,___\ THE BEST MAN •r Grace Livingston Hill Lutz Author at "Marcia Schuyler,” "Dawn of the Morning;” "Lo. Michael!" eta. Philadelphia A London. J. B. Lippincott Company. IMA CHAPTER XII (Continued). The carriage rattled on, bumpety bupm, over rough places, around cor nels, tilting now and then sideways, and Celia, half frightened, was forced to cling to her protector to keep from being thrown on the floor of the cab. "Oh, are we running away?” she breathed awesomely Into his ear. "I think not,—dear,” he answered back, the fast word Inaudible. "The driver thinks we are in a hurry but he has no need to go at this furious pace. I will tell him.” He leaned forward and tapped on the Cl ass, but the driver paid no attention whatever save perhaps to drive faster. Could it be that he had lost control of his horse and could not stop, or hadn’t he heard? Gordon tried again, and accompanied the knocking this time with a shout, but all to no pur pose. The cab rattled steadily on. Gordon discovered now that there were two men on the box Instead of one, and a sudden premonition sent a thrill of alarm through him. What If after all the presence of that detective had been « warning, and he unheeding had walked Into a trap? What a fool he had been to gat into a carriage where he was at the mercy of the driver. He ought to have stayed In open places u'hero kidnaping would be impossible. Now that he had thought of It he felt convinced that this was just what the enemy would try to do,—kidnap him. The more fruitless he found his efforts to make the driver hear him the more lie felt convinced that something was Vrong. He tried to open the door next him and found It stuck. He put all his ttrength forth to turn the catch but It held fast. Then a cold sweat stood out Upon him and horror filled his mind. His commission with Its large signific ance to the country was In Imminent leopardy. His own life was In all prob abllty hanging In the balance, but most Df all he folt the awful peril of the sweet girl by his side. What terrible experiences might be hers within the next hour If his brain and right arm could not protect her. Instinctively his hand went to the pocket where he had kept his revolver ready since ever he had left Washington. Danger should not find him utterly unprepared. He realized, too, that It was entirely possible, that his alarms were un founded; that the driver was really tak ing them to the East Liberty station; that the door merely stuck, and he was needlessly anxious. He must keep a steady head and not let his companion see that he was nervous. The first thing was to find out If possible where they really were, but that was a diffi cult task. The streot over which they rattled was utterly dark with the gloom of a smoky city added to the night. There- were no street lights except at Wide Intervals, and the buildings ap peared to be blank walls of darkness, probably great warehouses. The way was narrow, and entirely unknown. Gordon could not tell If he had ever been there before. He was sure from his knowledge of the stations that they had gone much farther than to East Liberty, and the darkness and loneli ness of the region through which they were passing filled him again with a vague alarm. It occurred to him that ho might be able to get the window Bash down and speak to the driver, and he struggled with the one on his own side for a while, with little result, for It seemed to have been plugged up with wads of paper all around. This fact re newed his anxiety. It began to look as if there was Intention In sealing up that carriage. Ho leaned over and felt around the sash of the opposite door and found the paper wads there also. There certainly was Intention. Not to alarm Celia he straightened back and went to work again at his own window sash cautiously pulling out the paper until at last he could let down the glass. A rush of dank air rewarded his ef forts, and the girl drew a breath of re lief. Gordon never knew how near she had been to fainting at that moment. She was sitting perfectly quiet in her corner watching him, her fears kept to herself, though her heart was beating wildly. She was convinced that the horse was running away. Gordon leaned his hand out of the window, but Immediately he caught the gleam of a revolver In a hand that hung at the side of the driver’s box, pointed downward straight toward his face as If with Intention to be ready In case of need. The owner of the hand was not looking toward him, but was talk ing In muffled tones to the driver. They evidently had not heard the window let down, but were ready for the first sign of an attempt on the part of their vic tims to escape. Quietly Gordon drew In his head speculating rapidly on the possibility of wrenching that revolver out of lis owner’s hand. He could do it from where he sat, but would It be wise? They were probably locked In a trap, and the driver was very likely armed also. What chance would he have to save Celia If he brought on a desperate light at this point? If ho were alone be might knock that revolver out of the man’s hund and spring from the win dow. taking his chance of getting away, out now he had Celia to think of and the case was different. Not for a uni verse of governments could he leave a woman In such desperate straits. She must be considered first even ahead of the message. This was life and death. He wondered at his own coolness as he sat back In the carriage and quietly lifted the glaee frame back Into place. Then he laid a steady hand on Celia’s again and stooping close whispered into her ear: "I am afraid there’s something wrong with our driver. Can you be a little brave,—dear?” He did not know he had used the last word this time, but it thrilled into the girl’s heart with a sudden accession of trunt. “Oh, yes,” she breathed close to his face. "You don’t think he ha* been drinking, do you?” "Well, perhaps,” said Gordon relieved at the explanation. "But keep calm. I think we can get out of this all right. Suppose you change seats with me and let me try If that door will open easily. We might jvant to get out in a hurry In ca*e he slows up somewhere pretty •oon.” Celia quietly and swiftly slipped Into Gordon’s seat and be applied himself with all hia strength and lngeunlty gen tly manipulating the latch and pressing his shoulder against the door, until at last to hia Joy it gave way reluctantly and be found that It would awing open u Ha had worked carefully, else the sud den giving of the latch would have thrown him out of the carriage and given Instant alarm to his driver. Ho was so thoroughly convinced by this time that he was being kidnaped, per haps to be murdered, that every sense was on the alert. It was his charac teristic to be exceedingly cool during a crisis. It was the gualtty that the keen eyed chief had valued most In him and the final reason why he had been selected for this difficult task in place of an older and more experienced man who at times lost his head. The door to the outside world being open Gordon cautiously took a survey of the enemy from that side. There was no gleaming weapon here. The man set grimly enough, laying on the whip and muttering curses to his bony horse, who galloped recklessly on as If partaking of the desperate desires of his master. In the distance Gordon could hear the rumbling of an on com ing train. The street was still dark and scarcely a vehicle or person to be seen. There seemed no help at hand, and no opportunity to get out, for they were still rushing at a tremendous pace. An attempt to Jump now would very likely result In broken limbs which would only leave them In a worse plight than they were. He slipped back to his own seat and put Celia n.ext tp the free door again. She must be where she could get out first If the oppor tunity presented Itself. Also, he must manage to throw out the suit cases If possible on account of the letters and valuables they contained. Instinctively his hand sought Celia's in the darkness again, and hers nestled Into it in a frightened way as If his strength gave her comfort. Then, before they could speak or re alize, there came the rushing sound of a train almost upon them and the cab came to a halt with a Jerk, the driver pulling the horse back on his haunches to stop him. The shock almost threw Celia to the floor, but Gordon's arm about her steadied her, and Instantly he was on the alert. CHAPTER XIII. Glancing through tho window he saw that they were In front of a railroad track upon which a lo.»g freight train was rushing madly along at a giddy pace for a mere freight. The driver had evidently hoped to pass this point be fore the train got there, but had failed. The train had an exultant sound as if It knew It had outwitted the driver. On one side of the street were high buildings and on the other a great lum ber yard, between which and their car riage there stood a team of horses hitched to a covered wagon, from the back of which some boards protruded, and this on the side next to Celia where the door would open! Gordon's heart leaped up with hope and wonder over the miracle of their opportunity. The best thing about their situation was that their driver had stoppod just a little back of the covered wagon, so that their door would open to tho street directly behind the covered wagon. It made It possible for the carriage door to swing wide and for them to slip across behind the wagon without get ting too near the driver. Nothing could have been better arranged for their escape and the clatter of the empty freight cars drowned all sounds. Without delay Gordon softly un latched the door and swung it open, whispering to Celia: "Go! Quick! Over there by the fence in the shadow. Don’t look around nor speak! Quick! I’ll come!” Trembling in every limb, yet with brave, starry eyes, Celia slipped like a wraith from the carriage, stole behind the boards and melted into the shadow of the great fence of the lumber yard, her purple plumes mere depths of shad ows against the sm6ky planks. Gordon, grasping the suit cases, moved instant ly after her, deftly and silently closing the carriage door and dropping into the shadows behind the big wagon, scarcely able to believe as yet that they had really escaped. Ten feet back along the sidewalk was a gateway, the posts being tall and thick. The gate itself was closed, but it hung a few Inches inside the line of the fence, and into this depression the two stepped softly and stood, flattening themselves back against the gate as closely as possible, scarcely during to breathe, while the long freight clattered and rambled Its way by like a lot of jolly washerwomen running and laugh ing in a line and spatting their tired, noisy feet as they went; then the ve hicles impatiently took up their onward course. Gordon saw the driver look down at the win dow below him ami glance back hastily over his shoulder, and the man on the other side of the box looked down on his side. The glitter of some thing in his hand shone for an instant in the glare of the signal light over the track. Then the horse lurched for ward and the cab began its crazy gait over tho track and up the cobbled street. They had started onward with out getting down to look in the car riage and see if all were safe with their prisoners, and they had not even looked back to see if they had escaped.' They evidently trusted in the means they had used to lock the carriage doors, and had heard no sounds of their escaping. It was incredible, but it was true. Gordon drew a long breath of relief and relaxed from his strained position. The next thing was to get out of that neighborhood as swiftly as possible before those men had time to discover that their birds had flown. They would of course know at once whpre their departure had taken place and come back swiftly to search for them, with perhaps more men to help; and a second time escape would be Impossible. Gordon snatched up the suit cases with one hand, and with the other drew Celia’s arm within his. ■ “Now, we must hurry with all our might,” he said softly. "Are you all right?” ’•yes.” Her breath was coming in a sob, but her eyes were shining bravely. "Poor child!” his voice was very ten der. "Were you much frightened?” “A little.” she answered more brave ly now. "I shall have hard work to forgive myself for all this,” he said tenderly. "But we mustn't talk. We have to get out of this quickly or they may come back after us. Lean on me and walk as fast as you can.” Celia bent her efforts to take long springing strides, and together they fairly skimmed the pavements, turning first this corner, then that. In the gen eral direction from which Gordon, thought they had come, until at last, three blocks away they caught the wel come whirr of a trolley, and breath less, flew onward. Just catching a car. They cared not where It went so that they were safe in a bright light with other people. No diamonds on any gentleman's neck scarf ever shone to Celia's eyes with so friendly a welcome as the dull brass buttons on that trol ley conductor’s coat as he rang up their fares and answered Gordon’s questions about how to get to East Liberty station; and their pleasant homely gleam almost were her undo ing. for now that they were safe at laat the tears would come to her eyes. Gordon watched her lovingly, ten derly, glad that she did not know how terrible had been her danger. His heart was still beating wildly with the thought of their marvelous escape, and his own present responsibility. He must run no further risks. They would keep to crowded trolleys, and trust to hiding in the open. The main thing was to get out of the city on the first train they could manage to board. When they reached East Liberty sta tion a long train was just coming in, all sleepers, and they could hear the echo of a stentorian voice: “Special for Harrisburg, Baltimore and W ashington! All aboard!" and up at the further end of the platform Gor don saw the lank form of the detective whom he had tried to avoid an hour before at the other station. Without taking time for thought he hurried Celia forward and they sprang breathlessly aboard. Not until they were fairly in the cars and the wheels moving under them did it occur to him that his companion had nothing to eat since about 12 o’clock. She must be famished, and in a fair way to bo ill again. What a fool he was not to have thought.! They could have stopped in some obscure restaurant along the way as well as not and taken a later train, and yet it was safer to get away at once. Without doubt there were, watchprs at East Liberty, too, and be was lucky to have got on the train without a challenge. He was sure that detective’s face lighted strangely as he looked his way. Perhaps there was a buffet attached to the train. At least, he would investigate. If there wasn't, they must get off at the next stop— there must be another stop surely somewhere near the city—he could not remember, but there surely must be. They had to wait some time to get the attention of the conductor. He was having much trouble with some disgruntled passengers who each claimed to have the same berth. Gor don finally got his ear, and showing hts Btateroom tickets inquired if they could be used on this train. “No." growled the worried conduc tor. "You're on the wrong train. This Is a special, and every berth in the train is taken now but one upper.” "Then, we’ll have to get off at the next stop, I suppose, and take the other train,” said Gordon dismally. “There isn't any other stop till some where in the middle of the night. I tell you this is a special, and we’re scheduled to go straight through. East Liberty’s the last stop.” "Then what shall we do?" asked Gordon inanely. "I'm sure I don’t know," snapped the conductor. “I have enough to do without mending other people’s mistakes. Stay aboard, I sup pose, unless you want to jump off and commit suicide.” "But I have a lady with me who Isn’t at all well," said Gordon, with dignity. "So much the worse for the lady,” replied the conductor inhumanly: There’s one upper berth, I told you. “An upper berth wouldn't do for her," said Gordon decidedly. "She Isn't well, I tell you.” "Suit yourself,” snapped the har assed official. “I reckon It's better than nothing. You may not have it long. I'm likely to be asked for It the next half minute." "Is that so? And is there absolutely nothing else?” "Young man, I can’t waste words on you. I haven't time. Take It or let it alone. It's all one to me. There’s some standing room left In the day coach, perhaps.” "I'll take It," said Gordon meekly, wishing he could go back and undo the lust half-hour. How In the world was he to go and tell Celia that he could provide her nothing better than an up per berth? sne was sitting wun ner Dacit to rum, her face resting wearily on her hand against the window. Two men with largely checked suits, big seal rings, and diamond scarf pins sat In the op posite seat. He knew it was most un pleasant for her. A nondescript woman with a very large hat and thick powder on her face shared Celia's seat. He reflected that ‘'specials" did not always bear a select company. "Is there nothing you can do?" he pleaded with the conductor, as he took the bit of pasteboard entitling him to the last vacant berth. ‘‘Don’t you sup pose you could get some man to change and give her a lower berth? It'll be very hard for her. She isn't used to upper berths." His eyes rested wistfully on the bow ed head. Celia had taken off her plumed hat, and the fitful light of the car played with the gold of her hair. The conductor’s grim eye softened as he looked. “That the lady? I’ll see what I can do,” he said briefly, and stumped off to the next car. The miracle of her pres ence had worked Its change upon him. Gordon went over to Celia and told hr in a low tone that he hoped to have arrangements made for her soon, so that she could be comfortable. She must be fearfully tired with the excite ment und fright and hurry. He added that he had nmde a great blunder in getting on this train, and now there was no chance to get oft for several hours, perhaps, and probably no supper to bo had. "Oh. it doesn't matter In the least," said Celia wearily. “I'm not at all hungry.” She almost smiled when she said It. He knew that what she wanted was to have her mind relieved about the letters. But she really saw that there was no opportunity now. She even seemed sorry at his trou bled look, and tried to smile again through the settled sadness in her eyes. He could see she was very weary, and he felt like a great brute in care of a child, and mentally berated himself for his own thoughtlessness. Gordon started off to search for some thing to eat for her, and was more suc cessful than he had dared hope. The newsboy had two chicken sandwiches left, and these, with the addition of a tine orange, a box of chocolates, and a glass of ice water, he presently brought to her, and was rewarded by a smile this time, almost as warm and Intimate as those she had given him during their beautiful day. But ho could not sit beside her, for the places were all taken, and he could not stand In the aisle and talk, for the porter was constantly running back and forth making up the berths. There seemed to bo a congested state of things in the whole train, every seat being full and men standing In the aisles. He noticed now that they ail wore badges of some fraternal order. It was doubt less a delegation to some great conven tion, upon which they had intruded. They were a good-natured, noisy, happy crowd, but not anywhere among them was to be found a quiet spot where he and Celia could go on with their sud denly interrupted conversation. Pres ently the conductor came to him and said he had found a gentleman who would give the lady his lower berth and take her upper one. It was already made up, and the lady might take pos session at once. (Jordon made the exchange of tickets, and immediately escorted Celia to it. He found her most glad to go for she was now unutterably weary, and was longing to get away from the light and noise about her. He led the way with the suit cases, hoping that In the other car there would be some spot where they could talk for a few minutes. But he was disap points. It was even fuller than In the first car. He arranged everything for her comfort as far as possible, disposed of her hat and fixed her suitcase so that she could open it, but even while he was doing It there were people crowding by, and no private conversa tion could be had. He stepped back when all was arranged and held the curtain aside that she might sit on the edge of her berth. Then stooping over he whispered: “Try to trust me until morn ing. I’ll explain It all to you then, so that you will understand how I have had nothing to do with these let ters. Forget it, and try to rest. Will you ?” His tone was wistful. He had never wanted to do anything so much in all Ills life as to stoop and kiss those sweet lips, and the lovely eyes that looked up at him out of the dusky shadows of the berth, filled with fear and long ing. They looked more than ever like the blue tired flowers that drooped from her gown wearily. But he held himself with a firm hand. She was not his to kiss. When she knew how he had deceived her. she would probably never give him the right to kiss her. "I will try,” she murmured in an swer to his question, and then added: “But where will you be? Is your berth near by?” "Not far away—that Is, T had to take a place in another car, they are so crowded.” “Oh!” she said a little anxiously. “Are you sure you have a good com fortable place?” “Oh, yes, I shall be all right,” he answered Joyously. It was so won derful to have her care whether he was comfortable or not. The porter was making up the op posite berth, and there was no room to stand longer, so he bade her good night, she putting out her hand for a farewell. For an instant he held it close, with gentle pressure, as If to reassure her, then he went away to the day coach, and settled down into a hard corner at the very back of the car, drawing his travelling cap over his eyes, and letting his heart beat out wild joy over that little touch of her dear hand. Wave after wave of sweet ness went over him, thrilling his very soul with a joy he had never known before. And this was love! And what kind of a wretch was he, presuming to love like this a woman who was the prom ised bride of another man! Ah, but such a man! A villain! A brute, who had used his power over her to make her suffer tortures! Had a man like that a right to claim her? His whole being answered “no." Then the memory of the look in her eyes, the turn of her head, the soft touch of her fingers as they lay for that instant in his, the inflection of her voice, would send that wave of sweetness over his senses, his heart would thrill anew, and he would forget the wretch who stood between him and this lovely girl whom he knew now he loved as he had never dreamed a man could love. Gradually his mind steadied itself urnler the sweet intoxication, and he begfin to wonder just what he should say to her in the morning. It was a good thing he had not had further op portunity to talk with her that night, for ho could not have told her every thing; and now if all went well they would be in Washington in the morn ing, and he might make some excuse till after he had delivered his message. Then he would be free to tell the whole story, and lay his case before her for decision. His heart throbbed with ecstasy as he thought of the jjossibility of her forgiving him, and yet it seemed most unlikely. Sometimes he would ln( Vila nrllrl lnrtn>in4 of a cent), and having bought a good sup ply of vodka, they drank it until un consciousness came. The morning usually found them asleep under the tables and long benches, but the "popoiki,” (drinking parties), were held throughout the day until late at night. In some places choruses were formed, every one singing at his pleas ure. Some sang religious songs, others odd and coarse, until all the voices were molten into a hoarse and drunken howl. Sometimes petty quarrels, aroused between drunken neighbors, which caused, very often, bloody fights. I Vanchuk Kovalevsky remembered all i this very well, (he had been in this country only a few months) and there fore accepted very unviilingly the In vitation of the Kinsman, Stepan, to a Christmas supper. After a day's hard labor in the cooling plant at Armours, he longed for a good rest, rather than for a supper. But having promised to come, he slowly changed tils clothes and then went to Stepan, who lived in the same "row.” There he found a score of people crowded around a big table. The house was unusually clean, tht host and the hostess surrounded by their children, who spoke a language uncomprehensi ble to Ivanchuk, were treating the guests with fruit and candies. But what was more surprising to Ivanchuk was that there was no whisky at the table. At first Ivanchuk thought that the whisky was about to come later, but when Marusia began to serve sup per, and the vodka was still missing, he thought that probably the host was too poor to buy it. He, therefore, took out a $5 bill and handing it to Stepan, he said: “Here, brother, get some whisky." But Stepan pushed aside the money and said: “A holiday is given by God, not for the sake of getting drunk, but for the joy and happiness of the people. In this country we celebrate it different from that in Rus sia.” And, for the first time in his life Ivanchuk celebrated Christmas without getting drunk. The children sang Christmas songs, in English, the grown up people—old Russian folk songs. The host spoke about the signi ficance of Christmas, to which Ivan chuk listened with deep interest. Some where the bells rang merrily, and Ivanchuk could hear them distinctly saying: "A merry Christmas, a merry Christmas." »----------- - -- -- --—------v j “Holy Night”-A n Immortal Hymn j (Adapted from the German by Mrs. ' It was Christman of the year 1818. On the afternoon before Christmas eve, the vicar of Oberndorf, Joseph Mohr, came 10 the teacher of Arnsdorf, Franz Gruber, bringing a sheet of paper with him, say ing ’‘Friend, could you set to music this lit tie poem which I have written? You understand that sort of thing, and tonight we can have it sung at the Christmas mass. It is real simple and childlike, but It Is well meant.” Gruber, whose duty it was to provide church music in Oberndorf on holidays, did not need much persua sion, and taking the sheet of paper with the little poem on It, sat down to the piano and In an Incredibly short time had struck off the tune. On Christmas eve the church at Obem dorf shone in the brilliant light of many candles, and was crowded with worship ers. The priest stood at the altar, clouds of incense ascended, and the soft tones of the organ resounded. But hark! Sudden ly a hymn arises, such as only the angels In heaven might sing to the little Christ child. All hold their breath. No one wishes to miss a single note of the won derful melody. From the choir loft de scend its majestic tones:— Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant tender- and mild Sleep In heavenly peace! Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds wake, touched with fright Glories stream from heaven afar; Heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah, Christ the Savior is born. Silent night! Holy night! Son of God! Light of light! O how love beams from His face With the dawn of heavenly grace. At Immanuel’s birth! Stille Nacht, hellige Nacht! Alles schlaft, einsam wacht nur das traute hochhellige Paar. Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar, Schlafe in himmilscher Ruh! Stille Nacht, hellige Nacht! Hlrten erst kundgemacht. Durch der Engel Halleluja tont es laut von fern und nah; Christmas Ceremony In Rome. Dr. William B. Harlow In the Christian Register. On the Capltollne bill. In the old city of ' Rome. Is the church which has the honor , of being the home of the Bambino, j The word "Bambino” Is the Italian for I "baby.” and this particular baby Is a wooden Image which was carved by a pious monk In the city of Jerusalem about the time that Columbus discovered Amer ica. The little figure was finally sent to Rome and became such an object of love and reverence that people have for hun dreds of years been giving it presents of precious stones. On Its head Is a little crown ablaze with rubles, diamonds and i sapphires. It has a robe of royal purple, i also resplendent with gems. ■ This little sacred Image Is usually care ' fully concealed, but on Christmas week It is brought out and put into the arms of the Virgin Mary in one of the chapels of . this church of Aracoeh. I A wooden platform at that time Is built , before It, and the little children of Rome come up and speak their pieces, telling of what the good Ch-rlst-chlld has done for • them through the year. The father and mothers are gathered around on the stone , floor below and listen with quiet reverence, i To me this is a very beautiful ceremony. I I think of the sacrifice it has cost many ' poor people to give these rare presents. ! and I have no doubt that they have been made better for such gifts of love The children, too, have done their share In Re peating their lines, which are their oCn i little attempts to show K?ve and devotion. During Christmas week a stately proces sion passes through the streets or old i Rome, and in the midst is borne, on a raised platform, among white robed priests | a beautiful figure of the Virgin Mother | Mary sitting with this same bambino in j her arms. , , The sidewalks are all lined with people I bowing low, and many of them kneeling | upon the stones. .... It Is all a beautiful and Impressive sight, | and though we have not been brought up to worship In this way, we can not help feeling that the true spirit of religion, wherever we see it, is really a beautiful thing that in one way or another should come into the lives of us all. Swiss Xmas Superstitions. From the Springfield Republican Many ancient and quaint customs are still prevalent In Switzerland during this period of the year. If you want, for In stance, to find out how the weather will he during the- next year, just cut an onion Into half, peel off 12 layers, one for each month, and fill the same with salt. Those peelings which contain damp salt the next morning predict rainy weather for the re spective month. To the unmarried folk Christmas holds that magic key to the un known future. On Christmas eve, when the bells are calling to worship In the village church, you must drink three times from nine different fountains, and you will thea behold your husband or wlfe-to-be standing at the church door. Miraculous powers are also attributed to Christmas. Children born on that day can see ghosts, and are able to tell for tunes. Water can be changed Into wine, and If you are some sort of an adept In the mysterious art of magic you are at Qxat time able to safeguard yourself against all bodily Injuries. Farmers In certain parts of the country believe that If they fertilize their fruit trees during Christmas Week the same .will bear espe cial quantities of fruit for the next sea son. L. F. Miskovsky in the Advance.) "Christ, der Retter, 1st da!” Stille Nacht, helllge Nacht! Gottes Sohn, o, wle lacht Lleb’ aus deinem gottllchen Mund da uns schlagt die rettende Stund'. Christ, in deiner Geburt! ^ The mass was over. The faithful were returning home with divine joy in their hearts; but their lips kept repeating the words, "Silent night; holy night!” Rapidly the hymn spread not only over the Salzburg country, but also through out neighboring Bavaria and Austria. The organ builder Mauracher, who himself heard it sung by Mohr, brought It to the Tyrol. In the year 1833 the Zillerthal singers came to Leipslc, and there sang the hymn at the Christmas mass. In Leipslc it was finally published, and thus became known throughout the world. At the present day It Is a popular ftlk song, and is gladly sung by all Christians of the German tongue who celebrate the advent of the heavenly Child. Even beyond the seas In the new world, It is heard, and there exerts a powerful Influence over German sentiment. For a long time noth- / Ing was known of the origin of the hymn. ■ Both writer and composer were far too ” modest to publish broadcast the author ship of the hymn and had Informed only a small circle of it. Many, therefore, sup posed that Mozart or Haydn had com posed the magnificent hymn. Only In re cent times have Its true originators be come widely known, and they deserve that their names should not be forgotten. Joseph Mohr was the child of poor par ents, and was born In Salzburg In 1792. Having a beautiful voice, he became one of the singers in the cathedral choir. Later on he took orders in the Catholic church, and died as vicar of Wagrein, 1843. Franz Gruber was born tn'upper Austria, 1787, as son of a poor weaver. In Burg hausen he received his musical education. In 1806 he came to Arnsdorf, and died as choir leader of the parish church of Hal leln In 1863. Both men have long lain at rest. Yet unceasingly does this immortal hymn swell in countless human hearts:— Sleep in heavenly peace! A Perfect Lady—As Others See Her. From the New York Evening Post. A philanthropic New York woman was ',l entertaining, In ihe spacious grounds of J her suburban residence, a large number of \ East Side children. On her rounds of bos- i pitallty she was impressed with one strik- J lngly beautiful little girl. She could not have been more than 9 years old, but her coal black eyes flashed with intelligence. The hostess Introduced herself and began a conversation. “Does what you see here today please you?” she asked. The child eyed her host In silence. “Talk away,” said the lady. "Don’t be afraid.” "Tell me.” then said the child, “how many children have you got?” Astonished at the question, the lady hes itated for a moment, and then entered into the fun of the siti-ation. "Ten,” she replied. “Dear me,” answered the child, "that is a very large family. 1 hope you are care ful and look after them. Do you keep them all clean?” •‘Well, I do my best.” “And is your husband at work?” “My husband does not do any kind of work. He never has.” “That is very dreadful,” replied the little girl earnestly, "but I hope you keep out of debt.” The game had gone too far for Lady Bountiful’s enjoyment of it. •You are a very rude and impertinent child,” she hurst out, ”to speak like that, and to me.” The child became apologetic. ”!’m sure 1 didn’t mean to be, ma’am," she ex plained. "But mother told me before I came that I was to be sure to speak to you like a lady, and when any ladies rail on us they always ask those questions." The Christmasse Children. Ye tie horn bloweth loud ami long Adoun ye r.olsy street; For Christmasse cometh, and a song For Christmasse time is meet. And ye shall do the Christ no wrong To love the children sweet. The joys that shinetli in the eyes Of children charmetli still; ^X There Is no man so great and wise , But there shall drink tils fill ’ Of all the light of Paradise. Shining of Christ Ills will. And be It trump or tinsel horn That pleaseth them to play, They, maken merrie, shall adorn The Christ's own holiday. For Christ Himself a child was born . And loveth them nlway. j They bloom, the roses of the earth. By all Its sunshine blest; And that lone cot of love hath dearth Wherein no children nest. j And he hath more than jewel’s worth Who loveth children best. Wherefore let children merrie make While bells of Christmasse chime. And to thine heart the darling take And Bing them in thy rhyme. Thou shalt do this for Christ His sake. At His own Christmasse time. —Frank L. Stanton. French hospital attendants have »uc needed In Impregnating rubber glovee with the salts of certain metals and making them Impervious to X-rays foi the protection of persons using the rays.