The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1912-12-24

was not a star IN the SKY anu the uii-
chained elements in fury caused trees
to bow like wisps of straw, lonely
beggar trod his way through the
storm, tottering along the frozen path
across the icy fields.
Though pale his face expressed
complete resignatin to his fate and in
! his tired eyes was an expression of
great gentleness and infinite goodness.
Falls, Exhausted.
The miserable man had come from
afar. Suddenly he stumbled against
an uprooted tree and fell on his knees,
his face buried in the icy snow.
"Never will | have the strength to
go farther" he murmured, raising
himself up.
At the same moment he perceived a
light trembling in the depths of night.
Tries To Reach Light.
my God, do not abandon me! Give
me the strength to go as far as that
house. There happy ones will have
pity on my misfortune"
And with an effort the old man,
whose name was Christian, lifted him
self up and finally reached large
farmhouse from which sounds of hap
Ply revelry f1oated forth into the night.
The beggar raped at the door.
Beautiful Roussoka, mistress of the
house, opened the door.
"Charity, my good lady," Christian
cried.
"A beggar!" cried the farmers wife
"a beggar who has dared to inter
rupt my Christmas eve repast! What
impudence! Get away at once!"
With these words she brutally shut
the door.
Desolate, wiping the tears from his
eyes, the old man slowly went on his
way. Profoundly discouraged he look
ed around him, but all he saw was
white immensely. A voice, however,
said to him, walk, continue thy
route o lost voyagerH
Was he really awake? Did his eyes
deceive him? What did he see shin
ing there beyond? A light? Yes, real
ly light! 1t shone like tiny star
lost in the snow.
Although the wind had redoubled
its violence, singing his face without
PITY, Christian seemed to have found
new strength. The trembling light
upheld and quickened him. Finally
he reached the cottage
"Come in, my poor man." the wo-
man said softly.
1t was a poor little room with
rickety table and three benches for
chairs. The woman drew one of them
toward the fireplace.
"Sit down." she said," while warm
you a plate of soup"
Christian allowed himself to fall on
the bench. An expression of comfort
gradually spread over his face while
his eyes followed the young woman.
Her movements were gentle but her
look showed heavy care.
Places Soup Before Him.
Anielka-such was the woman's
name-placed the hot soup before the
old man saying:
EAT quickly, my poor man, this will
warm you. Alas! this is all | can of
fer you. l have nothing else in the
house. | am widow alone with my
old mother and my two little child
rem"
"Then there is misery in your
home," said the beggar.
EYES," she replied with broken
voice. Tonight | can still offer you
shelter unde rmy roof, but after to-
morrow we must leave our home for
ever"
Gives Old Man A Bed.
When he had finished his frugal
meal Anielka rose and, taking small
light, led the beggar to a bedroom.
"Sleep well, my friend" she said,
"may the good God have pity on you.
Tomorrow morning you may leave this
home at the hour you choose, but be-
fore leaving eat the breakfast that
will be waiting for you in the room be-
low"
In sign of a blessing the beggar
laid his hand upon the young wo-
mans forehead, saying. Il ardently
beg God to accord you the grace of
continuing all day long what you com
mence tomorrow morning"
Shared Her Last Crust.
At dawn Christian entered the room
below and found at the place he had
occupied the night before the promis-
ed piece of bread and glass of wine
As in the gospel, the widow shared
her last pitance.
A golden ray filtering timidly
/