A Shiloh Christmas: Chapter 5} [December 21st,1899]
Hello, Betsy. Merry Christmas. It's nice to see you again. Who is this with you? I don't believe we've met. Randy, this is my friend Sally. I'm pleased to meet you, ma'am. How long have you known Betsy? About a year and a half now. Randy, some of the people want us to sing a song. Are you ready? Sure, Betsy. I've got my guitar right here. Which one do you want to do first, Randy? Go Tell It on the Mountain. Alright, lets do it.
1. While shepherds kept their watching, o'er silent flocks by night, behold, throughout the heavens, there shone a holy light. 2. The shepherds feared and trembled when lo, above the earth rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior's birth. 3. Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. Go,tell it on the mountain, over the hills, and ev'rywhere; go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. That was excellent, you two. May we hear one more? Of course, it would be our pleasure. Which one should we do, Randy? You pick one this time. Alright, how about Silent Night? That's fine by me. Let's do it. 1. Silent night,holy night! All is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. 2. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing, Alleluia! Christ, the Savior is born! Christ, the Savior, is born! 3. Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Everyone applauded approvingly as Randy and Betsy stepped off the stage. That was beautiful singing, you two. Thank you, Virginian. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Would you like to dance,Betsy? I'd love to, Randy. I don't know if you've noticed, but you've gotten better at this. You really think so? Yes, Randy, I do. You don't step on my toes anymore like you did when you were first learning. I've been practicin some when you were'nt around. And I think some of what Miss Felicity tried to teach me had somethin to do with it. If only she could be here to see how you've improved, Randy. It sure was a shame what happened to her. It certainly was, Randy. I know I'll always remember her. But I know she would'nt want us to be sad. Mind if I cut in, Randy? Not at all, Trampas. Well, hello again. It's Randy, right? That's right, and you're Sally. Yes, we met earlier. Your singing was beautiful. Thank you. Have you always done it? Since I was little. Who taught you to play the guitar? My pa did. So where did you grow up, Randy? A little place down south called Bald Knob. How'd you get way out here? I decided to come west after my ma and pa died. I'm sorry to hear that. It must've been hard on you leaving your home. And that's how you met Betsy and the boys? That's right. Betsy and The Virginian helped me out of some trouble, and the Virginian offered me a job. And I've been at Shiloh ever since. Well, I'm glad it all worked out for you. So am I. Thank you for the dance. It was lovely. It was my pleasure, Sally. So did you like switching partners, Sally? Yes, I did, Betsy. Your friend Randy is one nice young man. I know, he brings me joy every day. Ever since he first came. I don't think I ever knew a boy more kind and thoughtful than he is. May I have this dance, Betsy? Of course, Virginian. Excuse us, Sally. Of course,Betsy. I can't believe its almost Christmas again. Neither can I, Betsy. It seems like just yesterday that I was planning Steve's birthday party or riding up to the windmill and meeting Randy for the first time. The year has flown by that fast. And its been a good year, too. Yes, it certainly has. I've learned more about others and myself this year than I knew last year. And I've found one of the dearest friends I'll ever have. You mean Randy? Yes, I do. I'm so glad he decided to stay with us. So am I, Betsy. Shiloh would'nt have been the same if he'd left that time. It certainly would'nt have been, Betsy. That boy's the closest thing to a younger brother I've ever had. I'm glad he stayed,too. Thank you for the dance, madam. My pleasure, sir. Do you want to get something to eat? That sounds nice. Hello again, Randy. You having a good time? I sure am, Betsy. The Virginian was right when he said the dance was a lot of fun. Would you like to dance? I'd love to, Randy. What'd the Virginian have to say to you? Oh, we were just talking about how fast the year has gone by and how many things are different. I know what you mean, Betsy. This time last year I was halfway across the prairie and it was just me and my horse. I'm sure glad I ended up findin you that day. So am I, Randy. You mean a lot to me and you always will. I never had a sister so you're the closest thing to one I've ever had. And I feel the same about you. You're the closest thing to a younger brother I've ever had. Thank-you for the dance. You're welcome, Betsy. Randy, before we all go home the folks would like us to sing one more song. Are you ready? I'll get my guitar. Let's do Away in a Manger. Alright, lets do it. 1. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. 2. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my cradle til morning is nigh. 3. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and take us to heaven to live with thee there. That was lovely, you two; and thank you. Be safe going home tonight, folks, and Merry Christmas to you all. That was lovely, was'nt it? It sure was, Betsy. I had a good time. I'm glad you did, Randy. We'd better be heading back to the ranch, everybody; before Judge Garth wonders what happened to us. And it was'nt long before they were home. I'll put the surrey away. I'll help , bossman. Goodnight, Betsy. Goodnight, you two. See you in the morning. Would you like me to see you to your door? Thank you, Randy. I'd like that. Goodnight, Randy, I had a good time tonight. Night, Betsy. See you in the mornin.