Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1884-12-26

Eyes. Toms name is down." Mr..
Fernald looked up, waiting for the child
to continue his requests.
"Thats all, sir, 'ceptin' ma, an ma
needs most everythin,' but | guess she
needs a shawl most" f
"But you, my little man, is there
nothing you wish for p
mo, sir, don't need anything I'll
be so glad to see the rest, an I'll have
my secret about moetin' you for my
Christmas Oh, it will be the jolliest
Christmas ever was; an won't ma won
der, an won't Tom be sprised, an won't
Nelly dance about guess Tom'll
change his mind bout you pretty quick,
SIR"
Bob nodded his head emphatically.
and his eyes twinkled like stars.
"Now toll me where you live, Bobby"
said Mr. Fernald, with warm glow at
his heart. XIX.
The child gave the directions minute
ly Then Mr.. Fernald sent him home.
and doubt if there was happier child
in all the land than Bobby Brown.
Mr.. Fernald then retraced his steps,
visiting clothing establishment, q shoe
store, toy-shop, the confectioner's, the
bakers, the grocer's, and at each place.
after giving his order, he requested that
the things be sent, the first thing in the
morning, TO certain address, and left
at Mrs. Browns room with Santa Claus
compliments
Bobby tossed restlessly in bed that
night How could he sleep with such
wonderful secret on his mind ? At every
sound he started nervously, and listened
attentively until tho sound had ceased.
Toward morning he fell asleep and was
only awakened by Tom kindling FIRE
in the old stove.
elias he come yet" cried Bobby,
springing out Of the bed
"Who p asked Tom.
But Bobby pretended to be too busy
aboutihis wardrobe to heed Toms ques-
ton, He felt chagrined that he SO
nearly betrayed his precious secret.
Mrs. Brown, with weary sigh, put
the last potato in the oven, and wondered
where the dinner, for those little hungry
mouths, was to come from. Her faith
in Gods care was sorely tried at times.
Poor woman, her burdens were heavy TO
bear,
Suddenly there camo a knock at the
/ door.
"Its him." cried Bobby, springing
forrard 10 open it.
ere's basket for the widow Brown
Santa Claus sent from the grocery
compliments, said the man,
large basket in the door and
y before question could be
sSbntents were half taken
.>,e lasket was thrust in.
"a the bakery, with Santa Claus
H.ofneEts, said the man, briskly,
eaYhing the door behind him.
5dch basket of good things as that
BoyB was! The children stood about it
Gef wide-eyed wonder, until little Paul
j5rokc the spell, by snatching handful
of brown ginger-cookies.
"Santa Claus compliments" announced
a voice at the door, and large bundle,
which proved to be good, stout shoes for
the children all around, was thrust in,
and before the door could be closed,
more bundles followed.
BY this time the little ones were cap
ering about the room in the widest de-
light Tom stood with the stove-handle
in one hand, and an expression Of blank
amazement on his face, perfect statue
of surprise. Mrs. Brown had sunk into
chair, and with clasped hands and tear
full eyes, was viewing the presents which
seemed literally TO shower down upon
them, and which meant 50 much comfort
aud happiness to her little family Bob
by was the only one who did not seem to
be at all surprised at the generous dis
play. Nor did he cease to regard the
door with anxiety until the doll and the
candy, together with other surprises and
toys not mentioned by him in his con-
versation with Santa Claus, had made
their appearance.
Where did they all come from p
gaspcd Mrs. Brown, in perplexity.--
"There must be some mistake"
mo, there ANTI" cried Bobby, en-
Enthusiastically; ''Santa Claus sent EN-. "
"But there isn't such person, Bobby"
Eyes there is saw him last night,
said Bobby, trying jack-knife which
had his name on card attached to the
handle: "There's good stuff In it," he
added, sending long shaving off from q
piece of pine stick. II told him where
we lived, an 9e said he'd try to find Us
this year"
who could it have been ~ murmured
Mrs. Brown.
Santa Claus, Of course" said Bobby
cmphatically. Hes jolly old man
looks just like his picture, too"
And Mr.. Fernald, as he placed a dia-
mond ring on the finger Of his grand
daughter, thought Of the humble home
his bounty had blest, and how much
more that gift was priced than the one
which now sparkled on the hand Of heI
who had never had wish unsatis6ed.
ut pays to be Santa Claus" he solil'
oquized 1T pays in here" laying hii
hand over the place where warm heart
throbbed beneath, land l believe III
make general Santa Claus Of myself
next year. for the benefit of poor little
children whom the usual Santa Claui
fails to find"