The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1900-12-21
SANTA CLAUS'S ASSISTANT.

were just beginning to arrive, and
down in the library, were the tree was
shelteriny profuse array of toys,
stood an unexpected guest. He was
ill clad, unshaven, and his hair looked
as though it had never known comb.
In his right hand he carried dark
lantern, and slung over his left arm
was sack, 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.
Stealthy he crossed the room, and
drawing the portieres silently to
the broad doorway that across
opened into the hall, he slid back the
front of his lantern, and lighting a
match in its flame, he turned on the
gas and lit it. so that he might better
see the exact character ofhis surround
ings.
"Humph!' he said, as he observed
the tree. "Quite fine layout. |
don't know but what, after all, it's
good thing that parents give their
children expensive things these days.
It's great help to our profession. You
can't raise much on candy balls and
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 few further datails Of
the scene before him, IAN a gold watch
as we'll. This is luck"
And then, as he bent over the groups
of toys and presents Of a more expen-
sive nature intended for Robbie, is eye
glittering with joy at the prospective
value of his haul, the heart of the un
expected guest stopped beating for an
instant. There was rustling sound be-
hind him.
With a quick movement he slid the
the cover of the dark-lantern to, by
mere force of habit; but it was una
vailing; the room was still lighted,
though dimly.
course the gas!'' he muttered as he
turned.
"TIullo!' said a 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. SIS that you Santa CLAUSE" be
added, peering curiously at the unex-
pected guest.
The man gave short laugh.
"That's the first time I've beer TAX
en- for any one that's half decent" he
said to himself; and then he answer
ed, in a whisper loud enough for Bob.
bic to hear
"Well, not exactly, sonny. I'm only
his assistant
ellis what?" said Bobbie.
"'Sh! Not so loud, my boy-you'l II
wake the family; and if you did that,
I'd Just vanish like the MIST" said the
man. II said | was only Santa Claus S
assistant. You see, my lad, there's so
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-"
Bobbic approached the tree.
ooh, isn't it beautiful - he cried.
"All these things for me! 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 Bobbic lear-
ing the tree and crossing to Santa
Claus's assistant.
yes" said the man. "Eery."
lin sorry,' sail 3 hbic, affection
atrIy, as he took the others hand in his
and kissed it.
"Don't-.lon't 10 that, said the man
huskiIy Its not-not clean.
IL shouldn't think it would be, -
laughed B,bhi,; ''climbiny IN by sooty
chimneys can't be very clean work.
Do you know, | always wonder why
there's never any SCOT l,fo on the
toys
"Oh, we take care OF that said the
assistant. "You sec, this bag keeps
SCOT off. But didn't come by the
chimney this time" b, added, hastily,
Observing that there was no SCOT on
the la. ,ij..,r Il thought the win
dow was easier.'
"Yon'rc all through, aren't your
said Bobhie, looking at the bag.
How do you know that = asked the
man.
Your bag is empty. Isn't there
any one else for you to take toy
tor
The unexpected guest buried his
face in his grimy hands, and great
lump rose up in his throat.
There was one other," said the
assistant ''but there's nothing for him