Image provided by: Josephine Community Library Foundation; Grants Pass, OR
About Grants Pass daily courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1919-1931 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 24, 1921)
GRANT« TAM DAILY COURIER HATI'RDAY, DEt EMIIER 21, IMI. The Christmas Leaven (Continued from page seven) “Silence!” by the Germans. Some patriot you are, Joe. Gltwl my two died before the I tuns got a whack at 'em." "Henry!" pleaded his wife, tears welling to her gray eyes. “Daddy!” began Vesta sharply. Pldl ami old Joe Bean stared won- derlngly. The colonel bad never been like tills In the old days, lie now rose, I flung himself out of Ids chair, . and stalked out of the room. An Instant later they heard him thumping his way upstairs. Mrs. Drake soon followed. Joe Bean took his cue and departed. “Cousin Vesta." Phil began sternly. I "I'm very sorry for you. but at the same time exceedingly angry." "Don't, I'hll, please don't!" she begged. “I know what you would say. But bome-comlnZ hearts are happiest. Ill never be sorry that I stayed with dad and mumsey. for what would they do without me?" "It Isn’t right for Yming folks to be sacrificed on the altar of old folks' self- bdntess,” bristled Phi’.. "They've lived their Ilves. Why shouldn't you have your chance?” "1 know, cousin.” she returned soft ly. placing tier fingers on his lips, “but please say no more. I’m glad and proud and happy.” she smiled bravely. Thump! Thump! Thump! Inter rupted the knocker for the third time that evening, a most unusual thing at the Chestnuts. Even Phil was startled. “I told you so!" he nodded with a grimace as he strode toward the door. Clinging it open lie beheld two w«e tots, a boy and a girl, standing on the front porch, clinging to each other tim idly. “We's lotted!" pl|ied the little girl, before Phil had time' to voice his ex clamations of surprise. "Is this the new heaven?" "Guess it Is!" greeted Pldl cheerily. “Come right In and we'll talk It over. We'll usk I lie Christmas spirit, he'll know." “Come right In. dears." echoed Ves ta. taking them by their hands. In another instant she was down on her knees removing their little caps and ï.ï.ii.ï.ï.ï.ïiïiïff TIRKH TIRES Sound All Around A real tiro built to i-onform to the lilcnl of ncrvicc. A real r > tire for all road». A real friend In time of need, A real model in the World's Tire Industry. A real honest to Rootlnrwa price. The alxire are aome of the reaaon« that you aliotihl buy the Tire that la "Sound All Around.” In addition we have export workmen and our »tora®e fa* cillthw are the Iwat. Our chargee are riemonisble. BurKe ô Knox GRANTS PANS FOR SERVICE TOURIST GROCERY HOME OF THE “MILK SHIMMIE” lie &. A. RINQUETTE PHONE 121-R V—■ <• EWS dltlSTMAS is not merely a festi val celebrated by and for man i^loue. Aiming the folk lore of 'other countries are several quaint sto ries In which animals and birds give evidence of their adoration. A well- known Bosnian legend offers a version of world adoration—they claim lhat on the holy day “the sun in the east bowed down, the stars stood still; the mountains and forests shook and touched lhe earth with their summits, and the greeu pine tree bent; the grass was betlowered with the open ing of blossoms; Incense sweet as myrrh pervaded upland and forest; birds sang on the mountain tops and all gave thanks to the great God.” In Bosnia on Christmas day a sheaf of rye Is put Into birds' nests and bird houses for the birds’ Christmas. A stranger, stranded In n Michigan town was once startled to see a sheaf of rye In a bird box. He knew Immedi- ately that one of his kind lived there and was keeping Christmas In the old wny. An old Indian legend iella us that on ('liristnuis night all the deer In the forest kneel In udoratlon before the Great Spirit. Woe to Idin, how- ever, who tries to spy upon them. He Is punished with perpetual »tiff ening of the knees. Many people of the old world clnltn that on Christmas night animals are gifted with speech, hut none must tres pass or eavesdrop. The Greater Need. IJttle Horace—My mamma says may be you'll give my papa a safety raxor for Christmas, Department Store Santa Claus—Tea, little man, I think I will. Little Horace—Hadn't you better keep It and use It youraelft—Puck. (Aino Cigars and Confections) 010 SOUTH SIXTH ST. Birds and Animals Share Christmas S* A real Western product. A reol Wortren favorite. I Printed calling cards—Courier. Typewriting paper—Courier office. “Sorry I Didn’t Hav« a Boy Myself.” coats, to which clung great Hakes of snow. “Why, it must be snowing, after all," she cried liappilly. 'Tiu so glad for, as mumsey says, I never did like a green Christmas." "It sure Is snowing." announced Phil, opening the door and gazing into the night. Vesta peered over his shoulder to the bank of clouffs rolling in from the east with little spits and flurries of snow. Just then the door banged shut.^ “What's that?" demanded the col onel from the head of the stairs. “Just the wind, daddy. It blew the door shut," said Vesta soothingly, plac ing her lips on her fingers with an admonishing "S-h-h-h-h. ... !" to Phil. “Guess It's the Christmas spirit try ing to get In, Uncle Henry." said the young lieutenant with n wicked little laugh. But the pajamaed figure bold ing a brass candlestick aloft had van ished. "Is that our g'nnpa?” chorused two little voices. “An' Is dis heaven?” they demanded. .................... “Guess you're nji the right track, lit- 1 tie cues," cheered Pldl. "Now tall us > all about it." be encouraged as he anil ' Vesta led them tower# the hearth where they were sihxi nestling on the pair of old rose cushion« Vesta had brought out for the occasion. “Yes, tell US about It, dears,” site urged gently, “and we’ll see.” "We for dotted to say Merry 'Hsmiis to God. an' Aunt Elsie and g'anpa—" said the little girl, “We fonh-tted to soy Merry Tismtis ! ...." «chord her brother. "Daddy i John said we'd soon be in heaven and that we'd see God an’ Aunt Elsie and ifntdat. You don't look a bit like your j pictures,” was tlie disappointed com- i inent. "But a lot nicer, you mean, brother,” ( corrected the little girl. "Daddy John , lias annuzer picture zat looks like you. only zat lady has dimply smiles nil the time," she ended, scrutinizing Vesta boldly. Vesta laughed heartily and hugged ! the little girl to her breast. The child | snuggled contentedly. "She's slightly mixed on her geog raphy," whispered I’hll, “and think« we are some persons else. We'll get down to facts after a while." But the only Information they could glean from the children was that their mother was In heaven with the angels and God. They were on their wny there with I »addy John on the train, when there was a Idg crash. When they awoke Daddy John was gone. So they just went to find him. “We must have been on the same train," said Pldl. "but how those little duffers eve- managed to get here Is more than 1 know. It was some hike | even for my long leg«." “Oh, we didn't walk all the way. A kind man let ns ride. When we saw I the light in the window here. 1 knew ' we had come to heaven, so I just told I the matt to stop. And he did. ‘So ; you're going to see g'aripa,’ he «aid. and brother and I Just said. 'Yes.' 1 “So here w’e la!” I>eamed the little | boy. In childish enthusiasm. "Now tell us what your names are." “Budge and Toddy!” they chorused I gravely. "But your other name, your daddy’s ■ name?” "Daddy John!" they repeated firm- | Ir. nor could they be shaken In their assertions. "An' wo want to see God an’ Aunt Elsie an' g'anpu au’ Santa Claus. Dud- I dy John said we would when we got to heaven. Can we hang up our stock ings?" asked the little girl. "You surely can, dears,” »aid Vesta, (eartily. "An' will we have a Tismus tree?" "An- a Santa Claus?” Vesta glanced at her cousin helpless ly. She was now floundering in deep waters. "Sure!" be pledged in his deep bass voice. “If you'll go to bed now and get | to sleep. You can listen for the rein- j deers, and perhaps Santa Claus will till up your stockings ami bring you a j Christmas tree." "Phil!" ejaculated Vesta. "It Isn't right to disappoint them." , He waved her aside. "That's all ; right, fairy godmother!” "And will he bring our Daddy John?" asked the little girl anxiously. "Who knows?” ventured Pbll cau- I tiously. ¿tut this request was too much for Vesta, who had already hurried away I toward the attic and a certain copper- ! bound trunk, full of small garments. “Is that you, Vesta?” culled her fa ther's querulous voice. "Yes. dad." •'Aren't you in bed yet?” he mut tered. “Pm going soon, dear.” she lied bb.ishlngly, knowing full well that the two hours ahead would l>e busy ones. Assisted by Phil she managed to get two wobbly heads anik two pair of small limp arms and legs Into tlie i sleeping garment!». for the sandman I had already claimed them. “I lit a fire in (lie spare room. Phil; ! we’ll just carry them in there. Do be quiet, for dad mustn't know until morn ing," she whispered. "The okl reprobate .... I" said Phil under his breath. Vesta glanced at him reproach fully as he lifted the chubby figure of I the little girl In his arms, while she j carried the little boy. Shortly after ward Budge and Toddy were tucked sway between warm blankets In the big four-poster in the spare room. Back before the tireplace Vesta and Phil gazed blankly at each other. "Didn't I tell you so?" volunteered the latter cheerfully. “Didn't I tell you that you're the goddess of the hearth? That the Christmas spirit would come jour way tonight? That you were born fo be the mother of little children?” he Interrogated In staccato tones. “Blit how are we to live up to our promises?" she laughed, ignoring his comments. "The House of Drake is embarrassed by its shower of bless ings. I have no doubt that we are entertaining angels unawares, but now that you Jiave succeeded in inducing the Christmas spirit to tarry, why not try your magic on Santa Claus and bld him bring us n tree?” "I lose no time In accepting the com mission. Behold In me an Impromptu Santa Claus, ready to do the bidding of the vestal virgin. Now for some druid to lend the way to a forest of young balsams." “At your service!” laughed Vesta gaily. "It is but eight o'clock." she said, glancing at the old banjo clock over the mantel. "I have an Inspira tion. Come!” she commanded, snatch ing her turn o'-shunter anil rout from the halltree. at the same time handing I’hll his own coat and hat. Five min utes later they were on their way across lots to the balsam grove on the hillside, armed with the sharpest ax PAGE NINE ■ Gifts That Endure A gift I um a body and a spirit. How *«ng docs the spirit of tlie gift last in the mind of Use one w ho hai revolved it. Dors It help any if the body of tlie gift la->ls. Does it moke any difference whether the gift is naetvsa or useful. Of course it depend» on the ¡x-rson who gives and file one who receives. Some people ilo not appre ciate useful gifts. But there I» also a Society for the Prevention of Useless Gifts. AVhen in doubt give a gift that is useful. It will bless the one to whom ¡V is given whether or not you are blessed in return. A Universal Gift There is a gift for every son and daughter and father and mother which no oar though of giving ten years ag >, anil which some stupid people still would never dream of giving. It seems too ma terial and unpoetical. But. a conveni -nee outlet is a real gift. For father a base plug la his favorite corner, and a lamp to go with it. For mother a convenience outlet for her sewing in whine, anil a motor to run it. For the boy and t’te girl convenience outlets In their own rooms. Birtlulays add Christmawi may last the year round. Gw to a Contractor Dealer you trust and have your wiring done on a labor and material basis. The California Oregon Power Company In the colonel s toolcliest. Soon a «mall but symmetrical tree was laid low. “So far. so good!" breathed Phil cheerfully, shouldering tlie embvro Christina« tree. “I declare It's worth a trip to France, with a train off the track, to have this experience. But how about a Santa Claus rig?" “One thing at a time. Phil,” gurgled Vesta in so girlish a voice that the man was almost startled. "I declare this tarrying of the Christmas spirit, entertaining guests unawares, playing a vestal virgin and being a druid all in one night is rather exhilarating. Maybe we ll have n real Christmas yet. Poor dad and mumsey! I'm wonder ing. . . ." “One thing at a time. Vesta." mocked I’hll gaily. “I prophesy other sur prises. When the Christmas spirit Is abroad in the land no telling w hat mir acle may happen. Even Uncle Henry may get a jolt into the Kingdom of Happiness. I'll sure do my part to uring this to pass." As they passed down the hillside to the quiet street, now carpeted with snow, they heard a sound of sleigh- liells. Soon happy voices were carol ing. "Silent Night! Holy Night!” they sang. The Christmas tree mid holly man was still dispensing his wares when they at last reached the market, ami soon Vesta's arm.« were laden with shining holly wreaths in which many red berries gleamed, while Phil with his balsam and other packages looked nke an animated Christmas tree. “Here's n sprig of mistletoe for you. Miss Vesta, nmj a Merry Christmas to you," said old Sam. with a sly glance iit Phil. I “Why, I begin to feel like a little I girl again." cried Vesta happily, as | they trudged along through the snow toward home. "I never knew before that the Christmas spirit could be so nice. I declare I have little creepy feelings of joy all lip and down my spine this minute." "Same here!” agreed Phil. “But you'll better ’douse the glim,’ Vesta. In the language of the Immortal Vic tor Hugo, or Its flickering» will tell tales to your august parents. Some Christmas after all. eh?" he added as he tugged the tree up the steps of the front porch while Vesta held the door open. All was quiet within, but they asked Phil dubiously. “We didn't think of that, did we?” "Oh—!" exclaimed Vest«, a little red flag flying into either cheek. “Walt a minute— they're In my room,” she explained, slipping off hjr shoes and into the convenient felt slippers. In her room she paused Just long enough to light her one ba> berry candle before John's picture, just as she had done for tea Christmas eves, and to make the same wish. Five minutes later she reappeared In the living room with a bewildering array of rabbits, camels, elephants and teddy bears. “'Pon my word!” began her cousin, »taring at the apparition, "are you a Budge and Toddy Were Tucked Away. vestal virgin, druid, or fairy godmoth er?” "Just a friend of Santa Claus." she laughed triumphantly. “I made them all myself from some of dad's old flan nel shirts, aided and abetted by paper patterns. Aren't these shoebutton eyes scrumptious? I did so hope that dad would relent and that Nora and the kiddles would be here.” she added ? wistfully. It was nearly twelve o'clock when they finished their decorations. To be took the precaution to tiptoe noiseless sure, the tree was not the magnificent ly, and a few seconds later the tree cataract of skates, sleds, and guns, wus set on its pedestal in the corner such as had tumbled before- their vi sion In years gone by, but In l*hH'B of the living room. "Isn’t It prettily shaped, and how own words, it was "most creditable.” deliciously spicy it smells in this wann When It had received the last pat of room," Vesta bubbled as she sniffed Vesta's hand, Phil went to the kitch en with her and helped make fudge the pungent air. "Guess Budge and Toddy will think in the form of chocolate rabbits. Ap- so, too,” Phil said proudly as he un wound yard after yard of tinsel rope, (Continued on page Ten5 "Now, where’s the uienugerie?”
