Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1885-12-26
HOW SANTA CLAUS CAME.

gem-Iike stars, while the silvery moon
shed her matchless radiance over all.
The night came on apacc, and the
many feet which thronged the crowded
streets, or entered the brilliantly lighted
stores or saloons, whose tempting wares
forbade that any should pass them by,
grew less and less; while within tie
dwellings, whose tall fronts stood up
against the quiet sky, many little hearts
beat high with hope of anticipation. and
many n childish voice might be heard
importunng the good Saint Nicholas
for the possession of some coveted treas
ure.
But it is not with the rich that we
have to do tonight; so passing the
homes of atlluence and pride, We will
pause before a tiny cottage in remote
part of the great, teeming city.
Very tiny indeed it appeared at first
sight, for it was only one story high,
aud over the low roof the dropping
caves might almost be touched by your
hand A small wooden pallng enclosed
che tiny strip of garden in front, and
plot scarcely larger at the back OF the
house; and here lived the Widow Mar
tin and two childrcn-twins-a boy and
girl, of seven years.
The blinds that protected the two
small windows had been drawn close;
and in a low chair, with her eyes bent
upon some fine sewing, sat Mrs. Martin,
glancing occasionally at the innocent
sports of her children, while pensive
smile rested upon her lips. Rousing
herself at last from the painful revere
into which she had fallen, and which
had drawn more than one sigh from her
lips, she said, quietly:
''Come, children, it's time you were
to bed and asleep
The children ceased their play, and
came to her side; then throwing their
arms about her neck and casting bright
glance toward the replace, where two
little stockings were suspended, Nellie,
her mothers namesake, said:
1--WE must ask good Santa Claus first
for what we want, and then we can 90 to
bed, mamma"
Mrs. Marin sighed. Little chance
there was for gifts at this holiday time.
Alone in the world. her husband dead.
and her only brother alienated and wan
dering, she knew not where, her utmost
exertions for the last twelve months had
scarce sufficed to win for them the barest
necessities 1t was hard to disappoint
their childish faith: and her eyes filled
with tears as she answered sadly:
Il fear Santa Claus will pass us by to-
night, my darling. He is little likely
to find his way to our poor home"
ooh, yes, he will, mamma" cried
Eddie, confidently; "he has never for
gotten us before, and l know he won't
this time. l mean to call up to him
eight away"
A slight sound outside, at this mo-
ment, as of foot crushing the crisp
snow, cansed Mrs. Martin to start; then
she resumed her sewing, while Eddie
approached the chimney, and in his clear,
childish voice petitioned Sata Claus not
90 forget them, but to bring the over
coat, cap, and boots, so sorely needed,
and whatever toys he could spare from
his generous store beside.
"There, noww he exclaimed, stepping
back, his little cheeks glowing with an
ticipation. ''Now. Nellie, it's your turn"
The little girl advanced timidly, and
bent her face down with grave earnest
ness.
Dear Santa Claus" she called,
swectly, please come to night and bring
rs few presents. Mamma's afraid you'll
forget us, but know you WON'T
CHOW, mamma," she said, returning to
her mother, with her little face radiant
with the trust her words had in
spired, "vou ask him something, and
then he'll come, I'm sure. He won't
disappoint all of u.s.
Mrs. Martin smiled through her tears.
"You will have to ask him for me,
Nellie. He doesn't listen to old peo-
pie"
"Verv well, mamma. What shall ask
him forl"
But Mrs. Martin didn't hear her in the
emotions that overpowered her.
"Oh, that some good angel would
guide my brothers wandering footsteps
back to me-" she faltercd. brokenly,
''that might offer him my forgiveness,
and ask his, that might once more have
. sympathizing heart to love ID leaA
upon"
She bowed her head upon her hands
and wept, while the child, slipping from
her side, again stepped forward to the
chimney.
''Dear Santa Claus" once more she
pleaded, won't you please bring Uncle
Eddie back to mammal She wants to
forgive him, she cries for him every day.
Oh, dear Santa Claus, say you willr'
What made the little one start back.
while bright spot sprang to ether
cheek.
Upon the low roof of the cottage
slight sound was heard, and then down
'he chimney came the words earnest and
clear:
81 will"
With Dated breath Nellie fastened
back to her mother who, in the violence
of her grief, had not heard aught that
passed.
Mamma she whispered, Santa
Claus was there, l know, for he answered
one. Uncle will come"
Mrs. Martin kissed her little girl with
sad, increduious smile.
"Let us hope he will. my love- And
now you must get to bed without further
delay" and laying her work aside she
arose to see her little ones in their hum
bic couch.
While the children hat, been engaged
at their r'av > man had approached the
cottage from without, and pausing in
front of it, surveyed it gloomily.
"And this is the place to which she
has been driven" he murmured: che
must be dead then. Has poverty soft.
ened her heart, l wonder, or would she