The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-12-18
''0LD SNOW face"
A CHRISTMAS FAIRY STORY, BY
ADLYE n. KEEPER

long white beard he was called Snow
Face. he was act wicked giant, as
most giants are, but was kind and gen
We and wiser than any one else. He
| hNed IN great palace at the tef of
the world and when people wanted ad,
wee they would seek Old Snow Face,
tell him their troubles and. after taking
council with him, would come away
wiser and better men and women.
One night Old Snow Face sat smok-
ing his pipe before the big fire place
is0H of wind blew down the chimney
sud scattered the wood ashes about the
CRATE. Old Snow Face looked ANNOYED
at first, but when fairy form came
out of the sparks the old man smiled
and extended his hands in greeting.
Welcome, little granddaughter, =
he said. Come and sit upon my knee
and tel me What brings thee hither
on such = wild night"
Dear Grandfather, = she answered
sweetly, 1.-The Fairy Queen. my moth
er, sent me hither with six eompan-
ions. You know. dear Grandfather.
tbs Christmas Eve. and the children OF
the earth will be eager for their gifts
tomorrow. So make haste aud tell
us what we can do. -
But where are the gifts and who
and where are your ecmpanionsf'
They wait Without the little
Fairy answered ''and are eager to
start upon the missions of their mis-.
tresS.
Old Snow Face elapped his hands
and \ servant answered his call. He
bade him open the door and ss he did
I 80 ssx Il Ill Sal
as the rainbow, and bowed low before
their master. The Fairies were always
glad of chance to visit Old Snow
Face, for he was kind and good and
told them wonderful stories OF his
childhood and his visits to the earth
people; but morning was drawing near
and there was great deal TO be done.
so he patted each lovely head gently
and said:
MY children. il is almost Christmas
morning. There is great work to be
done, and You are to do il. You are
to carry the gifts to the earth people.
Your Queer has made a wise selection
and is sending to earth six of her most
precious gifts. BE careful in your dis.
tribution. Leave not too much here nor
too little there. Be fair and Just and
when you return. she who has done her
work the best shall receive for re-
ward anything she desires!' And,
leaning back in his great golden chair,
he called each in turn.
/ "What takest thou to msnfn he
asked OF the first.
! 81 take beauty answered the
| lovely creature. ''To the men take
strength and beauty of form: to the
women beauty of face and figure
Then the second maiden stepped for
ward and to the question put by Old
Snow Face she said:
~ take riches. Gold and silver I
shall shower among men 50 that they
shall want for nothing that money can
buy"
And thous" asked Old Snow Face,
smiling At the third fairy.
| She came timidly forward and an
! swered with glowing face:
''I take loye-love to men and
maidens. Think thee that l shall be
welcomed
Old Snow Face smiled at her kindly
and answered:
''It is for thee 70 discover how much
the earth needs love"
! At that the fourth maiden stepped
forward radiant creature with gold
en- hair and sparkling eyes.
And, thou little one, what takeSt
thou to manl'
Il take happiness, she replied. ITO
that which ought 10 be in every house
hold.
"You will do wen to visit every
] l. ,f,.fI
gravely and, turning to the next maid
en-, he saw that she entwined her arms
lovingly about her companion.
MAY we not 20 together oh Mas
teri Ny sister is timid and wishes my
support. We take Peace and Good
Will to earth.
''Surelv surely, YOU may 90 togeth-
er. - said Old Snow Face gently. Take
care YOU DO not lose Good viii.
So the six lovely fairies departed 20
take their Christmas gifts 20 man. OLD
Snow Face and his granddaughter
stood at the window and watched their
descent to earth.
81 wonder who will claim the re-
ward, said the little fairy, her ewes
bright with eagerness nd expectation /:
| but Old Snow Face was busy watching
| the Christmas messengers.
Beauty enters first he ex-
claimed. "Oh. how glad are the maid
ems for her coming. And the youths,
see how they rejoice in their strength
and beauty of form.''
But look. Grandfather; see how
distressed yonder maiden looks. She
is not pleased. She thinks her sister
is more beautiful than she. And see
that tall, straight youth, He wishe
20 show his strength by quarreling .
with his brother. On. Beauty. l fear
thou has not done well; but look,
Riches comes TO shower gold anon 9
them. Surely now they will be glad. y
But as they looked they saw Greed
enter and each man wished TO get more
than MS neighbor and those who had
the most were wishing for more things
that wealth could buy. They wished
for health AMI eontentment but these
they were told could not be bought
with riches
Then Love came bashfully to the
rescue. great warmth erept into the
hearts of men and the little fairy gave
freely and generously of her gift
Twas the best gift offered so far and
men elasped it to their breasts and q
great calm fell upon the earth. The
love fairy turned away with tears OF
gladRess in her lovely ewes. but nc
sooner had she started on her home
a -. i. Z -