The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1895-12-11
Santa Claus Assistant.

IL was uOb lOlS dlICl uuluulSnUs ut
wee small hours Of Christmas day
were just beginning to arrive, and
down lin the library, where the tree
was sheltering a profuse array OF
toys, stood an unexpected guest. He
was ill clad, unshaven, and mis- hair
looked as though it had never known a
comb. In his right hand he carried
dark-lantern, and slung over his left
arm was sack, common jug, and he
had entered by the window that looked
out upon the street. The family 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 to across
the broad doorway that opened into the
hall, he slid back the front of his Ian
tern, and lighting match in its flame,
he turned on the gas and lit it, 80 that
he might better see the exact character
of his surroundings.
Humphl" he said, as he observed
the tree. "Quite a fine lay.ou /
don't know but what, after all, it's
good thing that parents give their chill
dren expensive things these days. It's
great help to our profession. You
can't raise much on candy balls and
tupeuny dolls, but these silver-plated
engines and purses with ten-dollar
bills in 'em come in handy. Gold
buttons, too" he added, as his
eyes took in few further details of the
scene before him, sam gold watch as
well. This is luck"
And then, as he bent over the groups
of toys and presents of more expen-
sive nature intended for Bobbie, his
eye glittering with joy at the prospec-
tive value of his haul, the heart of the
unexpected guest stopped beating for
an instant. There was rustling sound
behind him.
With a 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.
Course the gasl" he muttered as he
turned.
Hullol" 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. els that you, Santa CLAUSE" he
added, peering curiously at the unex-
pected guest.
The man gave short laugh.
"That's the first time I've been taken
for any one that's half decent" he said
to himself; and then he answered, in
whisper loud enough for Bobbie to hear:
Well, not exactly, sonny. I'm
only his assistant"
CHS what?" said Bobbie.
"Shl Not 80 loud, my boy-youll
H. s.. Il HAk
I'd just vanish like the mist" said the
man. 81 said was only Santa Claus
assistant. You see, my lad, there's 80
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 few
others like me-heaven 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 mel A watch,
too-just the very thing l 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, leav-
ing the tree and crossing to Santa Claus
assistant.
Eyes," said the man. every"
"rm sorry" said Bobbie, affection
ately, as he took the others hand in his
and kissed it.
Don't-don't do that" said the
man, huskily. "It's not-not clean"
81 shouldn't think it would be-"
laughed Bobbie; " climbing in by sooty
chimneys can't be very clean work.
Do you know, l always wonder why
there's never any SCOT left on the toys"
sob, we take care of that" said the
assistant. "You see, this bag keeps
the SCOT off. But l didn't come by the
chimney this time" he added, hastily,
observing that there was no SCOT on the
bag either. ~ thought the window
was easier"
"You're all through, aren't your"
said Bobbie, looking at the bag.
Show do you know that9" asked the