The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1895-12-27
miscellaneous.
SANTA CLAUS'S ASSISTANT.


1t was not long after midnight. The
wee small hours of Christmas day
were just beginning to arrive, and
down in the library, where the tree
was sheltering Il protuse array of toys
stood an unexpected guest. He was
i'll clad, unshareu, and his hair look ed
as though it had never known Il comb.
In his right hand he carried a dark
lantern, and slung over his left arm
was sack, IL common Jute bag, and
he had entered by the window that
looked out upon the street. The fam
lily had all retired, and for the most
part were asleep. That is why the
unexpected guest chose this time to
arrive.
Stealthily he crossed the room, and
drawing the portieres silently across
the broad doorway that opened into
the hall, he slid back the front of his
lante rn, and lighting IL match in its
flame, he turned on the gas and lit it,
50 that he might better see the exact
character of his surroundings
"Humph ~ he said, as he observed
the tree. Quite a fine layout. |
iont know but what, after all, it's Il
good thing that parents give their
children expensive things these days.
It's a great help to our profession.
You can t raise much Oh candy balls
tuppenny dolls, but these silver-plated
engines and purses with ten-dollar
bills in 'em come in handy. Gold
sleeve buttons, too" he added, as his
eyes took in n few further details OF
the scene before him, AN gold
watch us well. This is luck.n
And than. as he bent over the groupg
OF toys and presents or more expefs
sive nature intended for Bobbie, his
eyes glittering with joy at the pros
pective value of his haul, the heart of
the unexpected guest stopped beating
for an instant. There was rustling
sound behind him.
With n quick movement he slid the
cover of the dark-lantern to, by mere
force of habit but it was unavailing
the room was still lighted, though
dimly.
Curse the gas - he muttered as he
turned.
"Hullo ~ said soft little voice from
behind the portieres, and at the same
moment the curtains were parted, and
there stood Bobbie, clad in his night
gown. lis that you, Santa Claus -
he added, peering curiously at the un
expected guest.
The man gave a short laugh.
THAT'S the first time I've been tax
en- for any one that's half decent" he
said to himself !; and then he answered,
in whisper loud enough for Bobbie
to hear:
"WelI, not exactly, sonny. I'm only
his assistant"
"His what ~ said Bubble.
"'Sh? Not so loud, my boy-you'll
wake the family; and if you did that,
I'd just vanish like the mist" said the
man. Il said | was only Santa Claus S
assistant. You see, my lad, there's SC
many more children nowadays than
there used to be that the boss had to
get outside help Christmas eve, or he'd
never be able to finish up his work in
time. So he sends for me an a few
others like me-Heuven help us!-and
we do his distributing for him. I'd
just laid these things out here when
you surprised me-"
Bobbie approached the tree.
"Oh, isn't it beautiful - he cried
"All these things for me A watch
too-just the very thing | wanted"
The man drew back as the boy
spoke, and, with queer light in his
eyes, sat down in one of the chairs
suddenly.
Are you tired ~ asked Bobbie
leaving the tree and crossing to Santa
Claus's assistant.
Yes" said the man. Very"
I'm sorry" said Bobbie, affection.
ately, as he took the others hand il
his and kissed it.
"Don't-don do that said the
Al
II shouldn't think it would be-
laughed Bobbie '.climbing in by
sooty chimneys can't be very clean
der why there's never any SCOT left Oh
the toys"
"Oh, we take care Of that" said the
assistant You see, this bag keeps
the SCOT off. But didn't come by the
chimney this time he added, hastily
observing that there was no SCOT OF
| the bag either Il thought the win.
dow was easier"
You're all through, aren't you p
said Bobbie, looking at the bag.
"IIow do you know that p asked
the man.
Your bag is empty. Isn't there
any one else for you to take a toy to
The unexpected guest buried his face
in his grimy hands, and great lump
rose up in his throat.
There was one other" said the as
sistant, but there's nothing for hin
-and-and it's all my fault. | he
| elected to look after him."
And won't lie get anything - ask
ed Bobbie.
No" said the assistant, roughly
rising, and taking a step toward the
tree.
He can have one of mine" CRIED
Bobbie. Here, take him this. Nv,
got plenty, thanks to you" HI
handed him one of the treasures be
meath the tree.
The unexpected guest looked at the
boy for II minute, and then he SLOWLY
reached out his hand took the proifer
ed toy.
"I'll see that lie gets it, he said
land God bless you for it Goodby
little one. | must be off, or he'll wake
up and be disappointed.
He moved toward the door, wheI
Bobbie ran after him, and holding III
his little face, said, Wont you talk
kiss for Santa Claus for me ?''
THAT | will, - said the other, ant
he bent over, and kissing the child
fled precipitately out through tn
window, and disappeared in the dark
ness of the street.