278 THE RED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
Christmas/' it said, gently. ^^It has been full of joy to 
you and yours. But there are those among your fellow- 
creatures — nay, among your very neighbors — who dwell 
in such continued misery that when Christmas comes it 
but reminds them of their unhappy state, and by its 
excess of light upon others deepens the gloom about them- 
selves. This is the Shadow of Christmas Present, and it 
falls heavily upon many a heart and many a household 
where the day, with its good cheer and blessed associa- 
tions, should bring naught but delight." The kind 
Spirit's voice wavered slightly. I myself can do but 
little to dispel this shadow. It grieves me sorely, year by 
year, but it remains, and I fear I but make it worse, with 
my bluff ways and keen winter breezes. It is for those 
who love me most to carry such light and comfort to 
those upon whom it rests that it shall be banished, never 
to return. The shadow grows less year by year, but it is 
still broad, broad." 
The Ghost was silent a moment. It beckoned to the 
other, and motioned to him to step behind it. " In my 
shadow you shall move to-night," it concluded, in a 
firmer voice. " It shall accompany you wherever you 
go, and your work shall be to turn it away with whatever 
kind deeds your hand shall find to do, ojc cheering words 
you may have the power to speak." 
It said no more. Mr. Broadstreet, who when a child 
had often longed to peep behind a picture, found himself 
actually fulfilling his wish. As he drew nearer the 
