The Springdale news., 1907-12-13


 snugiy pressed into the corner of tAs softly padded chair Her red tam had slipped off, and her hair was loosely massed in ringlets about her face and neck. In few minutes the stagc manager abruptly stopped the eyolu- tions and singing to announce that an hour would he given for something to eat So. there followed hurrying to nearby cafes and lunch places. and the big theater was left dark and silent. where only I few moments previous had resounded the voices of chorus the shuffling and batter of feet and the shouts of the excited director. After awhile, one by one and in pairs and more the company began to assem- ble again. There was still q good half hour. and the boys and girls of the chorus accepted the opportunity to chat and gossip as they sat CT boxes bundles of carpet or even >affstt- ted on fine floor of the s9z ge. theil. tals, causing a hum 10 resounG throughout the hig auditorium.
 And still the child sIept on.
 Suddenly there was an opinous husG as Manager Harderaft strode npon the stage shaking snow from his fur lined coat and shining silk hat. His keea eyes pierced the darkness toward the boxes, probably in an effort to detect any Of the company who might lsr stealing some comfort iu the box seats. privilege strictly forbidden He roughly demanded 10 know who tbr kid WAS asleep in one of his forty dollar chairs. Calling old Pete frn5a his post at the back. he wauted fa know who let her in. anyway. Gains to the little sleeper Pete deftly teek the envelope from the little hand which still clasped il, however loosely. The great man impatiently tore open the note. gave it swift glance, erunehrst it and. throwing it among the foa1= lights. gave pull at his cigar and strode hurriedly into the street The company crowded forward to view the little intruder. Tony Thompson. fhe comedian of the organization, picked up the note strengthened out it's creases and read aloud
 John Hardcraft. Esq. Manager tie Rfalto
 Opera Company:
 Dear Sir-I beg indulgence for thus in- truding upon your time and patience. It is with reluctance l write 10 ask II Nou cannot send me few dollars to be paid back as soon a my husband is able to work again. l have used all the money he has saved for the doctor bill and h purchase medicine and our necessities. We have not had cent in the house for two days now. and not only are we-mY little daughter and myseif-in need ot food but I fear that if l cannot renew the prescriptions for the medicine the doc tor has ordered MT. Granger will have a relapse l dislike very much 10 ask this favor of you. but our condition is hn coming desperate. You will be doing an act of kindness We shall never forget f you will send something 10 aid us in ear predieament. and may God bless YOU for it. Respectfully, HELEN GRANGER
 Some one put his hand deep into his pocket and brought np piece of money. and then without T word thefe was tinkling of dimes quarters and halves as they dropped into the hat of the fat and rosy little comedian The collection was tied up in q handker- chief and noiselessly placed into the lap of the sleeping child
 But that was not aa \ happy thought came to the comedian. HON as serious as Hamlet From roil of money he whipped q twenty doilar hilI In very few minutes the property man and his assistant had placed on the stage in front of the sleeping eirl a nice green Christmas tree. pureha>et without mueh ado from the yender aa the corner Others had hurried& brought little red, white and blue ean. dles. strings of popcorn. tinsel and candy hearts, which were quickly al tached to the boushs of the eedaf= While this was going on Tony was ett ing orders in rapid succession. as fal- lows
 eQGiek there. Jennie bring that tie Cossaek eaat with the fur all ar"uaa ihe edges Bill. run fer those boo1s Hurry. Hew Somebody get me an osi mans wig, long white hair. mind yoQ. and beard. There. that's just t.5 thing Here you all stand back in t.le shadow Now. girls. ssng softly tlfe. music that goes with the entrance of the queens barge ii the starlight That's it-just little softer"
 The sound of celestial music filed the place It was dark save where the twinking lights ef the Christmas u'e" illuminated the figure of the merry Santa Claus standing alongside with his kindly face turned toward the slowly awakening child. She opened her eyes blinked them again from t4e light, sat straight, rubbed her eyes with her tiny fists. stirred herself and then, settling back in the big chair, sobhed aloud Jumping down from the stage. the santa Claus took her on his lap and tightly held her in his arms.
 Whats the matter. little one3 Don't you see that santa Claus has come to take care of you2'
 ..Yes. I know, dear Santa but am crying because I am afraid I'll wake ID and find 1t isn't real And the trembling child huddled closer.
 But it is real. and you are rot asleeH s1s