The Monte Vista journal., 1904-12-31


ents were out dining with friends. III
tie Walter began a letter to Father
Christmas. To tell the truth. Walter
could only write straight strokes as
yet. but he set them side by side very
evenly and neatly. All the while he
was writing. Walter argued with him
self that Father Christmas would be
able to read the exact meaning he had
in mind.
What Walter wanted was to visit
the place where all Christmas toys are
kept. "Oh. If only might go into that
storehouse OF things" he thought. and
clapped his hands with Joy.
Il ought to have written 1. yester-
day. for he must be awfully busy to-
day. But he can manage so many
things at once. What trouble could
my visit give him? l would not stay
long; l would look round very quick.
ly, and come back to papa and NAM
ma, who would not yet be home"
These were the reflections that
worked in Walters brain. for he was
not stupid boy.
/ He had not finished his page OF
strokes, when two little angels. one
I dark haired and one fair, who were
/ looking through the window-perhaps
noting what toys were to be delivered
at that house, silently came In and
carried him of.
Away went Walter. up through
space. The brown-haired angel went
on his way. but the fair one took Wal
ter to be introduced to Father Christ.
mas. who is the King OF the Toys now
and forever.
! After mounting thousands OF white
steps. Walter found himself in the
presence OF Father Christmas. The
old man had a white. pointed hood on
his head. His face was serious and
his beard long and silvery. Behind
him 4 wide staircase led up. up. md
other stairs. too. led up to an Immense
cathedral. as white as milk.
Father Christmas looked hard at the
little traveller and said to him:
II have read your letter. cannot
allow you to 20 into that building.
which is in my charge. But can tell
you this: 1t Is full to the dome with
toys which shall send as presents all
over the world this very night. But |
will allow my messenger boys to take
you Into the forests OF Christmas
trees. You may help them to cut
down or pull up the nr trees. and then
tie little toys and colored tapers
to the branches. They will sew wings
to your shoulders that you may be
. Ak Il 60, a. En nnnaf"
And Walter went with the fair an
gel. not daring to look back At Father
Christmas. who spoke to him 10 grave
ly. nor at the white cathedral where
'xere such heaps and heaps Of toys.
'And where shall VIC md the things
We are to fas,en on to the branches
Of the Christmas trces?" Walter asked
Ct his gentle companion.
"They will be brought to US from all
parts Of tho workshops where they are
made"
How many are there?"
Three. In the nrst dolls arc made
and then dressed from head TO foot
In the second weapons and armor are
forged. Swords must be tempered and
breastplates hammered out. To say
nothing Of the castings Of cannon and
the making OF lead soldiers. Our
smiths and our chemists are very
clever"
I'm the third they mako boats.
kargcs and sailing boats and steam.
ships. Tho engineer angel who man.
ages the business knows all the latest
improvements. Hc himself has In.
vented a submarine vessel that can
be propelled about for six months be-.
low the surface without stopping"
Tho vast forest Of snow and pine
trees stretched as fnr as the eye could
sec. The Hight OF the moon and stars
brightencd the pretty snow. which
kept on falling. The straight trees
stood as mo,ionlchs ns wooden sol
liors.
Now. lot us go TO the workshops" Z"
| said Walter. eagerly.
Not Just yet. II is our business to
I dress and bcautify some Christmas
trees. We will do that here. No mr. to
lore NO time. Postrldcrs come
straight down from heaven with
j slcIghs loaded with little toys. and NO
only have TO tic them with Gilt t~inc
TO tho strong branches"
And yet" said Walter, very tlmid.
lliy. "thcrc arc Christmas trees In tho
houses before Christmas Day"
~ few days before. yes" replied
tho fair angel. hut they have all
been provided by us. In fact. there In
. troop especially employed In that