CHAPTER XXVII.
CHRISTMAS BELLS.
The sexton often goes into the tower on a sad errand.

He gives a strong pull at the rope, and forth from the tower goes a dismal sound that makes the heart sink.

But he can now go up the old stairs with a lithe step and pull quick and sharp, waking up all the echoes of cavern and hill with Christmas bells.

The days of joy have come, days of reunion, days of congratulation.

"Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people." First, let the bells ring at the birth of Jesus! Mary watching, the camels moaning, the shepherds rousing up, the angels hovering, all Bethlehem stirring.