Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 December 1901 — GODFREY PETTIGREW’S CHRISTMAS GIFTS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

GODFREY PETTIGREW’S CHRISTMAS GIFTS.

GODFREY PETTIGREW was driving along the pike toward the country town, the grays going at a brisk rate. “There’s that young Evans walking,” he said to himself. “He is dressed up as if he was going to catch the train.”

“Going up the road, Bob,” he said, as he passed the younger man. “I’m bound for town.” “I was going down by the train, but don’t mind riding behind your grays,” laughed the other, climbing in, “that is, if you’ll agree to bring my stuff back." “What’ll your load be?” he asked Bob, as the hard mud flew from under ths horses’ feet. “Not much weight,” laughed his companion. “Christmas gifts. This is ths time when a little money buys a lot of things to warm the heart.” • v “Sho,” said Farmer Pettigrew, “when you’re as old as I am you won’t be spending money for Christmas. There’s no one but me and mother now. We’d look fine making Christmas presents.” “That you would,” replied Evans heartily, “and It would make good old Aunt Pettigrew feel ten years younger. I wish you would.” “Now, Bob,” exclaimed the older man, “are you in earnest?” “Never was more so. She is often lonesome since your daughter moved west. She would be not only surprised, but happy.” “What are you going to get Addie?” “Me? O, I’ve been planning for months. A new dress for one thing. Books she wanted and some little knick-knacks. Nothing is too good for my wife. She deserves more than I can ever give her. Bdt I’m getting some things for mother,-

too. I wouldn’t forget her. We’ll go over o-morrow afternoon and see how happy she’ll be over our presents,” "I never did give anything except a little candy to the children on Christmas,” said the old man. About the middle of the afternoon Bob Evans hurried into the big dry goods store after numerous bundles. He was surprised to see old Farmer Pettigrew sitting at a counter near the front while an obsequious clerk was holding up folds of gray silk. Bob was so glad that he stopped to aid in the selection, and then went on his way. It was nearly dark when the two men met at the livery stable. Farmer Pettigrew was as excited as * boy. “Say, Bob, I bohght her a chair, too, and a comb, and candy, and I’m kind of ashamed to give them to her. And I sent Minnie ten dollars, registered letter, you know." Bob shook the old man’s hand. “I’ll tell you about It, Bob.” But he did not Introduce the subject when Bob went over the next week. The young man followed him out to the barn lot and asked him about the gifts. Old Godfrey Pettigrew looked at him long and solemnly, a sort of quiver about his mouth. - “Well, when I laid them out by her bed Christmas morning, Bob, I just stepped out. She didn’t come out, and I got scared. I peeped in through the crack, and—and—she was on her knees by them sobbing. I didn’t calculate it wag going to have any such effect, Bob.” Bob’s eyes grew misty. "I went in then, and she rose up and came to me, and she said *Pa,* and kissed me for the first time in ten years, Bob.”