The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1917-12-21

"All right, smarty! Count you out then You'd
only give some fool answer anyway. You're never
sserious"
Come on with your conundrum," yawned Edith.
II need something to wake up. This old age-
bra makes me sleepy"
= well here it is: How going to give any
Christmas presents, with crops, no money no
nothng?"
"rold you there wouldn't be any answer"
chuckled Tim.
Pm afraid Tim is right, Myrtle" and mother
looked up from laying the childs coat pattern
upon the ripped-up overcoat on the table
what do you want to bother about Christmas
presents for? Everybody knows haven't got
any money to buy presents" and father looked up
from the market reports. Every blamed thing
raised farm is high except hay, and that's
the only thing I've got If get through the
winter ourselves Wen do well, without trying to
make Christmas presents"
II don't care! I'm going to do something for
Uncle John, anyway" declared Myrtle "Ie sent
me this organ, and I'm going to just remind him
that I've not forgotten If nothing more
Myrtle had firm chin. The dimple might dis
tract the attention of the casual observer but the
fact remained. Myrtle had firm chin. 1t had
first begun to make itself felt in the family about
fifteen years before, when Myrtle was year old
Being Il reasonable and well-balanced creature
her rule was only tolerated, but her plans, al
ways practicable and often brilliant, sooner or
later received the cooperation of the family, no
matter how much they may have been opposed ut
first Her hearts desire To have fine music
al education. but she knew that it was far too
pensive to be thought of. She had sensibly con-
cluded to do well she could the duties
est at hand
"Im going to take command" she said now,
"and together going to do something"
You're welcome to- far as am concerned
grumbled Tim. Excuse from sending 25-cent
presents to rich uncle.
"Never you mind" said Myrtle, lnysterousy.
Thereafter there were 'doings" in the household.
Her enthusiasm was contagious, and soon even
Tim got interested.
I'm going to send Uncle .Iohn home-cooked
Christmas dinner" Myrtle declared.
1--WE hain't got n turkey" said ma.
"Tve got the duck pa promised me for taking
of the rest of them and it is fat butter.
You roast and stuff it and then will all take
a hand mt the trimmings"
Myrtle's mother was excellent cook, and her
clear firm jellies and perfect canned fruit were
the envy of her less skillful neighbors.
Myrtle ransacked the shelves and selected three
glasses OF Jelly. of amber color. another of
ruby red, the third and most beautiful. being one
of a pale translucent green. She stood each in
square of crepe paper brought up the sides and
corners, and tied them tightly, and then pulled
out the top all around until looked like flower.
Each color correspondent to the color of the jelly
In the glass; Then she lined and covered a box
with paper, and set in the ruby, the amber and
the pale green flowers. She covered the box, and
tied it with Christmas ribbon attached to which
was q card on which was written:
"With that duck you're going to eat,
You'll need something tart, but sweet,
That's us
A glass can Of watermelon pickles was wrapped
fn corrugated cardboard. and then wound about