It will be necessary for me to dwell on some
incidents in the first settlement of this country, and I
propose that we first prepare and enjoy the Christmas
tree. After this, if your courage holds, you shall hear
an over-true tale." Pretty creature, how little she
knew what was before us!
As we had sat listening to the stories, we had been
preparing for the tree. Shopping being out of the
question, we were fain from our own stores to make up our
presents, while the women were arranging nuts, and blown
egg-shells, and popcorn strings from the stores of the
Eagle and Star. The popping of corn in two corn-poppers
had gone on through the whole of the story-telling. All
being so nearly ready, I called the drowsy boy again,
and, showing him a very large stick in the wood-box,
asked him to bring me a hatchet. To my great joy he
brought the axe of the establishment, and I bade him
farewell. How little did he think what was before him!
So soon as he had gone I went stealthily down the stairs,
and stepping out into the deep snow, in front of the
hotel, looked up into the lovely night. The storm had
ceased, and I could see far back into the heavens. In
the still evening my strokes might have been heard far
and wide, as I cut down one of the two pretty Norways
that shaded Mr. Pynchon's front walk, next the hotel.
Pages:
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342