Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Under the Mistletoe Bu M. P. Heatherlnaton (Copyright by Western Nnwspap^r Union.) It was an Ideal Yuletlde. The aweet notea of church chimea throbbing out melodioualy, "1'eace on earth, good will to men," announced It; laughter, am 11 on, gay greeiinga among tho atreet crowda emphaalzed it. Two men going In tho aanm direction, strangers one to the other, yet oddly mutually Involved In a fateful circum atunce of the hour, unconacioualy Iftaaened their gait to catch the final notea from the diatant belfry. He in advance, awarthy. . evjleyed, bearing a neatly covered box under hla arm, uttered an ugly, alniater chuckle. "11* fore thai hour atrlkea again ? thla!" he hiaaed malevolently rather than uttered, and he tapped the box and atrode onr grim with aome pro- - found purpoae, The man ten pacea behind him, young, hundaome, neat, but none too fashionably clad, carried u thin, aquare package suggesting a canvaa, for hla waa an artiat'a face, and he waa an artist ? Chaae Merwyn. Had he apokon It Ih (mart's thougfit ho would have whiapered ao "Before this hour atrik<fe again I ahall have Haid good-by Jfo all 1 love." He of the einlatoriwfeblance atrode on and turned intf>4i fuahlonable real dnnc.o thoj^tj^ffure. Unconacloualy liko a^Jfrudow, th<J other kept almoat evAj^pttce ? with him. Under an arc H0W> Cha?*e Merwyn paused to look over tho package ho carried. His ob 1 jectlvo point waa a manaion, a daz zling place of light and luxury, and before It tho ainlator-looking man had halted a poorly-dreaaod fellow strug gling along without an overcoat, and bluo and pinched with the cold. Tho twain wore converaing and tho man with the box handed it to the other, pointed to the doorway of the rannnion ana passed on. His messenger pro ceeded up the steps, which Mer wyn mounted also. It was in tlmo to see a servant open the door and to hear the other say: "A present for Mr. Worthinftton; to bo opened tomorrow." "Oh, of courso that," smilod the servant, taking tho box. "I will place it with tho other gifts. Ah, Mr. Mer wyn," and the servant stepped aside to admit htm. "For Miss Worthington," said Mer wyn, handing his gift to t)io other. His gift was a picture ho had painted, and with it was a lettor. * ' ? . * ? * * ? - Slowly Morwyn descended the stops. He paused for a few moments on tho pavement to take a last look at tho home that hold so much for him. A slinking liguro approached him from tho shadows. "Mister," ho stammered, "I'm poor and I need tho gold coin a man gave mo for delivering a box to that houso tonight, but?" "Ah, 1 remember!" observed Mer wyn, recalling man and circumstance. "A gold coin is so rare for a trifling service," resumed the other, "that I was suspicious. Then again I didn't like the face of the man who gave it to mo; I followed him. He mot some others like himself. I heard him laugh over an explosion about midnight." "Greaf heavens!" ejaculated Mor wyn, cotnprehendlng, and was up the steps in a flash. "Quick! Quick open!" he cried to tho servant, Just setting tho chain on the inside, "The music ^oom!" , uttered Merwyn excitedly and hurried thith er, turned on tho light switch and made a dash for the table. Ho romembered tho shape j ?and bIzo of tho box. His eyos made out one corresponding to it. Merwyn gavo it a fling through the window, thero was a flash, and outside a dotouatlon that shook the house. Some flying object thudded against his head and ho foil to the floor. It was Christmas day when he opened his eyos. He lay upon a couch pulled directly under the chandolier. Daylight was streaming into tho room. The wrecked window frame was bar ricaded. His head was bandaged, and seated at a littlo distance was Esther. "Oh, I am so glad!" she cried a? she noticed that his eyes had opened. "THe surgeon has Just left, and papa ? he says you saved us all and that you are a hero! And tho beautiful picture i you intended for me ? it was riddled with window glass, but ? I found tho letter. Why did you write so sadly?" "Hecause ? because I feared to write all tho truth," Morwyn confessed. "Tho man who warned you told us enough to havo us guess tho truth," spoke Ethel, confusedly changing the Bubjoct, and then she followed tho glanco of Merwyn. His eyes rested on the mistletoe right over his head. "Why this is Christmas morning, euro enough." fluttered Esthor, "and we are the first ? " ' "Ethel," spoke Merwyn irroslfit?bly, ?"I love >ou!" ! His arms wero lifted towards her and a world of pleading was in his long?r?ir ayes. She did not hesitate, j Their Hps met that strangely beautiful I Christmas morn ? under the mistletoe. | Old Bill's Gift Bu Octavla Roberts (Copyright by WtiUi n Newppapv.r Union.) Dili, more familiarly "Old UIH"--he had never been known to mention a family name ? looked around hi* "haven of holiday comfort," as he termed it, with a chuckle of supreme satisfaction. "U'h great!" he gloated, "with only one thing missing? a Christmas tree." Hill was a character. The tovms people designated him a tramp. Home how, however, the appellation did not seem to fit. He did not drluk nor swear. lie did not beg. His willing ways had made him popular, and when isill w:is "down on his luck" and paused a doorway hungry-looking, his wants were generally provided for un solicited. It was the day before Oferiotmas. De hind the patient gloafa In "Old Dill's" eyeti lurked some sentiment of memory that Impelled him to celebrate. This es pecial yo^r he had been preparing for the ev^nt with the eager ardor of a schorf boy. BUI had made no confl dantB. Quietly and enjoyably he had laid his pjans. These wore now perfected. A week back lilll had "gone to house keeping." He had discovered an old abandoned bam just beyond the town limits. The lower part had lost doorH und windows and was bleak and cheerless indeed. A rickety stairs, however, led to a room In one corner of the loft. It was cozy and warm and at one tlmo had been a har ness room. Here Hill had "camped." He had fished out an old oil stove, a cot? a table and chair from the town dumping heap. A particular housewife had present ed him with a roasted chicken because one Bide was slightly charred. On (he rude table beside it were half a dozen homemade doughnuts and a real mlnpe pie. Dill took a last look at the goodly array of comfort then weqt out to seek a branch of arbor vitae which would servo as a Christmas tree. As ho neared the barn on his return ho came to a spoody halt. A light glowed over at one corner of the place. It proceeded from a lantern set in the foefl box of a manger. In the manger itsolf across the stale hay it contained a blanket was spread, and, Bwathed in coverings upon this, as rovopled by the lantern rays, lay a little sleeping babe. Noar by a sorious-faced man was shaking the snow from his shoulders. Heside him, seated on an old suitcase, was a comely but care-worn woman. The man^ogan to speak. Bill, agape, drew into the shadow and listened. It was to hoar enough to learn that bad luck was driving these homeless ones from thoir former homo, penniless, on foot, to the fa ther of the wife, ten miles further on. The storm had driven them to temporary shelter. Tho husband and father had taken a well thumbed volume from his pocket. He began reading aloud. It was of "an upper room," of a master and his beloved disciples, of a supper never to be forgotten In the memory of man kind. BUI stood like one transfixed. What tender chord had been struck that he closed his eyes! He was back forty yoars In memory, at his mother's knee. How vivid, how appealing ? a picture she had shown him of the Christ-child In a manger, of the devoted father and mother, as here before him, a proto-. type of that holy eve so real, so touch ing?the First Christmas I A mighty thought moved him as he quietly spoke: "Friend, upstairs you will find com fort till the storm is over. Call it a Christmas greeting ? seo?" and was gone. * ? "I'll strike out for Farmer Dale's haymow," shivered Bill, after half an hour'B dosultory wandering, and he turned about ? to start, to shout out, and then to run. For thore in the distance the fa miliar farmhouse showed no illumina tion within, but beyond it a glare shot up ? a haystack on fire! Bill reached the farmyard. The wind had blown the flames against one gable of the houso and it waa burn- ; ing. He ran to tho stable for a pitch fork. Then began a fierce battle. Bucket after bucket of water ho car* { ried. Tho last spark was dashed out, i and Bill sank exhausted to the ground ; as tho farmer and his family, visiting at a neighbor's and attractod by the blaze, came rushing upon the scene, j "Ye9," declared Farmer Dale, two hours later, as ho showed Bill up the stairs and into a comfortable chamber, "this is your room, and you will sleep here, and you're a free boarder long as you like, understand? Why, there'd bo no houso to sleep in if it wasn't for you!" Old Bill was a long timo Rotting into bed. Like to a child ho sank into a peaceful slumber, hla auftoned spirit in radiant dreams wandering through that "uppf r room" filled with the souls of tho?'., however humble, who had ! helped to make true "Peace on eartt 1 good will to men." Vh* Qtoy's CSurtetnMBi Tow. A woman, they My, (bought of the first community Christum* tree. It wan erected In Madison ?<juart?, in New York city. There wh* something stimulating, something highly infec tions. in the lUca^lvjr now cities and village* all over Am. rl< a are erecting Christmas treea In their public squares, says the Delineator. * They aru wonderful things. tbcttt community Christmas treea, not for their beauty alone, but for the aplrlt they arouse in the towna where they nre found. They are the village center for (^hrlstmas Joy. CfrrJjit tufts servjees. without sectarian barriers, art; held about them. Cbrlai'maa ' ciTrols urn sung ot their bases. None ao |x?or or so world worn or so hurried but he must see, must thrill with friend and stranger alike to this tree for all the world. It brings the child in the manger to every soul in the com munity. The Christmas tro; la essentially a aymbol of (he north and of the home. Yet it Is Inextricably blended in our minds witli our faith, which is desert bred. Most of the great religions of the world were born of some solitary spirit who sought the lonely sand waste and thcro wrought out that which made the desert of Ids soul "blossom like the rose." He who gave us the great faith went again and again out Into the burning yellow barrens. wbare (ft* lender, brooding, violet sky awaited tiim : win*!.- ill the deaert world, mo fearful lu Ita unadornmeut. ao over whelming In Ita aolltude, founfl focuaed in tilui ail its pulsing radiance, aa j though in blm were centered tiie heart, best of tba universe. In the rerdura less. Hand driven, star bung deaert (be Babe with IdH listening ear beard, with hla dreaming eyea saw, with bla throbbing haart fai^ the faltb that turned men's faces forever from the clod to the cross. Why. then, should the Mr tree atand lu our public square. aign and aymbol of that deaert birth? Whatever ita physical history, why ahould breatbleaa thousands, hungry of body or of spirit, looking on the great pino tree bung with electric bulbs, backed by sky scrapers, topped by sinuke, find In Ita incoherent beauty the urge aet In mo tion by the deaert bred Babe? One would have aald of the home Christmas trees that, after all. It was the gifts that gave them tbelr glamour. There are uo gifts on the community Christmas trees, yet thousands and thousands of us look on them with the I thrill that belongs to faltb alone. One wonders why, Perhaps this is the reason: The com inunlty Christmas tree symbolizes that which the home Christmas tree does not. It symbolizes Christmas for all the world. It meuns that the dawn of real brotherhood Is tinting our horizon. It meaus, au'U particularly thin Christ man it means, that tu sylto of poverty and bloodshed, In spite of greed and despair, there are in Increasing uum bern lu the world thou? who would share with tl?o world all that sacred beauty un<l hoj?e tb&t ore tbe Individ uul'a boly of holies, tbe most difficult of all oue's spiritual rlcbea to share. It la tbo symbol of green forest beau ty, of tbo diuld's wild faith, of tbe Teuton's large*** aud always of giving, giving. Not strauge that forever In our minds It sbould be inseparable from tbe birthday of hlui who gave supreme ly; not strange, but utterly soul sat isfying, that finally we have Joined our haiida aud placed the Christmas tree in tbe market place -symbol that, at last, man may give himself to man. "God bless us!" said Tiny Tim on Christmas day. 'jGod blesa us every ouel" Dickeus dreamed of a Christ mas festival that should belong to all. Ills Tiny Tim, lame and wistful, might have foreshadowed the joy starved world that now crowds around th? market place tree, saylug as he said, "(lod blesa ua every one!" 1 ' U ' Washington's City Christmas. "Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men.** This sentence, biasing from a bril liantly lighted electric placard raised nlnjost to the dome of the capitol, re flected the predominant sentiment of thousands who assembled at the capitol plate to celebrate Wa*hingto^^59 ...unity Chrlatmaa." A giant Nonjl spruce, |llumluated with KUmnaJi , . (I, white and blue electric bulbt;2I Marine band, a huge electric mi, J the ea?t ? cliorua of 1,000 ifejS with ti.o capltol iiMfif outlined aa3 background against the dark curt?wl of the aky, made a acene of '-|-|J beauty. Tableaux repre#euting twl story of the Nativity were pnumI in the improvise*} ampbltbeai, the audience were many m?a and w%| en well known throughout the count?) 1 including high government offlcUW. 1 ' -? Santa In th? City. ^ Bantu Clays touched the bufo, which summoned his foreman. "Yes, sir," said the foreman, lonil* In froUHhe sbop. : ? -W "What are you worklug on?" "Doll Huts. sir." - Banta Claus turned in his chair ttA regarded his foreman doubtfully. ] "Doll flats!" he exclaimed, "fal mean doll houses." <9 "No, sir," the foreman anairer** "These are for city distribution, what the children don't know anything at** houses." ? St. Louis Post* Dispatch. . .. ????*? !????? V V Unselfishness la the kef to Christmas happiness. Complete Stocks-Mo derate Prices-Efficient Service There are Reasons why This will be your "Rush Time" place to Shop It is truly gratifying" to see the enormous crowds that are daily thronging thru this "Cheerful Christmas Store" ? of a thousand Gifts. In every .department, thru every aisle, at every turn of your elbow," you will j meet many of your friends who are making this Store their Christmas Shopping Headquarters. You, too, will find this a dependable store for the right kind of Christmas merchandise, the right kind of service, the right kind of prices and the right kind of spirit surrounding the purchase you make. Can we have the pleasure of serving you tomorrow? Early in the morning, if you please. Make our store your headquarters. You folks who are visiting Camden during the holidays are cheerfully invited to make our store your headquarters. Pleasant surroundings and accomodations have been arranged whereby you can leave your parcels, and meet your friends. Whether you buy or not ? we're glad to see you ? the hospitality of this store is at your ser vice. nrrseid THE FIRST BIG CLEARANCE OF WOMEN'S SUITS STARTS TOMORROW AT AMAZING REDUCTIONS. - Right before Christmas ? in the height of the Winter Season comes this welcomed announcement. You need not wait any longer until after Christmas for your suit come and pay the January Clearance ?rice ? You will save $5 to $15 and secure an additional Month's wear without extra cost. Misses and Women's New Winter Suits, worth at regular Value $20, $25 and $30, to be sold at $14.75 Included in this lot of Suits are the new Russian Blouse and Semi-Belted models English JBox Coats and Military effect ? tailored in fine Chiffon Broadcloth, Wool Pop lin, Whipcord, Gabardine and Serges, in colors of Navy blue, Black, Brown, Green Plum and Grey. rrm THIS COUPON Will Pay Your Railroad Fare to Camden Free. To any person living within 100 1 miles of Oamden who comes to this store and purchases 125.00 worth of merchandise, we will refund your Railroad Fare, Pro _ _ r?J vlded you present this coupon and your return railroad ticket Fine Solid Gold Top Jewelry Put up in Gift Boxes at 25 and 50c. Special line of neatly box ed Jewelry, the very thing for inexpensive gifts. In the lot are Gold Brooches, Cuff Pins, Waist Sets, Tie Clasps, Scarf Pins, also lot of gen uine Tennessee Pearl Nov elties, all neatly boxed, rea dy to give. Values up to 75c, for 25c and 50c. Ladies' Plain Linen Hand kerchiefs, 5c to 50c. .Novelty Hand Bags for Christmas. Leather hand bags, in black, genuine leather, silk lined, plain or Persian ef fects, mirror and coin purse. Up to $3, starting at.. $1.00 Black and Colored Hand Bags, in genuine leather, Sil ver, Gilt, or Gun Metal mountings, Silk brocade or Persian lined ? mirror, coin purse,, note book, etc., $2.00 $2.50 and $5.00. Children's Purses, in col ors, 25c and 50c. Ladies' Fine French Hand Embroidered Handkerchiefs in lovely designs, 50c. Men's Soft Cotton Hand kerchiefs, with narrow hems, 5c and 10c. - Men's Plain Linen Hand kerchiefs, neatly hemstitch ed, 10c, 12 l-2c to 50c. Camden's Handkerchief , Store* People look to us always for the prettiest assortment we never disappoint them. Handkerchiefs for Ladies and Men in Batiste, Linen, Silk and Crepe de Chine. Ladies' Embroidered Lin en Handkerchiefs, 15c to 75c. NECKWEAR ? The Thing to Give. Choose a nice set or piece of Neckwear from oiir new Christmas stocks you'll come n^ar to pleasing any woman. It is made of Georgette Crepes, Crepe de Chines and Organdie, dainui hand embroidered or some lace trimmed. Vests, Collars and Collar and Cuff Sets, 25c to $4.66. ^ Ladies* Neckwear in Gift Boxes ? the Gift That Always Pleases. ..A dainty bit of Neckwear, & JUpll&r, a a Collar Set, a Shoulder Corsage and numbers of other dainty little remembrances. HIRSCH BROS. & CO. CAMDEN, - v -;>? South Carolina *? : V T" ? ? ? - * -?