The San Francisco call., 1909-12-18

rors0t tn4t, ana Willie Is tnc pest Dcy
I know" He kissed his wife as the
gnomes lifted the motorcycle to the
top OF the load
The propeller blades spun again and
Santa Claus scared on
II was a splendid sight to see Santa
Clause dying down from the north like
a great white bird high up in the sky.
He passed over Dawson City in the
Klondike. where the miners work In the
ice and snow getting out gold; he
passed over the black coal mines OF
British Columbia and the immense for
ests OF Christmas trees OF Washin gton
and Oregon. At every house ne stopped
and left his gifts. jamming every stock
ing with candy. nuts, oranges. trumpets
and dates
II was just midnight by the ferry
building clock when he crossed the
bay and entered over San Francisco
Few knew THAT he was here. because
grown up people can not see Santa
Claus. no matter how hard they look
Only good hearted children can know
this generous man. Far up over the
tops OF the great of1ce buildings Santa
Claus guided his aeroplane-
st will go out to Wiliie's house In
the Richmond district first" said Santa
to himself. and he pulled a lever which
made his machine tilt toward the right
and turned up over California street.
II shall leave the motorcycle with the
boy and then I'll distribute my pres
ents out in Western addition. then in
the Mission. and then around the hotel
district But Willie must have his
motorcycle-whoa. Donder und Bit
zen. what is this?' Something seemed
to be happening to his machine and
Santa Claus in his excitement involun-
tariiy called out the names of his two
most famous reindeer.
The engine of the aeroplane began
to whimper and to cough as If il
needed to have its chest rubbed well
with goose grease. Slowly il sank to
the roof of a house. "I'll be eaten by
Teddy bear" exclaimed Santa Claus.
The aeroplane had alighted on the
fiat roof OF a large apartment house.
Il presume l am stuck" exclaimed the
old gentleman "but since / am here /
might as well attend to- the children
in this house. My stars. Willie lives
here, 1t is lucky for me that he does.
for 1 must get his motorcycle to him"
The wheel was unstrapped from the
pack on the aeroplane and Santa Claus,
for all his fatness. slipped down the
gas stove hue with the present for
Willie Gently he deposited the machine
and slipped back on to the roof. Now
I'll have to tinker up this bird of
mine," he murmured. cor not a child
can get another present. The old saint
set to work. but he could not find what
was wrong.
II am afraid" he said. sit Is all over
with Christmas" Real tears fell from
his eyes. How can I ever hold up my
head again." he sobbed Nearly all
the children OF San Francisco are to be
disappointed For the first time in my
life I have failed in my trust. 1t Is all
because I relied on a modern inven-
ton. IL only there was some one
around who understood engines-but
grownups can not see me, and children
are too young. Hello. who's there?"
cit is I. Willie" said boys voice.
IT heard you on the roof and came up
to see what was the matter
MY aeroplane has broken down and
I can't fix it. Willie. Did you ever hear
OF such a plightT'
'I'lI look at it," volunteered the boy.
why" he exclaimed. 'alI you need is
a plug-now. il 1 only knew where a
motorcycle engine was"
Have you looked xnder your Christ
mas tree yety' asked Santa Claus with
a sly wink through his teary eyes.
"Oh, joy" cried the boy. and he ran
from the roof down the stairway into
the house. A moment later he returned.
bent over the machine and then said
to SANITY, There you are; crank her up
and on you go"
But you have crippled your own
engine, my good boy. You will be dis
appointed in your trip today"
1T Is better that I be disappointed
than that all the other children in the
world should be- declared the boy
handsomely. but I can get my motor
fixed easily"
Next year III bring you an aero
pane of your own" Santa Claus prom
ised as he flew away again, high up
on the roof
sGAa It's Inekv I GOT In aarl,. aaia