Sonny, a Christmas Guest Part 13

Yes, that ol' oak was religiously planted, an' we've tried not to offend its first principles in no ways du'in' the years we've nurtured it.

An' when I set here an' look at it, an' consider its propensities,--it's got five limbs that seem thess constructed to hold swings,--maybe it's 'cause I was raised Presbyterian an' sort o' can't git shet o' the doctrine o' predestination, but I can't help seemin' to fo'-see them friendly family limbs all fulfillin' their promises.

An' when I imagine myself a-settin' there with one little one a-climbin'

over me while the rest swings away, why, seem like a person don't no mo'

'n realize he's a descendant befo' he's a' ancestor.