Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-04-10

These little people he had often found very useful in
helping him to distribute his gifts to the children, and
sleigh they were snugly tucked underneath the seat
where the sharp wind could not reach them.
The tiny imnortals knew nothing of the capture of
Santa Claus until some time after he had disappeared
But finally they missed his CHEEKY voice. and as their
master always sang or whistled his journeys the
silence warned them that something was wrong.
Little Wisk stuck his head from underneath the seat
and found Santa Claus gone and to direct the
flight OF the reindeer.
Whoa" he called out and the deer obediently slack
ened speed and to a halt
Peter and Nuter and Kilter all jumped upon the
and looked BACK the track made by the sleigh But
Santa Claus had been left miles and miles behind.
What shall do?' asked Wisk, anxousiy, all the
great calamity.
I'VE must go back at and find our master" said
Nuter the Ry who thought and spoke with much DELHI
Grafton.
No, no." exclaimed Peter the KNOCK, who, cross
and Grabbed though he was, might always be depended
upon III an emergency If we delay, go back there
will be time get the toys to the children before
morning; and that would grievc Santa Claus than
1T is certain that some wicked creatures have cap
tured HIM, added kier, thoughtfuly; and their OBJ
first duty is to get the toys distributed carefully
if Santa Claus himself present Afterward we
dom
Mamie Brown who wanted doll got drum instead :;
and drum IS OF no use to girl who loves dolls. And
Charlie Smith, who delights to romp and play out OF
doors, and who wanted rubber boots to keep
his feet dry, received sewingbox filled with coored
WoTStedS and threads and needles which made him
provoked that he thoughtless called dear Santa
Claus fraud.
Had there been many such mistakes the Daemons
would have accomplished their evil purpose and made
the children unhappy But the little friends of the alb
sent Santa Claus labored faithfully and nteigently
carry out their masters ideas, and they made fewer
errors than might be expected under such unusual cir
And, although they worked as swiftly as possible
day had begun to break before the toys and other
ents all distributed for the first time in many
years the reindeer trotted into Laughing Valley on
their RETURN broad daylight with the brilliant sun
peeping the edge of the forest prove they
far behind their accustomed hour
Having put the deer the stable the little folk began
to wonder how they might their master; and
they realized they discover, first of all what had
happened to him and where he was
So Wisk the Fairy transported himself to the bower
of the Fairy Queen which located deep in the heart
of the Forest of the Burzce; and there it did not
take him long to find out all about the naughty Dae-
mons and how they had kidnapped the good Santa Claus
to prevent his making children happy The Fairy Queen
also promised her assistance and them fortified by this
powerful support Wisk flew back where Nuter and
Peter and Klter awaited him. and the four counselled
together and laid plans to their from his
enemies
1t IS possible that Santa Claus not as merry as
usual during the night that succeeded his capture For
although he had faith in the judgment of his little