Putnam County herald. (Cookeville, Tenn.) 1903-1922, 1915-12-16
UfrrtatntaH Mnrtl
"a Sketch)
BY Clara Cox Epperson

DAWN Vi d Oui uoJ, Aoh0 stoS
The stiffness was unbroken, and the
peace was supreme. Soon the fain'
rays of pink and silver flterine
through the ragged tree-tops thai
fringed the circling hills, heralded te
the world the dawn of new day
another Christmas day.
From the silent homes little figures
began to steal forth and glide silently
down the narrow streets. One by
one they had risen from their warm
beds and dressing hurrledIy had stol
en- forth unafraid of the snow that
lay inches deep in the streets, and
the winds that came bowling and bit
ing around the corners.
Like soldiers planning an ATTACK
upon the enemy. stealthily these lit
tie figures crept through the streets
until all had collected together in
bunch, then heads were bent together
in consultation as to the plans for
the raid that was to be made on GER
tain homes.
With plans complete, onward they
went, first to the fort of Uncle Ben's
home. Up the long, steep steps they
crept quietly, then altogether they
hurled themselves against the door
crying: Christmas gift" Christ
mas gift" But this rosy-faced, white
haired old man was veritable San
ia Claus, and was always ready for
the children's Christmas raid. The
door was thrown open and they were
ushered in to get warm by the big
wood fire, and have their aprons filed
with oranges, candy, nuts, ETC., for
long aprons were the necessary accou-
trements on these Christmas morning
raids, to bring home the trophies gath
cred up 81.
Uncle Ben having been rifled of all
his Christmas possessions, on they
went to other homes that were ready
with the only ammunition that would
send these children away In peace
the conquering ammunition of candy,
oranges, apples, nuts, etc., and the
big guns that brought them all to
their knees in alteration were the can
dy bracelets, peaches or pears be
slowed by some unusually generous,
thoughtful person.
Every where these children were
met with warm welcome, with the
exception of one very grabbed old
bachelor, who would always, when
they cried: Christmas gift,- say
Have you got it?" YES" they
would cry triumphantly, in chorus
"Then keep it," he would snarl, and
slam the door in their faces. Poor
man! He has been dead long years
a loveless life-an unmourned death,
and what in the after-life, wonder,
l shudder to think! OF one thing I
am certain. Unless changed in the
twinkling of an eye, he cannot occu-
py the same heaven with dear Uncle
Ben.
When the slender pink and silvery
lines of light glimmering over the
hilltops, had grown into broad rays of
purest gold, and the Christmas day t
was heralded over the world in the
anthem of Peace on earth, good will
to men," these little girls went each !,
to their homes with joyous, bouyant,
dancing steps, and with aprons bulg-
ing with as many good things as they
could carry: and in their hearts was ,
the glad anthem of youth-and the +
glorious belief in the goodness Of ev-
cry one, and happiness not to De
equalled by any of the gifts, even OF
diamonds, rubies, pearls and gold
that might come to them later in life.
Out Of tho number one dear one has
been ushered into the mysterious
beauties of the Life Beyond, from
very beautiful life on earth that was
benediction to her family and the
world. She is forever enshrined in
dearest memory. 4
To the others I send greetings on
this Christmas-tide.
Oh, little children--how glad you ,
were,
No. one ever said: How bad you ,
arei"
All of life was love and hope, II
And JOY was your guiding star /
However long your lives may be,
However heavy the load you bear,
The memory of happiness long ago
= Will sweeten and make life fair. !.
Th.t,s Whv.