Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-25

[ 1, Gerald raised his eyes from the book he was reading and smiled encour- agingiy at his mother. "cheer up, Mons. It'll be all right It always is. You know every Christmas since Dad died you've said we couldn't have any, thing ard it has always been bully. You're pretty good Santa when alls said and done"
 Indeed she is,' agreed Isabel bend- ing over her embroidery.
 'sBuf, my dears. this is very differ ent Other years we have managed. and dare say we shall this. but it will mean some self-saerifice on all
 i.Gee, don't I hate that word" groYled Jack, still the baby of the family, though he was g years old. 'Everytine hear "duty" or sacrifice smell cod liver oil. or know that I've got to do without skates or some
 Tt is splendid training for you, boy, dear" laughed Blanche, "and think mother is right. This is bad year
 tsvery well then" said Gerald brisk ly, economy it is. What's the pro- gramme to be?"
 His mother looked at him thought fully for a moment before she spoke. Tt is this way, Gerald" she said, 'eWe must choose between having the tree and gifts, or having regular Christmas dinner. We cannot have
 ''Whewl" he exclaimed. 'Is it as bad as that?"
 seYes, dear. as bad as that. But think how many will have nothing at all"
 sTakes an awful lot of thinking to fill fellow up when he has been wait ing for turkey for a year. We only had roast beef for Thanksgiving, growled Jack.
 'eWe were fortunate to have had even that,'' replied his mother. ''Now girls, what do you thiuk we had bet 'Td like the tree best said Isabel, i Tbut I know the boys want the dinner so we had better have that
 ''Yes, let's. I think it is all nonsense trying to give presents when every, last three or four days Gerald's face fairly beamed forth radiant joy l at the prospect of an unlimited supply of his favorite "eats.''
 'HThere is nothing for me to do but agree, then" laughed Blanche, 'and I really think the boys ought to have | their feast. We can make handker- chief cases and duster-rags on the | fourth of July, but who wants turkey except on Christmas or Thanksgiv- ing?''
 ] "Then we are all agreed? You are sure you will not be disappointed when you find empty stockings on 1 Christmas morning." said their Tnoth- l CT, with just a little suspicious quiver | in her voice.
 | "Sure!'' responded the three older | ones firmly. and even Jack tried to smile reassuringly though he hardly | dared to trust himself to speak l The day before Christmas dawned clear and cold. An air of subdued ex- citement pervaded the house, and in 1 the kitchen all was hustle and glad | ness. Jack was seated at the kitchen table, busily seeding raisinS for the pudding and inadvertently slipping every third one into his mouth Isa- l bel, vigorously cracking walnuts for the fudge. looked lovely in her crisp blue gingham apron.
 HThere-taat last pies in. Now for I the cakes sighed Mrs. Davidson hap | oily as she carefully closed the oven door.
 When are we going down to pick ou the turkey?'' asked Jack inpatient
 "Just as soon as the baking's done, 5 replied his mother, "and that turkey
 is going to be a whopper- over 20 pounds"
 It'll cost most ten dollars won't it?''
 Jacks eyes were round as saucers. At thirty-eight cents a pound l
 think it will-most'' laughed Mrs.
 Davidson. SThere's the doorbell-
 will you go dear?'
 |
 and there was a troubled look in her soft brown eyes. Its Mrs Rand mother. and she wants to see you. She
 would not come in.''
 Mrs. Rand. That's funny! She al- l most never calis-and especially ali
 this time of the day. Something must
 be wrong," and hastily untying he1
 apron Mrs. Davidson left the room. IT
 ar incredibly short space of time she
 reappeared at the kitchen door attired
 for the street.
 : Children, I'm going out, I may be back very soon, and I may be gone several hours. One of the Rand chill dren has been taken suddenly i1f,-anG
 l may be able to help. You must take
 care Of things, 1sabeL" Several hoursi". Jacks voice was shrin with disappointment and anxiety
 Who's going to bake the cakes, anG
 get the turkey?"
 Hush, Jack! This is not the time tc things and follow me You may be
 able to help!" and before the boy
 could utter another word she had vanished.
 "Aw, wouldn't that make you tired.
 he said as he obediently lifted his hat
 from its peg. Why don't people take care of their own sick children and leave other people a1one?'
 Isabefs eyes flashed indigantly
 shame on you. Jack!" she said. 'fNo-  your mother, if they could hear you now. Don't say another word, but hur- ny along. Mother may need youn And without more ado she closed the door upon his reluctant figure. Obediently Isabel finished the inter-
 rupted baking, and worked busily
 about the house. until, at the end of
 a very long hour, her mother and Jack
 returned. Mrs. Davidson looked worn
 and troubled, and even Jacks sulky expression had given place to a wor- | ried look rather comical to see taken 1 in conjunction with a snub nose and
 innumerable freckles.
 a What was it ?'' Is it all right now Must you go back?" questioned Isabel f eagerly.
 One question at a time, dear" an-
 swered her mother gently. Tt is very
 bad. Pm afraid the boy is going to be seriously i'll, but that isn't the worst of it. They are absolutely destitute ] over there. MT. Rand has had nc
 work for more than two months. and
 they were without food or fuel They have heen foolishIy proud, and would | not tell anybody until now. It is really 7 dreadful
 .'What did you do? What can we do2n asked Isabel anxiously.
 q called @ doctor first of all Jack