Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1922-12-23

%SNNM@ of some eight or nine years.
= %S His face was drawn with the
cold and he beat his hands against
his sides to keep them warm.
Last-minute Christmas shoppers,
hurrying along to get their various
errands done, gave no thought to the
little fellow who pestered them with
his papers. He ought to have known
better when they had so many things
to think about.
"Yeh, all the news-the latest news.
Won't cha buy one, mister? 1 only
have a couple more" He looked up
pleadingly into the face of passer-
by.
"Sorry, sonny" smiled the man."
''gOt one here now that l probably
won't ever get chance to read-so
busy" and he hurried along his way.
The rush of pedestrians subsidized
moment. The boy singled out young
woman, as he said, "She looks kind.
I'll try her."
"Yeh-all the latest news-just out
won't cha buy one, please, ladyf
l only have few"
She opened her purse and started
to hunt for the money.
"rve just got to sell these papers
out early tonight, cause it's my last
chance to buy that doll. You know,
my little sister, they say, isn't very
well, and the only thing she says she
wants is an orange for Christmas, but
I know better" He paused for breath.
"She wants doll, but she thinks she
can't ask for it cause we haven't
money for dolls. l have, though"
he said promptly. "I've been watching
a doll in one of the windows here. I'm
going by tonight and get it."
"What is your name, SOM"
Jacques and my sister's-ma
petite soeur-Marthe."
"Zshack What q queer"
mo; it isn't" he said, anticipating
what she was going to say. "My
mother is French. Those names are
beautiful-to u.s." he added after
pause.
"Where do you live, Jacquesf"
"Sixty-nine KensingtOn Square. Top
floor, back two rooms, I've got that
down pat now, haven't I?'
eyes, you won't get lost right soon,"
she replied as she put her arm around
him, and gave him gentle tap on the
shoulder. "Merry Christmas, Jacques"
and she was on her way. She stopped
a little way down the street, however,
wrote something down, then hurried
on.
Another half hour found Jacques
hugging an orange and little doll
under his coat as he trudged along
home. When he opened the door
little voice started chanting, "Frere
Jacques, Frere Jacques-yOu're late
tonight"
"Yes, Marthe. Today I was talk.
ing to Santa on the corner, and he
said he was awfully busy. He
doubted If he would get all around
this year."
"Ohl' said Marthe in q disappointed
tone.
Jacques mother was sewing busily
upon garment she was intent upon
finishing. Tomorrow was Christmas,
and no sewing was going to be left
over to bother her.
Marthe's bedtime came, and jacques
fixed his presents in preparation for
the morrow. He had found Christ.
mas tree branch In the street, and this
he made into little tree under which
he placed his gifts.
Christmas morning dawned brightly
In the little French home. Jacques
surprise was complete, for Marthe
went into raptures over the tree and
her presents. She alternately Rugged
and kissed her doll, keeping up con-
slant chatter to it in French. The
orange and few other presents that
she had found under the tree she put
on the shelf, so that she could admire
them while she rocked her doll.
Jacques had had his surprise, too
"Give and 1t shall be given unto you"
for his two packets under the tree
had grown to be six or seven.
Mother" he said, II think I will
have to try my new mittens and see
exactly how warm they are" SO say
ing, he slipped into his coat and
pushed on the door. What allied III
Was 1t frozen shut, stuck, or what was
the matter?
With his mothers help the door was
opened. To their surprise they found
that huge pile Of packages had been
the cause of their trouble.
Jacques gave a cry of delight
as he pounced upon the bundles.
His mother was just as excited as
he, as she helped carry In the stuff.
Then followed one of the happiest
hours the family had ever known
whole two-dozen oranges and all sorts
Of wholesome food. Jacques mother
fairly wept with Joy.
Santa remembered Us after all,
MOTHER" said little Jacques, aand he
left this note on one of my presents.
Look, mother, 1t says
"T hope you will always be as
Thoughtful of yOur sister Jacnuea A.