McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1916-12-15

Christmas eve," he said. "Some one
Is probably looking for her now, so
don't set your heart on her, jim"
Jim laughed softly.
"Oh, get out. you old idiotw he
grinned. "Can't chap sentimental
lie bit on Christmas eve without
your getting silly? I was thinking 1t
will be sorry Christmas for this little
girl, and this blizzard looks good for
all day tomorrow
Sure thing--so I'm going out to cut
Christmas tree for her." said Billy
struggling into his heavy coat.
you're an angel" laughed Jim, get
ting out an ak.
He had never seen Bernice Avery
before the moment when he had stun.
bled over her snow-covered form. He
had carried her to the cabin three
miles up the mountain and given Billy
Smith the surprise of his adventurous
life.
James Butler was timber expert In
the employ Of the government and
Billy was his right-hand man.
Suddenly the door opened and Billy
staggered In, powdered with white
ness, carrying a small, symmetrical
hemlock tree.
"Our Christmas tree for the kid"
he said solemnly.
"Good," chuckled Jim, and they set
TO work.
1t was Christmas morning when
Bernice awoke again. Dimly she re-
membered the events Of the night and
when full realization came upon her
she sat up in bed and looked around.
"Dear me, how horrid / feelr she
yawned sleepily, and at that instant
she saw the Christmas tree and her
eyes popped wide open.
The little tree stood on a table near
the fire, propped with heavy stones
Strings Of popcorn festooned 1t and
there were puzzling tinseled orna-
ments-nuts covered with tinfoil. There
were Mexican quirt, pair of gayly
beaded Indian moccasins, a roll of
Navajo blankets and some apples and
oranges.
II wonder whose Christmas tree this
Is" marveled Bernice.
The sun was streaming through the
windows when Jim and Billy knocked
at the door and entered in response to
her call.
They had arrayed themselves In
their best garments and they glanced
expectantly from the girls shyly smil-
ing face to the gay little tree.
Merry Christmas" all three said
in unison, and then laughed in gay
friendliness.
ut looks so Christmasy In here"
said Bernice: I'm afraid I've STUN
bled upon somebody's Christmas tree"
Jim laughed. "Oh. that's your tree !"
"Mine" she stammered.
"Yes-it was Billy's idea-your be-
ing away from home and everything.
These are just trifies we had around
the house. Please don't cryp he pro-
tested as tears filed the lovely eyes Of
his guest.
"But you don't know how beautiful
1t is" she sobbed. II was hating
Christmas this year-I was so lone
some--and everything"
She told them how she had disliked
the West, not dreaming 1t could hold
such kindness, and in return both men
became very gruff indeed and Billy
sternly insisted upon her coming out
and eating her breakfast Of cornbread.
bacon and coffee. Jim said nothing,
but his eyes were eloquent.
1t was late afternoon when the
storm ceased so that they could put on
snowshoes and set out down the trail
toward the Gulch, Bernice hugging her
precious gifts close to her heart.
"It's the nappiest Christmas l ever
had" she told Jim, with eyes all
ashine.
"And you don't hate the West and
Its people?" he smiled.
mo, indeed!"
"Then-perhaps-you will like II
well enough to stay here alwaysl" he
blurted, and then in panic of bash
fulness he dashed away from the
fuckers front gate, leaving Billy sole
witness to Bernice's bushes and tell
tale eyes.
swell have another Christmas tree
next year--we three-and 1t won't be
any accident either" predicted the
guide shrewdly.
Billy's prophecy was fulfilled, and
Bernice's happy Christmas was follow.
ed by many more In the country which
she learned to love because Love had
really sought and found her there.
(Copyright)