Putnam patriot., 1913-01-24
ON ROAD 0F CHEER
Salt of the Earth Doing Mans Work in Wonderful Wom-
 ans Way.
By LILLIAN DUG EY.

grave at Christmas time. Each year. for 365 days, less one evening, he was the staid and steady surgeon. gen eral in his field. but on Christmas eve he sallied forth and joined the motley throng along the blazing trail of spar king shops.
 He saw her first, arms full of bun dies, emerging from one of the bril- liant stores. He. himself, was on the point of entering, but the joy of her face. the light of her eyes stayed him. However. the light was not for him. Oh. no! Coming along were two rag ged urchins. And she fairly seized them.
 "OE course you have a sister at home" her voice liltec and sang flor there's a doll in here! And you are brothers; I can see that. Some of the things are. for boys. tool" She filled their arms with bundles. Now go right home. They are from Santa and Merry Christmas!"
 Dr. Cosgrave stood and stared, as it dawned upon him that here was someone employing his same unique method of dispensing Christmas cheer. He hadn't known that in the whole wild world there might be an- other disciple of Santa other than himself. But there she was.
 He followed her into the store; but amid the hustle he lost her. then for got her. In truth the road of cheer was such a fascinating one, once started along it's trail, extraneous tn- fiuences held no allure.
 But he saw her again. half an hour afterwards. And there was no mis- taking her. Simply by the light of her face he would have known her. Now she was leading a little girl by the hand, and in their wake came the poorly clad mother, the gleam of joy within her tired eyes. They were making their way toward Cosgrave to where tier on tier, were piled dolls without number in their cardboard boxes.
 Cosgrave, himself, was gingerly holding a doll In each arm, as he waited for little mite to make her choice. And In the minutes that fol- lowed he had much ado to keep from talking.
 This was only the beginning t many such encounters. Here, there, and everywhere they met, until Cos grave could have sworn that tn thu depths of her eyes stood a sparkle of understanding. His own were alight hod at cheer been so pleasant. But 1t did seem as if two such samaritans should speak In passing. However. even without, bond semed to exist be tween them. As Cosgrave humoA ously put 1t, spirit was communing wrth spirit, although lips were mute. It was a bit of sentimentalism that made him feel unaccountably young and unaccountably foolish. But the experience was so pleasant that sud denly, by hook or by crook, he de- termined to get into conversation with her.
 Why not?" he said to himself
 Why not?" echoed some taunting second self.
 But he was too late When he set out to put his determination into ef- feet, she was not to be found.
 To say that Cosgrave spent the rest of the time searching. is misstating. Certain 1t Is. however, that much of the Christmas spirit fell from him. At last he decided that he had played Santa Claus enough. And 1t was then. quite an hour later, that he came upon her again as he was leaving the store in a somewhat dejected Christmas spirit.
 "Oh, MT Santa-if you please-just 8 momenti"
 He gaped wiltless, for he had not seen her until she spoke. And speech being beyond him, he simply lifted his hat, a purely mechanical move ment.
 I'm in such a predicament," she hurried on, blushing slightly. I've been standing here-wondering what to do," she paused. "You-you were doing what I was--that is why"
 In spite of her unwavering gaze, she was having difficulty in express ing herself, and he rushed to the res cue.
 "If can be of service to you. com mand me" He was on the point of saying Mrs. Santa, but he held th< words with set teeth.
 i've lost my purse" she spoke with assurance now, as if convinced of his kindliness. I haven't a penny and do not live in the city. Would you-could you let me have enough to get home? Fifty cents ?-and if you'll let me have your address"
 "I would-and I could" Laughter twinkled all over Cosgrave's face. 'l haven't spent as much as I expected to-seei" From his pocket he brought forth two five-dollar bills. one of which he handed her.
 But I don't need all that" she pro tested.
 oh, but you can't tell" he smiled whimsically. Besides, here I have been giving my goods to rejoice the poor-why shouldn't I succor the rich?"
 If you really care to trust me" she began.
 Trust you," he cut in Once more he had to hold his teeth upon what sprung to his lips. This time it was phrase of childhood that had afmost burst from him. He wanted to say9 sIu trust you like anything" but said instead: Certainly"
 And your addressr she asAeo sweetly.
 From a card case that he proush' from an ,n.tde nocket Cosgrave sup