Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, December 26, 1909, Page 24

MERRY Christmas to all the Busy Bees of the children will have a truly happy holida, THE OMAHA SU DAY The editor hopes that all and that they will all try to make their little friends and playmates as happy as they are. The Queen Bee, Franc poem (o all of the Busy Bees, ces Jobnson, has written a Christmas which is on the children’s page today. Votes may be sent in any time for queen of the Blue side. the Red side and the Blue side bas been esting for both sides the next king of the Red side and for The contest during the last three months between very close, which makes it more inter- Prizes were awarded this week to Gladys Harris, also on the Red side, Byrne, on the Blue side. Mabel Datel, on the Red side, and to Honorable mention was given to Frances Many excellent Christmas stories were sent in this week, and also during the last two weeks Any of the Bu Bees may send c Postcard Exchange, which now includes Jean De Long, Alnsworth, Neb. irene McCoy, Barnston, Neb Lillfan’ Merwin, Beaver City, Mabel Witt, Bennington, Neb. Anna Gotisch, Benningion, Neb Minnle Gottsch, Bennington, Neb. Agnes Damnke, Benson, Neb. 110 Gmsiap s, oveb, (box 12, ius May, Cenuril City, Nep. Vera Clieney, Croignton, Louis Hann, David vity, Neb Lnea reigell, Dorcnesier. e, Aleda wsennetl, migin, Nei wunice bude, Fails City, Liev ithel Reed, Fremont, Neb, tluiga Luudburg, rremont, Neb. MAIION CAPPE, GibSOD, NED, arguerite Bartnoiomew, Gothenburg Lydia Kotn, w6 West Kienlg street, Grand imand, Neb, hiim Voss, Wi West Charles street, iuiand, Neb. uie Costello, 116 vand_lsiand, Neb. o Crawtord, 406 Grand lsiand, Neb. Prulme scnuite, 413 urand lsiand, Nep. Martha Murpay, ¥3 Last Ninth Graid isiand, Nev. Hugl Mutt, Leshara, Neb, leter E. Rutt, Leshara, Neb. Allce Temple, Lexington, Neb. Ruth Temple, Lexington, Neb auna Neuson, Lexington, Neb dythe Kreiz, Lexington, Neb, Marjorte Temple, Lexingion, Neb. Allce Grassmeyer, 154 C. 8t., Lincoln, Neb, Marian Hamilion, 229 L. St.] Vincoln, Neb, Elsle Hamilton, 2% I, 8. Lincoin, Neo. irene Disher, 280 L stroat. Linooln, Neb. Hughle Lisher, 2080 L sireei, Lincoln, Neb, Charlotte Hogs, &7 South Fifteenth street, Liucoln, Neb, Helen Juhnson, 34 reet, Lincoln, Neb Althea 'Myers, 224 North Sixteenth Lincoln, Neb. Louise Stiles, Lyons, Neb. iistelle McDonald, Lyons, Neb. Milton, Seizer, Nebraska Oity, Neb. Marry Crawiord, Nebraska City, Neb. Marvey Crawford, Nebraska Cify, Neb. Luyclie Hazen, Nortolk, Neb. Helen Reynolds, Norfolk, Neb, Letha Larkin, So. Sixth 5t., Norfolk, N 1mma Marquardt, Fifth street and Ma son avenue, Norfolk. Neb, Genevieve M. Jones, Nortk Loup, Neb William Davis, 221 West Third str North Platte, Neb. Louise Rau 26w North Nineteenth a nue, Omah: U'rances Johnson, 933 North Twenty-fifth avenue, Omaha. Marguerite Johnson, 33 North Twenty- fifth avenue, Omah: Emile Brown, 2332 Boulevard, Omaha. Heled Goodrich, 4? Nicholaa S, Omaha, Mary Brown, 2622 Boulevard, Omahu. ¥iva Handee, 4402 Dodge street, Omaha. Neb, Grand West Eighth street, Je West Charles street, West Fourth street, street, South Seventwenth street, arlis tv anyone whose name is on the 8: Lilllan Wirt, 4158 Cuss street, Omaha. Hassett Ruf, 1814 Binney street, Omaha. Jack Coad, 3718 Farnam street, Omaha Jusnita Innes, 269 Fort street, Omaha Meyer Cohn, 84 Georgla avenue, Omah Ada Morrie, 3424 Frankiin street, Omuha Myrtle Jensen, 2009 Izard street, Omaha. Oirin Fisher, 1210 8. Eleverth St., Omaha. Mildred Erickson, 28 Howard St, Omaha, Oscar Erickson, 2109 Howard St. Omaha Guil Howard, 4122 Capitol avenue, Omaha Ifelen Houck, 1625 Lothrop street, Omaha Goodrich, 4010 Nicholas, Omaha. Johnson, 1021 Locust, St., Omaha Loon Carson, 1124 North Fortieth, Omana. rauline Coad, 5718 Farnan street, Omahe. \ilma _Howard, 4728 Capitol avenue, Onaha. Hiluh Fisher, 1210 South Ileventh, Omaha. Mildred Jensen, 2107 Leavenworth, Om ¥dna Heden, #78 “hicago street, Omaha. Mabel Sneifelt, 4914 North 2wenty-riitn Omaha Johnson, Omaha Emma Carvuther: streat, Omaha. Gretchen Eastman, ejghth street, Omaha. Leonora Denison, The Alblon, Pucific streets, Omaha. Mae Hummond, O'Nelll, Neb. Mudge L. Daniels, Ord, Neb. Zola Beddvo, Orleans, 'Neb. Agnes Richmond, Orleans, Neb. Marte ¥ieming, Osceolu, Neb. Lotta Woods, Pawnee City, Neb Barl Perkins, Reddington, Neb. Edna Enis, Stanton, Neb. Lena_Petersen, 2211 Locust St, E, Omaha. ina Carney, Sutton, Clay county, Nebraska. Clara Milier. O Neb. Mildred F. Jones, North Loup, Neb. Alta Wilken, Waco, Neb. Lev Beckord, Waco, Neb. Mao Grunke, West Point, Neb Bisie Stastny, Wilber, Neb, Frederick Ware, Winside, Neb Pauline Parks, ' York, Neb. Kdpa Behling, ' York, 'Neb, Mary Froderick, York, Neb Carrle B. Hartlett, Fontanelle, ia. Irene Reynolds, Little Sioux, la. isthel Mulhoiland, ‘Box 71, Malvern, Eleanor Mellor, Malvern, la. Kathryne Mellor, Malvern, la. Ruth Robertson, Manilla, Ia. Mildred Robertson, Manilla, la Margaret B. Witherow, Thurman, la Bertha McEvoy, R F.'D. 3, Box 2, Mis- sourl Valley, Ta. Henry L. Workinger, care Sterling Remedy company, Attica, Ind. Adlens Borry, Monarch, Wyo. ¥red Sorty, Monarch, Wyo. Pearl Barron, Monarch, Wyo. John Barron, Monarch, Wyo, Edith Amend, Sheridan, Wyo. Pauline Squire, Grand, Oki. Fred Sheliey, 280 Iroup street, City, Mo, 2406 North Twentleth 8211 North Twenty-tiftiu 138 South Thirty- Tenth and 1a. Box 8. Kansas Th= Halls’ Christmas Gift By Maud' I' WAS not a promising Christ- mas eve for Tommy Hail Owing to bis father's recant nd serious fliness the fam'ly found themselves In very strajtened clrcumstances, _The poor father's work had been discontinu.a for so many months, owing to his lliness, that the family purse was in a very de. plorable state, and now that the Chriat- | mas holldays were come thire was no money with which to buy the usual {hings that go to make up the hollday festivity, There was no turkey for the Christmas dinner, no tloral decorations on mantel and in window. No Christmas tree with glit- tering adornments and wax candles graced the little “best room' that was without a fire in the grate. Knowing all this, it may sound strange to tho reader when I say that the three members of the Hall family—tather, mother and little soni~were not unhoppy or despondent. Indeed they were quite heerful it one could judge from thelr con- ersation and manners as they sat about the little supper table in the comfortable kitchen, the only room in which they could Mford to keep a fire. “Well, tomorrow s Christmas day,” sald Mrs. Hall as she poured the tea. “And we bave not spent a penny for gifts, much as we should have llked to. But—we'rc not going to grumble over that, for we have %0 much to be thankful for—even If we haven't any Christmas cheer. “Yes, mother, that Is the way 1 feel About it," agreed Mr. Hall. “I am so happy to be well again and to have the promise of my old job once more and a ralse In salary, too, so the presient of the company told me today, that such smail matters as the absence of Christmas ‘doings’ do not fret me. L shall syon be on my feet again, able to pay the rent and my doctor's bill. And then we shall bogin 1o have some little luxuries occasionally, such as Christmas trees, taffy parties and the like, for Tommy. 1 really do vegret that our little man's Christmas must %0 unlike his former Christmases. Last year we gave him sueh a great time, with capital letters.” And Mr. Hall laughed over the happy memery of last year's holi- day festivitles. “Oh, papa, don't worry over my Christ mas—or lack of Christmas, as wne might say. Besides, who knows what old Santa Claus may bring me? T am past the age for Santa's prestnts, for I wes 13 years old slx weeks ago, and Santa's ‘children are all much younger than that. But he may yet remember me with some ltte thing—just through pity. you see. But should he want to be generous to any outside his realm of very voung children, | would much rather he would bring some thing to put In dear mother's stocking You and I, dad, ars two old chaps that can do without Christmas and birthday presents now And Tommy smiled Mr. Hall laughed while Mrs Tommy on the head In a ‘oving way. *No, dearle, If Santa has anything for this family T hope 1t will fall to you, my dear, unselfish boy." And the good mother's eves grew dim. Then the subject was changed from Christmas to Tommny's school and his comrades. Then to Mr. Hall's promised in- crease of salary, which rejoiced them all %0 much. “Just think, dear sald Mr. Hall to his wife, “my slokness cost me three months’ absence from my work, whigh meant thres months' loss of salary. And all the time our living expenses went on and added to them were my doctor's bill and drug bill. be Hall patted ‘Walker. As we all know, the little ‘rainy day’ fund was soon exhausted and we began running into debt. But now the way Is clear again, and very soon we'll forget all our recent hardship and worry.” “Yes, Indeed, dear, we're very happy to be ax we are tontght—al well, comfortably housed against the storm and plenty of fuel and food to last tll your first week's saltry iy earned. You go to work on the first Monday of the new year. Oh, I am 0 very, very thankful." “And 50 am 1" cried Tommy. “And let Christmas gifts and all that sort of thing 80 to people who cannot be happy without them. We are a lucky family, I say. A home and warmth and food. Gee! it's far ahead of being out In the storm, without shelter or friends, as many poor unfor- tunates are todey. The supper over, the three sat beside the cheerfu! cooking stove fire, Mr. Hall reeding from some Interesting book to his wife and son. Mrs. Hall mended Tommy's school coat and Tommy played idly with the old family cat. And when the clock struck nine they wondered how the even- Ing could have passed so quickly. “Well, we must be off to bed, and give Sunta Claus a chance to come down the stovepipe,” sald Mr. Hall “He may bring an airship—or something else as small—to our young man. “Well, I'd like an airship as well as most eny toy," laughed Tommy. Then kissing his parente goounight he ran upstairs to 11s own little room. 1t was cold there, but Tommy did not mind that. He only mads haste o get between the covers and was soon very fast asleep, About midnight Tommy was awakened by a low cry. It sounded like some one in distress. He raised his head from the pi- low, listening intently. Yes, there it eamo agaln, and apparently from beneath his window. Leaping from the bed he ran to the window, but he could not raise ths sash, for it was frogen shut. Downstairs RULES FOR YOUNG WRITERS 1. Write plainly on ons side of the paper -only and number the pages. 8. Use pen and iuk, mot pencil 3. Short and pointed articles will be given preference. Do not use over 50 werds. 4. Original stories or letters only will be used. ) 5, Write your mame, age and ad- dress at the top of the first page. Pirst and second prises of books will be given for the best two ool tributions to this page emch week. Address all communications to CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT, Omata (Wirst Prize.) The Christmas Tree's Story Mabel L. Datel, Aged 11 Years, North Bend, Neb. Red Side Santa Claus had just left. The stockings were full of things. The tree stood in the middle of the li- brary. There were many presents on the Oh, Mr. Tree, won't you please tell us @ story?" said one doll. ''The time seems 50 long and anyway we are waiting for such dreadful tortures that it makes me shiver.” “Yes,” sald another doll pins stuck right in us. Our pulled. Oh, dear!" “Well,” said a drum. “I want to hear the story the tree will tell, not about what will happen to you." “Well,” sald the By “we'll i hair will be tree, “I will tell you about my father and mother. My father and mother were very tall and straight. My father was the tallest. They were both very proud of me. Every time Santa came by us my father and mother would spread out thelr arms so he would not see me. he went, careful not to wake his parents, for he was not sure that the creature in distress was really so near to the houso as he thought. And the second ery—or walil—did not sound like & human volice. Reaching the front door Tommy unlocked and opened It. There, shivering on the doorstep, was the dark form of a little dog. Raising his pitiful eves to Tommy he stood on his four feet and wagged his tail, begging In his way to be allowed to enter the house. “Poor” puppy!" sald Tommy. right In. You must be half froze how the snow fs falling!" The little stranger needed no second in- vitatlon to enter & warm house, and jumped in beside Tommy. Tommy shut the door and made a light. Then he ex- amined his midnight visitor. The stranger wore no collar, and Tommy knew” he was A waif. Then suddenly an idea came to him: “Santa Claus has brought you to me, brought you to me for a comrade, and 1 am (¢ share my good home with vou. Ah, that's it!" And Tommy patted the trisking little fellow on the head. “And I must surprise father and mother.” he de- clared. Then he got a card and wrote on it: “From Banta Claus to The Halls.” This card he tied to a cord and fastened to the long hair on the little dog's back He fixed it In such a way that the dog would not feel it, or be consclous of its presence, Then, feeding the doggle some cold victuals left from supper, and placing & basin of fresh water for him, and a warm .rug for him to sleep on, Tommy again went to hed and to sleep. In the morning Tommy was awakened by his mother's volce calling up the stairs “‘Come, Sonny, come and see what Santa has brought to us” Tommy remembered the doggle and jumped into his clothes and was down to the cozy kitchen in a hurry. There he saw the little dog frisking about as though he owned the place, and Mr. Hall was watthing him with a pleased smile on his face. “What seems mysterlous to me,” said Mrs. Hall, “is this card which was on the Nttle fellow's back; and he was Iving on a rug fast asleep when I came down this morning." Then Tommy explalned about the dog's midnight appearance at the door, and how he had taken him in as n present from Santa. | “Well, I am inclined to think that Santa Dresented us to the dog Instead of the dog to us laughed Mr. Hall. “He was homeless and alone, and Santa gave him a home and friends.” “The gift Is both Tommy. “This puppy and we are his." “Come Ugh, ways,"” declared is our Christmas gift One day Santa came through the woods saying: ‘I need a large tree' Then he chopped my fother down. My mother and I were very sad now, “The next my mother was taken away. 1 was very lonesome and sad. “This year S8anta brought me here. I am very happy to think I will make the child- ren happy. 1 will have to stop for I heard the child coming down stairs.' year en (Second Prize.) A Christmas Story Gladys Harris, Aged 10 Years, Oak la. Red Side, Many, many years ago there was a man named Joseph and his wife, Mary. They lived in Jerusalem. Once every vear all the peoplo had to go to Bethlehem to pay thelr debts. Now, of ccurse, Joseph and Mary went to Bothlehem. The inns, houses and places Itke that were full and they had to &0 to an old stable and stay through the night. That night a child was born to them They called him, Jesus, That night shepherds were looking up In the sky and they saw a light and they heard the angels singing. They were all frightened. But the angels sang: Fear not, for we have come to bring Tidings glad to all men, of a Savior King. Then they told them the story of Christ. They all brought him presents and wor- shiped him. That s why Xmas. By Red we always give presents on (Honorable Mention,) The Van Brunts’ Best Xmas By Frances Burne, Aged 12 Years, 2408 South Tenth Street, Omaha. Blue Side. Tn a little village outside of Strausburg, many, lived a widow and four children. ¥rau Van Brunt made dolls for a firm in Strausberg and Gretchen, the oldest child, eged 12 years, dressed them. One day as Gretchen wes dressing a very pretty doll she wondered who the child would be who would get it. She quickly declded to find out. She was well educated in her own language and had learned to read and write 'a little English. She glancéd over at her mother and found her busy by the cradle of Katrine, the baby. The boys, Gustav and Herman, were playing outside the door. Gretchen got a pencil and paper and sat down to write the little Note that was going to shape her future. She labored hard and long, but finally got it done. It read thus “‘Strausburg, Germany, Sept. 5, 1907.—Dear Little Girl: My name is Gretchen and T dress lots of dolls. I am lonesome. Wil you write me once? I am just writing for fun. Gretchen Van Brunt, Strausburg, Garmany.” £he folded the paper and pinned it to the doll's drees end no one knew anything abeut 1t. About three months afterwards a gentle- man was walking through the stores of Boston, and reelng a display of dolls chese one as a Christn as gift for his little Loulse. Christmas day in the gentleman's home was bright and cherry, Little Loulse had found her treasure and was gurghng happy words in her father's ear as sho sat upon his lap admiring the pretty gift. “Just look, papa,” she said. “The pretty clothes. Oh! T sticked myself, I aid.” “We'll find that naughty pin. Ah! hi here It s, and a note too.” And Mr. Van Brunt unfolded the bit of paper that Gretchen had pinned to the dress. After Investigating to some extent M Van Brunt found that his dead brother family was struggling in poverty while he was rolling in wealth, as it were. He lost no time in getting the family together and Gretchen declared In after years that the Christmas of 197 was the best Christmas of all for all the Van Brunts, both wealthy and poor. Walter's Christmas Dinner By Alberta Mutz, Aged 12 Years, Auburn, Neb. Blue Side. Walter was a little boy of ten years. He lived in Philadelphia. The house in which he lived was back of & mansion. Walter's mother had to wash for a living and so Walter stayed at home alone all day. He had no playmates, but could hear children playing In the yard of the great mansion over the wall One day a stone fell out of the wall. He went to the wall and looked through the hole. Ho saw the sweetest little girl ho had ever seen. He sald, “Hello,” to her. After that they came to the hole every day. Finally one day she said, “One week from todmy Is Christmas, Walter,” “Oh, I8 it? Well T don't expect anything.” “Don't expect anything, why not?" “Ob, we are too poor to have anything, but mamma s going to be heme all day." Katherine sat down a few minutes In deep thought. “Well,” she sald finally, "1 have a plan” “We have a large clock in the dining room. Christmas morning you can slip out and come over and I will hide you In the big clock. From there you may see the proceedings.” Christmas morning Walter woke up with Christmas day before him. Mamma kissed him and gaid, “Merry Christmas,” He had a new sult of clothes and cap. They were his first Cbristmas presents. At 10 o'clock he siipped out. He met Katherine at the 4ate. They exchanged greetings and w then to the big clock. He got inside. At 12 o'clock they as sembled in the large room. Oh, the good things he saw. In the middle of the din- ner there was a pop and out fell Walter, They were all surprised, but the story was %00n told and & place was made for Walter at the table. He ate a big dinner then re- ceived candy, ete., and went home and Lo has never forgotten his first Christmas dinner. Harry's Christmas Holidays. By Rector Searle, Aged 13 Years, Ogalalla, Neb. d Bide, Harry was away at school. The last week before Christmas holidays seemed as It It wouldn't come to an end. But as last Friday night came and when Harry stepped aboard the train his heart seemed to leap into his throat. He could not settle him- welf to read, but watched the flelds and BEE: DECEMBER 26, little towns fly past. When they stopped at & few of the larger stations he got off It began to storm and grow cold. He searched in his grip for his neck sweater, but to his excitement and haste he found he had forgotten it. Kach time he got back into the car he seemed colder and he fe't such a draught. At last they called Lin- coln. He could hardly wait til the traln stopped. He saw no one he knew but his mother and two sisters. Going home he felt so glad, but oh, 5o cold. He could eat very little supper and he had thought the week before how good it would taste. The girls showed him all their new playthings, but somehow they did not interest him He seemed to be more interested in the register than any thing else. He was so glad when bedtime came; he felt so tired He got out of hed the next morning, but could not stay up. When his mother went to his room he was xaying strange things. His mother called the doctor’ at once. Christmas day found Harry still in bed with a raging fover. With constant care and good nursing Harry was aclowed to return to school in two months. By that time the other boys had forgotten thelr Christmas fun and were looking forward to their spring vacation. He, too, began to look forward to it. He resolved he would always keep @ cool head and gack all he needed. Why Santa Missed Them Crystal Harrls, Aged 14 Years, Oak, la. Red Side. One_day long ago, there was a very wealthy man whose name was Charles Powell. He was very good also. He had four very pretty children, two girls and two boys. Now, Mr. Powell had a neighbor by the name of Tom Anderson. Mr. Ander- son was not quite wealthy as Mr. Powell. He was alway® trylng some way or other to get his money. through Mr. Powell's ignorance. At last, he succeeded, so Mr. Powell was forced to leave his beautiful mansion and 80 to a little rude hut. This was just a week before Christm: So Christmas came at last and the Powell children sang carols about Jesus. Then they hung their stockings up with heavy heart for they expected nothing. Next morning dawned, but nothing was in the little stockings, but at the next door house all was happy within. - A year later Mr. Anderson, while on his deathbed called Mr. Powell to his side and told him what he had done, and gave him his own fortune and his too. While Mr. Anderson died a pauper. Mr. Powell had all the Mrs. and Miss Anderson to even think of Powells, so they left the town to work in a factory. So the Powells are living happy to this day. Sheep Herding By Dortha Burson. Aged 15 Years, Casper, ‘Wyo., Postoffice Box 166. Red Side. My brother Guy has been In the employ 9f Mr. Nicolayson for the last three years as camp mover and herder. He is only 20 years old now and is still working for the same company. He does most of his herding on Pineridge and Cole creek range. H- stays out for about three months' at & time, when he comes In visiting, he stays in for three or four days and he then goes out again, He buys horses with most of his wages—only what it takes to clothe him. He has about twenty-eight head of horses and he is still buying. He thinks he will still stay with Mr. Nicolayson until he gets some sheep of his own. Guy likes Mr. Nicolayson fine. By Red 0 expenses, while were to proud The Fairy's Promise By Gladys Mickel, Aged 8 Years, Harnocy Street, Omaha. Blue Side. Once there was a little girl whose name was Rose Marle Violet Klizabeth Vann, One day as the was sitting on the grass by the brook she saw a little fairy trying to get away from a big black beetle. When sho saw Rose she cried out for help. The beetle heard and looked up. When he saw Rose he ran back into & little tuft of grass. After the fairy had recovered her breath sho sald: "I thank you very much. You have maved my life. As & reward I shall grant the wish you wish most. What is that wish?" Then Rose answered that the only thing she wanted was a baby brother. “Your wish shall be granted,” falry, Then she spread her shining, wings and flew away, to Fairyland. That night just as Rose was climbing ipto bed the door bell gave a loud, quick ring. She ran down etalrs as fast as she could. She could just see a stork flving away. Then she saw a basket and when £he peeped in under the warm blanket she saw a tiny baby boy. Rose was so happy she could hardly go to sleep that night and I think you and I would have becn too. Don't you? Dicky And Polly. By Maurice Parker Parsill. Aged 6 Years. 1016 West Seventh Street, Hast- ings, Neb. Red Side, My grandma had a parrot that was a great pet. Whenever he saw anyone eat- ing he would start to chatter as loud as he could and would not stop until he was given some of it. I have a canary bird and I had to let my grandma take care of It for me while I went to Nebraska with my father and wother, and after six months 1 went to sée grandma and touk my canary back to Nebraska with me. Now I notice that whenever I stand near his cage with anything to eat in my hand Dick, the canary, will come to the side of his cage and flutter about and chirp until 1 give him a piece. He never Jid it before, s0 1 guess he must have learned from Polly. Waiting For Santa Claus. By Lennle Dumell, Sidney, Neb, Red Side. It was on Christmas night In a lttle hut sat two children named, Hansel and Gretchel. Thelr parents were very poor. It was snowing gnd there was a blizzard and they had to ‘go to bed early. The children sat talking. ““Gretchel, sald Ha want for Christmas “Hansel there's no wishing, but I would like to have a dress, a new hat and a palr of shoes, What would like to have sald Gretchel “Oh, I don't know, 1 belleye I would like to have a new pair of shoes, a new sult and a cap.” The two children did not see a shadow glid av from the window. It was a neighbor, He was a very rich man. Just then Hansel's mother sald, “‘come children we must §o to bed. The fire Is nearly out and we haven't any more fuel than will last over tomorrow.” The two chil- dren went up stairs to their beds snd soon were fast asleep. They never dreamed nor saw the men at their work. Next morn- ing they got up and their mother sald, “now children go out and get me a pall of water, the children picked up the bucket and opened the door and to their lur‘prlu 1 said the beautitul away off two “what do you A Merry Christmas to All Busy Bees. Johnson Years By Aged Side. Frances " Queen Omaha 1 A Merry Christmas” to Busy each one my friend With raven locks or gold: May peace on earth; good attend, now the air 1 Today the bell& peal far and wide That_the majestic King of Kings is Born May blest thoughts with them abide ‘Pon thelr golden path this Christ- mas morn! Bees, hair, will for is free from care they saw eight big bundles; they them in the house and opened them up, thero was Hansel's presents and Gretchel's presents, and presents for their father and mother. Out In the shed was a big plle of coal. The father and mother both worked and they never were in need any more. car Billy Whiskers Regrets. Fredefick H. Small, Aged 5 yvears, Kearney, Neb. Red Side Billle Whiskers was a very bad little goat. He could butt harder than any of the other goats and he wanted Lo see the vorld, but h mother sald he was too little yet Then Billy would say proudly, “Just wait until 1 get bigger, then I will run oft and play and fight with the other goats.” One day when Billy was a full grown goat his master was watching that none of the other goats got away. Billy was walking along as innocent as a goat could look, when suddeniy he wheeled and ran right between his master's legs and he was free in the world, but he soon found that the world was full of trouble for runaway goats, And he seon wished he was back with his mothet, The Horse Sale. By Edward Stakly. Aged 13 Years. ford, Neb. Red. Last winter there was a horse sale in Lincoln, on the twenty-eigtith of January. My father, two of my brothers, and I got up early in the morning, went to Milford, and took the 6 o'clock train to Lincoln. ‘When we got there, we went to a restau- rant and ate breakfast. Then we went to the place where they were going to have the sale. We looked at the horses awhile, and then the le began. After a while we ate dinner, and then went to the sale in. We did not buy any horses. All at once it began to rain. Then we took the street car and went up town. Then it began to snow and blow, wg had a bad blizzard that time. Then we went to the depot, and when .the train was ready we got in it and went back to Milford. It was very stormy by this time. We started for home, but had to turn around and go back to town, and stay there all night, by morning it had stopped storming and we ‘went home. ! s When Grandma Was a Little Girl By Opal Nuss, Sutton, Neb,, Aged 11 Years. Blue Side. The stockings had been hung by the fire- side, for it was Christmas eve, and three children sat on the hearth, stroking the big Newfoundland dog, while grandma sat looking listlessly into the fire and thinking of sixty years ago that very night. She was suddenly startled by a sudden exclamation trom Anita. “Oh, grandma, please tell us a story,” and “I second the motion” from Archle, and “I, too,” from Tiny Tim. “Alright, children.,” This is what it was: “When I was just your age, Anita, I went to spend Christmas with my Aunt Phosbe. It was three days before Christ- mas when I arrived and I recelved a hearty weloome from ail, especially from Francls, my aunt's stepson, who was very full of mischief, and he knew he could play off tricks on me, for I was a little grown-up- before-my-time girl. The first two days we were good friends. Well, by the end of the second day the attic and every nook and corner had been scanned by my eager eyes, and every day afterward for the remainder of my visit you could see a little grown-up girl perched up among the cobwebs, under the drying herbs and chest- nuts, reading. In some way the day after 1 had arrived I choked up with a severe c0ld, and after belng dosed up I was put to bed. The nurse went before ‘with the lamp and warming pan, for they had no stoves or fireplaces In the bedrooms, and Aunt Phoebe followed, carrylng me. When we reached my room Aunt Phoebe warmed the bed and I was carefully tucked in and given my good-night caress and was left alone. How nice and warm the bed felt. 1 stretched my toes down as far as I could—a screa rent the air, and Aunt Phoebe came running in. * ‘Why, what is the matter child?" “Oh, 1 burnt my toe—burned it on the warming pan,” 1 walled. “She looked and there sure enough was a warming pan, but not hot. It was filled with snowballs. Francls had done it. \e next day I felt backward and shy whenever Francis came around, but though Francls begged my pardon, 1 didn't feel #0 much at liberty with him as before. “And on Christmas day aunt had a very 800d dinner, and at that both from Fran- cls and I, fled all the shyness." “Why chlldren,” broke off grandma, “it is pretty near time for Santa off to bed quick." An Honest Girl By Agnes McDermott, Aged 18 Years, Oak Street, Casper, Wyo. Red Side. May and Jennie were coming home from school. 1t was Christmas eve and the girls were telling what they wer to have, May said she was going to Ket a great many pres Jennle sald she did not expect anything but some warm mittens and a hood. As they were thus & dmall purse In the road. She pioked it up and saw it was very old. When she opened it she saw several pleces of silye May asked her what she was going to do with It. Bhe told her of all the presents she could buy with It Jennle sald she would take it home and ask her mother about It They had not gone far when they saw an old man coming up the road. May whispered to Jennie and told her to hide the purse. When the old man reached them he asked if they had found « small purse with some silver in it. He told them it was his week's wages and he did not have any other money. Jennle gave him the purse id te thanked her and By Mil- Scamper tulking Jennie saw went away. If the girls had looked closar at the stranger they could have recognized him as Mr, Brown, the store keeper. Jen nle hurried home to tell her mother about it. Mer mother told her she was glad she did not keep the purse. The next morning when Jennls opened the door & great surprise was thers. There were several large bundles of clothes, a Jarge pile of wood all ready for the stove and a large basket of food. On the handle of the basket was tied a card which read “For the honest girl. Honesty (s the best poliey." A !'onu;.;e—n Horse By Phillls Corbett, Aged 13 Years, Sidney, Neb.' Red Side. my master has bought one of those automoblles that make such a dreadful noise and he'll mever drive me around any more, The speaker was a small, brown horse, which was standing in a shady grove “T've always tried to do my duty, and lost winter when my foot was sors, I never complained but trotted to town as best T could,” sighed poor Prince, as he thought how he was slighted for am old machine. He went on quictly nibbling at the grass, but the “chug chug” of hls master's new motor ear attracted his attention “I'll not run up to him as I used to do," 1d Prince to himself, “I'll just let him come to me first.” Prince watched his master out of the cor ner of his eyes and saw him approaching the fence which enclosed the fleld. His master leaned over the fence ang called out: “What alls my old Prince” Come and see what I have In my pocket for you At this Prince trotted over to his master and after smelling around in his pockets was rewarded by finding a lump of sus “And did you think I had forgotten vou, Prince? Not a bit of it You shall st do me service. I shall not want to ride al the time in my new car, but shall harness you to your little cart and we will ride to town,” said his kind master, as he patted Prince and left him to lie under the cool shade of the trees and think over his fu- ture happiness. A Christmas Carol to the King of America. By Lucy Wright, A 14_Years, 665 W. Louchs Street, Sheridan, Wyo. Red Side. In the village of B— there lived a very wicked man, who died in his sins, and when he opened his eyes he found to his amazement and horror that he had been transformed into a black and wiley serpent with grizzle grey eyes. One day as he was wriggling through the woods, he came to an old hollow stump, where he espied a deep excavation. Being fllled with curosity he was about to enter, when he was startled by a volos who sald: “Enter not thou vile wretch into this domain. On looking up he percelved a great mole. “Look here, Mr. Mole,” said the serpent, *i T am only o black snake I am very wise and if you will listen to me I can tell you ‘Something that will make us both very rich,” and as the mole was very eager for riches he lstened to what the snake had to say. “In this wood thers are beautiful llies growing and If they are snapped up at a seasonable time, just before the bud bursts a beautiful maiden will appear and I want you to arrange a parlor to hold captive twenty-four of these lovely little creatures. After they are trained we can take them about through the great cities and have them perform in dancé and song to enter- tain the people of the world." Mr. Mole thought and thought and finally sald, “All right, Mr. Snake, I am with you In this scheme.” Then the snake started out to look for the lilles and the first bud he handed Mr. Mole (at the mouth of the excavation) bursted forth and a beautiful fair maiden slipped from his hands. She was indeed 0 very lovely that Mr. Mole, on entering his palace rooms crowned her queen and put a sceptre in her hand. *“We will call her name Queen Solla,” said he, ‘since she was taken from the Wy that King Solomon spoke of in the scripture and she was very wise.” When the serpent had brought twenty- three beautiful maidens to Mr. Mole and had gone for the last one, two school boys came along and perceived the old snake wriggling in the tall grass with a flower in his mouth. One youth exclaimed! “See that snake! Let us kil him! How much ho looks like the old saloon keeper who once lived opposits my father's gro- cery store.” So they gathered rocks and stoned Mr. Serpent to death. In an in stant he turned Into a little white rabbit He at once made off to the mole palace, but, of course, had to Introduce himscif, because the mole did not recognizo his friend. After he had told the molc his story they both felt very pleased, because the rabbit might now enter the palace room without fear of scaring the singing maldens. Mr. Mole sald twenty-three maidens is enough, it is a good number and a lucky one. 8o one day he took Mr, Rabbit into the maiden’s chamber and he was grected Wwith such exclamations of admiration and love that Mr. Rabbit was very indeed, to think he had been transformed to such an honpred condition. However, one day when he was out in search of food for the lovely maldens he was entrapped and was immediately transformed to beautiful white dove. He went home with & very cheerful heart and related his ex perfence to his friend the Mole, and now sald he: “I fly to the president of the United States who, in a few words can transform me into & prince of peacs After bldding farewell to the lovely maidens and Mr. Mole, he flew away to Washington and alighted upon the White House balcony, and, when the door opened, he made his way to Willlam Taft's private room and perched upon & ploture frame You can imagine the president's surprise when he heard that bird exolaim. “Pransform into & prince of peace, Oh, ye king of men." Immediately Mr. Taft's hands were up lifted it in suplication, and he “Behold & man.” At once & prince of pes stood before him who bowed his thanks and sald: “Christmas eve & carrol will be sung for your benefit by twenty three beautiful maldens of a woodland glen We will follow the march and sit with his friends and listen to the carroling of these maidens who filled the White House halls with valumes of inspirational song and, as they strengthen the soul of your American king with their carroling, the door opens and they pass out Into the night taking on the symbolic wings of purlty and love and walving thelr hands as If to say good-bye, while thelr echo rings over the earth. “Peaco be to America and may you follow in our footsteps.” “Oh dear! pleased a can me as sald