8 THE ACORN dollars more was needed. They didn't ask Bob for anything. He hadn't worked all summer and they did'nt suspect that he had anything. When Bob went to bed that night, he could'nt sleep. He knew it was his duty to give his father the ten dollars; but oh! how he longed to have the skates, not only that he might try for the prize, but because he loved the sport. He had worked hard for it anyway, and no one knew he had any money. He was considered the lazy boy of the family. Still his father had been very lenient about his working hard all summer. Thus selfishness fought with duty. Next morning his course was fully decided; and rising early, he went to his mother, told her the whole story, and gave her the money. After he had gone, tears trickled down his mother's sad face as she thought of the sacrifice the lazy boy of the family had made. Bob heard daily of the ability of Harry Newell on the rollers; and friends were continually saying that "Harry will surely take the prize." Nevertheless Bob knew he had done right and happiness came to him from this fact in the darkest hours of disappointment. Christmas Eve came; the contest only a week off. Bob's father and mother had gone away to get some presents for the children; and so Bob was alone. And in- deed he felt alone, not because he wouldn't have a chance to win the prize, but because well it was in the air. Just as he was about to go to bed the door bell rang; and when he answered it, a neighbor's boy handed him a package. Taking it to the light he saw that it was for him. Scarcely believing his eyes, he opened it; and there, done up neatly in a box, was a most beautiful pair of skates; and upon the strap of one was this note: Rockville, Dec 24th. Mr. Robert Slater, City. Dear Boy: I send you these skates, wishing you a merry Christmas. Hoping you will use them to a good advantage. I remain yours, Silas Gray. Bob could hardly believe his eyes. Having read the note six times, he tried the skates on. A perfect fit! Then the thought came, why had this wealthy banker sent him the skates? He could not for his life see why. He scarcely knew the banker. While still admiring his gift, his father and mother came home. He showed them the skates, and asked them why they thought Mr. Gray had sent the skates to him. "I believe I know," said Mr. Slater. "You see he has no children and seems to be a lonely old man. When I went to pay off the mortgage, I could'nt help telling him of the ten dollars you gave, and the story connected with THE ACORN 9 it. I thought I saw his eyes moisten. I believe that incident brought the skates. Bob realized that he had only a week in which to practice; so the next morning bright and early he starts for the rink, but before he went, he thanked Mr. Gray in person. His father had surmised correctly. Bob practiced hard for the week; and on New Year's Eve he was declared the best skater in town. He not only won the prize, but his character was strengthened, more than he realized, by his self sacrifice. He learned that happiness comes from forgetting self for the good of others. Clarence Wright '08. It has come once more to greet us, And we're here to walk half way; Now the sturdy, healthy, fullback Knows exactly how to play. Now the students' winter fashions, Now the coasters' deafening yells, All come in to join the passions With the season's Christmas bells. Every gifted mathematician Has his sums collected in, Every Weber Stake musician Now can elevate his chin; The pavilion's time worn basket, Is forgotten by us all 'Tis a prime unvarnished casket, For the sleeping basket ball. Now the darkened laboratory Sheds its cloak of garnished gloom, And we read the Christmas story, In the Santa Claus perfume. Now the blankets of the manger, Lie untarnished once again, As a cloak to shield the stranger; May they never shield in vain. Now the author's brain is waiting, For the wise man's Christmas gift