The San Francisco call., 1903-12-20

Tor ehe tree, Mr. Bo6b, your papa hG~-
, IN asked me In with the rest, and =
nns tree 1t Is, I'm sure. I expect most
O. them presents will be for you, Mr..
Bob7"
David predxed the title Of respect In
public, but his private relations with
Bobbert had been anything but formal.
Aunt Kate, dancing with impatience.
had begun to detach the presents from
the lower boughs, and soon they we're
piling I'D around him.
Master Robertson Wheeler. Master
Robertson Wheeler-oh. Bobbert, that's
q whopping fine present. Miss Doro-
thea Wheeler. Siehst du. mein susses
kind? Master Robertson Wheeler. See
what Uncle Ritch sent you, Bob! He
forgot how you had grown."
They were laughing. explaining,
thanking. eating. all ct once
And the candy mother'H keep TIL to
morrow. Now, Bob, see! Under tina
tree!''
The engine ratified proudly forth. The
uncles and aunts fell upon it.
There! I told you 1t wasn't oiled
enough! See, where the smOkestaCk
Joins on VIII she take the curve by
the rug? See, BObbert, how the
switches work! Real switchesi Faith.
erl Here. this way. Father Robertson,
Mr.. Ferris is going to work the switch
Isn't 1t wonderful, Bobbert? It's from
Grandpa Wheeler. Thank him. 1t goes
through the hall. Oh. Kate. you can't
work that switch, can you? See Aunt
Kate work the switch. dear"
Bobbert watched it curiously. He ran
forward 10 the third switch.
want to see how it goes. Bob? Here.
I'll work It for you. It's little catchy
at first Yes, indeed. Mr.. Robertson.
we had more fun than a little getting
this ready. I assure you. Quite COM
plete, isn't it?"
Uncle Christopher began 10 Juggls
with the japanese outfit. to the intenss
delight OF the servants. The aunties
and Mr.. Ferris played with the engine,
explaining its mechanism to the won
dering grandfathers. Grandma wheel
er marveled at the French dissectinR
puzzle. Bobbert's mother happily
guarding the candy. laughed at the
baby, who. harnessed into the dog COL
lar, pranced along before her father,
waving the colored balls in the air, q
woolly lamb under her free arm. The
merry moments passed.
Suddenly Grandfather Wheeler looked
up from the bird book. which he was
sharing with Uncle Frank But where
is Robertson Jr. he inquired mildly.
They stared. why, right here" they
said. But he was not right there
Uncle Frank looked about oomprs-
hensively at the relatives and smiled =
superior smile. Then his eye fell on
the bird book in his lap, and the smile
changed its quality.
He glanced at the ring OF servants.
"And where is David ?" he added sud
denly he sprang to his feet Come
on" he said. Wen find him. Don't
make nOise-walk softly, now"
And still holding the presents, they
trooped after him through the hall,
Uncle Frank paused a moment, nod
ded, and made room for Bobbert's
father. while the grandfathers crowd
ed up and the aunties peeped under
and over.
On the floor before the well swept
kitchen hearth sat David. Beside him,
q little space away, squatted Bobbert,
n long black hockey stick in his hand.
Between them were arranged large
pieces OF coal from the hod, arranged
in what appeared to be ninepin pat
terms.
IT shall attack from the right at day
break. You'll see what the MOSQUITO
feet can do. Mr.. David. Your clumsy
old Spanish ships can't move quieh
enough. Can they?'
wait and see. Bob. my boy"
This coal makes dandy ships. don't
it? A lot of coal would be a fine pres
ent. wouldn't it? They use wood up-
stairs, and I don't believe I could get
hold of any. Are you enjoying your
self, David?"
You bet I am, Bob. Put your flag
ship in line
: well, I VIII. She was out for-for
repairs When I so skating. David, I'll
never use any other hockey stick.
wanted a black one next to a boat. You
were lovely to give it to me. III be
big enough for a boat next year, [
hope
'well. now it's daybreak. Lieuten-
ant. are you readyT
Aye, aye. sir" s.f,.'
Begin the fghtl"
AYE, aye sir. E
The coal. new about thick and fast,
the commanders shufled theIumps into
place, cheering and encouraging their
officers and crews. Ship after ship sank
to rise no more IN a clotter Of coal on
the hearth
Under cover OF the noise Uncle Frank
led them away, silent. through the
empty rooms, to where the deserted
Christmas tree sheltered only MInna.
cooing German cradle songs to her
sleeping baby.
NOW look here" he said. Lets be
sensible. dear people. Wen go on an
Joying our presents and sports. ana LA
Bobbert enjoy his. Why not. sAF''