The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1895-12-25
A BOGUS SANTA CLAUS.
BY WALT. MASON.

the year of grace 1894, Mr.. Rufus Bell
created mild sensation at his home by
arriving with parcel of huge dimen-
sions. He made sure that none of the
children were about the house before he
entered, and when he had crossed the
threshold he Immediately concealed the
mysterious bundle in closet and locked
the door upon it..
Mrs Bell at once demanded an ex-
PLANTATION, and her niece, Miss Rose
Mayne, seconded the demand strongly;
thereupon Mr.. Bell struck the attitude
popular with candidates when they say
"My fellow countrymen," and SAID;
''Ladles, l am but human, singular
as the statement may seem; but
am nevertheless a being of ideas and
resources
ave are always acquiring informa-
ton, inteIrul ted Mrs. Bell.
'Rose," continued Mr.. Bell serenely,
turning to the younger lady, ''as school
teacher you must fave studied juvenile
human nature, and you mast have been
shocked by the fact that children cease
to believe in the good old stories of
Santa Claus and his reindeer almost as
soon as they are able to walk; in fact, /
have heard you comment upon this sad
truth. What is Christmas to child, if
the child doesn't believe in Santa Claus?
Where are all the romance and poetry
of the occasion? My own children are
skeptical when tell them the charming
legend OF Kris Kringle; l have under
taken to convince them that there is a
Santa Claus; have decided to let them
see Santa Claus in person"
The announcement naturally pleased
the ladies; and their excitement was
ouite intense when Mr.. Bell produced
bundle from the closet and opened it,
producing lot of ancient furs and
bearskin hat that had probably been
used by drum major Of the town band;
to please the ladies he donned his COS
tune at once, and they voted him
perfect Santa Claus, aid he certainly
was
"Now," he said, when he had resum-
ed his ordinary raiment, 81 don't think
it quite fair to reserve this entertain
ment for our own children exclusively,
so have invited few goood little boys
and girls of the neighborhood; and MI
and Mrs. Brewster will be here, and
young Mr.. Moon; 1 have let them into
the secret. You will tell the children
to hang up their hosiery in the north
room. and inform them that you have
reason to believe that they may see
Santa Claus if they sit up and keep per
fectly still; at the proper time III as
cend the roof and slide down the CHIN
ney; it is just large enough fol the pur-
pose. And guess that's all"
During the balance of the evening"
until nine o'clock, there was great
deal Of a ,tive preparation in progress
in the Bell mansion; the north room was
tidied. and a seni-circle of chars placeu
inreadiness for the expected guests,
who booan tn arrive at the stipulated
time. Mr.. Bell was in fine frenzy Oh
excitement: he declared to his wife, III
whisper, that he felt like a boy again.
and she replied that she was ten years
younger than she was before he unIolue"
his delicious scheme. By half-past nine
all the guests. large and small, were IN
their places: Mr.. Moon, young man
who had been studying law for ten years
and who hoped soon to be admitted 10
the bar. sat next to Miss KoSe' upon
whose hand he had serious designs ana
his efforts to appear at ease were anus
inc and instructive; Mr.. Brewster VINO
was small and timid looking, neStleo
beside his wife, who was massive anu n''
a bass voice: silence bcooded over 'n0
throng until Mr.. Bell, VINO was
given to speeches, went into ''no'H0i
attitude, and said:
children, have heard that you uo"
believe there is Santa ClauS' ~"
have formed the unworthy ioea tnaO
your parents and friends fill your S'o0N
ings on Christmas eve, and that goou
old fur clothed Santa is myth Now
have here a letter from from SANTA
(Great excitement among inc 0'
dren) 10
"And he says that he will arrive mere
at ten o'clock, coming down the chllnnoy
Viii Oh, L.. co, hofnrn Won. i muoO lON.N