Evening star., 1930-12-14

~1E Reverend and Mrs. Peter Reed
sitting in the parsonage study. 1t was
really the attic, but the Reverend
Peter had put his books there, and q
desk, and called it his study. He al
Ways said it was better for him to have place
cut Of the childrens reach.
There were four ehildren-Charles, Abigail,
Thomas and Francis From the attic their
parents could hear them playing cannibal-and-
missionary down in the sitting room. Likely
Abigail was being the devoured missionary.
They could not play outdoors, for cold Novem-
ber rain was scratching the windows. The
Reverend Peter had blanket around his knees.
His wife ClOrirfda warmed her hands thought
fully at the Kerosene burner.
They were not thinking of the cold. Peter
had a paper spread before him on the desk and
his pen was dipped in the ink. They were max
ing list of the clothing their family could not
do without, this Winter. The list would be sent
to the large church in the north of the State
which had been assigned to help them.
Peter Reed was pastor Of a church that re-
ceived every year missionary barrel from
some richer church. His little parish was set in
a lonely fold of North Dakota, named Eureka.
The land was starved. The hills were over
erased The members Of the congregation were
poorer than Peter. If that were possible. Peter
always had TO be restrained by ClOrinda from
giving away the entire contents Of the barrel to
his pariShiOners.
ON the bare east wall hung the rooms one
pieture-a view of Peters seminary grad0-
ating class. It represented a group Of 20 young
men-the front row sitting the back row stand
ing. Peter was one Of those sitting. In AgonieS
Of thought over the list, he raised his eyes to
this picture He laid down his pen and drew .
long breath.
ct can't believe we graduated Is years ago."
ne said II wonder what has become Of all the
boys. I'd like to see Jack Norton again.
Jack Norton was the plump meTry-faced
youth standing directly behind Peter in the
picture.
"YOu ought TO write to him, Peter"
~No shant write. He might think was
looking for a favor, just because he is a district
superintendent. I'd like to see him, though.
We were great old friends
Hes done WELL" CIorinda sighed, but he
was never as bright as you, Peter. wish that
-weN-yOu had church where We didn't need
O missionary barrel"
Peter pulled the blanket tighter around his
knees and gave his wife an anxious look.
"Id like just one place without barrel my
self" he whispered.
The attic stairs creaIed. Some one was COM
ing up. 1t was Abigail. aged nine. She stood
at the top Of the stairs in her brown calico
dress with a little gray shawl pinned around
heT shoulders She knew what her parents
were doing.
"P1ease write that I want q bright gold ring
Abigail said firmly.
what" her parents exclaimed in . shocked
duet.
'Yes," Abigail nodded, mistaken.
~WenEwheTe under the should you
.. :" her mother hOundeFed.
Tive read about bright gold rings in Stories"
Abigail persisted. and want one
Come here, daughter" her father said
Abigail went over to his side, her head high
and determined. No one was going to coax
her out of this wish. Her father put his arm
around her
I'VE can't ask for rings" he said. I'VE must
ask only for what is necessary. The ladies in
this missionary society would think were
very foolish to be talking about jewelry when
We need coats and shoes. Besides, Abigail do
you think it would be nice for you TO have q
ring when people in your fathers church are
cold and hungry"
Abigail went downstairs with a subdued step,
but her heart was unbowed. Her father had
matter what For weeks the golden circle had
rolled through her dreams. The Princess in
the story always had q ring.
II she could only have a ring, she would
trouble the Lord for nothing else. She had been
asking Him in prayer, and she stin trusted
Him to send ring somehow, even though
her father would not put IL on the list
The following Sunday morning the minister
Of the rich church read Peter Reeds list aloud
30 his congregation.
- There are four children" he read Charles
aged 10; Abigail, aged Q; Thomas, aged g. and
Francis. aged 3. Charles needs a coat. Abigail
needs pair Of shoes :.
The minister read on down the list. At the
close he announced that the missionary barrel
would be packed In the church parlors Thurs
day week The congregation were supposed to
60 nome and look in their closets and attics