Contraband Christmas (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1864 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. EXT morning Mr. Greene, David, and Chrismus drove off together. Mr. Greene was on his way to Brighton Market. He had more hay in his barns than the " stock" in his stalls would be likely to consume during the winter, and he had determined to buy more cattle, rather than to sell his surplus of hay. David was left at his school-door; Mr. Greene and Chrismus drove on to Pawtucket, to be in time for the morning-train to Boston. Chrismus drove home alone. That night the family consisted only of Mrs; Greene, Daisy, and Chrismus. It was a bitter cold night. All day the leaden clouds had been thickening and the northeast wind gaining force and keenness. "Guess your snow is coming now," Mrs. Greene had remarked to Chrismus toward L night; and the poor fellow had shrunk into his clothes with a shivering " Ki " There had been several" flurries" of snow already, but up to this time the month had been remarkably mild and open. This was fortunate for our southern blackbird, compelled to winter at the "norf." He had become somewhat accustomed to the "cole wedder," but still betrayed his partiality for the warm-hearted cooking-stove. Today he had hurried with his chores "right smart." The "critters" received due attention; the usual supply of wood was chopped; nothing was neglected: but Chrismus took great interest in finishing the cradle he had begun to make for Daisy, --an occupation which kept him seated just behind the stove. It was a little wicker-work cradle, being fashioned in imitation of a toy-cradle given to Dajsy the year before, and now almost a complete wreck. Chrismus was ingenious and "handy " with his jack-knife; he dearly loved Daisy, who reciprocated his attachment; and was very willing to have something to do which would keep him near the fi...