CORN-CRIBS.
A POOR man having died and left his widow with little children to support, a neighbor of hers—who was known by the name of Kris, and who was almost as poor as herself—borrowed a horse and cart to go around among the farmers he was acquainted with, and beg some corn for her.
“All of them,” he said, “knew her husband and hired him now and then to do day’s work; I’ll go and see what they will give.”
He came to the first farmer, who listened to his story and without saying a word went to his corn-crib, filled his bushel-measure heaping full, and emptied it into the cart. Kris thanked him warmly for this, but the man, not seeming to notice what he said, returned to his crib, heaped up the measure once more, and emptied it also into the cart. Then for the first time he spoke, saying:
“I can give to so worthy an object with a clear conscience. When she wants more, come again.”
As Kris drove out to the road he said to himself: