Vr
5 i-.'
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;vi '-;te?!ir''
CHIUSTMTiS
HE wngon waa uii old, ram
ahacklo nlfuir1 unci circuited lia
nwJIy us die shabby mules
dragged itslowlj- uloutf over
Uio obscure prairie road. Thoir barneaa
"was a comblnatlou of ropes and well
worn, straps, wlioso Uurd edges bud
rubbed off patches of tho uorrol uulr
from the animals' luuk sides and sharp
backs,
- The wagon cover wus soiled and
patched In many place, and tiircjgli
its center protruded a short, yusty
stovepipe, from which issued u thin vol
ume of blue smoke whlfftl stretched out
lu along wake behind, heKl lu form
by tho chill December air.
, Now and then Hocks of brown spar
rows would rise up out of the dead
grass , and whirl away Hko withered
leaves borne nloft on nn autumn
breeze, while near tho roadsido saucy
little prairie dogs perched above their
boles and chattered and barked deil
. once' at tho dilapidated vehicle as It
went lumbering by-.
On a bourd across tho front part- of
tho wagou, linen lu hand, sat a girl ap
parently not more than nineteen years
old, though she was In reality twenty
one. A mass of dark gold curia peeped
from under the hood that covered her
shapely head, her eyes were bright
hazel, and tho brcutli of chill wind that
crept up under the canvas gave a vivid
color to her pretty cheeks.
"Faltb, how much further Is it to
Uncle Ethan's?" unxlously Inquired
youth of ten who occupied a low bench
that stood lu tho center of tho wagon
bod.
"A long way yet, dear, I am nfrnid,
, replied tho girl. "More than n hundred
miles, I should suy."
"Then wo tmi't havo no Trismus'
plaintively sighed a curly haired mite
V scarcely more than Ave years old, who
lay half burled in the folds of a huge
' buffalo robe.
"I'm afraid our Christmas will be
' rather dreary, Bessie," responded
Fulth, a momentary shadow crossing
: her fair face, "but let us be thuukfu
r we havo such a nice shelter from tho
f cold," she added quickly, casting her
eyes about the interior of tho canvas
covered wagon, then out across tho
dreary stretch of houseless prairie up
on which a few seutloring flakes of
snow were beginning to fall.
At the rear end of the wagon waa a
pile of bedclothes, while In a clear
. . . ' place near tho mlddlo stood a small
. .; heating stove, In which a cheerful wood
V 'v flra was burning. On the ridgepole nt
';,iv. .. -f 'tho, top, of the bows hung soveral cook-
, In utensils, and under the front seat
. ,vrfs' a good sized provision box. con
ti talntng part of u- Back of Hour, some
'V Hides of bacon, tea, sugar und a few
r-. ..other uaeessary urdclos of food.
") i.) A.llttlo loss than a year prior to the
. present tlmo Fulth Ha3klns' father had
1 ' died, leaving her uloue on a bleak Ne-
' . braska claim and with her llttlo broth'
,:i , or and slater, Clinton and Bossto, to
. care for. l'helr motlier had been'takon
from them only eight mouths before
- her husband. Tho .condition was
serious one, aB they were left very
poor, and thero seemed nothing In tho
future sutllclently hopeful to mitigate
their grief. Fulth, however, true to
. her name, did not despair,- but went
bravely to work to support herself and
tho children. During tho summer, with
Clint's help, sho cultivated a small
patch of ground, and tho winter pro
vlous had earned n small sum by teach-
lug a short term of school. Ueallzlug
that it would bo almost Impossible for
them to continue tills mode of life, for
any length of time, she had written to
her mother's brother, Etlian Hartley
who lived on u ranch lu southwestern
Kansas, and ho had advised her to sell
their small property und come with
Clint and Bessie and make their home
with him.
: .Very gladly hud Fulth accepted the
offer, but, (hiding It imposylblo to con
vert their few effects Into cash, she
left the placo In charge of a renter and,
not having money for railroad fare, de
cided to nuiko tho Journey by wagon.
There were a score of young claim
holders who would have been very
well pleased to retain the girl us a
housekeeper for themselves, but sho
cured for notio of them and would not
murry simply for n homo.
It was a grout undertaking, this Jour
ney of the! re und nt this season of the
year, but It seemed prefeniblo to an
other winter on tho claim, and they set
out In apparently good spirits. The
younger ones wero indeed happy, as all
children are at tho prospect of a
change. They had been traveling for
about two wholes ond had reached a
point ueur tho center of western Kan
sas and wore pressing on toward "Un
cle Eihau's ranch" as fast as tho now
Jaded mules could tako them.
It was a lonely and desoluto sight
that met Faith's eyes as they wmulerod
wearily over the brown, cheerless plain.
For miles and miles around no sign of
id human habitation broke tho monoto
nous wlldness of tho scenery snvo nt
ruro intervals when somo abandoned
sod Bhauty or n dugout could bo dimly
peon, scarcely dlstlngutshablo from the
Irown grass which surrounded It.
"There ought to bo n settlement
somowhero near hero, remarked the
girl driver as a bluo Hno of scrubby
trees loomed up In tho dlstunco through
tho folllug snow. "I hopo we'll reach
tho timber before nightfall," sho wont
on. casting a troubled glanco nt the
threatening sky.
It was about In the afternoon when
"7""
Clear thinking, doolslvo notion, vim
and vigor of body and mind, tho
' VC "v.. snurkl of life, coinos to all who uso
- S V V;v. ; '.s. Hollltser's Kooky Moimtniu Tea. SK
up-; '-tKKx.... Vv; r : cents, Tea or Tablets. Dr. lliuklo's
. .-i'.'lr1''''.; f.J-"?-V-'X'.itj:?ir gtoru. Central Point,
1 Tho Rind Yog m Altfja Bought
'--.
iim-. Jumpers
By...
she drove tho tired team down a little
slope which led Into a low, winding
J valley. A scuut growth of scraggy
elms and ghostly sycamores skirted
the small, crooked stream, whllo dense
; thickets of plum und persimmon wero
scattered hero nud there, Tho latter
just now wero prodigal In their pro
duction of bunches of golden purple
fruit A quick glanco about decided
Ful Ui to camp hero for tho night. Sho
was Just reining tho team from tho
rutty road into a sheltered glade when
there was a sharp Jolt, accompanied
by a sound of breaking wood, as ono
vf tho wheels suddenly dropped into a
I'.eep, rain washed gully.
An Involuntary cry of dismay es
tuped her when she leaned out and dis
covered that tho wheel was broken.
"Oh, Faith, whut erer will wo do
now?" cried Clint as bo saw what
hud happened. And Bessie, thoroughly
frightened, began crying bitterly,
"Never mind, little one; It'll bo all
right," said Fulth encouragingly. "Wo
can get tho wheel mended somo where."
But despite her cheerful words she real
ized that It might requlro many miles
of weary travel to have tho damage to
tho wagon repaired. Even if thero
should be a shop within two or three
miles, which wus n'ot at' all likely In
such an isolated spot, how wus sho to
transport the heavy broken wheel oven
a singlo mile? Although sho could see
no way us yet to overcome tho dllilcul
ty, sho was determined not to glvo up.
Thero was always somo way out of
every dilemma, and her over hopeful
heart told her sho would surely find
one In this Instance.
Sho climbed out of tho wagon and,
assisted by Clint, began to unhitch tho
team, whllo Bossie; dragging tho buf
falo robe after her, Bood under a per
simmon tree gazing1' ut the cause of
their present trouble with tear wet
eyes. Tho toririvhs Increasing rapid
ly, and tho Icy Wind blow tho Hakes
through tho long, dead grass with a
sharp, hissing sound..' . s
As Faith, shlvoring with cold and
apprehension, led the animals away
from tho wagon tho sound of approach
ing hoofs came through tho snow luden
ulr, nnd tho uoxt Instant two men
mounted on sturdy ponies rotned In
near tho wrecked vehicle They looked
to bo about thirty, wero full bearded
and clad in tho rough garb usually
worn by plainsmen of tho wost Broad
brimmed hats covered their heads, and
each had a brace of heavy revolvers
stuck lu his wldo leather belt lu ono
unaccustomed to tills stylo of dress the
appcuranco of theso armed men might
huve Induced a feeling of terror, but it
was not so with Fulth. Such types of
western Hfo wero familiar to her, she
having spout tho past four yours on
tho frontier of Nebraska.
"Good evonlu', iiiIbs' said Iko Bar
clay, dismounting from his pony. "Ilnd
tt breakdown, I see. Bad Job!" he con
tinued after examining tho wagon crit
ically.
"Yes, Blr," returned the young lady
turning the mulo stio was holding so
Unit sho eould faco tho mou. "is there
any placo near whoro I can get tho
whool mended?
"Waal, thar'a olo Bergor's blacksmith
shop, over at Mlley's storo, but It's
nigh threo miles from hyer. Wear's
yer men folks?" ho Inquired, glancing
around.
"Wo have no men folks with us," re
plied Faith.
"Wot! Yer don't mean ter say yer
travelln alono with only them two
kids?" broke In Jim Hancock.
"Yes," responded sho simply, "Wo
havo come from Nobruslui and are on
tho way to our uncle's, whoso homo is
in tho southwestern part of this state."
"Waal, I'll bo" But tho speaker
suddenly grow red In tho faco nud did
not proceed to toll what ho would "bo."
"Yor see," Iko begun, "it seems plumb
cur us-llko ter see a wonmn travelln'
alone slch weather." Then after an
almost linperoeptlbto pause, as though
for explanation, ho continued: "But It's
lucky wo fellers happened along; It. Is,
by ginger 1 Now, miss, If you'ro wllllu'
ter trust Jim hyer an' mo, we'll take
that wheel ovor ter olo Berger'B an' git
him tor mond it up for yer."
"If you'd only bo so kind, returned
Faith hastily, for, notwithstanding tho
relief she experienced, tho situation
wus not froo from embarrassment, "I'd
bo very much obliged."
Not or tall" replied Iko, with au nt-
tompt at pollto speech.
Tho combined strength of the two
served to got the wagon propped up
In a short thno und tho offending mem
ber removed.
"1 reckon we can curry It betwixt
us," suld Jim. "Hut, gee whl:i, uln't
this wind cut tin'!"
H4'gMnr ole norwester,-T rejoined his
companion. "A b:ul night fer them
kids an the woman ter be out. iV
Christmas eve. at that! it's smTerhi'
wicked 'tis, fer sure!"
Why. blame us. wot wo ehawiu'
erboutl Titer's Hob's cabin ovor tliav
a few stops, back o' them persimmons."
Then, turnlug to Faith: "Miss, ltt guin'
ter bo perty ivuj.t1i weather temlght,
an I reckon er cabin would be rigid
smart comfor'uhlcr than catupln' out lu
or wagon. Ther's a shanty over be-'
yond that patch o timber belongs ter
tt friend o' ourn, a chap on a visit ter
his olo homo In Indlunuy. Yer wel
come tor 'bldo thar you an' them kids
If yer curq ter."
rd bo ouiy too glad of shelter from
this storm," said Fatth-'that Is, If you
(Jougiiiuir Spoil Caused Death
"Harry Duck well, aged 2l years.
ohoked to death early yesterday morn
ing at his homo in the proseueo or his
wife and child, lie contracted a
slight uold n few days ago nnd paid
but little attention to It. Yesterday
morning ho was so bod with a lit of
coughing which continued for some
time. Jits who sent lor n pnysioian,
hut before ho could arrive, another
roughing spell enmo on and Uuekwell
Mod from Htiiinuuuou. " tc i-iOinr
nnbo-l Hnuoerat, 1 eo. I, IPO I. 's
Mallard's llorohound Syrup would
hnvo snved him. v. to. :C and )?UV.
Sold by Strang's Drug Store, Mod
(owl, ; I
'I
S
ADDISON HOWARD GIBSON
Copyright, 1806, by Addison Howard Gibson
are sure the real owner wouldn't care."
"tie's not one o' them kind this
frloud o' ourn ain't. He's open heart
od as th' day. an' ther bes' settlor in
theso yoropurts."
Her anxiety on this bcco being re
moved, she allowed Ike to lead tho way
to the cabin, which wus only a short
distance, but invisible from whore tho
accident occurred en account of tho
trees. It was a new log structure,
tightly daubed with lime and sand.
There jrcre a snug fireplace and good
tliour,U scanty homemade furniture.
Faith was overjoyed at the prospect
of a comfortable lodging so strangely
provided and cast a quick and curious
glanco about the place. The deer rlile
thrown across tho antlers, above the
tlreplueo and a man's old straw hat,
coat and blue Jeans hung on pegs at
the head of a rude couch gavo satisfac
tory evidence that tho owner was a
bachelor, but ho was away, and tho
fact gave her no uneasiness.
Ike built a roaring fire on tho opon
hearth, while Jim brought from the
wagon such articles as would be need
ed during their stay. This dono, the
two men mounted nnd rode away, car
rying the crippled wheel between thom,
but-with a promise Unit it should be
back " 'fore moruin'."
"Facie," said Bessie, clinging to her
sister's skirts as she made prepara
tions for -the evening meal, "this Is
mos' us good as Trismus, ain't It?"
"Yes, dear, and I'll try to mako it up
to bo just as good ns Christmas by an
extra fine supper," said tho older one,
stooping to kins the happy faco.
"Ah, Faith," spoke up Clint as ho
THE
stirred tho tiro Into a brighter blaze,
"make flapjacks nn 'oodles of 'em, nn,
say, let's have browu sugar sirup I"
When Barclay and Uuncock reached
the blacksmith shop they tumbled their
burden to tho ground with "She'd never
'uvo got It here, never I" Borger, large
und dust begrimed, was just closing
up for tho night.
"UoV on hyer, olo tinker!" greeted
Jim, springing from his horse and
pushing tho wheel before him Into tho
shop. "Wo want this 'ere whool mend
ed ui right 'way."
'That's right," put In Ike. "An" lo's
seo yor git an or'eutal hump on yor
self. Wo want to carry It back whore
It cum from 'fore this snow gits enuy
WUSH."
Berger mumbled something about be
ing tired and uuugry, but nevertheless
set to work nt once. Satisfied that It
would bo repaired as expeditiously as
possible, they hitched their ponies out
of tho wind nnd started for Mlley's
storo. They paused a minute before
ono of tho windows and looked In. The
proprietor was tying up a puckago for
a llttlo man with u red scarf around his
neck, whllo a solitary individual stood
warming himself by the fire in the
back part of tho store. Suddenly an ex
clamation burst from Jim, and, grub
bing his companion by the shoulder, ho
pointed excitedly to tho figure nt tho
stovo.
"LooV, Iko; tlmr's Hob Desmond got
buck, suro as shoot In'!"
"Yer right, by ginger!" ejaculated Ike
as ho peered in above tho rim of frost
on tho pane nt n handsome, well built
young fellow of about twenty-five who
had taken off his hat nnd coat and
oconied to be making himself thorough
ly comfortable In frout of Mlley's old
rust spotted heater.
"Wot'll ho say?"
"'Bout hU cabin r
"Yep."
T.lghtntn' an' rosorsP
Toriura of a Preacher.
Tho story of tho torture of Rev.
O. I). Monro, mist or of the
ohuruh. of llnrnersvUlo. N. Y.. wil1
interest you. lie says: "I nuuorod
agonies because of a persistant cough,
resulting from the grip. I naa to
nloop sitting up in bed. I tried many
remedies without relief, until 1 took
Dr. King's New Discovery for Con
sumption, Coughs and Colds, which
entirely cured my cough and saved
me from consumption." A grand cure
for diseased oonditions of Throat and
Lungs. At Chaa. Strang, Druggist ;
price 5M and 91,00, gunrauteed.
Trial bottle ireo.
Sillily 'mmLmmmm
ml Mmm
"Say, Ike, I've struck an idee," whis
pered ills companion, with a half sup
pressed chuckle. "We can have a good
one on ttob the best thing out a
reg'lar Christmas Jokel"
"Wot Is it?"
Approaching his friend, Jim spoke a
few words in his ear. Ike put both
hands over his mo.ith to check the
laughter he could not quite repress.
"That'll bo a rich one on Bob, all
right. Wll do ltl By Jimson, we
will!" he, exclaimed. "A feller needs a
lcetle cheer o some kind at Chrlstmus
time." Then after a few minutes of
hurried conference the two entered the
store. After greeting Mlley, who stood
behind his counter, they hastened buck
to tho stove and gave tho new arrlvul
a hearty welcome.
"And what's the news?" asked Des
mond as he shook hands with them
both.
"News?" said Jim, assuming a reflec
tive look and puckering up his eye
brows. "Oh, uothiu much, 'cept thet
olo Biler's sold out an' left. An'
lemme see yes, thur's Super, ho got
thro wed an' broke his collar bono, an'
us galoots has been doln' wot wo could
ter patch 'lm up. Waal, an' then," with
a wary look, "tlmr's somo new settlers
comln' In lately wan tin' timber claims,
an' Jumpin' 'em, too, when they git a
chance. But how'd yer leave tho olo
folks back in Indianuy?"
"All well, and could hardly tear my
self away from them."
"I reckon hearin' 'bout yer claim has
kinder hiked yer back," remarked Ike,
regarding him out of tho corner of his
eye.
"My claim! 'What do you mean?"
And Desmond'3 blue eyes diluted wide
ly und grew almost black.
"I s'posed yer heered ull about It
'fore this," said Jim. "Why, yer see,
yer claim has been kinder took. A fam
ily moved inter yer shanty. Yes, they ,
have, by ginger!" ho added as a wave
of incredulity stole over tils listener's
features. .
"Do you mean to tell mo that some
low down sneak bus d-ired to Jump my
claim while rvo been back visiting my
BOOH OPENED
ASTD FAITH ENTERED.
1'nlher and mother?" cried Desmond,
the flush of doubt changing to one of
resentment
"Looks powerfully thct way," admit
ted his tormentor. "Seed n Ulvered
wagon thar an' smoke pourln' out o'
yor chimbley."
, "Who Is the sneaking cur?" demand
ed tho now thoroughly aroused man.
"I dunua"
"Well, It won't take me long to find
out," retorted Bob, drawing on his
heavy buffalo overcoat with an angry
Jerk.
"Wot! Yer ain't goiu ter go ter yer
claim right now?'
"Yes, and I'll see that that sneak
thief gets out of my shack In a hurry.
I've got pretty well warmed up," with
a glim smile, "and don't need Mlley's
lire any longer."
"I wouldn't go if 1 was you," said
Iko.
"You wouldn't?" eying him with con
temptuous astonishment.
"No!"
"You must be a fool If you think I'm
going to give up my laud, after all I've
done on it, without so much as a 'by
your leave!' "
"But yer might get Inter tmbble."
"Might IT cried Desmond, with a
gesture of disgust, holding up a pair
of heavy pistols and theu thrusting
thom into his bolt. "We'll see about
that! If the cuss Isn't off my premises
Inside on hour I'll give him 'trouble'
nnd lots of itl"
"I don't think you'll run that settler
out," said Jim coolly.
"You don't I"
"No, I don't"
"What's tho reason?"
'"Thar'a aev'ral reasons, an' as for
mo, I wouldn't waut ter tacklo tho
Job."
"You wouldn't? Well, don't worry.
I'll not call on you for assistance."
nnd, with a quick stride, Hob Desmond
walked out of tb store, got his horse
A Common Hlfiquotntion.
One of the commonest of misquota
tions Is, "Imitation is the shicerest
form of flattery." The words "form
of" arc Interpolated in tho original,
which wus contributed to literature by
C. c. Colton. author of "The Laeon."
Hp SnrrcnitcrcJ.
She If you could- Imv'o ono wish,
what would tt be? lie It would bo
that that oh, if I only dared to tell
you what it would bel She Well, go
on. Why do you suppose I brought up
tho wishing subject?"
from the stable whero It had been kept
during, bis absence, mounted and wns
S3on galloping away through the snowy
dusk of tho late afternoon.
When he was well beyond earshot tho
two conspirators went off Into roars of
laughter. Then they bad to acQuaint
Mlley with the occasion of their mirth,
for he enjoyed a Joke aB well as the
next ono.
i "It's a good one on Rob, by gum!'
cried tho storekeeper, Joining heartily
in the laughter.
"Which calls fer a box o cigars an'
two bottles o' Miley's temperanco phos
phate, dont It, Ike?" demanded Jim,
"That's wotover!" affirmed Ike. "An1
tho same to bo charged ter Bob Des
mond's account?"
"Exactly."
"Good enough," said Mlley. "Five
dollars Is cheap a-plenty fer him to got
off with. I 'magine I kin see him a-glt-
tin' madder 'n ever an ridin' like all
persessed through the snowstorm down
ter his claim," chuckled the old man
as he reached for a box of cigars on
the shelf.
"Hoi on u minuto. Mlley," said Jim,
"Wot yer say Ike, ter dlspensln' with
them cigars an' phosphutlzln' this
time an' takln' th' amount o' Bob's
treat In the toys on' slch tricks for
Chrlstmus presents fer them kids an'
puttln' In ilvo of our own fer some-
thin' neat fer that leetle woman?"
"The very Idee! By thump! I kin re
member bow Noay's ark nn' tin whis
tles an' slch do-fuuuies us'tcr stir mo
up when I wus a kid back in Jackson
county at Chrlstmus time, Yer a plumb
genus, Jim, yer air, by ginger!
Meantime Bob Desmond, his mind
filled with righteous wruth against the
unprincipled wretch who bad dared
"Jump bis claim," was Hearing his cab
in. In his anger snow and cutting
winds were scarcely noticed. Only one
dominating desire possessed his soul-
to set eyes on "that rascal of a claim
Jumper" und order him off his domain
forthwith.
When he reached the persimmon
thicket he hitched his horse and walk-
ed energetically toward bis cabin. The
uuur was partly open, held so by little
Bessie, who was wa telling tho falling
snow. Sue was alone, the others hav
ing gone to the dugout stable to soc
that tho mules were made comfortable
for the night.
The glow from the fireplace revealed,
to the owner's astonished gaze, a bright
eyed little fairy with long golden hair.
She was swaying back and forth hum
ming to herself. Then sho broke out
earnestly:
"Oh, Santy, turn right here an' make
our wagon well, an', If you can spore
'em, Just drop somo nice Trismus pres
ents down."
She ceased suddenly as the form of
a man loomed up before her. Sho had
been asking for Santa Clans, and there
waa now no doubt ha her mind but that
Bob, lu his big fur overcoat covered
with snowflakcs, was tho great person
age for whom she had been calling.
"Where's your pa, little girl?" asked
Desmond, entering his own cabin.
"He's gone,"' answered Bessie, look
ing half shyly at the visitor.
"Gone! Whero to?" ,
"Gone to heben' said the llttlo girl
very simply.
"Humph!' muttered Rob to himself.
"I didn't know claim Jumpers went to
heaven."
"Is you Santa Cluus?" asked Bessie
abruptly, fixing her gaze, first on tho
groat buffalo overcoat dotted with
white," then raising her eyes wistfully
to the young man's handsome face,
"No, llttlo one, I'm not Santy," said
he kindly, the hard look on his face
vanishing under the magnetism of the
child's presence and guileless prtittle,
Desmond loved children. What If
some of her folks had wronged him!
She was Innocent and as pure ns the
new fallen snow. Ills anger having
subsided, he drew from' his pockets a
few trinkets and a paper of pretty can
dles which bo bad bought nt the store,
OAEITOHIA.
AiiTa th9 ) Iho Kipd Von Haffl Always Bougla
of
A 7 i -S The great rule of health
A YvrQ$0 SBC! Kp ths bowels regular.
t k V Li S ft 3 And the great medicine-;
J " Aver's Pills. iAr
Hxt your moustachu or
n Icauilful browa or rich th k't
"to be In spirit with the season," be
tad apologized to Mlley. These he
placed in Bessie's hands and watched
the expression of delight that Illumi
nated the child's face. Sho had hardly
dono thanking him when the door
opened aud Faith entered. Her eyes
met Desmond's In ono long, searching
glance, then she turned whlto and
leaned against the wall. , Rob let his
hat fall to tho floor as ho hastened to
ward tho agitated girl,
"Faith! Faith Hasklus!" he cried.
"Is it you and here?"
"Oh, Rob, I never expected to see
you again!" she sobbed, burying her
face lu the folds of her shawl. The
sight of an old friend hud thrown her
off her guard and brought back to her
sharply and keenly all her trouble and
loneliness and made her strangely
weak.
When Clint came In a few minutes
later ho found his sister In tho arms of
what appeared to him to bo a big buf
falo. Never having heard that buffa
loes were lu the habit of coming Into
cabins and hugging people, he ap
proached Bessie, whose teeth had Just
decapitated n candy rabbit, and asked
in an awed whisper:
"What's got Faith? Is It hurtln'
her?"
"I doss not" Bessie whispered back
as well as she could with her mouth
full. "He's awful nice, an' I doss he's
a relation to Santa Claus. Seo what
he dibbed me!" holding up her pres
ents. Returning from tho blacksmith's
shop, Ike and Jim left the repaired
wheel by the wagon and stole quietly
up to the shack. As they passed one
of the windows they looked in to see
if their victim were there. With sur
prise they behold him sitting by Faith's
side, holding both her bunds jn his.
The firelight revealed to their aston
ished sight the two happy faces, whllo
two equally huppy children wero sit
ting on the floor ut their feet.
The fellows, realizing that their joke
had "missed fire," started to walk
away, but Rob, catching sight of them,
went to the door and insisted on their
coming in. After they had partially
recovered from their embarrassment
and tho geniul atmosphere did much
.toward restoring them to their natural
selves they distributed their gifts and
received the young lady's blushing
thanks for all their kindness to her.
Desmond said:
"Pretty good Joke you tried to pluy
on mo tonight, boys," with a slap on
their shoulders, at the same time laugh
ing heartily. "But you see how it has
turned out. Only 111 have tosexplaln.
This llttlo woman, Fulth I.a::klns, nnd
I used to go to school togeiic:- away
back near tho old Tippecanoe In. 'In
diana. "We grew up as lovers, but liar
father thought I wasn't of much ac
count except to pick an old guitar or
play the fiddle, so when he had taken
his family off to Nebraska he wouldn't
allow Faith to write to me, nnd of
courae I lost track of her. But I loved
her Just tho same, and that I might
becomo more worthy gave up my idle
habits, taught school for a few terms
and earned the money to glvo me a
start here in Kansas on this timber
claim . and um in a pretty fair way to
make my living, ns you know. I find
my Httlo school friend has not forgot
ten me, and since she bad the audacity
to 'Jump my claim' in my absenco I
think I may as well keep her here.
Now, as you fellows havo already had
a 'finger in tho pie,' I want you to go
with us tomorrow to visit the judge
over at the courthouse. Something's
going to take place thero that will cel
ebrate Christmas in proper style. It
was kind of you to see to repairing the
wagon, but thero won't be any use for
it going to Uncle Ethan's ranch, for
Clint nnd Bessie will have to stay and
help us bo happy. You'll go, won't you,
boys?"
"Go? In course we will! We'll see
you and her through, If the earth slips
a cog. We will, you bet! By ginger,
but you're a lucky galoot! I wish olo
Chrlstmus 'd drop a jewel like that
Inter my stockin's."
BAKED HAM.
New Feature of Holiday Feast Bor
rowed Prom the Sooth.
It goes without saying that his maj
esty the turkey will grace the Christ
mas dinner table, but for variety nud
to give a new note to this feast It Is an
excellent idea to follow the southern
fashion of introducing ham to share
honors with tho reigning fowl.
The bam may be either hot or cold
and should be baked to a crisp brown.
Few there are who understand the art
of preparing ham In this way. First
It should be partly baked with the
thick outside skin left on, and then
this should be removed and the fat
Btuck full of cloves nnd left to brown
in a slow oven. The spice imparts a
dellclously delicate flavor and should
not be taken out, but left in the ham
just as it comes from tho oven. No
sauce is needed with ham cooked after
tills rula New York Herald.
Chris trans n Lucky Birthday.
There Is on old superstition that to
be born on Christmas tiny Is to be lucky
all one's life, and in Silesia thero Is a
belief that a boy born on Christmas
day must be brought up a lawyer or he
will become a thief.
The Origin of Chrlutman Oreenn.
At the Saturnalia, the heathen proto
type of Christmas, it was the Roman
custom to decorate tho house with ev-
rgreons. This was done to give tho
Woodland spirits a refuge from the
cold.
Christmas Island.
Christmas island, iu tho Pacific
ocean, and Christina's mountain, on
the Antarctic continent, were so named
because discovered on the 25th of De
cember. beautifying methods that injure the
skill and health aie dangerous. Be
beautiful without discomfort by tak
ing HolJitser's Rocky Mouutalu Tea.
iMinshtny faces follow its use. Jo
cents. Dr. liiukle'a Drug Store,
Central Polui.
mmimm dye
j ui b. t. uiu. a co., ju&uci, x a.
Societies of Meiiford
I. O. 0. F. Lodge No. 83, meets to I. O. O. F
ball ever- Saturday ut 8 . m. Visiting brotb
etb uhvuya welcome,
Mark Baker, n. 0.
J. L. OBIIMKIt, Reo. Sec,
I, 0.0. p. Rogue Jtlver Eucumpment, No.
0. meets lu I. o. u. F. hall the tueoud aud
tourib WeuueaUuysot ect uiontti at 6. p. m,
J. L, bEMMEH, C. P.
II. H. Hakvkv. Scribe.
Redmuti MeUfoni Wctumifcti No, 80, ineeti
every Tbur&Utiy la Hectuien'b Hull, Angle blk,
Lke J a co us, Cblef or Records,
0. C. RAOPbALK, He he m .
Modern Woodmen Meets tlM aud third
Fridays of every month, Uuruett Committee
mnn, Duncan Ejecretery, Meets lu ReaiuoLt
hull.
Olive KebektiU LO&$e No . Duett tu I. 0.
O. F. hull liret ami inlrn Tuubdnys of each
tnoiuh. VUiliun si iters uiv"e(i m HtteDd
I-'AN ME IlABKlNU, N. G.
Rihme hall Hec. Sec.
A. F. ncui A, M. Meets first Frlritiy oil or lo
foie full uioou nt S p. m.,lu Muwoniu halt,
M.PUHDIN, W.U
J, W. Lawton, Reo. Seo.
K. of F Talisman lodge So. SI. meets Mou."
dayeveuloir ait p. m. Visiting Druthers al.
ways welcome. Fhkd Lw, 0. C
Al aui.on i'URMN, K.ol R. and S.
Knights ol the Maccabees Trlumj hTeut
No. 1J, meets lu regular review on the 1st und
ad Fridays of each mo nth in A. O. U. W Hull a
:3o p. in. Vihltlug Sir Krifphti cordially in
vited to attend. A. B. Ellison, Commundur.
W.T. YuKtC. R. K.
A. 0. 0. W. Loiit-'e No. Hi, meeu every ilrsti
un ! third Weudcsilfiy ii: toe m'v t ai s p. m.
In their hail In the Opera block. Visiting
brothers iuvitccl to attend,
i.uitKN Damon, M. W.
A Shah I j IlL'biiARD, Kcccider.
F '. of A. MecUord Lodge No, 421, meets
the second uud fourth Tuesduy ovouIukm lu
each mouth in the Kedmuiis hull. Vl.ltlng
Fritters luvitto to uttend .
Fhakcis Jordan, F. M.
L. A. Jolt dan. See.
Wooumeu of the World Cuinp No. 'M, meets
every Thursday eveuiug in K, of P. hall.
Medford Oregon.
II G. SllEAKER c C.
W. B. Jackson, ciurk.
Cbrysunthemiim Clrclo No. m. Women ot
Woodcnut Mcote second and fourth Tuesday
of each mouth at7:U p.m. In K, ol 1. hull.
Visiting sisters invited
MltS. ADA M1LIJJ, G. N.
Pkue Angle, Clerk.
V. R. C Chester A. Arthur corps .No. 34.
meets llrsl and third Wednesday of each,
month at l! o'clock p. in.. In Woodmuu's btUl.
Visiting sisters invited. "
Hits. Ivan HuMAsoN.Pres.
Mils. Hkstkr Hahtzeix, Sec.
G. A. R. Chester A. Arthur Pout No. 47,
meets In Woodman's bail every first nnd
third WediieMiny uiRht itrcach month at 7:30
Visiting L'omrudes cordially Invited to uttend.
Geo. We dukhammuk. Com.
F. M. Stcwaut, Ad utuut.
W. C. T. U. Meets every otlierTuuriday,al
the Presbyterian churrh.
Mhs. IIcck, President.
Mns. J. Mohoan. Secretary.
Fraiomal Urothurlmod Meet: first and third '
Friday eveuinps nt 7:51) p. in,, in their ball iu
K. of P. building, Mtdfurd, Oregon. Visiting
Bisters and Brothers cordially invited.
' O. w. Ml'kpuv Pres
U J. IIoCKENVOs Secretarv.
vj. , o. lie nines Chapter, No. 06, meets seo
ona and fourth Wednesanv's of each mouth at
Mnsonlc Hall. Medford, Orefiui. Vibitii g Sis
lets and it i'o thorn alwnvs welconte.
MattikHutchisun. W. M.
HArriiOViUTE.Sfccretary.
Uniform Hank, K. of P. Meet at the call of
the captain in K. of P. ball.
H. II. IIowahd, Cuplalu,
E. L. Klwood, Kecorrjcr.
A.O. F. Court Medford, No. S!W, meets cv-ry
Monday ulgbt ai 7:so p. in. in A. O. C. W Ilnll,
Ar.gle 11 ten, Medford, Uregon. Visiting
Foresters- cordially welcomed.
L. HooVEIt, C. K.
Frank II. Hull Ree. bee.
OHTJBOHES OF MEDFOBD.
Methodist Episcopal Cburcu--Chas. T. Mo
Pbcrson i-astor. Preaching every Sabbath 11 a.
in. and 7:30 p. m. Sunday school ;it lo a.m.. I. T
Lawton, supt. Clans meeting follows
preaching service Sunday morning, Julius
Meeker, leader. Kpworth League at tl:S0 p. m.,
MayPhlpps, president. Heguiiir praver meet
ings every Thursday evoning at 7:30 p. ui.
Ladies Aid Swi'ioty every Tui'Miny aftrnoon
nt 2.30 Mrs. D. T. Lawton, president. W. F.M. S.
meets urst Friday in each urn nth. Mrs. Mary
Fielder, president.
Presbyterian Churcn Rev. W. F. Shields
pastor. PreuchlnK every Snbbutb at Liu. m
und 7:30 p.m. Sunday school ntlOt.. m., Jan,
jmrim, aupi. v-nnsunn bnuenvor,
Junior Christian Endeavor. 8 u.
0 p. m.
Kverv
Thursday nntyer meeting, 8 p.m. First Tui.
day evening ol every month chun h social.
Second Tuesday every month, 2:30 p. nt., Min
slon society, Klistaiul third Tuesdays every
month, t;'M p. m.. Aid socletv. Hev. V. F.
Shields. Pastor; Miss Ueulah "Warner, Supt.
S. S. ; Sllss Edith Van Dvko Punerinteudeiil
C. E.; David M. Duv, 1'res. S. C. E. ;
Mrs. J G. Van Dyke, Pres. Aid society ; Mrs. J
W. Cox, Pres. Mission Society.
Christian church Corner of Slytn and 1
streets. Services on the that nud third Sun.
cays of each inoiiih. Sunday school and
Christian Endeavor at usual hours every Sun
day. Prayer meeting every Thumlav evening
The people welcome. Rev. Jones, Pustcr.
Methodist Episcopal Church South H. B.
Vacoubi, pastor. Preaching every Sunday at
ll a. m. aud 7:3u p. m;Sunday school nt 10a. m. ;
Prayer meeting Thursday evening ai 7:30 p. in.,
Woman's Home Mission SocitMj meets Urat
Wednesday in each month at 2:80 p. m. Every
one Is cordially Invited to ull our services
I Christlau Scieuce services are held every
Sunday morninp nt eleven o'clock at the res
dencROlE. U. Dunham, ol Talent. All are
welcome. .
CITATION.
Ill the County Court or the State of Oregon lor
the County of Jackson.
In the matter or the guardianship of the in
competent heirs of H. H. Mtigruder, deceas
ed : order to show cause.
Jt appearing to the court Irora the petltiob
this day presented and ffled by James H. Uuy,
the guardian ol the estate of Addle and Jennio
Magruder, incompetent!, praying fir au order
of sale of certain real estate belonging to the
estate ol said Incompetents tbat it will he
for the best Interest- of afd incompetents
that auch real estate be sold.
It is hereby ordered thnt tho next of kin ef
said wards and p 11 persons Interested in sutd
estate, appear before this court on Monday'
the '2-2d nay of January, A. D. l'Xii, nt tOo'cloek
a. ra. of taid duy at the court room of this
court, at ihe town of Jacksonville, la the
county ol Jnclcson. state of Oregon, then and
ibere to show cause whv an order should tot
bo granted for the yule of such r al estate, de
scribed in said petition as follows:
beginning at the south-went confer of 1)10
Thomas Hopwnod doiiutlon land claim No. ss,
in Township 3" South. Kanirr, 2 West, W M.,
nnd running thence East .50 chains; thence
South S.13 chains: then re West 8 30 chains;
thence North 3.13 chains lo the ploce of begin
ning, containing an area nf 'J.fiu acres.
And tt is further ordered that a copy of this
order be served upon caid incompetents In tho
manner provided by law and that a copv bo
served upon all others interested by publish.
Ing the same in the MEtuiinu Mail, a news
paper publlwheu regularly once a week in
Jackson County, Oregon, for the period ui at
least four successive weka nrlor to thn ilnio
ol the bearihg herein.
utuca ueccniner .u, ivw.
t ueo. w. DUNN, County Judge.
Unfortunate.
Dr. Gibbon
This old rolliiblo nr;l Hip
most HUCCt--fltl Sperlii!-
131 in r.Miipi '4"Oit;(ii
rontlnur-s lo en;:- -ill
of st'li ahti io oii'! 1 s. -( -prolong
tho rollowinit symplon.s: iulh.17 .- :u-i'.-i
iim-", ilnrt spots nrder tlie eyes. pui:i ;:i ,',
IitM'i, iinci.15 in the ears. Iops of coKtbl"ii:c, I' ll
''?!K'Mn iipiiroiicl-.ltic MnuiE'?r. p:ilri!atii.j ol t:
i;- i.n, w(k(n?jif Uio ilnil' !nc(:. lnr.r..' - .
ry, j!:m '; mi the fai-i'. Ciini;!m, c;'!MH)rt'"t'. i'?
r. Oltibon tins piBCttcd in Sho Fr.'ii:r!'i 11
trs n'.ul tliav tronb!rl sl'fu'd not fail to ivn-iii'
l:;: nnc. receive tb" b nli t ot h.a Ctci ;(!" i-' :
e pc noil (. Ttioilnctori'iirt when Kttu-rsf' ! v IV j
Mm. t'urpf. c"f nnlci'it. Fenntia rurv! o
bfiiif,.'barMrt,nnrtt!i'.('nllnrwrir?. ti- J. V.
CJibUon.ti-jUHcarnj vi.ni'rnnchi'b ,hL
io the
h.i t 'Vrtyj mid (jpD.tii-.ii
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