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!T A CHRISTMAS STORY, gj HY G. T, FERHIS. K6S [Copjrtght, 1897, by the Author.] Frustrated hope threw its blight on the i cheery old face as Mrs. Martin read the letter from her son Paul. He had been a wanderer for eight years and now wrote from South Africa. The same feeling haunted Kate Lockwood’s flneeyes, though she bit her lip at the conscious revelation. But Mrs. Martin did not see. Her eyes were blurred And murmuring, “What oould have happened to change his mind?” as if it were the presage of some greater blow, she went on with the reading: “I’d give a few ‘sparklers’ to be with you on Christmas, as I had planned. But a fellow can’t always fulfill his own wish es. It’s better to have everything wound up before leaving. South Africa has treat ed me pretty well up here in its diamond fields, so I shouldn’t kick if it keeps me in its clutch a little longer. I shan't be sor ry to leave this furnace behind. “When my letter reaches. Jack Frost will be abroad with you in Vermont, clad in ice and snow, but here a man will bo baking at 96 in the shade. I’m burned as black as any Kaffir in the mines, so that you and Kate would scarcely know my swarthy phiz By the way, you may tell that young woman from me that I don’t half like her goings on with the Swinton man. Didn’t she promise to wait for me? I shall have a word to say to her about her faithless ness. *' And so Paul’s letter rambled on In a semichaffing tone. Kate’s face had darkened to angry scarlet when Mrs. Mar tin looked up and said: “Why, my dear, you mustn’t take Paul’s jokes so hard You know what a ‘tease’ he was from a boy. ” That was precisely the trouble. Paul had always been joking, Kate feared. A distant cousin and reared in the family, ever since she had emerged into woman hood a more tumultuous sweetness had mingled with the calm affection she had once felt for Paul even as she had for his .elder brother Will When he had gone Away, she was only 17, and keenly she had lulvered with the nang of parting. Year 11 IJI I i ! Il— _ ' n ' i /W // / / M rWn | I 18. “WHAT A TEASE!’’ ' . alter year had slid by, and the rolling stone found no rest and the girl’s sore heart had certainly found no balm in the absent Paul’s jocose phrases Yet she had sometimes fancied a thrill of sentiment and tenderness quickening his sportive al lusions At ail events suitors bad lacked fuel for their fire, and her friends rallied the young schoolteacher that the only men folk she liked were the lads, with whom she could be “jolly good fellow” in a most fascinating way Her latest admirer, the head of a prosperous factory and much liked by the Martins, had no better luck than predecessors “There was a time,’’the old lady con tinued in reminiscent mood as she laid down the letter, “when I hoped you and Paul would come together some day; but, lackaday, that’s all done with, I can't understand the girls nowadays.’ 1 s’pose you ain’t afcared of bein left an.old maid, fer, you know, you’re good lookin’’—and Mrs. Martin peered quizzically at Kate over her glasses—‘‘but- still you might never have such a good offer as Mr. Swin ton—plenty of money, not too old, and as good as gold As for Paul’s stayin away anotbpr —. A sickly, fretful <“ ' baby is a distress- ul burden to both of the parents. As- v/xjw \ ter P ass ' n K worried and sleepless ■StvCX. n 'khts the father MAiRuBB is unfitted for bus iness and the HP] mother for her 1 Mfl household duties. W a woman will r. jl '77 J&sßk USqj take proper care of herself during l ' lc period preci d- Kgfll lESflHfl HI! '"S motherhood. IwSi ancl see t° it tl>a t Ur fl 1 ’‘the organs that ■Bl »r.Xt!S bear the burdens ■■l KwKw maternity are KB I K| W kept strong and healthy, H her cHildren will be ro- bust and good-natured. •W " The best medicine for keeping these delicate and important or gans in a healthy condition is Dr. Pierce’s Favorite Prescription. Thousands of women have testified to the marvelous action of this remedy, More of it is sold than of all other medicines for the same purpose combined. It acts directly upon the organs involved. It restores their health and vigor. It prepares a woman for the duties of motherhood. It insures the health of baby. It makes its advent easy and almost free from pain. Women who use 'it do not experience the usual discom forts of the period of gestation. It is the most marvelous medicine ever known for wives and mothers. It is the preparation of an eminent and skillful specialist, Dr. R. V. Pierce, who has been for thirty years chief consulting physician to the Invalids’ Hotel and Surgical Institute, at Buffalo, N. Y. Women who wish to know niore about it should write him. “ About six years ago my wife became afflicted with female weakness,” writes the Rev. I. J. Coppedge, of Elmo, Kaufman County, Texas. “She could not stand on her feet or get in any position in which she did not suffer great pain. She was naturally a strong woman. I had several physicians to treat her without any per manent relief. She despaired of ever again be ing well. She saw an advertisement of your ‘ Favorite Prescription ’ and spoke to me about it. I got her a bottle of the medicine which she soon found was helping her. She kept on until she had taken six bottles. Since taking the last she has not suffered a moment with the old trouble. She has been well nearly twelve months. The • Favorite Prescription ’ was all the medicine she took. She is in good health and we are happy." ■‘Wlk.T's C.iat about Paul’s not comln home?” Mr. Martin’s jolly red face, now beginning to pucker with years and care, was filled with dismay as he suddenly en tered the room. “That scapegrace of ourn oughter be thrashed es he’s a-goin to dis appoint us ag’in. ” So Mrs. Martin again read the letter aloud, while Kate, amid the varied comment of the old couple, escaped for a hearty cry. Farmer Martin's gloom had a deeper root than ordinary miscarriage of hope. “I’d ruther looked to Paul’s help es the wust comes,” said he to his wife, “fer Will’s got all he can shoulder. The mort gage on the place has never been easy to meet—what with poor crops and low prices. I met Squire Barber jes’ now, and I told him wo expected PauL ‘ Fer sure, ’ said he, and laughed with his‘Ho, ho!’ like some danged ole hyeny, and then he said he hoped there wouldn’t be any delay this year ’bout the mortgage money or somethin might turn up, and then he outs with another snicker. Confound his hide, it’s as heartless as his sheepskin books, fer I had alius reckoned him a friend afore. ” Though Christmas did not promise any appetizing sauce for its turkey and mince fie, active pre'paratiori’went on as usual, for Will and his children would be there, and their hearts must be gladdened with Christmas sunshine. Arlingford had in deed always kept the day with more' fervor than is the wont with most New England country towns It was the day before Christmas and the farmer was returning from the woods, whither he had gone to select the Christmas tree. The crisp, sweet air was musical with sleighbells, for the earth was sheathed in dazzling white. As he turned into the main street, his bobsled almost collided with a fast cutter spinning homeward from Chester. It was Squire Barber returning from the county seat, some eight miles distant, where his law office was located. “Merry Christmas, if it isn’t too early!’ shouted the lawyer, pulling up. “W’hat have you got there? Holly, and as I live mistletoe too I haven’t seen any before for an age. ” “Yes,” said Mr. Martin, “it comes and goes in a curious way. I hain’t found it growin fer ten years till I got this from a half rotten apple tree in the upper or chard. ” And he held up a sprig of It with its yellow leaves and whitish berries shin ing like crusted silver in the winter sparkle of the sun. “The old legend says it brings good luck,” answered the lawyer. “I’ll drop in this evening and see it hanging, for the chance of kissing pretty Kate under the mistletoe, unless Swinton gets ahead o. me.” And he chuckled heartily to himself as he drove on. The Martins had attended the, early service ip the church and were now gath ered in the big parlor where the Christmas tree was set loaded with presents and the children were all agog with eagerness. Mr. Swinton was a guest of the occasion, though not much to Kate’s pleasure. The tree had been almost stripped of its burden amid the jubilation of the youngsters, and even Paul’s absence couldn’t quite quench the heartsome glow of the old folk. “Ow I ’ood like to see Santy Caus his ses ’en he comes down the chimley to night!” said little May Martin, her mouth gorged with dripping sweets. Just then a tremendous clashing of bells rang out as if a whole caravan of sleighs were coming up the road. Louder and louder chimed the silvery music till it stopped before the door amid the pawing of horses’ hoofs. “Who can it be?” they all said to each other. “Perhaps it is Santa Claus,” whis pered Kate to little May. The child caught w- o lid I®/ u HOW THE OI.D MOTHER CRIED AND HUGGED HIM. at the entrancing thought and rushed to the front door. They heard a scream of terror, and May darted back, gasping and white, to hide her face in her father’s lap. Santa Claus indeed had come to the child’s invocation. Framed in the door way and seeming almost to fill it stood a great, fur clad figure, looking like a gi gantic bear on its hind legs. A fur hel met covered the whole face, with goggles in the eyelet holes, and on the furry arm hung a big basket with bulging contents. Amid the breathless silence and wonder the uncouth figure stalked to the Christ mas tree and crowded its empty boughs with such a largess of parcels as to bend them low. As the pantomime went on Mr. Martin nodded to his wife and Kate and then toward their guest as if to say, “This little comedy is the pleasant sur prise of a rich man’s wooing. ” But Swin ton s eyes were bent on Santa Claus with a queer look of dread and expectancy could they have gauged his thought. Not a word was uttered till the fur clad image had closed his task, when a hoarse, rumbling voice, as if it had been made raucous by shouting against polar blasts, issued from under the fur hood, calling them by name and summoning them to receive their gifts. The children’s turn came first. The trembling youngsters were loaded with such gorgeous and won derful toys as they had never dreamed could exist Will Martin got a box con taining a sealskin cap and gloves. The wonderful fur cloak which Santa Claus threw around Mrs. Martin was fit for the shoulders of a queen, as she stood there quivering with curiosity and a dumb pre sage that feared to name itself and stam mering thanks that choked' in tne throat In the farmer’s hands was placed a large sealed envelope, and he blinked and (jeered as if he would unravel some clew to the impassive mystery which faced him. He itched to tear open the envelope, but wait ed. j Kate Lockwood’s name was called, and her trembling limbs could scarcely.parry TUB ROUE TRIBLNE. SATURDAY DECEMBER 25. 1897, her forward. A little box was snappeu open and a superb diamond ring blazed like a star. Shp grew dizzy, for a blinding flash of iijtelJlgence came even before that furry mask was torn off with a swift ges ture and the bronzed face of Paul, twitch ing with emotions of -joy and -tenderness, appeared to 'them. How the old mother cried and hugged him till her arms were weary; how the men folk wrung his hand and overwhelmed him with broken, eager questioning, and how the children made shy acquaintance with the unknown uncle Santa Claus need not be ppcounted. “And has my Kate no greeting?” Paul said. She came forward with cheeks of flame from where she had stood aloof, be wildered with a rush of feelings. He gazed at her shining eyes, and her heart leaped at the lover’s deep look. Then he happened to notice the twisted vine of leaf and berry that swayed over her head, the time honored symbol of a thousand sweet mysteries. “Under the mistletoe, too,” he laughed He was the same old teasing Paul. ‘ • That Is as it should be. ” And ho took his privi lege then and there, drawing her sweet « face to his and kissing her on the lips be fore them all. “Look,” he whispered, “at the inner circle of the ring,” and there Kate saw en graved, “From Paul to the woman he loves, ” and that was Paul’s proposal, an swered to his satisfaction by one flashing glance, veiled as quickly by the modest eyelashes. “I've been ringing and hammering at the outer door for five minutes, and no one came, so I walked in,” said a new voice as Squire Barber entered. “I suppose you’ve got everything fixed to your wishes now, and that the mistletoe brought good luck ” “You old fox, you knew all about it,” burst forth the farmer, and with a sudden thought he opened the envelope and saw it was a “mortgage satisfaction” paper. “So it was Paul and you that put up this Christmas joke. ” “Yes, dad,” said Paul without a bit of remorse. “I think we did it in pretty good style too. I started from South Africa at the same time I posted that let ter as a blind and landed more than a fort night since. The rest was easily fixed, and I determined to shake you all up with a big surprise. And I have proved such a successful Santa Claus that a certain young woman has concluded to let me play Santa Claus to her for life. ” “Where's Mr. Swinton?” said the farm er, with a keen recollection of incivility, for in the agitation of the scene all had forgotten him Love is sometimes very selfish. Their guest of the early evening had unobtrusively slipped away He knew be was one too many. RELIEF IN SIX HOURS. Distressing Kidney and Bladder dis eas s relieved in six hours by the “New Great South American Kidney Cure.” This new remedy is a great surprise on account of its exceeding promptness in relieving pain in the bladder, kidney, t back and every part of the urinary pas sages in male or female. It relieves re tention of water and pain in passing is almost immediately. If you want quick relief and cure this is your remedy. Sold by Curry-Arri' gtoa Co., druggists, Rome, Ga. tb-fr-sat & w. MR. COLEMAN’S FATHER DEAD. The Venerable Gentleman Passed Away Last Week Wednesday. Editor W. S. Celeman received a telegram last week Wednesday that his father, Mr. Watson R. Coleman, was dangerously ill, and with his wife left at once for his parents’ home at Ellijay, says the Standard. Owing to poor railroad connections of the M. & N. G., they could not reach Ellijay until Thursday noon, and in the meantime the grim reaper, Death, had accomplished bis fatal mission. His death, which occurred Wednes day night, resulted from paralysis caused by a blood clot on the brain. Mr. Coleman was eighty-one years of age. and his life was as useful as well as long. He has been engaged in farming and general merchandise nearly all his life, having been in business at Cartersville, Talking Rock and Ellijay. He was a prominent Methodist and a mason, and was highly esteemed in his community. He leaves a wife and four eons to mourn his loss —Dr. W, L. Coleman of Canton, Col. E. W. Coleman of Chattanooga, Mr. Jas. Coleman of Atlanta, and Editor W. S. Coleman of the Standard. Editor Coleman and wife have the sympathy of this community and of many friends throughout the state in their bereavement. A Clever Trick. It certainly looks like it, but there is really no trick about it. Anybody can try it who has Lame Back and Weak Kidneys, Malaria or nervous troubles. We mean he can cure himself right away by taking Electric Bitters. This medicine tones up the whole system, acts as a stimulent to the Liver and Kidneys, is a blood purifier and nerve tonic- It cures Constipation, Headache, Fainting Spells, Sleeplessness and Mel ancholy. It is purely vegetable, a mild laxative, and restores the system to its natural vigor. Try Electric Bitters and be convinced that they are a miracle worker. Everv bottle guaranteed, Only 500 a bottle at Curry-Arrington Com pany’s Drug Store. CA-STORIA. The fto- _ iiaiio /ir //f>. Sleeping Car Rome to St. Tonis, [via Southern Railway, Without Change. The Southern railway will on De cember 26th inaugurate a through sleeping car line between Jackson ville and St. Louis, via Louisville. This sleeper will pass Rome daily at 7:15 a. m., and arrive St. Louis 6:55 the next morning. This will afford excellent accommo dations to parties enroute to all points northwest. For further information, x call on Mr. J. N. Harrison, city passenger and ticket agent, Armstrong hotel telephone No. 39. u SAM JONES’ CHRISTMAS. Will Dine Over One Hundred Ydung Men Today. '«< Rev. Sam Jones has issued invitations to all the young men of Cartersville >H>d vicinity to dine with him on Christmas day, and will probably have 125 yougg men of the community from 18 to 25 years of age at his table says the Cartersville correspondent of the Atlanta Journal. The only explanation he gives the pub lic for this invitation is that he feels as if he has never ceased to be a young man, and doesn’t want the boys, because he is 50 years old. to cease to number him among their kith and kin. He further says: “I doubt if the old men keep close enough to the boys. If men of experi ence would be more companionable with the boys and manifest more sympathy with them in their troubles and follies, perhaps there would be fewer boys going astray, and more boys who have gone astray would be rescued. “Not only the welfare of the home, but the future of our country, rests upon the character of the boys growing up. A good boy is worth his weight in gold to any community, but the devil never put a worse thing off on a communitv than a bad boy. Mr, Jones has invited all classes of boys to his home, the good and the bad. “They range,” he said, “from the bum to the dude. That completes the circle, for the bum and the dude touch each other as the clircle closes up. Car tersville has had many noble young men, but, like Atlanta, it has some who need to look after their characters Their reputation is clean gone already.’ Don’t Tobacco Spit and Smoke Yi-nr Life Away. If you want to quit tobacco using easily and forever, be made well, strong, magnetic, full of new life and vigor, take No-To-Bac, the wonder-worker, that makes weak men strong. Many gain ten pounds in ten days. Over 400.000 cured. Buy No-To-Bac of your druggist, under guarantee to cure, 50c or SI.OO. Booklet and sample mailed free. Ad. Sterling Remedy Co., Chicago ot Now York. QUICK TIME. Through Sleeping Car Service to Jackson ville, Tampa and Florida Points. The Southern Railway has resumed its fast winter schedule between Rome, Ga., Jacksonville, Tampa and Florida Points, leaving Rome 8:20 p. m., arrive Jackson ville 8:40 a. tn. and arriving Tampa 6:15 p. m., making the quickest time between these points. This is a solid train carry ing elegant day coaches and Pullman Sleeping Car, Rome to Jacksonville without change; alno Pullman Sleeping Car, Rome to Tampa, Without change. Winter tourist tickets are now on sale to all principal winter resorts in Florida. For information, call on J. N. Harri son, City Ticket Agent, Armstrong Hotel, Teiphone No. 39. CASTOR IA Tor Infants and Children. She f»e ilsalla ic Slgsature/ e W it CHEAP HOLIDAY RATES. The Western & Atlantic R. R., Offers Many Advantages. During the holidays the Western & Atlantic R. R., offers exceedingly low rates to all points in this territory. Tickets on sale for all trains Dec. 22, 23i 24, 25, also Dec. 30, 31 1897 and January 4th 1898. This is your op portunity to visit your relatives and friends at a very small cost. “Special Rate Schools and Colleges. For students of schools and colleges the Western & Atlantic R. R., will sell round trip tickets at very low rates upon presentation of certificates signed by the superintendents, prin cipals or presidents, thereof, on on Dec. 16th to 25th 1897 inclusive limited until January 4th 1898. For any other information -telephone No. 20 or call or write to C. K, Ayer, P. and T. A. C. E. Harman, G. ■P. R. Rome, Ga. When bilcus or costive, eat a Cascaret candj cathartic, cure guaranteed, 10, 25c 0./X-SSTOXtI-A.. simile /CJz s / ® it /-c&ccyL&zc Christinas Holiday Excursion Rates. On December 22 , 23, 24, 25; also December 30 31.1897, and January 1, 1898, the Southern railway will sell holiday excursion tickets at very low rates, with extreme limit returning January 4,1898. For Student, of Schools and Colleges. Upon presentation of certificates signed by the superintendents, prin cipals or presidents thereof, tickets will be sold December 16 to 25, 1897 with extreme limit returning January 4,1898. For tickets and full informa tion, call on or write to J. N. Harrison C. T. A. No. 14 Armstrong building. Blood poisow A SPECIALTYo p n tlary BLOOD POISON pernnanertl. cured in 15 t 035 days. You can be treated at home for same price nnucr same guaran ty. If you prefer to come here we will coo. tract to pay railroad fareaudbotelbUlw.and noebarge, it we fail to euro. If von have taken mer cury, iouide nocash, and still have aches and pains, Mnceusl’atehee in mouth, Sore Throat, Pimples, Copper Colored Spots, Ulcers on any part of the body, Hair or ISyebro ws falling out, it is this Secondary ULOOD POISON we guarantee to cure. We solicit the most obsti nate cases aud challenge the world for a case we cannot cure. This dbease has always baffled the a kill of the most eminent physi cians. $500,000 capital behind our uncondi tional guaranty. Absolute proofs sent sealed on application. Address COOK REMEDY CO-. ovS Hason>~ '"emple, CHICAGO, IIJ. „ QEfeaSel derangement of the |jjhibfl rtl stomach, torpid liver, E2 flflfl rj flel or constipation can be E* readily cured by a pleasant draught of • s Tarrant’s Seltzer Aperi- * ent taken before break- 3 B fast and on retiring at 5 50c. and sl. All Druggists. -x TARBAKT A CO., Chemists, Hew York. HlgHl. M'cost sales I Retiring from Business or another kind of sales are not in it when compared to the sale" we will make in THE NEXT THIRTY DAYS! Suits, Overcoats and Trousers Choice of any suit in our house for sl2 50. They are worth firm $16.00 to $20.00. 150 Good All-Woolen Suits, new and stylish patterns, for $6.50, worth $10,00! Our Entire Line of Trousers at prices that have never been matched in Rome, We don’t intend to carry over any winter clothing and are determined to make this the biggest sale of big bargains ever seen in Rome. Come and see us, J. A. GAMMON & CO., New Stock of Short Pant Suits just Received, Your Physician Aims To put all his knowledge, experience and skill into the prescription he writes. It is an for the combination of remedies ycur case demauds. Pure and Reliable. He cannot rely on results unless the ingredients are pure and reliable and are properly compounded. Bring your prescriptions to the ROME PHARMACY, Where is carried one of the best stocks of drugs in town, and a complete line of Squibbs’ Shemicais for prescription use. Everything of the purest quality that money can buy or experience select Prescriptions compounded By a careful and experienced prescriptionist. Everything at reasonable prices. ROME PHARMACY, 309 Clark Building, Broad Street, Rome, Ga. JOHN H. REYNOLDS, President. B. I. HUGHES, Cashier. P. H. HARDIN, Vice-President. FIRST NATIONAL BANK ROME. GEORGIA. Capital and Surplus $300,000. All Accommodations Consistent With Sa's Banking Ex tended to Our Customers. Tyner’s Dyspepsia Remedy cures indigestion, Bad Breath, Sour Stomach, Hiccoughs, Heart-bum. r^“Guaranteed.