The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1914-12-10
THECHR|STMAS STAR
I ~ TG|
|NNIE2|

XHNSJ gray blanket
The spirit Of
Yuletide filled tho air and since you
could no; helm breathing II. the Joyous
song OF Peace and goodwill" flooded
the inner being as well.
In tho dormer window OF an attic
chamber overlooking the city stood a
little child. She was thin and pale,
but even these ravagers OF beauty
could not rob her features OF their
loveliness Great blue eyes and gold.
en- curls enhanced the fairy.lIke dell.
cacy OF her face. and though IN clad
she possessed the bearing OF prin.
cess Now and again she left her
post At the window and, openlng the
door. listened az II expecting 10 hear
familiar footsteps ascending tbs
stairs
When I; was almost dark and lights
began TO appear here and there over
The house.ops. like wiil-o.the.wisps IN
marshy bog. she drew a chair be
meath the hook driven in the clotet
door from which an exceedingly
shabby coat and weather beaten hat
were suspended by this means she
was able TO reach the garments and
was soon attired for the street. Run.
ming back 10 the window she scanned
the city and the heavens. Just above
the horizon cleaned a single star Of
wondrous brilllancy. and the child. co.
raptured by its beauty. forgot that
she intended 10 10 out and remained
motionless watching the respondent
glory Of heavens jewel The room
was noo,.ed with a soft shlmmerinF
light. and the child gave q sob OF 10y
as she suddenly realized that the star
moved. As far a. she could see the
same silvery radiance flooded the shy
The great soul within that tiny body
sang with happiness and she softly
whispered: 1T is the star OF Bethie
hem must follow II. like the three
wise mem"
She FASTENED from the room and
down the flights Of steps to the street
The star moved on and on, unfAlter.
ihgly. and the tiny figure trsmbled In
every limb as Il followed the won.
dfous light.
BEYOND the boundary OF the city.
over frozen roads and frost.whitened
helds. the tireless lettle feet. IN pro.
tected by their worn shoes. FASTENED
after the star.
AZ last she came to a tiny house
nestled among group OF nr trees.
From the windows came paths Of yol-
low lighi, whose warmth and cheeri-
ness drew her on TO the door
She did not pause TO knock. but
lifted the latch and entered. The
room was scantily furnished. but
glowing log FIRE bathed the homely
surroundings with a glorificd beauty.
Seated In front Of the fireplace was
a =oman who bent lovingly over an
infant Grouped about her were three
children while the father OF this hap
~ family stood somewhat back OF the
mother hanging a branch Of ever.
green above the mantel.
As the little stranger entered and
hesitated tho children rushed forward
10 greet her
Come In. child" said the mother
The tired little girl moved eagerly
forward. Have found the kingY-
she asked
THE king" questioned the proud
mother Yes. We think baby is n
king And she placed the soft. pink
face Of the infant close TO that Of the
child. who reverently kissed its
cheek.
- have brought him a gift she
whispered. shyly. offering a little bead
purse The mother stopped and i'm
printed warm kiss on the lips Of
the tiny gift bearer
"He win love 4, and would thank
you II he could See. he reaches for
II now" The chubby fingers. at
tracted by the brightly colored beads.
tried their best to grasp the purse
you have given him his first
Christmas gift" said the father.
Draw near the fre-you are cold
while get bowl Of bread and mill" "
The child removed her hat aud
coat. seated herself on the hearth
stool and was soon enjoying the
simple fare.
How did you fnd usl" the woman
asked.
II followed the star" she replied.