The story revolves around the antics of Ike Harper, Dirty Shirt Jones, and Scenery Sims in the small town of Piperock during the Christmas season. Dirty Shirt and Scenery, known for their rough and tumble ways, experience a bout of remorse mistaken for religion after a heavy drinking session. They decide to contribute to the town by improving the local church, which lacks a bell and resembles a saloon more than a place of worship. To raise funds, they plan to raffle off Dirty Shirt's horseless carriage, an old automobile he won in a raffle himself, and Scenery's camel, Araby, becomes part of the entertainment. The townsfolk of Piperock, along with those from neighboring towns Paradise and Yaller Horse, are drawn into the scheme, buying tickets for the raffle. Ike Harper, despite his reluctance, ends up with a ticket, which becomes the winning one, much to the chagrin of the visitors from Paradise and Yaller Horse who suspect foul play. The story culminates in a chaotic Christmas Eve event at the Mint Hall, featuring a series of comedic mishaps involving the townspeople, the camel, and the automobile. The event is intended to showcase the nativity scene and the modern celebration of Christmas, but it quickly devolves into a farcical series of events, including a raffle dispute, a runaway steer, and a wild ride in the automobile. Despite the chaos, the event succeeds in raising enough money for the new church and its bell, fulfilling Dirty Shirt and Scenery's goal of ensuring the church is recognizable and distinct from a saloon. The story ends with the characters reflecting on the night's events, with a humorous nod to the spirit of Christmas and the camaraderie of the townsfolk.
By W.C. Tuttle · First published 1966 · Genre: Western Fiction, Humor/Comedy, Satire