The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-12-25


Clyde awoke to hear the big hall clock
and to realize that it was Christmas
morning. He had promised to meet the
boys OIL B square at o'clock but
it was so cold and Tommy was so sleepy
he just couldn't get up YET
Bet there amt one 'em there any
way" he soliloquized, and after thus
soothing his conscience he nestled down
for another nap; but hearing noise in
the fireplace he looked and saw two feet
attached to two fat legs kicking wildly
about. While Tommy stared, fat body
followed the legs; then came the jolly
red face and grey beard. and there stood
Santa Claus, gazing at Tommy with
very reproachful expression. Tommy
he said, Il shall never visit you again.
Never! Such a chimney as this would
defy the most spirituellc saint to descend
it, much more so big fat one like me.
In fact, feel that / shall never get over
1t, and the other children, who are limo
cent, will lose their Saint Nicholas all
because Of Thomas Clyde, who did not
prepare decent chimney for my coming"
By this time Santa had worked himself
into such rage that Thomas was quite
frightened, and we'll he might be, for
Bang! The old fellow burst into pieces and
Tommy awoke to hear a loud cheering
under his window and knew at once that
it was the explosion of Jim Edwards can
non, and not of Santa Claus, which had
awaked him.
Hurriedly shivering into his clothes
and gathering up his bundle of f1re-crack-
ers, squibs, and cannon crackers, he was
soon slipping out to join his friends in
the cold greyness of the morning.
Come on! Come on" cried the boys
when Tommy hove in sight with his bur-
den. I'VE are going to serenade the
Bear"
Jaw, get off-the Bear! Why, he'll
cow-hide the last one of us like he dill
Ben Hadley's gang last Christmas said
Tommy.
"Oh, of course, if you're skeered-'
mot on your automobile! Come on fell
lows, we'll wake i'm up! Well show
i'm what sort Of a gang ours ISL Ana
Tommy, having caught the spirit of the
enterprise and screwed his courage to
the sticking point" headed the procession
on its way to the lonely mansion where
lived Alexander Everitt, called by the
children (behind his back 1.-THE Bear"
If crowd of children playing on the
street saw him approaching, they scat
tered in all directions, crying: Here
comes the Bear!" and peeped out from
behind projecting corners, not venturing
back until the tall, bearded man was out
of sight.
Christ, he had said was a myth, and
Christmas was all foolishnessCD and
the children all wondered what manner
of man this could be; so the Christmas
previous to the one on which our story
opens, a certain crowd of boys decided to
show the Bear what a jolly thing Christ
was really was. Taking with them fine
supply of fire crackers, torpedoes AMI
other favorite noise makers they ranged
themselves around the Bears residence
and began lively celebration. All was
silent in the big house for a time; but
suddenly (the boys hardly realized how it
all happened) the master appeared at the
door, lamp in hand, and, in polite tones,
invited the boys to come in saying he
had enjoyed their serenade SO much.
And only one little boy was wise enough
to run away while the others meekly fol-
lowed their host into his library, where,
after lecturing them upon the foolishness
of celebrating for being who never ex-
listed, he suddenly brought forth Cow
hide" and laid about him among the
boys, who were too surprised to resist
until most Of them had acquired some
very sore stripes to take away as souver-
Mrs of that memorable occasion.
Now" said the Bear sternly; 81 hope
you have enjoyed your fun. And do me
the favor to tell all your acquaintance
of what / have done, and if anyone dares
repeat your performance the consequent
ces will be more serious"
AS Mr. Everitt desired, this story was
widely spread, and the boys took care
that it should lose nothing in the telling.
Hence the origin of the fear and dislike
the young population entertained for
this man they called 1.-THE Bear
II hardly think shall be disturbed this
time" thought Everitt, on the Christmas
eve of which we write, "but if any do
venture to disturb my rest tomorrow
morning, I'll give them a good scare. =
And he proceeded to load two pistols,
enc with powder and another with ball.
With the former he intended to brighten
any disturber of his peace, the latter
he kept always at hand for burglars.
Christmas" he thought, while a hard
look crept into his face ut was on
their Christmas, Their day of peace and
goodwill that she left me. Took the
child and left me because she believed
lie one Of their peace makers told Ter!
Left without allowing me one word OF