Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1904-12-24
Bobbie' $ General
BY Jane Crawford.

big bundles. little bundles, smooth
bundles, bulky bundles, many bundles.
81 wonder If there really Is Santa
'Gaus," museo Bobbie, ''or If it's papas
and mammas that give US the things.
just do wonder" 1t was a question
that had puzzled Bobbie Tor some time.
For weeks he had heard mamma and
Aunt Nan talking about the things
they were going to give to people.
Anyway, tonight bet I'll stay
awake and watch, just to see II It's
really Santa Claus. or If it's mamma"
the youngster decided.
At the usual time that night he tod
died off to bed and In his own room he
found a nail in the mantel that papa
had fixed, and there he hung up one
long black stocking
Go to sleep quick, darling, because
Santa Claus is very busy tonight and
there are lots Of places for him to 60"
and mamma tucked him in bed and
kissed him good night.
"Say, mamma" called Bobbie, as she
was leaving the room.
Eyes, dear; what is lt?'
"Well-nothin'."
He would stay awake and see for
himself so he lay there very still, with
his big blue eyes wide open, staring at
the fireplace. But the Sandman, who
is very particular friend of Santa
Claus, came very early that night.
1t was just at the peep Of day that
Robbie awoke He sat up in bed and
blinked toward the fireplace. There,
scattered over the floor, were a lot Of
things He scrambled out of bed and
ran to look. The stocking. that last
night hung limp, was now all over
bumps, There. saddled and bridled,
stood beautiful white rocking horse,
whose long white tail seemed to be
waving like flag. "Oh goody," said
Bobbie right out loud, here's the
sleigh"
Bobbie grabbed the stocking and,
squatting Turk fashion on the new
new red sled, began pulling out tin
soldiers, whistles, and
For goodness sake, take me out of
here!" exclaimed deep voice down in
the toe of the stocking.
Bobbie almost jumped out of his
night gown.
Don't be afraid, but take me out,
Tn most smothered in here" Then
Bobbie bravely poked in one chubby
hand and brought out another tin sol
dier-a gay one, in a bright red and
yellow uniform and helmet and a
sword, a regular general.
"Whewi" painted the general, shak-
Ing himself so that his sword ratified
With arms folded across his tin chest
ne stood loo ing sternly at the white
clad figure on the sled.
well, such a trip as I've had!" he
exclaimed. I've come way from the
Santa Claus country in his big sleigh,
packed in boxes and bags, and drawn
over the snow with the swiftest rein
deeri I've been Topped and banged
about like rag doll, and I'm just worn
outi"
He glared at Bobbie, while the little
boy gazed back in admlring awe.
please, sir, is there really and truly
a Santa CLAUSE"
SIS there really and truly a Santa
CLAUSE" mimicked the general. Now
look here, young fellowl"
Young fellowl" Boobies chest be-
ran to swell and he Strengthened up.
Eight years of baby, sweetheart and kid
were instantly forgotten Here was a
Ylay fellow that was worth while, to
cSl him by such grown-up names.
Young fellow" continued the gen
eral. you don't want to begin to won
der If there is a Santa Claus"
But" interrupted Bobbie, 81 don't
want to be a-a-ignorormous; |
want to know about things"
well it isn't a good thing for a
young fellow to know too much. Per-
haps you have never heard that in
Santa Claus workshop where he
makes all the toys, he keeps some
books, and he has written down the
name of every child in the world.
Just as soon as he learns that boy
wants to find out his secrets. he
scratches that boys name off one book
and puts it into another, and after his
name he writes, caps, mittens, coats,
shoes"
Bobbie shivered and put his arms
tight round the neck of the new rock
ing horse.
"How does Santa Claus find out?''
timidly.
"He sends fellows like me to find out
what fellows like you say" giving
Bobbie look that made him wriggle
and his teeth begin to chatter.
you're cold get into bed" com
manded the general. as If he was talk.
ing to one of his own soldiers "And
as I am not in the habit Of sleeping
with horses and common soldiers, II
go to bed with you"
They both got into bed and the gen.
erals bright red uniform Struggled
down to the white night gown and the
two were soon fast asleep.
It was broad daylight when Bobbie
woke next time. and the sun was shin
ing brightly through the frosty win