The morning call., 1891-02-17
MYSTERIOUS ISLAND.

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND.
1t was during my vacation that we set ont
for a days excursion. We had no idea
where we would go, but finding a small
steamer in the dock we got on board. 1 had
n hook with Inc and commenced reading.
When l raised my eyes we were in mid
ocean pointing toward 4 small black speck
in the distance. l asked the captain what
it was
THAT is Island Nowhere" said he.
"We will remain there until o'clock in the
afternoon, when We will return TO your
dock"
Every one was hurrying about gathering
up their parcels. Fortunately we had no
membranes to look after, so spent our
time studying the island, which we were
rapidly approaching.
Could | be mistaken? | rubbed my eyes
and looked again. No, | was not mlsta ken;
that island was certainly moving about,
very slowly and steadily, yet it moved. |
called the RS attention to this fact, and
they at once saw that it really was IN mo-
ton, and how very peculiar the whole as
pect of the island was. The foliage oil the
trees was blue, while the ground was white
with snow. Contrary to my expectations,
we had no trouble in landing on Island No
where.
There was 4 beautiful broad street leading
from the landing TO the center OF the island,
which we took. We walked but little way
When we met twenty-SIN men dressed i'll
bright red-a striking contrast to the scenery
about. They walked slowly and maj
cally-each one now and then rapping uDon
a tin tON SUSPENDED from his neck; letter
OF the al habet painted on each b0X-A
FIRST, Is second, and SO on. We ran across
tEeSe men constantly during our tour OF
the Island. and learned they were the Post
alice OF Nowhere. They received the mali
from the steamer which was assorted, and
put in the various boxes for their delivery.
We found on reaching the center OF the
island tina: the houses were circular In form
ana made Of glass and were very brilliant
in the sunlight
People who live in glass houses must
not throw stones" quoted our chaperOn.
That's true" said /, but l don't believe
that there are any stones here"
At this assertion we stopped and looked
about us. And l was right; not stone to
be seen. We met many pedestrians, who all
locked Smiltngly, and occasionally we were
greeted with DurSt of laughter from some
passeT-by which almost startled US, and we
began TO fear the people here were not quite
saue.
u cannot imagine why they were so
rude" said cur cAapeTon;' but here comes
an Old gentleman whom | will ask for some
Information. Can you tell me. sir, why all
the people we meet are laughng?"
Certainly, madam. 1t is the air we
breathe. 1t IS mostly composed OF laughing
gas. And 50 We are nearly all happy. There
axe few whom nothing can make happy"
Thanking him for his Information, and
feeling relieved 10 find we were not on an
ISLAND of luuatlcs, we asked what We would
Lnd to interest US Tor the next few hours on
this island
WELL" said he, looking US over, 1.-The
home Of Santa Claus is the usual attraction
Tor the few young people who visit US; you
Wi. ind his house and factories in the large
luclosed park al the end of the street"
We thanked him again, and hurriedly took
our way toward Santa Claus park, lodging
the hand-cars that gllded so rapidly but
RUlSeleS, ly down the street. These were, by
the way, the only modes OF conveyance III
Nowhere.
We soon found ourselves at the entrance
OF large park ii eyergreens.
'NlI they let US hang up our stockingS~
asked one of the girls. ''Or let Us have some
nuts?" said l for We came upon il huge pile
that great many little men were constantly
adding TO by baskefuls.
These trees are green and not blue.
How nice it seems" exclaimed our chap
erOu.
Passing through another gate we came
into a lovely spot where reindeer were
grazing. Such beautiful creatures.
Come, Dunder and Vixen" said |, try
ing TO recall bit of that poem which starts
OH;
Twas the night before Christmas.
Imagine our surprise when two of the
deer started toward US. They advanced
but little way, however, as the ring of a
bell at the other end Of the park sent them
al running in that direction. We followed
them, and to our great surprise saw them
mount the roof Of a long, low building,
praAce up TO the chimney, walt there mo-
ment and then hurry down. This they did
many times, till an old man with u long
Write beard appeared at a window ana
threw them sugar plums.
am sure that was Santa Claus" said
our chaperon. What beautiful face he
has. wish he would come back"
DE had so much to do he could not see
visitors, but sent US word we We're welcome
To visit his workshop and see how hard he
was trying TO have good supply of toys for
the little folks at Christmas time.
Entering an immense building we saw
hundreds OF little dwagfs 1t work. They
PAID no attention u us as We passed along
inspecting their work. which was wonder
ful 10 see. Toys Of every sort, dolls hoops,
skates, sleds and so many others too numer-
ons 10 mention. We could hardly tear our
selves away; bat We knew We had but little
lIme 10 spare, and II we missed the boat we
might have to remain on this wonderful
Island for mouths to come.
We we're really sorry TO 60 away without
seeing Santa Claus, and thanking him for
his many klndnesses TO Us in the past, but
the little dwarf that let US out at the gate
gravely said:
Santa Claus will remember you at Christ
mas time, and l viii be sure to give him your
messages"
We each purchased little keepsake and
started for the boat, as il was time for its de-
paTiuTe When we reached home it was
quite dark, and we tried 10 tell our friends
where We had been, but found it difficult
matter to make them understand.