A CHRISTMAS STORY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 101, 15 December 1939, Page 2 (Supplement)

A CHRISTMAS STORY

"Awful Fond of Animate"

as Pa, suddenly espying a group o! people congregated at the reai o. the last carriage, dashed off towards

Pa Ilavward was in a nign suue < of nerves. For the tenth time he i stalked to the centre of the railway t lines, peered through the driving I rain under a sheltering left arm and then plodded back over the loose 5 scoria to the dingy little station. 1 muttering and swearing softly. His ] eye caught the sign above the stream 1 ing brown weatherboards.

A tall sloughed figure detached it- 1 self from the group and came to meet him. Pa Hayward stopped in : his tracks .and stared in a stupified fashion at the stranger. In spite of the heavy coat he wore and the facl that the turned down felt that was well over his eyes the man was surely the oddest he had seen. Tall and extremely thin his squat head perched precariously on the top of a red leathery neck. His nose was long and pointed. "Just like a rabbit" muttered Pa Hayward, "in fact " he commented inwardly, "a bit of a rabbitty person altogether." The stranger extended a lean gloved hand and in a high pitched voice: "I suppose you're Mr Hayward?'' ho said. Pa Hayward gulped. Of all the un-likely-looking farmhands he had seen the man confronting him was surelv the oddest. He peered irj.o the red freckled face which smiled benignly down at him, then gingerly took the extended hand. "Yep!" he said curtly. "You, the j farm hand from the registry?" The other nodded. "I'll get my things and be with you in two shakes." Pa Hayward frowned. But the other was as good as his word and sprang lightly into the four-wheeler that Fred drove round from the back of the tiny station. Pa Hayward made gutteral noises deep down in the throat and cast venomous glan- : ces at Fred. Fred coughed uneasily, ; cracked the whip and the trio bumped off along the seven miserable miles that separated them from ' home.

By C. KINGSLEY-SWIITH. "Kiripapa" lie muttered. "The winterless North, on Christmas Eve." He growled and tightened his oilskin about him. The wretched water was running down his back in a regular rivulet. "Hey, Fred," he exploded as he gained the small box-like structure, "D'yer think the fat-head mistook the name of the station and went on up to Spirit's Bay?" Fred uncurled his six foot two of

mgainly length and rose from the >eat on which he had been crouchng. "The train's not in Pa, I'll swear ;o that. One thing about it" he ivent on, "you can bet your boots its lever early on this line" and at any rate we would have heard the ivhistle." "That's right" rejoined Pa Hayward. "Always so darn sure of yourself. 1 reckon we go home. It's my belief that this new hand of yours got ljiixed up in a wild party or something and started to celebrate Christmas. They all do that sort of thing in the city I know—and then —well who's to be blamed?" He made an expressive gesture with his hands. Fred pulled thoughtfully at the bedraggled remains of an unlighted cigarette. "Don't think so" he said looking fixedly out into the rain. "The registry office was a good one and I like the tone of his wire. It's got a friendly touch about it."

He drew it from an inner pocket and handed it to his father. Pa Hayward took it impatiently and moved to the grimy lamp in the corner. A gust of rain beat in snatching the flimsy piece of pape>* from his hands and tossing it in a damp crumpled heap in the corner. Fred smiled. Pa Hayward, swearing more roundly ihan ever, retrieved it and spreading it out on the seat, read with difficulty: Leaving 6.30 p.m. train Christmas Eve. Compliments of Season. P.S.

"W T hat he wants to put that last bit in for, beats me," said Pa Hayward scratching thoughtfully at the stubble on his chin. "Don't even know the fellow and } r et he writes like a long lost friend. Darn cheek

[ call it. I suppose he's one of those presumptious young empty heads that's never been out of the city. Wonder what P.S. stands for? Wouldn't mind if it was something like 'Patrick Shannon.' Irishmen are darn good workers and we got to have a first-class man with plenty of experience with animals. Drai. this wretched weather. Christmas in God's Own Country—hah nothing but colds and influenza and, and, handkerchiefs for seasonable gifts. Lot of rot. When the dickens is this forsaken train going to come?

A faint whistle! Fred stopped abruptly in the act of relighting his sodden cigarette, and poked his souwester out into the weather.

"That's her Pa, sure enough" he called over his shoulder. "I can just make out her light. Be here in a couple of jiffies."

Pa Hayward staved out into the blackness where far down the line the single light of the approaching engine showed as a swaying yellow eye, approaching rapidly. She's lucky," he observed. "I half expected her to have been held up in that new cutting beyond Snowby's Crossing." The sturdy little engine had fought her way through the unseasonable rainstorm with its freight of holidaymakers and the long-awaited Christmas mails. Once more the low rain-drenched hills re-echoed to the shrill reverb rations of its whistle and the next minute puffing and steaming the train drew in to the little wayside station of Kiripapa.

"Late as usual" bawled Pa Hayward sarcastically to the enginedriver who leaned out of the cabin. That worthy grinned good-humour edly back and waved a grimy hand

The rain slackened as they reached the gate. Away to the West the sullen cloud-curtains parted and through the chink, two bright stars twinkled calmly down on the sodden world.

Pa Hay ward broke the uneasy sil ence that had prevailed for the bes part of the journey home.

"Soon be over now," he said briskly. "The next thing wil.l be dry clothes and a cup'a cocoa. Then we'll talk things over. Fred, you can leave the horse in the house paddock to-night. I'll want you inside too, so don't go off to bed."

Freds face adopted its most inscrutable expression, but he gravely shook his head. "No Pa," he observed quietly, "its your rule that no horse spends the night in the house paddock but old Lucy. I'll take Bob up to the top field where the feed's plentiful. He deserves it after tonight," and without waiting for n reply he swung the horse about and led him off into the darkness.

Pa Hayward swore softly, once more, stared after the retreating figure then strode towards the house. "This way," he said.

The new hand cleared his throat, 'hi lie as Stale.," he managed in a line what subdued voice.

Fa Hay ward sat bolt upright and emitted a stilled "What!" Ma dropped her knitting, then fell to silently regarding the oddity before hei, with an even odder name. The girls, unable to control themselves covered their faces with their hands and shook with subdued laughter. Strangely enough the object ot all this merriment did not seem in any way perturbed. Rather, he brightened, appeared to enjoy, at least to some extent the amusement created by his name. "Oh yes," he said lightly. "Its funny I know. Phineas Stale! I was called Stale Fin,, at school. But I didn't mind. I suppose I looked it."

Pa Hayward swallowed, managed a sense of importance, and continued—"Alright then, M,—er Stale. What experience have you had?"

" For the fraction of a second tbt can face registered uneasiness.

"Well you see," he went on, "I'm awful fond of animals and I guess I get on with them better than most people. I remember once—"

Pa Hayward blew out his cheeks. "Yep,," he cut in "but what's experience on farms. How many of them have you been on, an—an what sort—cows, sheep, pigs or .what We've got cows here" he added, by way of information.

"Yes" rejoined the 'other slowly. "I like them all. I told the clerk in the registry I did, and he seemed to think I was just the man for you. I remember the cows at the Show, they were great and—

"Look here" cried Pa Hayward exasperated. "Answer me this—What do you know of farm work? Have you ever been on a farm eh?"

Phineas Stale fairly crouched in his chair. "No I haven't" he said in a voice that seemed to come from another world, "but I'm awful fond of animals and I thought—"• he broke off and looked round wonderingly as the girls almost in hysterics rushed from the room and could be heard in the front part of the house giving vent to peals of laughter.

Ma's face wore an expression that was at once comical yet pathetic. Pa Haj r ward alone was furious. For a moment he could not speak. His mouth formed words that would not come. Phineas Stale gazed at him as though hypnotised. Then the storm burst— "You answered my advertisements for an experienced man. You, you blackguard," he spluttered, "and you come crawling up here at my expense, not knowing a darned thing about cows, horses,, sheep, pigs, or, or—dragon-llies. If it wasn't for the weather, I'd turn you out to-night and let yer lump it to the station."

"Pa" the voice of Mr Hayward admonished in shocked accents.

"Too right, I would" stormed Pa swinging round on her. "At any rate he leaves first thing in the morning. I'll see to that, I'll teach him. What do you think you came up here for—a Christmas holiday eh?"—this to the culprit.

If the new hand's appearance had startled Pa Hayward, it fairly astounded his family. From the instant he had stooped through the back door, till the )ime when he sat back after drinking the hot cocoa which Ma Hayward had thoughtfully prepared, he was the object of deepest curiosity to them all. Ma Hayward's jaw had dropped as he advanced to shake hands, and as though in a daze she had lifted her limp palm to his. The girls, amazed at first, tittered audibly when on the removal of his hat the newcomer disclosed a head of flame-coloured curls which would have done justice to a water spaniel. The two younger I-laywards gazed in awe-struck silence at the curiosity that had so suddenly entered their young lives. Pa Hayward had by way of introduction' merely said as they entered "The new hand, Ma and we want some hot cocoa." That was all, and now he sat staring at the stove a heavy frown upon his brow. The silence grew strained. Pa stretched and yawned. "Now" he said in a voice which lie hoped would convey the impression that both he and his family were quite used to red-headed strangers of singular appearance entering their home on Christmas EVe. "Now then, let's get down to tintacks. We want a pretty good man here, and strong too. You might be experienced but —well you don't seem to have the build, er—you know what I mean. AVhat's your name?

"No" said Mr Stale, with utter misery in his voice, "but you see I thought you might give me a chance seein' I'm so awful fond of animals"

"Bali" roared Pa Hayward. "What d'yer think we keep—guinea-pigs.

"Do you really, though!" said Phineas Stale brightening. "You know," he went on conversationally "No we don't," snapped Pa Hayward bitinglv, "and if we did I'd shoot 'e tomorrow." "Oh —h" said Phineas Stale. The back door was flung violently open and the next moment Fred, his oil-skin plastered with mud and his face as white as a ghost, burst into the room. Pa Hay wad sprang to his feet. "What's up Fred lad!" he gasped.

"Its the new purebred" said Fred. "I've been up with her for the last half hour. She's calved at last, but I think the poor little begger is as good as lost. I knew she's milk late and I've been watching her for some time. The calf's drowned Pa —■ though I thought I heard it. once or twice. It was probably only the water. The mother's nearly mad.'*

Pa Hayward placed a hand to his forehead. "That calf would have been worth a fortune later on" he said. Its by the best blood in the land. But tell us what's happened, lad?"

Rapidly Fred told his talc. In the main grazing field at the rear of the farm, a deep-seated underground stream, swollen by the rain had eaton away the loose limestone shale of which most of the land was com-

osed. The surface soil had coliaps<l exposing a great open vent, so

deep, said Fred, that the bottom could not be seen. Down this, the new-born calf had fallen.

Pa I-layward was all action in an nstant.

"Go to the shed" he ordered. "Get every rope you can lay hands on. ['11 get changed and go with you. "I'd do anything to save that calf. He disappeared into the adjoining bedroom. Fred shook his head and turned to go. Phineas Stale shot forward. His face was drawn and his brown eyes were alight with a look of pleading appeal. "You think you heard the calf?" he asked anxiously.

"Might have been only imagination" returned Fred, "the water was making a lot of noise, and it was hard to distinguish any other sound"

"I'm coming," said Phineas Stale, 'and I'm ready now."

"Not even changing your togs?"

"No, I'll just throw one or two things off. 'I'm with youi."

Fred eyed him elosely. "Take my oilskin" he said at length, "I'm just about as grubby as I can get and it'll keep you warm."

Five minutes later the three left the house. The slip was nearly half a mile away and the track led through the boggy fields. The slippery surface sent the city man floundering on a dozen occasions. Not a word was spoken till they reached the yawning cavity caused by the subterranian waters. It must have measured fifteen feet across. The weather had cleared and its sheer sides showed ghostly-white in the pale light of the stars. The distracted mother, a beautiful little Jersey, raced madly up and down the edge of the cliff, bellowing wildly, and every minute running the lisle of being hurled down the pit herself. They chased her to safety. Fred was the first to speak.

"Its down there," lie said simply

"You can see that the hole narrows about thirty feet down, and then opens up again. Hear the watei rushing down beloAv! God k:oows how deep the drop is—shouldn't care to try and find out either. That limestone is treacherous stuff.'.'

Pa Hay ward was slowly scratching his chin. He turned his back deliberately on the pit. "No use" he said quietly. "A man might get killed down there and its a hundred chances to one that the calf is drowned by this time."

He started to walk away. Phineas Stale stalked up to him.

"Do you mean to say your going home —without even trying to get the calf out." He. had planted himself squarely in front of Pa Hayward. His face registered incredulity. Pa Hayward nodded. For a moment the other stared in openmouthed astonishment. Next he threw himself on his stomach, crawl ed to the edge, and cocked his head over the side of the abyss, listening intently. The other two watched him in amazement. Phineas Stale sprang to his feet. 'I heard it," he yelled. "It's somewhere and I'm going down to get it. Make ready the ropes." He began divesting himself of th* heavy oilskin. In vain they pleaded with him to give up the foolhardy idea. He was adamant —he was more than "the mere mention of abandoning the rescue sent him into raving tirades of abuse. So they gave him his way. He stripped to his singlet and a pair of trousers, slipped the stout rope about his waist and slowly lowered his ungainly limbs down the limestone Avail. Falling showers of loosened stone made the two who paid out the rope hold their breath, but a re-assuring call came up from the blackness and they breathed again. The end of the rope was in sight when suddenly the strain Avas released. The rope swung loosely in the soft breeze. Pa Hayward peered down the pit and then looked at his son, his strong face creased Avith anxiety. Nothing Avas said. Five minutes, then ten—and still they AA'aited. Pa HayAvard's nerves had almost reached breaking point Avhen a sharp tug—the signal to pull in the rope

arrested him and he set feverishly to work. Neither could conceal their joy, when as half the rope was paid in, a faint bleat Like sound was heard. Pa Hay ward could almost have danced a jig. He grabbed at the .half-frozen little animal as It ' came over the edge, Quickly he re- * leased it from the rough trestle, and laid it weak and trembling on the grass at the feet of its mother. Once more the rope was lowered, and'fße , long steady heave repeated. * Two skinny arms gripped the cherous overhanging turf. A head appeared covered with reddest of copper-coloured hair and Phineas Stale with Fred's help heaved himself on to the solid ground, his indescribably funny face radiant and - wearing a look of complete triumph / '•Got him" he shouted gaily., "He was almost a gonner. Nearly under the water ,but a big boulder saved him from being washed away. I don T t think he's even hurt. Merry Christ- 5 *' . inas to you .both" he added. * "Merry Christmas Phineas" said Pa Hayward with something like a choke in his \oice. "I hope it will be a merry one for you—you deserve it. 'And, and if you'll slay with us. the :',ob is" yours as long as we own the farm."