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All Through the NightSleep my child and peace attend thee
All through the night.
Guardian angels God will send thee
All through the night.
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping
I my loving vigil keeping
All through the night.For a moment the clouds parted and the surrounding dark could be seen by the seven in the stars' light given and glittering.
“How in the H.." pausing and remembering where he was, Chris changed his wording. "How long have we been here?"
“About an hour to a hour and a half, it just seems longer since the temperature has been steadily dropping." Nathan answered.
“Can someone explain to me why we´re here doing this and not down at the saloon having our Friday night drinks" Buck grumbled.
“Yes please some one explain to me why I am wearing these hideous clothes and am out here freezing to death." Ezra demanded
“At least you're wearing something that don´t make you look stupid." JD huffed.
“Yeah. at least all of you are comfortable, not like me feeling like an idiot up above ya." Vin told them.
Through all the complaining, the men kept their voices in whispers that only they could hear as well as staying perfectly still, so no movement could be seen. Watching the shadows go by and disappear in groups that were looking, searching out every detail to find what they sought.
While the moon her watch is keeping
All through the night.
While the weary world is sleeping
All through the night.
O'er thy spirit gently stealing
Visions of delight revealing
Breathes a pure and holy feeling
All through the night.The seven could hear the music that drifted on the air, coming from those who felt the season´s warmth as they sang the old carol hymns.
“Dang it, I don´t know how much longer I can be still or wait. My knees are killing me from being bent on the hard cold ground," JD grumbled.
“Yeah, this cold and dampness is going to probably hamper my mobility tomorrow, when I need it with the twins I have a date with. And that won't be right to disappoint those ladies after they waited all week to see me," Buck complained
“Patience, brothers, this is more important than any assignment we´ve had. Once it's over and we're warm again, you'll feel better," Josiah answered in a calm voice, trying to help the aggravation his friends were starting to feel.
“Can understand the importance Josiah, that's why I's agreed. But if this ain't over soon, I'm either going to freeze ta' death or shame our image," Vin reported, though his tone so quiet still only his friends barely heard, his breath floated out in the frozen air into the moon's light in the night.
Hark, a solemn bell is ringing
Clear through the night.
You, are heav'n ward winging,
Home through the night.
Earthly dust from off thee shaken
By good angels art though taken
Soul immortal shalt though waken
Home through the night.The bell ringing alerted the guys not only of the time, but more importantly that their job was done.
“Boys, I can't tell you how much I truly appreciate you doing this for me. Because of you, a lot of people came by to see and and they all dropped a great deal of money donations in the kettle tonight. So much so, there's going to be a lot of happy children come Christmas morning. And happy families that might not have had a holiday dinner. Thank you so much.” Ms. Nettie smiled brightly at them.
“Glad we could help Nettie. Now that it's over, If you don't mind we sure would like to move and get our own clothes back,” Chris expressed.
“True my dear Ms. Wells, we are all delighted that we could provide you with something that would ensure little ones keeping their faith in the gentleman Saint Nick. But as my esteemed friend Mr. Larbee has stated, we would all appreciate the chance to finally move out of this frigid air and back into our own personal wardrobe,” Ezra assured as he began to turn.
“Boys. I just need you to do one more thing and then you can all go.” Nettie stopped them with what she said.
Turning seven suspicious gazes on her, It was Vin that finally voiced the question.
“What's that Nettie?" he asked as he reached up trying to get control of what was aggravating him.
“For all of you to say Merry Christmas!" She smiled, with a sudden flash following her words..
“Nettie!!!" seven voice rang out.
*************
The next morning as seven hungover men woke up in various place out at Chris's ranch. Josiah being the most coherent answered the door when the knocking wouldn't stop.
Finding a young man there, "Can I help you?" Josiah softly asked trying to keep his head on his shoulders, though the explosions in it were making it hard.
“Ms. Wells paid for a special delivery," the man answered handing, Josiah what he had, then turned and left...
Closing the door and finding Chris standing right behind him, Josiah handed it off to Larbee and made his way on into the kitchen for coffee.
“OH MY GOD” the yelling brought all of them running, some with guns and some just trying to keep on their feet.
“Chris what's wrong?" Vin demanded when no threat was there in the living room with him.
Chris turned the Newspaper he had in his hands around, they all saw the headlines of “Church raises over ten thousand dollars to help out families with nothing.” But it was the picture below that had them all a gasped...
A live Nativity scene, A Shepard on bended knee - Josiah, Three wise men dressed in full rich garments and round silk hats - Nathan, Ezraand Chris, Mary- JD, and Joseph - Buck, both in time period clothing and on there knees around a manger.. And in a white flowing gown with wings and a halo floating above them an angel - Vin.
The End
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