26 THE ACORN. What a glorious ride he had. He never had ridden in such a carriage before. He was taken to her home; and after giving him plenty to eat, Mrs. Adams had him fitted out with warmer clothing. After this was done he went to her and they talked together. Tim told her how Leah had been crippled when a child, of the' death of his mother and father, leaving him to provide for her, and of her sad death. Mrs. Adams listened with interest and finally told him if he would only stay she would help him, for she had no children. Tim's heart was so full he could hardly find words to thank her. That night Mrs. Adams could Dot help thinking how lonely and miserable her life had been, but now that she had some one to bring joy and sunshine to her life, she was going to try and make him happy. It was just a week before Christmas and Mrs. Adams busied herself thinking what she could do to make the day a perfect one for Tim. Finally she decided to ask him what he would like most. Tim hardly knew what to say but thought he would like to be with his old companions. She told him he might bring them there and she would do all she could to make them have a merry time and that he might go the next day to invite them. The week was spent preparing for the coming great day in Tim's life. Not only the inmates of Mrs. Adams' home were busy, but four little boys were also busy trying to sell papers, or doing odd jobs to earn money for Christmas; their minds all full of what they were going to do at Mrs. Adams. All nature seemed bright and happy when Christmas morning dawned and Tim awoke in time to hear the bells ring out their carol: "Peace on earth good will toward THE ACORN. 27 men." After breakfast Mrs Adams read to him of the Christ Child, till it was almost time for the boys to arrive. At eleven o'clock four boys walked up the path to Mrs. Adams' home. Tim and Mrs. Adams went to the door to greet them. There were Ray and Don Dickson (brothers), George Griffin and Arthur Guild. She greeted them with a hearty hand shake and made them feel that they were welcome. After dinner, which consisted of the very best things they had ever heard of, the boys were taken into the Library, for Tim had proposed thaf Mrs. Adams should read to them of the beautiful Christ Child, and explain His mission of love. After this she told them she had a surprise for them; not even Tim knew what it was. George told them not to be surprised if it were Shepherd's Angels, for everything was so grand. And Tim said he couldn't imagine for everything seemed so much like a dream since he had been there that he often wondered if he would wake some morning, cold and hungry as he did long ago. The doors of the parlor were soon thrown open revealing a beautiful Christmas tree, blazing with light and groaning under its load of appropriate presents. The boys must have forgotten the instructions Tim had given, for Arthur turned three summer-salts in the middle of the room, while the rest jumped up and down clapping their hands till the whole house rang with their shouts. The rest of the day was spent distributing the presents and playing games. All received so many gifts that they could not imagine how Mrs. Adams could have thought of so many things. Mrs. Adams joined in their sports and declared she never before had spent such happy hours. The boys have often said, "Our Christmas at Mrs. Adams' with Tim, was the best we have ever spent," and Mrs. Adams is convinced that the only true happiness is in helping others. Pearl Cragun, '08.