Denbighshire Free Press

FREDA felt vcry lo-neljr. The wintry afternoon was quickly drawing to a close, and everything was very quiet, stilled by the touch of a very hard frost. The noisy brwok which tumbled headlong down the hillside was frozen in its bed, and hung in icicles from the big stones over which it generally swept with a roar. Hill and valley alike lay quietly sleeping under a deep bed of snow, and in the wood's in the hollow every tree bent beneath its weight. Freda opened the little cottage door and looked out to see if her grandfather, Ben Rowland, was in sight. The rudely light from the wood fire streamed across the snowy pathway, but no one could be seen. Freda closed the door and sighed again. How empty the room looks without them," she said wistfully. On this shelf stood the jumping frog, and here sat four wooden dollies all in a row, and next I set out those cunning little cups and sevueers and tea pot and the milk jug and sugar basin. Oh, dear I wish we had not to Il them at all. How clever grandfather is," and she looked curiously at the few tools with which the clever old toymaker carved and fashioned the wooden toys which were so eagerly bought by the children in the villages lving about the hills. In his younger days Ben Rowland had been a shepherd, and had whiled away many a lonely hour on the hillside carving little trifles with his sharp peuknife. In his old age tlLl" hobby had stood him in good stead, and he was able to keep himself and his grandchild quite comfortably on the money earned by the sale of his homely toys. Now all were ready for the village siiops for Christmas, and sevcrnl baskets stood all neatly packed for the different villages. But Freda missed her little friends who had stood so patiently waiting on shelves end in cup- boards—tne room looked quite 'nipty and dull without them, there was no doubt of that. Freda busied herself ,tting tea ready, spreading the coarse cloti. neatly and ar- ranging the cups and saucers with care, and finally placed a 1iü spr.L}" of ],11y in a little brown jug t'.nd put it in the centie o: the table. That came from Fairy HoIlvw, she said, talking aloud for company, and that's where the hill fairies live. Dear wee folks all dressed in green, and they ride on field- mice for horses, and drink cut of acorn cups. Grandfather's told me so lots of times-I would like to see one of them Here the cottage door opened and old Ben Rowland came slowly in, leaning heavily on his stick. Eh, lassie I began to think I should never get back from Loe,mere, The cold has fairly got into my bones this time," and he sank down with a mgh of relief into the grandfather's chair by the lireside. All sold, grandfather ? asked Freda, peeping into the basket, half hoping to find some old friend had returned. Every man jack of 'em," said the old j man gleefully. have a fine Christmas, Freda--a fat turkey from the farm. my girl., or a nice piece.ofromt beef and gravy and a pudding, Freda. We'll have a pudding this year, with a big piece of holly—sam« as that yonder—stuck in it." That came from Fairy Hollow," laughed Freda, thinking she would rather have some of her wooden friends home again than all he turkeys or puddings he could offer her. Fairy Hollow ? saki the old tnaa. Then I don't think I'd pit that piece on the pudding. Happen the little folks wouldn't like it—tlic\ be dainty feeders them- selves honey to eat and dew to drink, that's the food of the little people." Tell me about them," coaxed Freda, for her grandfather knew all the good old stories of the doings of the hill fairies, but that night he only shook his head and complained of feeling very tired. The next day he seemed no better, nor the next, and the basket of tovs stood ready for the village shops, and there was no one to take them. Ann Hardway, the woman who came thfee or four times a week to bake and clean and mend for them, shook her head. He'll no' be out this side o' Christmas," she said solemnly. The cold's got into his bones, dearie. And likely to at his time o' life. I'll take this lot home with me and leave it at the toyshop as I pass. They'll send you the money right enough." So saying, she shouldered one basket and departed. But there remained two more still unsold. Oil. dearie me," groaned old Ben Row- land as the rhcumatics gave him painful twinges. It will be bread and cheese come Christmas Day, I'm thinking." "rm goteg to Marshootes," Freda tald, giMioUy. Freda lifted one basket thoughtfully-it was rather heavy then she darted into her own little room and in a few moments came back with snow shoes on her feet, and over her head and shoulders a warm hood and cloak of red—looking like a living Red Riding- hood. "I'm going to Marshcote's, 6he said gleefully. Eh But you never can I" said her grandfather, turning in his chair and groaning ■with pain. Oh I but I can if I start now. I can go slowly, and perhaps get a lift. If this lot is sold we need not mind the rest, need we ? No happen not," said the old, man. Don't come home by Fairy Hollow now- keep to the road." But Freda had gone. The basket was heavy, and it did not grow lighter. Freda struggled on bravely, but twiFs came into her eyefi as she savr how far away Marshcotes Village seemed, in spite of the haste she tried to make. "Ill take the footpath through the Hollow," she thongiJt. "It will save such a lot of time, and I know the way so weU." She turned from the road to climb the stile—and there stood a boy much about her age, but taller, and he offered to lift her basket over for her. Thank you," said Freda shyly it is rather heavy," and she slipped over the stile quickly and held out her hands for the basket. I am gsing to Marshcotes," said the boy, and I'll carry it for you if you like." Y a are very kind," said Freda, never Lii.iil7.r2 th;d she hmi .J.i nothing about where she was going. 1 told grandfather I ïiight get a help-and I have, you see." So you have," laughed the boy, aud they trudged on side by side over the hard frczeo -:z" ad snow and soon became great friends. The little girl told him till about her grandfather, the toymaker, and why she was taking the basket of toys to sell. And what's your name ? she said with childish curiosity, and where do you live ? My name is Colin. And I live among the hills," replied the boy. Then you know about the hill fairies ? laughed Freda, clapping her hands. Oh, wouldn't I like to see them." Would you ? said the boy, looking earnestly at her, Yes wouldn't you ? Here is the beginning of the village Good-bye, Freda," and again the child never remembered she had not told him her name. Thank you very much." said Freda. I Hope I shall see you again." Oh, y, you shall see me again," replied the boy laughing gaily. Good-bye, Freda." 11 Freda trudged on from one end of the village to the other to the tvn toy shops and readily sold all the toys, then gaily swinging the empty basket she set out for home. As she did so a few flakes of snow tell from the sky. "Mother Shipton is plucking her geese and sending the feathers over," sang Freda gaily, but presently she sobered down for the snow began to fall thick and fast and the air was full of whirling flakes. Oh, dear," said Freda, rubbing the flakes out of her eyes. how quickly it is getting dark." and she began to run. I ought to be at the stile soon now," she thought; I can see a light in front of me—oh She suddenly came to a stand, and the basket fell from her chilly fingers. Fairy Hollow was a mass of twinkling lights, for it was full of green-clad fairies, and each one held a silver lantern then there was a burst of gay music and all the fairies stood with bent heads as a slim youth stepped forward and held out his hand to Freda. To her great surprise she saw it was none other than Colin. yabyl Boom. Come," he said. "'You, shaU see our- fair country, Freda," and the little girl felt his fingers clasp hers and he led her forward, all' the fairies following behind them, laughing and talking gaily. They climbed oat of the hollow and began the steep ascent of the hill, but half-way up there was an opening which Freda had never seen before, and suoh a bright light streamed from ir I On they went, to the sound of the silvery music, and then she heard the Bound, as of great gates closing. Freda found herself in a large pillared hall with rafters of gold and silver, and from every rafter swung lamps of precious stones which sent forth floods of rosy light. Every pillar was wreathed with gleaming berried holly, and on the snowy table were piles of luscious fruit and crystal clear glasses of honey. When Freda could lift her eyes from the fairy scene to the figure by her side she saw that Colin was dressed in green, too. and wore a short cloak of green lined with white, and on his head glittered a crown of emeralds. My she cried breatbaposi), you are King Col of the Hills ? '• I am, Freda," said the King with a smile, but now for the banquet." And he led her to the seat by his side at the head of the table. Freda had never tasted such strawberries or such honey in her life, and the water from the crystal stream was real nectar. After the banquet was over King Col turned to Freda and said We very seldom allow any strangers to see us in our home, but when we do, before they depart we allow them three wis lies—is not that so, my friends ? It is, it is t cried the company, Wish -Freda-wish." Freda's eyes sparkled joyfully. I wish grandfather to be quite better." wish! Good wish!" cried the fairies, and King Col nodded approval. One wish gone I he said softly. And that he can always be able to sell every toy he makes." Good wish I Good wish I cried the fairies again. Two wishes gone," said King Col. I really cannot think of anything else that I want," laughed Freda gaily. "Then keep your last wish for future need," said King Col gravely. And now we/will take you home. Bid the trumpets sound." A long blast from the silver trumpets rang down the nail, and Freda heard the great gates roll open again, and the merry fairies swarmed about her and kissed her, and cried Good-bye, Freda." 'Then all fell back, and King Col took her hand and led her to thot cottage door. There he kissed her hand like a courtier and left her standing in the blinding snow. Freda pushed open the door, eagerly. Oh, grand-dad, I've sold every Arid I've seen the fairies My gracious child," said the old man, staitled out of his doze. It is ever so late, and I thought you were lost in the snow— an<t I coulct-n't move for rheumatics to come to look for you. If you fell asleep in the snow it's, a mercy you ever woke up again." But I didn't," cried Freda, and !she came and knelt down by the 'fireside an,d told him all about it. The old man did not contradict her any more, but watched her flitting about the room with an intent gaze. Her mother had it-the second sight I he muttered. Well, well Needless tc say, the old man had his wished- for Christmas dinrier, and he lived to enjoy many others, quite as good, for his toys were even more easily disposed of than before. But at length there came a Christmas when the busy old fingers rested, and Freda was quite alone. It was a frosty Christmastide, followed by a snowstorm, and the girl opened the cottage door and peeped out. Just like that Christmas," said she with a sad little smile. "I wish I could see the hill fairies again." There was one wish left, Freda," said a voice, and King Col and his fairies stood beside,ter. Come—and if you wish it you shall pever leave us again." And Freda went, with just one regretful glance at the lonely little cottage where she had spent her not unhappy childhood. As King Col's daughter she lived happily with the hill folks, and every Christmas Eve she quietly visited the village round about a .I'.i found many opportunities oi ciieermg lcndy old folk and busv housewives with families, and it is certain sn never all the little hoys and girls who so ivvk for a Merry Christmas."

THE true born Britisher, whether he be keeping Christmas in his own beloved sea-girt isle, or far away in that Greater Britain beyond the seas, always looks upon his mode of celebrating the great festival as essentially and entirely his own, and to regard its customs and traditions as having been handed down from generation to generation of his countrymen from time immemorial. This is not so. Many of the customs associated exclusively in our minds with the merry English Christ- mas are of comparatively recent date— borrowed or stolen from our neighbours and which, with true British acquisitiveness, we have now made our own CAROL SINGING. :) One of the oldest Christmas customs is that of carol singing. Indeed, the first Christmas carol may be said to have been sung by the angels to the shepherds on the night of the nativity, when they chanted the well-known Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace and goodwill to men." Most carols since have been founded on those words. Carol singing, alas I in this country is now almost obsolete. AN EARLY SAXON CUSTOM. Wassailing, the making of a drink com- posed of ale, toast, sugar, nutmeg, and roasted apples in a huge bowl comes down to us from the early Saxons. Among them it appears there existed a custom of quaffing ale and mead at their feasts, and this seems to have been changed by Rowena, the fair daughter of Hengist, presenting the King Vortigen with a bowl of wine, saluting him, Lord, King. Wass Heil (the word is derived from two Anglo Saxon words meaning, Be in health "). To which the King answered, Drine heil." He was afterwards smitten with the charms of the fair cupbearer and married her. THE BURNING OF TJIÐ YULB LOC, The custom of burning the yule-log was originally taken from the hardy Danes and Norsemen, those early invaders of our island. In their Pagam festivals in honour' of their great God Thor they lit huge bon- fires, using the trunks at trees. Their de- scendants, who in course of time became Christianised, still kept up the burning of the yule logs, but to them it was symbolical by its light and warmth of the true Christmas spirit of Peace and goodwim, and the burniag up of aU strife &ad bitteraees. The yule log was lighted with a brand saved from the previous YMI. indicative of perpetuity. It was always iatroduced ia okima days with music and ceremomy. The following words were sung while it was being brought ia :— Conbe, briag with a aofca. My merry, merry 00, The Christmas log to the firing, While my good dame. 'T~* She bub you all be free And ckiak to your hearts' deairing.* I PKIKCS CONSORT AND TKB CHRISTMAS TitRE. The Christmas tree, always a great feature of the festival to the children. it a oustona brought over here from Germany about sixty years ago. Ia the Fatfceriand ammy home. however humble, has its Christmas tree, on which are suepeaded gifts for each member of the fajuily. It was the late Prince Consort wke first introduced the Christmas tree into Inland by bringing it to Windsor Castle for Queen Victoria and his children as a feature of the royal celebration of the festivaL The custom was afterwards generally adopted in other English homes. CMåS DHOGRAWONSJ No English home is oontpteta at Christmas withont its cheerful feeteons of evergreens; senrlot holly berries aad mistletoe bough. This has come te as frem the Romans, rrho believed that tiwe 4emcatftse charmed twwr all weediaad elves and witches. The •witletoe bengh was mack fc* eridenoe at all ttic festival of the Drukb—the Pagan priests *f our a"omtom, the aaoieat Mtomo--and is by the Welsh Druids to i-Kia day i a the mysterious ocremoaies known alii the Goraedd," which tal-as plaoa1 every yesc -,t the aatioaal EwfeeaUtfedsL ia Wales. Not L dv tiie Christmas' tree, bat that familiar are kuewn to ail okildrea as Saota Cinue. -,me te 86 hTst from another laud. We ■ ijpvr £ eds him from America, nearly forty w-rs ago, and they in their tarn had stolen tit. from Holland. CHRIST MAC Cakowxms. The Christmas craekw, that ever popular "nrGe of amusement at Christmas parties, 'raes to us from Fraaee. Its origin was > aoented and tinted hitiet-doux exchanged twoon French lovers. We seized ths • ttv trifle from our Preaoh neighbours long tors the TNUTTI* CORDIALS converted it into a Christ; i.* cracker, making it qgjte a "ttlr. of the h QWALVT SUPERSTITIONS STILL Swinrac. There are still maay quaint saperstitaois 1): existence some parts of England. In postern i> oi.sj jrr the superstition still.pre- •ile t j. I Eve. at twelve o'clock. ths cattl* iu stalls arc always kneeling in an attit u l (,i. devotioa. In Herefordshire, ..iraous t.¡l" it* civler, a bowl of wassail was. J¡.J.:11; tUru vii over the apple trees, whila aa ^utAtioii qvaa repeated. This was Sitp- ,),x1. to e; •„ re a good apple harvest during 1;(3 .ear. A child born on Christ- L", Day ii 0' ..o^e 1 to be fortunate,and that t .till be t riclies. On the othoc uul, to ci• _rbr.dpT;ce this he will have the ower of s ghosts. And almost every "le, thou,?-> ••i-.j-cwa.rrtly ricticuling, the idea, careful ri-ruove every trace of the hristm,s < u .*ti->ns before Candlemas Day ) if one' sprig of holly or mistletoe M.. ID any room, it is supposed that one o! io;; j<*ii id ill surely ^iie before lie i«> re mo ve it before Twelfth ■Nik'kt equ foretells trouble. B»RNI:V<, TICK CHRISTMAS FAOGOT. Burning h" Christmas faggot is a one. torn whi. 1 stih carried out on c hrwt mas Eve "¡,e pcrts of the West Coun- Itrv notalll i Devonshire. A dozen men, or more collcst and wood, which they make into a brta-n vruile a few others make a faggot of ash tu,i.Mvr and tightly bia(i.it withl.greea withes. X :ie< iaggot is then thrown on to the &re and ;th, iwrsting of each withe elicits loud oheera fNm those gathered around. It is diifioult tfl trace the origin of this custom, but probably it is only another forxxt of burning the yale log. PUDDING-EATING* If you wish to enjoy good fortune during the coming year all you have to do is to taete twelve different pudding*, for as many as you *aste ao many happy months for yoo. The observance of M-Y old-time customs l'S's:\i<l to be on the wane. bat let us hope this will never be true of this feative season, with i'ts many quaint superstitions had, customs. We irtttl keep a warm eosoer for them in <mr hearts even in this prosaic, go-ahead age of electricity and other Theae ancicnt eorenioi»ie« form a link between ii- glorious prist and the fatare. Their ob"jr vanre, too. is a link between the Mot It Country and her dependencies Kattaod" li over the earth.

f JONES: "Vhat is reputation ?w S-MITH What the world thinks about us." JONES What then is character ? SMITH What our wives know about us." A MERRY XMAS FOR THE NEW MAMMA. WIDOWER (introducing his second wife to his children) This is your new mamma." Chorus Was that the best you could do, papa ? A SECRET-Confidential information that one woman gets another woman to keep for her. THZ RED KOSE CIME. Wit. TOPKR: I asked the doctor what I should take to remove the redness of my nose." His Wife And what did bit saiy ? Mr. Toper (indignantly) Hit aotd. Take nothing for six months.* And Christmas ooaiing onf OPTIKlSM-A habit that woman hare of looking on the bright side of th^ny | mirrors, for instance. THE ENGAGEMENT RING.—Matrvooay's promissory note. THE CORRECT ANSWER. EACH person at the Christmas party was expected to propound at least one original oonandrum, and Bertie's turn came last. Why." he asked, is this conundrum of mine like the first meal you eat on your first Wip across the ocean ? I And whoa everybody said they would give it ap he said that was the answer. MRS. SHBRLOCK HOLMES. Sua was, a great detective, but when cos- tumed t.ke a man She'd always give the fact away and spoil her clever plan By asking just one question that disclosed the true, innate. Inborn, eternal feminine M Is my disguise QBc stiaight ? EMBARRASSING I Ma. DO VAVNE "Confound itl There's the girl that sued me for breach of promise. Was. Du VAYNE "What a lucky girll Do introduce me I" » WIDOWHOOD," says Mrs. Gmndy, "it abomt the only compensation that 80188 woman get out of marriage." POLICEMAN Did he use much force when be threw the brick through your window, Mr. Murphy ? Mr. Murphy: -Foorce I Why, wid the ¡ wan blow he smashed the glass on both ides THE Atvtnua. Are you lamiuar with my bock ? The Friecid < I have a sodding acqcalatance with —

-# -ow SPLENDID STORY .5 HYA WOHLB-HEMOWNED AUTHOR. We have much pleasure in announcing that we have secti-d + he right to publish in the "Free Press" an extremely entertaining story, enti'led Sir Hilton's ;:)11' .J=l on s /r-r-K ■ b. P K Bin, BY GEORGE MANYILLB FENN, AUTHOR OR « So Like a Woman," The Canker- worm," Avnslev's Case," 11 Black Blood," "A Woman Worth Winning," LM-tster of the C^rr-moiii^s," The Xew Mistress," Drawn Swords," Parson o' I Duniford," Comir,t: Home to Roost," el C. MR. GEORGE MANVILLE FEXS has written cor;?idei>bly more than a hundred norels, and his short tales and magazine t-I sketches total oyer n thousand. One brilliant book has followed another in quick cucce^pion, ynd still hi? innumer- nhle admirers d'-maud more. The ieason for this remarkable popularity is the consistent higfe qu-»litj of his work. Sir Hilton's Sin is indisputably one of the mot delightful tnlfs lie has ever written. In it bit noadorlrJ kuowledge of human netnre is di5plttvtd in the delineation of the main charact-rif-the sporting Squire, his exacting wife ana gay young nephew- and his gift of gfnuine honour is sh,-wn in the highly amufihar diilegue, and numer- ous mirth provoking and cleverly con- tained situations. SIR H S SIN •BT George PAixnville Fenn. DO NOT FAIL to get a eopy of the "Free Press" NEXT WEEK ia whieh the Opeaing Chapters appear. Yea have only to read the first instalment to "e coariacccd that the story is the most doligktful and refreshiag you have ever reai. THE DATE. R which wo shall coinmence publication is Saturday Next, January 5th

TO CLEAN PIANO KL- !l'1T!'It reaior# UiR-o front of the piano, as if "OH wore going to tune it. Then lift up each key tiil it cleftBs th black aotes, and rub with a clean cMh dmafwd ia told water. Dry. and 1. witk another ei<rH». If the keys are ai ail 4reacy, use jnathrlated or any other spirit iu. •*«e?ad of water.

SOME HEALTH MAXIMS. Take plenty of outdoor exercise. Lire in the open air as much as possible. Get up-oariv in the morning and go to bed betimes at niJbt. Drink a tumblerful of cold water the first thing in the morning and another before going in bed. Avoid much meat in hot weather. Take plenty of vegetables and ripe, sound fruit. Avoid strong tea and coffee, and take milk in preference to either. Abjure waited and smoked fish a.nd meat. Batfce the face in cold water immediately on rwny. After tfce morning batli rub the body over wd] with daeap sah, and then sponge with tepid water. PKfonÐ a few simple muscle exercises for two minut-ac, before dressi,ng m the morning. ATcid tight corsets, tight shoes, and tight neckbaads atid glores. Practiee breathing exercises by the winclow- wear light clot-bing with silk or wool as an aD- sorbea*, next the skin.

A USEFUL APRON. Whea working in the kitchen, protect your drew aad apron by wearing- a square of \hin oileiotli. To rsake it quite neat, bind it with braid, and attach sttrngs to the upper corners. This aeeds only to be washed off when sr iled, and ca. be discarded in a second if there is a ting at the door-bc4L i

< nrher and eating || ¡r"Úf than usuai is the cause "f d;rtI1.' pie being out of sons ,.«y »-»>v>.iache. couted toji..nc, Tt "1r'u'1- »M Lre&ih, vou., i^ )?.u!i.iree. and pains n« :~r | r'! 'ouider blade and acros? always yield to a few noses «,i; i"{;ie i>cans after the mid- H -N'V V,3-" ,n"aJ Ui>un retiri'i". Bih; ai«pei thesse wrer-.5;i^d «v toms; Jiu-y restore the rivacuy i;!1 1 ;ness of renewed heaitli. lhe>"d)i}'-r from all ordinary pills §85 ami is that th«-y are com- 5^ of c«-taia valuable extracts fro. roots and herbs, and can be relied upon to cure. per J—x 1;1^r I ¡It, íJ/' 'oM"