The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1914-12-31
The Hunts Happy Day
From Christian Intelligencer.
A NEW YEAR STORY
BY Ernest Gilmore.


Regular winter weather and no mis-
take about It." observed Mr.. Richard
Hunt, AZ he came in rather noisy, stamp
Ing the snow from his boots, but like
It. So cold and bracing."
Mrs. Hunt, who was sitting near an open
IRE, laughed
IT like the house best such q day as
this" she said. shivering a little. Il don't
believe I'd be willing to face the cold,
even for the sake of the bracing."
Il think heard you say you were going
to seU old Mrs. Heller today" Mr.. Hunt
remarked, as he seated himself comfort
ably. Have you changed your mind?'
Yes, I've changed my mind. did tell
you that was going to see her, but I'll
have to walt until some other day. Poor
old Mrs. Helfer!'
us she sick?'
Yes"
And I suppose she's very lonely since
her daughter died?"
Yes"
II shouldn't wonder II she has a con-
unual struggle to make both ends meet
since that disastrous bank failure?"
Il don't believe she does make the ends
meet I feel very sorry for her"
But not quite sorry enough for you to
80 and see her as you intended to do to
day." teasingly.
Some other day win do as well-will II
not?' she questioned, wondering at his
persistence
Not II she needs you today. Come, get
GU your wraps and I'll go with you"
why. Richard Hunt, what's got into
you? thought you never liked to go call
Ing, especially at such places"
You thought right, my dear smiling
pleasantly. but can you tell me what
there Is to prevent my turning over q new
leaf on New Years day."
She laughed.
1T would be n good idea" she said
We'll. then, encourage me in it."
so / will
to face the storm. with a basket on her
arm.
What's In it7" Mr. Hunt asked, as he
relieved his wife OF the basket
Sugar and spice and everything NICE"
she quoted.
A little maid opened the door when they
reached Mrs. Helfer's To Mrs. Hunts
question as to how the latter was the
child answered:
shes not very we'll. ma am" and then,
lowering her voice to a confidential whis-
per, Il guess she's awful lonesome She's
bin crying-I saw her"
The weary old face frightened when lit
tie Polly led the callers In but both Mr.
and Mrs. Hunt were observant and read
between the lines that the dear old
lady was not only sorrowful but troubled
Il wish you a Happy New Year" said
Mrs. Hunt, taking the thin old hands in
a close grasp.
Happy New Year" Mr. Hunt echoed,
his greeting as cordial as his wifes.
Thank you," responded the old lady
warmly, and l wish you both a Happy
New Year"
I'VE had a fine turkey for dinner today"
Mr
wife brought you piece" uncovering the
basket. Yes, sure enough, here It Isl"
Now, Dick" said his wife, you've
made your speech; sit down, please"
He sat down with a sigh. pretending to
feel hurt He looked so comical that Mrs.
Helfers spirits arose 80 far that she
laughed.
II am greatly obliged to you both for
remembering me-" she said. I'm going
to confess that I've been longing for some
turkey for week and now here IL is"
The trio chatted pleasantly for a little
while and then Mr.. Hunt arose suddenly.
i've thought of an errand or two," he
said. You two can have the floor to your
selves until return I'll not be gone
long He met the small maid in the hall
Polly" he said, II don't want to Dry
into Mrs. Hefer's affairs, but I'm really
anxious to know IL she has everything
she needs. She's an old friend, you know
and a friend Of my mothers Does she
need anything, Polly?"
Yes SIR, deed she do: but she didn't
say so. She amt no cornpIainer-that's
what she amt She amt had no coffee
slnce-since-"
Go on, Polly, talk fast. Since when?"
Since her money took wings an flew
dunno where II flew to- but that's what
Ssmeone said-it flew, an she don't hev
butter no more. l wanted to tell the gro
GERS boy we was out but Mrs Helfer she
say: No, not now, Polly; some other
time
ut doesn't seem hardly warm enough
in the house Polly. Do you have plenty of
coal?"
That's what we don't, SIR she said,
with decision. "We'm jess about out, |
guess by tC-morTer itIl be all gone Miss
Helfers most shakin with cold some
times. She had two shawIs aroun' her
when you rung the bell, but she took EN-
off"
Mr.. Hunt had heard enough-quite
enough.
Poor, dear old SOUL" he said to him.
SELF as he went out on his ministering
journey.
He kept his promisc-he was not gone
long. He put bunch of bright carna-
lions into the old lady's hand and then he
said to his wife smilingly that it was
time to move on"
Polly let them out OF the front door. Re-
turning TO the room, she found the old
lady in a rapture of joy. There were tears
II. her eyes, but she was smiling. The
fragrant, rosy carnations were stin in
her hand On low chair besire her was
the basket the Hunts had brought.
Look, Polly" she cried, in a glen that
was like Childs
And Polly looked and laughed What she
saw was a plate of sliced turkey, DAINTY
biscuit, a print of butter. a minCe pie, a
frosted plum cake, oranges grapes. nuts.
raisins and candy
"Oh, my" cried Polly what a fine
New Year we do be havin' after all"
Presently the groCers boy delivered a
heavily filled basket and a message
Tell yer missus Buck Bowers scd he'd
be here tomorrer morning at o'clock
sure"
What for?" asked the amazed Polly.
What tor?" mOCkingly. "Why, TO bring
the load o coal. OF course"
"Oh. my gracious! | bI,eve there's
fairies arOund'-I do SOL" and after clos
ing the door on the grocer's boy Polly felt
inclined to stand on her head by way OF
celebrating the delightful new state of
things.
She left the IN Slspt sra n6iu,- Tn +bc 1,aU