The San Francisco call., 1908-12-19

n AsIlO-NfA4-R AE-N<A4AAt-f ATOlll the % :
house, peered through the rough
picket fence at little Harry Ford,
marching noisily across his moth
er's front porch in a pair OF queer. red
topped boots.
Did Santa Claus bring them?' asked
Leonald, as he crunched a caramel
Harry came TO a halt. looked hum
grily at the box OF candies buIging
from Leonald's topcoat pocket, and an
sWered sbsently. Yes Then with an
independence born OF past seif-denials
ne forced his eyes away from the box.
buttoned his threadbare Jacket tightly
around his sturdy little, straight body,
and continued his military movements.
keeping time TO an imaginary drum
beat
Boom, boom-boom. boom, boom
boom, boom, BOOM
The small voice sounded shriu and
sharp IN the clear. frosty air.
Didn't he bring you drum. too 90
asked Leonald.
Nope without losing step.
Leonald began tugging at the box
IN ms pccket-a performance that
proved most interesting to Harry who
promptly ceased to make the sound OF
The drum, then lost step and stood in
the others efforts. At last the refrac-
tory box was forced from the small
pocket, the lid removed and, after
helping himself to another caramel.
Leonald held the tempting sweets be-
tween the picSets.
Have some2"
Harry hesitated bu, a moment, then
the red topped boots clattered down
The steps, a weather chapped, little
hand WAS thrust into the box, and when
IL came out it was bulging with it's
contents.
You may take it all if you want it,
with sudden burst of generosity;
I've got lots more at home"
Did Santa Claus bring it TO you2v
4 guess so; but it's just like mamma
always gets"
Did you get a drum2"
Yes. and pair Of new skates. a
ball with a funny mans face on it. a
sled, two dozen marbles. top that
plays music. a Jack-in-box, a whole
army Of tin soldiers, a-a-say.' -
Leonaid's eyes had been dwelling on
the red topped boots. Those boots
don't look real new
Harry looked down at the offending
articles with a sudden embarrassment;
then. with quick inspiration. We'll.
haven't ] worn them ell day."
There was 3 prolonged silence, which
was DfOktm DA A1tDIdl0- DIO you get
anything else for ChristmasZ"
= Yes, I got q new wagon TO take
clothes home IA. Least ] think it's
new, tho its jes like the old one, only
tho new ones painted red" Then, In 4
confidential tone: There's some thing
funny rbou. that: the old ones gone"
The problem was studied by the
two IN silence, but neither ventured a
solution
-sT1arrv dear called Mrs. Ford.
Mrs. James clothes are ready 10 take
home now. She said she must have
The children's white frocks this even
ing. or I wouldn't send you--on Christ
mas day. darling"
Harry walked slowly around the
house. returning with the little red
wagon. heaped high with Mrs James
enc laundry Leonald's eyes were
riveted pcrsistently on the red topped
boots as they trudged along in front OF
the red wa gon.
"po they feel much different than
shoes27 lie asked.
You bet." replied Harry. Then. with
= sudden recollection Thank you for
The candy. mothers got it till / come
back"
There was an awkward pause; ma
ture's beautiful law Of compensation
,~ss ~ work in the small brain. AZ
last the sublime thought came: YOU
oan wear EN- while I'm gone"
Harry clattered up the steps and was
soon engaged in the somewhat arduous
fask Of removing the red topped boots
Tyeonald came inside the fence and stood
watching
What viii you wear?
..Oh rye got some old shoes inside =
inside and ont again and PUNK down