Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-27

eyes Of the little ones Just then somebody
knocked loudly. Kittie began to cry, Marie
hid behind her mothers skirts, Carl and
Barbara stood staring in mingled curiosity
and fear. but Curt whispered to his mo.ner:
There's the Christ Child!'
who is it?' said the father, opening the
door,
Does little Curt live here?" asked a
gruf voice.
"Yes," cried Curt, rushing forward. But
his mouth opened wide in establishment.
He had not imagined the Christ Child in
such form. A tall hat with silver band
and livery with shining buttons!
Before he had recovered from his surprise
the stranger was standing in the room, set
big basket on the floor. and said bluntly:
''kind regards from Mr.. Krist, and a merry
Christmas eve." Then he raised his hat
and disappeared.
Now the spell which had bound Curt was
broken. Shouting with glee he ran 20 the
basket, tore off the cover, and, yes. there
lay a little violin, far handsomer than he
had ever imagined, and among the strings
was little note, which he instantly took
out and handed reverently to his father.
saying: THE Christ Child must have writ
ten it, father"
His father opened It and read aloud:
my Dear Little Friend: Even mistake
in spelling can sometimes be useful, as
have learned from your letter. For If YOU
had not written the dear Chrst's name with
a K your note probably would not have
to crafty your wish. True, 1 am not He
to whom you meant to send your letter, but
He has heard your petition and had 1t come
to me that | might fulfill your wish. Ac-
cept the little violin, though. it Is far less
beautiful than those on which the angels
play; and do not forget to thank the dear
Savior. You will certainly be glad to have
your parents and brothers and sisters re-
ceive some gifts, too, so have put presents
for them all in tie basket.
/HOping that you will have q very pleas
ant Christmas eve, am, with kind regards
dear little Curt,
YOUR SIR KHRIST
ASK your father to bring you to me after
church tomorrow morning
You can imagine what happy Christmas
this was In the poor musicians household.
While their father was reading the letter
aloud Barbara and Marie were on their
knees by the basket and, sure enough, each
one found doll with real hair. Carl was
already riding round the room on his little
hobby horse. cracking his whip.
Perhaps you VIII think that the poor
mother received few thanks for her simple
presents. But that's a mistake. Carl had
almost devoured his big red gingerbread
heart in less than I'VE minutes. and Barr
bara was trying to slip hsr pretty little tin
Rugged his violin lovingly 10 his breast. but
gladly turned the pages Of the thin picture
cents NJ T75s
joyfully. and then examined the handsome
gifts which Mr.. Krist had put In the bottom
OF the basket for them is
OF course. Curt was obliged to confess
that he had written the letter: but he was
When the family had gone to bed, and
everything was dark and quiet, Curt again
felt for his violin, which his mother had
hung near his bed by beautiful ribbon.
Then he clasped his hands, saying: Dear,
holy Christ Child, don't be angry because
I didn't spell your name right; I hadn't
learned how. but you are good and have
given me such a beautiful little violin, and
love you very. very dearly
Then he turned toward the side where the
violin hung and was soon sound asleep.
W.
HOW Mr.. KRIST DROVE OUT TO BE
ST. NICHOLAS AND MADE LIT
TIE CURTIS ACQUAINTANCE.
We left Mr.. Krist Just at the moment he
was preparing to go out to drive. As John