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[rs 4 > Tr PAT CN " Cw Aw, Pat af A a ae = Of Facts and Fantasy by Reta M. Berrill BUT ... FOR ONE MOMENT It was prior to the Great Depression. Margaret Jean Mitchell affectionately known as Marnie, was seventeen, unskilled, and aware that jobs were scarce. Yet, undeterred had landed in the small city of St. Joseph with little else than a pocketful of courage. Her early encounter with Mrs. Matilda Gorman, she later described as, "A conspiracy of the Gods --- Fate, Faith and-Fortune."" Mrs. Gorman was an elderly widow and semi invalid. She required a minimum of help to get about, assistance in caring for her many treasures and a large house that she refused to vacate. But most of all, she needed companionship. The arrangement had proved to be ideal. Youth and old-age became fast friends. And in no way could the girl have forseen in that charming old house a moment of terror. When Christmas approached to enable Marnie to go home Mrs. Gorman arranged to stay with her daughter. She and her husband John K. Austin were business people down- town. ' In mid-afternoon on the appointed day, they came for her. As Marnie was helping her mistress with street clothes she was startled to find the man leering at her, his face etched with evil. He was ruggedly built, dark and fortyish. But somehow, one got the May the peaceful tranquility of this Holy season enter heart and home. : Our pleasure is serving you. Kelly, Jermyn, Donald & Zuly LAW OFFICE We're winging our wishes for peace and love to all our patrons. Thanks, friends, for all your goodwill. * PINK DOT Miriam Price and Staff + Y EAS RY% IL 3 ' oA SARTO SI I RCP ¥ rd INET BRU SL TORT SR ATRAG FOREN § 7 WE impression that growth had desertedhim at least six inches too soon. The Austins were in a hurry to get back to work so good-byes were quickly said and they left. Marnie went upstairs to pack, and prepare to catch an evening train for her home in the country. ' One window of her large room over- looked the street. Passing it, she looked down, just as a black sedan was pulling to the curb in front of the house. She watched, and as itg only occupant emerged, realized it was the son- in-law, Mr. Austin. Had it not been for that brief moment earlier, she'd naturally have thought that Mrs. Gorman had forgotten something and he'd come toretrieve it. Instead, some innate alarm system was triggered, and fear possessed her. Frantic mental groping produced one poss- ibility. She sped to the bathroom, drew the old-fashioned bolt, then turned to the window -- her hope of escape. Below it was a porch roof and an overhanging maple tree. The tree suggested a way down. Marnie Mitchell hadn't been called a tomboy for nothing. But now, she found a storm sash fastened from the outside. She was cornered. The man was already on the stairs. Obviously, he'd fixed the lock previously. On reaching the landing, he lunged noisily along the passage, checking each room. The last door failed to yield. He called her name -- calmly at first. Then began shouting and demanding that she open it, as he hammered the door with his fists. While her eyes seemed glued to the door; fearful he'd Inthe glow of this happy season, we thank you for the loyalty you have shown. Joy to all. Wilson Ford Sales MANCHESTER - ONTARIO Phone 985-7373 Uxbridge 852.7761 WILSON FORD "e hone of LAL EAR come crashing through; hoping he'd realize such evidence against him might be too great -- she managed fo remain mute except for her pounding heart. How long he actually stayed there she couldn't know. But suddenly, the footsteps were retreating. The uttered obscenities, loud at first, faded. The front door slammed. Silence. Some time later, stilidazed and shaking she uncoiled her small body from its crouched position on the floor. Darkness had fallen, Slowly she withdrew the bolt, crept out and, while half-expecting that bulky form to dart from the shadows, found her way to the front wingow. Down the block under a street lamp, a Salvation Army Band was playing Christmas Carols. She could hear faintly, Silent night! Holy night! Then as she watched, action ceased and heads bowed for prayer. Into her mind the words came clearly, "And deliver us from evil." Margaret Jean Mitchell was fully alert then and the message was plain. Those words so often said, now suddenly had meaning. She'd just been delivered from evil. Quickly some new plans were formulated. There'd be a telephone call to make, and an early morning train would take her home. She'd remembered the announcement on the bulletin board at the little white church around the corner. A Midnight Service. What better time or place to say "Thank you." Large fluffy flakes were gently transforming a drab world into a thing of beauty. It was Christmas Eve. And tomorrow she knew was going to be A Merry Christmas. May you and your family enjoy a happy holiday. We thank you warmly. MODERN TEXTILES , kind. patronage. Happy holiday wishes to each and every one of you. And thanks for your very MIDDLETON'S | | BUTCHER SHOP