" That reminds me of a story, I don't believe I ever told you
before." But just then a customer came in, and he was attended
to by the old cobbler. Among their bits of conversation I caught
the words. ` Vice day for Christmas to-morrow." " You bet,"
replied the cobbler, " something like '73," and the other laughed.
As he took his seat again, I waited impatiently for him to be
gin his story but he was in no hurry and tapped meditatively
Upon the shoe. Suddenly he said, " what was that I started to
tell you about." But before I could answer " Oh, yes;" I re
member now:
" Well, some of us boys had a shanty down along the river.
We used to lounge there around the open fireplace, telling stories
and smoking as boys usually do. But I must not stop on this."
" One night there was evidently a big scheme on foot. They
jollied each other with quip and quirk. On every face, there was
a pleased look of expectation, and a sparkle in the mischief
loving eyes."
" Say Charley, is the spit all right," one of the fellows asked.
" Yes, it is all right, said the other. " I got a couple of new
blocks for it, and stole one of father's old steel ramrods for the
cross-piece."
The sitting room of the old farm house on the hill was cosy and
bright; the old lumberman and his wife were sitting comfortably
before the fire. " Well mother, I suppose you are pretty tired
this evening."
" Yes, John, pretty tired, but it makes me happy to think we
will have all the children here to-morrow, besides I have gotten
almost ready for the dinner. The cakes are all baked, the cran
berries cooling in the moulds, the raisins seeded for the big.plum
duff. And you know the big turkey is cleaned and hanging out
in the frosty air softening. What a monster he was; thirty-one
pounds dressed. I'll bet he's bigger than the President's Rhode
Island gift."
" But aren't you afraid some one will steal him," replied the
husband.
" I have it tied with a bit of chain from one of your old bear
traps, to a nail in the wall of the back porch. I put it high
enough to be above the reach of any prowling animal."
"Just then they were startled by a sound as of a rattling chain.
" ONB; ON THE BOYS "