il dunno, but I might as we'll be mov-
Ing along now, Martha will be through
buying them presents"
Enough 70 do without taking on n
poor relation fo~Christmas," remarked
Henry Slade significantly as Otis bang
ed the door after his departure.
The group laughed heartily. and then
n little silence fell among them. In
days gone by-more prosperous days
for Walter HOops-in his big hearted,
generous way he had helped all OF
them, Endorsed notes. loaned money
and In other ways proved n friend
Many OF the notes had been unpaid,
and Walter had paid the money from
his own pocket and said nothing; 9th
ers he had helped In various ways.
Not one man In the group gathered
in barrels store but had received
some favor at Walter Hoops generous
hand.
Now they were uneasy. What II
Walter should come into the store and.
presuming upon old acquaintance. try
to borrow money from them or expect
to be entertained over Christmas or
for an indefinite time? A down at
heels friend could only be an inter
worst thing in the world to encourage
Walter Hoops in the belief that he
could squander his own heritage and
then expect to return to Compton and
live upon the savings of bis more
frugal acquaintances.
I'm afraid Walter has been o bad
lot" murmured Henry Slade In self
justification Of his thoughts.
Hes made folks lot of trouble"
added Len Darrell, frowning
Just look ut Emily Wayland-see
how he treated her She had her wed
ding clothes all made, and he broke 1t
off and went away. She amt never
forgot it nuther." Dan Willis spoke
resentfully.
That all happened eight years ago.
| guess Emily's got too much spunk
to worry about n Teller That's treated
her that way" remarked the black
smith.
at would be just like him to go to
her and expect Henry Slade was
saying when utter CONSERVATION fell
upon them. and they were dumb.
From the other side OF the double
store, which had a separate entrance,
appeared Emily Wayland. with small
basket on her arm. She was very
straight and slim. and her black hair
was mixed with gray but she was
still beautiful. Any woman with her
fyln rfn a ri nj
ing OF cheek and lip could never be
plain.
She must have overheard their re
marks. for they had all spoken loudly
without reserve, forgetting the thin
partition that acted us sounding
board. Her head was held very high,
and she glanced neither to the right nor
left as she passed down the store and
out of the door. That was unusual.
for Emily was always gracious and
sweet.
The clerk who had waited upon her
came around the counter and glared
at the group Of men around the stove.
"Why didn't you fellers come right
in and say what you had to say right
to her face?" he demanded ironically.
"She couldn't hear" said Henry
Slade uneasiy.
"Well, guess she did II heard l
guess she did"
The loafer's idea of pleasure is tc
watch other men work.