HOW JACK FILLED THE STOCKINGS.
“It was Christmas Eve. The younger children were snugly tucked in bed, while Jack sat staring at the empty stockings swinging from the mantel shelf in the gleaming fire-light.
“Jack was only twelve, and the man of the house. His face was very grave as he gazed alternately at the stockings, then at his mother bustling about tidying up the room.
“She finally sat down, declaring sadly: ‘It’s no use, Jack. I haven’t a penny to spare; the stockings will have to go empty.’
“The boy spoke not a word, but watched the fire sputter and crackle as though perhaps it might solve the problem.
“Of one thing he was certain: the stockings should not go empty if he could help it.
“The fire did show him the way, for suddenly the logs began to send out tiny sparks and snap for all the world like popcorn.
“‘Mother!’ he cried suddenly, ‘I have an idea. I’m going out.’