CHRISTMAS IN ALASKA. 
275 
they were unknown ; now they're as common as valen- 
tines." 
" Oh, yes/' replied the Ghost, " I know. You see, I 
have my room pretty well decorated with them." 
The lawyer scrutinized the background of the picture 
more clearly, and, sure enough, the walls were covered 
with what at first seemed a rich sort of illuminated paper, 
but proved to be composed entirely of Christmas cards, 
many of which he had never seen. Even in the momen- 
tary glance he gave, he observed that those which had 
taken prizes, and had been most largely advertised during 
the past few winters, were tucked away in obscure cor- 
ners, while several which were exceedingly simple in 
design and text occupied the most prominent positions. 
" Yes," the Ghost went on, " the cards are well enough 
in their way, and so are the other displays and festivities 
of the day. But it is the spirit of Christmas that you 
need. Charity, charity in its good old sense : open hearts 
and kind deeds, with less thought of self -plea sing. While 
these dainty little gifts are being manufactured, pur- 
chased, sent, and thrown away, hundreds of people are at 
starvation's door in your own city ; thousands of people 
know little or nothing of the real meaning of the day 
and of its founder." 
As the Ghost spoke, its voice seemed to come nearer, 
and at the same time the book grew so large and heavy 
that Mr. Broadstreet was fain to set it down upon the 
carpet. He no longer feared the Ghost, nor did it 
