Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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I PRIZE WINNERS IN STORY CONT! Following are the Christmas stories that won the prlz b In The Advertis er's contest: PRYING POLLY. (By Until Harwell.) Polly did so want to know all about everything. She not only asked ques tions on all subjects and of all people, but she tried hard to lind out things foi herself. This would have been very well if she had asked questions only about things proper for her to know, or If she bad tried to find out only those things her friends wished bei to know. The more she ought not to know, and the more folks tied to keep any thing from her. the more it seemed to her si.' must know and the harder she tried to find out. Her papa look id very sober whenever he found her prying Into other people's affairs. Her mother often talked to hei about her fault. Brother Jack made fun of her because of it. and Jack's teasing was hnrdor to bear than hor mother's Words Or hor father's sober looks. It was very vexing indeed when Jack sent her a valentine with a very big eye at a very little key hole, inside a queer border of interrogation marks. She knew only too well what it meant, and she really did find sorry over It? foi perhaps half an hour. Yet only the next day she tore a hole in a paper bag of rlCO to SGQ what was inside; and when her mother saw the mains Slipping and sliding in a white stream over the floor, sh made her count them, even that did not prevent hor from taking all the things out of a visitor's trunk to see what was at the bottom. One day she* reached up and pulled off the pantry shelf a large pan of maple syrup, which poured down bei heal and clothes. And her mother made her sit for an hour or two oil a stool in the middle of the kitchen with the sticky syrup running over hei face and through her long hair and even down her back. And now it was nearly Christmas and the one thing Polly most wished at Ohlstmas was that her gift, what* ?vi r it should he. would be a sur prise. "O, Mamma." she cried, "don't lot it be anything i ever beard of, and do be sure not to drop a hint of It before the very minute you put it in my hands and not then either. 1 shouldn't care for the very best prcs < ill If I guessed what it was before ! opened the package." Her mother promised it should bo just that way; and Polly went off singing: "Happy as a bird am I. Happy as a bee. I Is ppy as a butterfly, Happy as can be!" But the week before Christmas Polly's mother saw that she was unhappy. PlfSt she stopped singing; then she stopped laughing: finally she did not even smile, and at last the very men tion of Christmas brought a pained look Into her face and made her eyes fill with tears. Her mother had talked with her several times, but Polly "wouldn't tell" and she didn't till the Christinas < v. t wilight bad fallen, she (vine into Musk of avonlng time, she came Into her rtiotlmr's room and throw herself into her arms sobbing as If her heart would forerek. "It's Just dreadful and 1 orirtibea4j.il another minute hut I deserve*it m\," she cried. "What is it littlqidaughter-" asked her mother 1i ndorly as she folded Polly ( lose in her arms. ' 0i mamma, not to have the Christmas surprise after all!" "Why. Polly!" exclaimed her mother, "you have, you will I'm sure; I've got something yon never dreamed of, and I've (ll'Opp ? 'I no hint and it's been hidden away safely for a week". it would have been new," cried lolly, "but now it isn't; for mamma. 0, mamma, I ? 1 have seen it!" and I oily sobbed afresh. "But how could you have seen it. Polly? I put it away so carefully In" "O, yes, I know? in the bottom drawer of the spare loom dressing-case", sobbed Polly. "I saw you come out of there laugh ing softly to yourself, and I wanted to know why, and I went In and the key was in the drawer, and I opened i! and saw?the?present!'' "O.Polly, said her mother sadly, "how could youI don't know?1 did but, mamma," cried Polly start ing up, a brave light breaking over bcr face, "I?will?not pry into things ? v< r again any n.ore." She kept her word and ever since 1. e.- Christmases have been happy. Ruth Bagwell, Laurens, S. C. SWEET CHARITY. (By Mnrj Hill). In a lonely lane In London was a miserable street Inhabited mostly by poverty stricken people, At the end of this narrow lane, was an old house, which perhaps belonged formerly to some wenlthler person tbnn now In habited it. Rut Inside it was clean and as comfortable as It was posslblo to make it. In this house Mrs. Burns lived, and rented rooms to persons who felt like they were not able to afford a whole house. At the top of this "mansion", in an attie. lived a little girl, of thir- I teen years, with her two little sis ters, Bllon and Nell; the former being ten years of age, and the other, two years younger. Louise the older sist'-r of thirteen summers earned a few pence, by seit- ; Ing matches and llowers to support them. She always had her rent ready and they being very quiet children, Mrs. Burns had no cause to complain. At the time my story begins it was Christinas eve, and the snow was fall ing thick and fast. Louise wrapped up in her thin cloak, as best as she could, started out to see if she could procure a few shillings from her mat ches and llowers. She kissed her lit tle sisters good-night, (for she told them she would not bo back before dark, and by that time they must he in bed.) and started out. First she met a man. whom she asked to buy her articles. The man appeared to be very wealthy, judging by his elegant fur cloak, and the car riage from which he alighted, lb; paused and looked at her. but shook Iiis head and went into a store. One after another passed by. hut no one seemed to wish for any of her goods. By this time it had censed to snow, and people were hurrying to and fro. in and out the stores. Some came out with various sizes of bundles, in their arms. Louise's eyes tilled with tears of disappointment, when she thought of the two little stockings at home, hanging on the bet! posts, and she knew Santa-Claus would pass them by because they were so poor. Presently a nurse came along, roll ing a little lame boy. The little boy said something to her. and when they reached Louise she stopped and priced i the llowers, among them were lilies of the valleys, ami carnations. She replied, "If lie wants one. why lie's welcome to it." ami reached into the basket and drew out two hunches, and handed them to him. When lie extended the money to her. she refus ed to take it. and ran around the corn er, leaving the little hoy very much amazed to think that such a ragged girl should refuse money. Had Lou ise known that the man in the fur coat, was standing in the store, watch ing her, she would have turned very pale, for it was the lame child's fa- , Iber. Gleen, (for that was the child's name) returned home, and had nurse to put his llowers in a vase, that he I may look at them. That night after Louise had returned to her room, sitt ! ing by the tire, a caller who was no I other than "The man in a fur coat." .lie had a conversation with Mrs. I Burns, and an hour later a dozen bun dles were sent to the "mansion." and received by Mrs. Burns, who ipilotly I put them inside the attic, on the floor at the foot of the bed. Noxt morning as the bells were ringing out. ?'Peace on earth, good will toward men," Louise fell that altlio' she had given, she received nothing, but when she got up to build the lire, what a sight greeted her eyes! Hastily calling Kllen and Nell ie, and they untied the packages, and there was a dress and winde o n :'.t for each, a doll, fruits, nuts, cnnale. ami toys. In a Utile While Glcon's father came and they put on their now cloth es and went for a sleigh ride after which he took them to his home for dinner, one such as they bad never seen before. Truly Louise could say. "(Jive and ye shall receive." Mary Hill. Cross Hill. Till: HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS. (By Herbert Sullivan.) Centn res before the birth of Christ nearly till nations of the earth cele brated the winter solstice (Dec. 21) with religious ceremony and merry making. Their hearts were glad be cause the sun had overcome the dark ness and cold of winter, and the lengthening days told of the approach of spring. The Hornaus called this festival Sat urnalia, and the Northern nations tRcandanavians, (lotbs. Saxons etc.) tailed it Yule. A century or more after the birth of Christ, when many of these heath ens had become converts to the Chris tian religion, this season was chosen to commemorate the birth of the Christ-Child, and many of the old Yule-tide customs were adopted and given a Christian meaning. The Christmas tree, Yule log, mistletoe and even Santa Clans himself were banded down to us from these old converted heathens. For example; the Druids thought mistletoe sacred when gathered from oak trees; they gathered it at Yule, and sprays of it were hung with much ceremony ov their dooi? to offer shelter for the gods of the forest during the eold sea son: and now. we decorate dim- homes at Christmas with mistletoe. Not to offer shelter to the gods but for a pur pose especially designed for us boys. The exact date of Christ's birth is not known. During the fourth some of the old saints reckoned it to he De cember li.*>t!l. though no mention of the day or season of His birth can be found anywhere in the Gospels, and that day. December 25th, has been ac - cepted by all Christian nations. No doubt Christmas was at first chiefly a religious festival: the name Christ mass or Christinas tells us that. But as the years went by it grew more and more to be a season of merrymaking. The Christmas gayety reached Its height In Queen Elizabeth's roign. On Christmas Eve the Yule log was dragged In, the houses decorated with mistletoe and holly, the fir tree lit and the uummors or maskers held high carnival. Early Christmas morning carols were sung, then mass, followed by great feasting. Wild hoar's head, mince pie and plum pudding were among the rich dishes served ;it these feasts. The feasting and revolting lasted for days. Some of these old English ways of keeping Christmas were transplanted to American soil by the early settler-, of Virginia. The Pilgrim fathers thought it a sin to en joy themselves, so of course they did no. approve of such doings and for many years after Massachusetts was settled anyone that dared to celebrate Christmas was fined. But we owe much to the Dutchmen of New York for they revived the legend of St. Nicholas an l taught Hie American children to love the old saint. I In slavery times, all Southerners [celebrated Christina- ;!*V something lot' the hospitality and gayety of the old English; and the negroes Intro duced the use of lire-works to add to the fun. So you sec. we Southern boys owe something to many Influences from the Druids to the Southern ne cro i ir making our Christmas what it is. the happiest, jplllcst lime of the Herbert Sullivan. 13 years old. In sixth grade of l.aureus Graded school. SAP.MI'S (II HI ST MAS. (Bj V/.ih Wofford.) On the street stood a small girl shivering and blue with cold. A very i thin shawl was drawn tightly around her shoulders. Large tears stood in her eyes as she gazed at the crowd passing by her with their arms full of bundles. It was the day before Christinas eve and she bad b(A'i> trying hard all day to sell enough oranges to get some money for Christmas. She want ed to get presents for her sistei and to brother. There was a doll at the store, which she wanted to get tor her little sister. It did not cost but twenty-live cents and she was sure she could get it. She thought of go ing home, but she knew, if she went, there would be no fire nor anything to eat: so she decided to try. a few more times, to sell her oranges, lint everybody seemed in too great a hurry to no'ice Per. Soon she nu t a man who seemed very kind, stepping up; to him, she said. "Do yon want to buy sonic oranges, four for a nickel " "Yes" ho replied "lei me have fifteen I cents worth." She gayo I.im the oranges and took i the money Which sin- held very tight ly and closely in her hand. Then she turned and started down the Street, turning tin- corner she soon came to an old house. She opened the door ami stood looking around the room. Sitting before the fireplace was her mother, mending stockings. In one corner were three small children, while in the other corner, sat her father who looked very much like a drunkard. "Come In" said her mo ther, "don't stand there and hold the door open for the wind blows cold today." Sarah?for that was the girl's name went in and sat down before the tire place. "Is there no wood," Sarah asked her mother. "No Sarah" re plied her mother"thore are about four sticks and that is alL'. "Tom." said wood." Tom brought the wood which after he had put it on, began to crac kle and he went hack to his play. "Did you have good luck today. Sarah?" asked her mother. "No mo ther" answered Sarah "I only sold twenty cents worth, but I think I will, sell some more tomorrow." "Go now" said her mother' and put the children to bed." Sarah rose and put the Children to bed; after she had told them good night, she went back to her mother. Just then, her father started out the door. "Where are you going. Father" she said, but received no answer. "Mama" she said "I do. so much, want to get a present for the children, especially the doll for Louise." Ma ma, it is the prettiest doll you most Sarah," run out a stick of ... ...i> icme iiit'in uuu ri ? nur. .... : lather. .VM'ter ho had left the house, he walked down the street a little way. Ho was thinking; he wanted to quit drinking but could not do it. lie thought of his wile and children, at home. Buffering while he was giving hi nisei I up to drink. Suddenly, he stopped; he was near the saloon: be COUld hear loud voices; already he could smell the whiskey. "What must I do," he said. "I will never touch another t'.rop.of that stuff" he said i and turning walked back down the street, lie came to his house: went j in ami sat down by the lire. Looking at his wife, he said: "I will never touch a drop of whiskey again," and he sank down on the tloor i ml burst into tears. "Got up' said his wife in a gentle tone, "and get off to bod." He rose and went to bed. bis wife and daughter soon following. Sarah was up early in the morning and as she was about to leave went to her father and said. "Do not leave the bouse today, father" Then she went out and walked down the street very rapidly. Isvoryone seemed to smile at her as they passed. She soon sold out all except a few. Looking up she saw the man who bad bought oranges from her on the day before. He saw her and said to himself, "I will limi out something about ihis girl" ami going up to her he said: "where do you live, little girl, and why are sou out in this j cold?" "I live just down the street, in the lilifd houso from the corner ami I am trying it' get some money for Christ - I mas. We .'.re very poor and haven't any wood not anything to eat and I I want to got sonn presents for we are too poor to pa> Vai.'.a Claus. I have almost sold out my Oi'nnges and I think 1 will have enough to got some presents" said the girl. "I will give you one dollar for the rest of your oranges." said the man. lie took th,' oranges and gave her the money. She counted her money and found that she had three dollars. She went to the store and bought a doll and carriage for Louise, a leather horse for Tom. a rattler for baby, a present for mama and papa and fruits for all. When she started home it was almost dark; the streets were brilliantly lighted and everyone was loaded with bun dies. Once she saw Santa Clans stand ing in one of the stores ami she hur ried by lest he should see her. When she reached home, all the children were in bed and papa and mania wer sitting before a very cheerful looking tire. The room was all decorated with holly and everything looked like Christmas. "Oh. do look what I brought" she said and she smiled as she displayed each gift. Then she put the presents in the stockings which were banging before the fire. "Where did you get the wood, ma ma-" she said. "Why" answered her mother "a wagon came just a little while ago, with wood, provisions, presents and everything almost." "Oh" said the girl. "I lust ktui' the man j that bought the orti from me sent them, lie seemed to be a very kind : man." "I don't know who sent lliom but he must have l fen a kind man." said the mother, "i'npa" said Sarah. "Do you suppose Santa Claus will iCOllie to Might?" "I expect so." replied the father, "the mna thai brought the wood said be would send him. Hut you had better be in bed." Sarah went to bed and was soon in dreamland. In the morning the children were up early to see if Santa Clans had come. And sure enough, their stockings were crammed full. "Oh!" said Tom "do look, here is a j horse, a wagon and all kind of good I ies." "And I've got a doll" said Lou ise, "and candy and things." It was a happy sight in this home. Everybody was happy; they had plen ty of wood, a good dinner and best of all their father had resolved to do bet ter. A/He Wofford. Madden. S. C. ! Age 13. For That Dull Feeling After Kating. I have used Chamberlain's Stomach and Liver Tablets for some time, and can te?tlfy that they have dono me more good than any tablets 1 have ev er used. My trouble was a heavy dull feeling aftor eating David Freeman. Kempt, Nova Scotia. These tablets strengthen the stomach and Improve the digestion. They also regulate the liver and tiowels. They are far su perior to pills but cost no more. Get a free sample at Laurens Drug Co s. drug store and see what a splendid medicine it Is. MERRY WIDOW is a rieb man's to bacco, but you get it at a pour man's price from M, N. Fowler. 5>ur Money's Xs Worth ??'<? the next weeK Blacki_ re;atns In the Ne he has ? the piessities of Life. book i - Mrs?/e }iave now in store "(^'barrels of Fresh Flour whi ;h we are going to sell. Best patent Flour, Copy right or White (1?/: Satin per bbl. ?PU.^O Best second patent Flour, Nondyke or c White Kose, %P*3./0 Big Shipment of Choice Heavy Red Rust Proof Oats just received $1.25 rer $1.65 Red May and Blue Stem Seed Wheat Rice Heal and Wheat Bran for fattening Hogs Fatten Your Hogs! We Have the Feed. Bran and Shorts per sack - Mill Feed per sack ?PI.OU Rice Meal sack Rice Flour per | *y c sack - *P * ? * O J. H. SULLIVAN Laurens, S. C. Big Land Sale! 20 acre lol on Hast Main Street wiili two dwellings and other improvements. 47 ncres near Ora; high state cultivation. 9 } acres near Ora; all necessary improvements. gtorc house ami lot at Monnt ville, cheap lor quick sale. Multiplying, Sil ver Skin and Yellow Danver Onion Sets Kennedy Bros. Laurens, S. C. Buy Christmas Gifts Here! Ja ?ver lowers a man's dignity t< l> trouble. V?. Jam. J Tl A TRAINED ELE If k) 165 casl yeai 11101 t wo V 1 in; che iiect any I OYS FANCY GOODS 01)0 I'IKCF.S MllC-A-lUtAC FF.RFUMKRY FANCY STATIONERY FT ill, \SS SO \1?S TKNNKY'S lil<;il (JRAOK CANDIF.S. A^ Todt r. B. F. Posey l.tiiireus, South Ciirolina P?j Buy at ^ always at your service when yon <j II KIJTCCTRICST.j >) e will advise you as to the liest ki !/ oper placing of your electric u ith him. Jit- will be glad to show 1? vtul conveniences electricitv affoi WHOLESALE r. II. c and save MONEY 81= r$> <^<^<^<K>OH>0-0-C><>0-< t v P n n tl r h; 1AURENS WHOLE ALEGROCERYCO. etting Ready to Fix I'jC in If Lumber is needed ander vou^U. CLIFTON JON KS uh supply it Then there will hu either in delivery or the quality < Dentist matter if you don't need mn promptly and good Just the natmDfflc? in Simmons Building GLAD TO FILL YOU 11( GRAY & E:AS Lauren's, S. C e: Office No. 86; Residence 219. KING'S NEW DISCOVERY nil Surely Stop That Cough.