Judge — 1888 — page 52: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

GOOD THINGS FROM JUDGE. AWAY OFF. the cough. The kids used ter hang up their stockings. It was jolly, but I'll bet yer they kin empty ’em with- out a derrick dis year,” and Johnny looked sadly at his papers and coughed hoarsely. Johnny was in a sad state for Winter. His toes were visible through a large et ae Wee i pair of worn-out boots. His trousers were drawn up so Tee) | sts q \ strenuously by one prominent suspender that he looked Wb ifialal, a aH as though he were in process of splitting by a buzz saw. ry f He had that precocious look of anxiety found on juve- { { \ nile faces only in the metropolis, and which are the logical pat ‘ explanation of the low life rates of the great insurance = ‘ companies. mS “Proberly, Chonny, you vas a ognastic apoud Santa Claus,” and Strauss looked sheepishly at the ceiling. “I never seed him, and I don't care wot you er any- one else thinks. Dat's fer little kids. I notice if they is any Santa Claus he has his beat like a perleece, fer he ain't been my way fer two years,” and Johnny ‘smiled scornfully. “Santa Claus vas goin’ to holdt a reception unt a select barty under der auspices off Looweesa Strauss unt der shildren after I close der saloon. Swartz unt Hofen- sack unt Chonny Connolly vas invited,” and Strauss commenced to let down the curtains and lock up. ‘The two veterans smiled like the liege subjects they were, and Johnny laid his papers on the bar and waited fur- ther developments. The rotund form of the immortal German bard disappeared through the green baize door into the inner sanctuary of the dwelling. In about ten minutes the door was thrown open and the trio of can- didates for further light in the mysteries of Christmas were ushcred into a real blaze of glory. A Christmas tree of green spruce touched the ceiling and was all aflame with tiny wax candles, which brought into prom- inence a score of glittering and gorgeous gifts. Lowee- sa and the three smiling children sat in arow, ‘The in- vited guests found seats around the room, and were scarcely seated when Santa Claus entered by the way of the back door. A shout of joy went up from the chil- T S oman dren. Johnny noted the fact that the patron saint of Christmas STRAUSS HAS CHRISTMAS. Ser bel Ga fat and erase: ar lone a hie cotton best nae wig of white excelsior surmounted by a fur cap. His garb was alarge ulster of buffalo skin, and on his fect he wore rubber boots. Santa Claus spoke as follows: “Mine frients, I velcome you to dese breparations for der duc obserfance off a habby day.” “Santa Claus is Dutcher nor noodle soup, that’s what,” said Mr. MCSWILLIGHAN (to Ais wife)—* Faith, that's the foinest refriggerater yez iver laid eyes on, me dear. It's so could that they warrint it foire proof.” NO FOOL OF A BOY. [war f _‘* Dem sbeakers at Shickering Hall for der segular relitchus liberty society, dem } saidt dot ve peen slaves to ? der draditions unt humpugs of der bast. Dot’sall right. Dot’sder deefrance between = ashackass untamans. A shackass aind got no draditions unt humpugs. Uf he got oats unt blenty uf oldt crockery crates unt proons he vas gontented.” No one made answer. Bimby Hofensack sat braced in a comer with his wooden leg unshipped and lying across a chair. Mike Swartz had an empty beer mug on the table before him and was wiping the table with his empty sleeve and occasionally looking up at the clock with an anxious gaze. On the edge of the box of sand where the coal-stove stood. glowing like another light-house on a sandy coast, stood Johnny the newsboy. It snowed outside and his papers were wet. He had several left. NS It was Christmas eve and Johnny looked sad, for trade was very & poor. Strauss pulled at his pipe, then resumed: “Uf you gif up all dem humpugs dot Pob Ingersoll spraken aboud you loose alretty some fine dings. Vot you dink apoud Sune Vapalaseay ane Christmas unt Santa Claus, Chonny?” Hertel anata Hees 5 “We used ter ico in strong fer that kind of racket, Strauss. It Eeniaytfecause when T wouldn't dy what mamma wanted me todo was nice fer the kids before the old man skipped and mother got this morning she said there was no mind in me.” comicbooks.com