Alpha and Omega

Preface

This little book of short stories deals with both truth and fiction, though fiction predominates. There is a good moral and something elevating in each story that will, we trust, be appreciated by both young and old. There is a touch of sentiment, also of humor. Perhaps many an otherwise gloomy evening will be brightened for the juniors by reading one of these stories.

Go, little book, from house to house.

And consolation bring

To those that weep and those that mourn.

And those that try to sing.

For some that sing have heavy hearts.

Their smiles would make you sad.

But you and I, my little book.

Will try to make them glad.

This little book of stories short.

Is sent out to be read.

By lads and lasses, one and all.

Ere they tumble into bed.

It gives them a thought of others’ joy.

Likewise of others’ strifes.

And helps to set an example To them in their battles of life.

Contents

Page

Raymond's Letter, a Poem -------- 6

Alpha and Omega - -- -- -- -- -- 13 Elsie Graham and Her Mother ------ 53

II. I don’t care for rubber rings

For they look like baby’s things.

I want a great big drum.

That I can beat with my thumb.

I like marbles, a whistle, and a top,

And an auto that never stops.

I’d like a nice red hoop.

And a big picture book.

I like all that is called toys —

But best of all a rocking horse.

Just like other boys.

III. I like rubber balls

But I don’t care for dolls.

For they are called girl’s toys.

I don’t care for hogs and dogs,

For they make so much noise.

I don’t care for nuts and candies sweet.

Raymond's Letter

My mamma buys all that I can cat,

I’d like a rocking chair,

That I can sit in and comb my hair.

I would like a nice gold watch,

IV. I don’t care for a big black hat

With plumes and tassels at the back.

I’d like to have a little red cap.

I’d like to have a chest of tools.

That I can play with when I go to school, I’d like to have a brand new sled.

With all the runners painted red.

I’d like to have a box of blocks.

With a picture of a fox.

I’d like to have a rake and hoe.

To work in the garden with Uncle Joe.

V. Tell Santa not to forget Tommy Butt

He does not live in a hut.

But a little bungalow;

On the east side it is very low.

But the key-hole in the door.

Stands just the same as yours.

Where old Santa used to creep.

And leave your things all in a heap.

Now Tommy Butt don’t want a sister.

But he would like a baby brother.

One that looks just like his father.