The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1886-01-13
HOW SANTA CLAUS CAME.

It was Christmas eve. clear and frosty
The sky stretched above, one cloudless
canopy of blue, studded with countless
gem-like stars, while the silvery moon
shed her matchless radiance over all.
The night came on apace, 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 the
dwellings, whose tall fronts stood up
against the quiet sky, many little hearts
beat high with hope of anticipation, and
many childish voice might be heard
importuning 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 aflluence aud pride, we will
pause before tiny cottage in remote
part Of the great teeming city.
Very tiny indeed 1t appeared at first
sight, for it was only one story high,
and over the low roof the drooplrg
caves might almost be touched by your
hand. A small wooden paling enclosed
tho tiny strip OF garden in front, and a
plot scarcely larger at the back of the
house and here lived the Widow Mar
tin and two children-twins- boy and
girl, of seven years.
The blinds that protected the two
email windows had been drawn close;
aud in low chair, with her eyes bent
upon some fine sewing, sat Mrs. Martin,
glancing occasionally at the innocent
spnrts of her children, while pensive
smile rested upon her lips. Rousing
herself at last from the painful reverie
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 aud asleep.
The children ceased their play, and
came to her sidei then throwing their
arms about her neck and casting bright
glance toward the fireplace, where two
little stockings were suspended, Nellie,
her mothers nanesahe, 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 sutiiced to win for them the barcst
necessities. 1t was hard to disappoint
their child faith and her eyes filled
with tears as she answered sadly:
II fear Santa Claus will pass us by to-
night, my darling. lie is little likely
to find his way to our poor home"
"Oh, yes, he will, mamma," cried
Eddie, confidently; ''he has never for
gotten us before, and | know he won't
this time. | mean to call up tO him
right away"
A slight sound outside, at this mo-
ment, as OF a foot crushing the crisp
snow, canscd Mrs. Martin to start; theu
she resumed her sewing, while Eddie
approached the chimney, and ia his clear,
childish voice petitioned Sata Claus moi
to 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, now !" he exclaimed, stepping
back, his little cheeks glowing with an
ticipation, 'Now, Nellie, it's your turn.
The little girl advanced timidly, anC
bent her face down with grave earnest
ness.
"Dear Santa Claus" she called
sweetly, please come to night and brini
us few presents Mammals afraid you'll
forget us, but know you won't"
"Nuw, mamma, " she said returning Il
her mo.her, with her little face radian
with the trust her words had In
bpired, 'you ask him for something, anC
then he'll come, I'm sure. lie won
disappoint all of us"
Mrs. Martin smiled through her tears
"You will have to ask him for me
Nellie. He doesn't listen to old peo
pie
every we'll, mamma. What shall asl
him fort"
But Mrs. Martin didn't hear her in tn
emotions that overpowered her.
"Oh, that some good angel woult
guide my brothers wandering footstep
back to me-" she faltered, brokenlY
'that might offer him my forgiveness
and ask his, that l might once more hav
sympathizing heart to love and lea
upon"
She bowed her head upon her hand
and wept, while the child, slipping fror
her side, again stepped forward to tn
chimney
Dear Santa Claus" once more sh
pleaded won't you please bring Uncl
Eddie back to mammal She wants t
forgive him, she cries for him every day
Oh dear Santa Claus. say you willp'
What made the little one start back
while a bright spot sprang to ethe
cheek
Upon the low roof of the cottage
slight sound was heard, and then dow
the chimney came the words earnest an
clear:
~ will"