Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1916-12-22
Clardssa F1ackie

|
happened"
Bernice smiled back into bronzeu
face that inspired instant confidence.
He was young, with very blue eyes and
very brown hair.
Bernice obediently drank the steam
ing mixture and snuggled down In the
blankets and went to sleep.
az wonder who she is, JIM" said the
last conner.
"She came to us out of the storm
a little snowbird," murmured Jim But-
| Ter.
Billy Smith smiled shrewdly.
little Snowbird will be missed ON
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 idiot" he
grinned. Cant a chap sentimental-
ize a bit on Christmas eve without
your getting silly? / was thinking it
will be a 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 / feel !" she
yawned sleepily, and at that instant
she saw the Christmas tree and her
eyes popped wide open.
The little tree stood on table near
the fire, propped with heavy stones.
Strings of popcorn festooned it and
there were puzzling tinseled orna-
ments-nuts covered with tinfoil. There
were Mexican quirt, pair of gayly
beaded Indian moccaSins, 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.
"It looks so Christmasy in here"
said Bernice: "Pm 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 bed
ing away from home and everything
These are just trif1es we had aroul
the house. Please don't cry!" he p
tested as tears filled the lovely eyes
his guest.
'But you don't know how beau
it is" she sobbed. II was
Christmas this year, was
some-and everythingi"
She told them how she
the West, not dreaminG
such kindness, and in re
became very grufr iln
sternly insisted upon,
| and eating her break
bacon and coffee.
| but his eyes were
1t was late, aft9
storm ceased so THAI
snowshoes and set
toward the Gulch, :
precious gifts closS
"It's the happieS
had" she toldS
ashine.
"And you ID
its people?" he
"No, indeed
"ytnn-pe!
we'll enough