Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1910-12-30

LluE. lAA tAN NN'~f
aren't they dadT
certainly, Ever The old man
.=sies soSStenssql .KOnderfully as ne
.tIheh ,,cv how uncomfortable ne
80. -. i.'''' ffenry. can't you help him
Irfi--Sirong hand clutched sherman
Merry Chrrstst--aaxe the necessary
sherman feebly from behind nIs -
vial mask.
Merry Christmas YOURSELF" reioin-
cd a strange old gentleman. and as
the fictitious Santa looked dazediy
around he saw that he was among
perfect strangers who suddenly went
OH into a gale Of laughter at his ap-
pearance
He recovered himself quickly, how
ever, aud emerged from his sooty con-
dition with a little shake Of his fur
coat and an adjustment Of his black.
ened mask and beard.
The old gentleman and the girl called
Eve stood together, and be bowed low
before them. Santa Claus, at your
service" he said In his pleasant voice.
"Tm afraid I've made a mistake. /
was due to get down Mr.. Frank Adams
chimney at this time. and l was sure
had the right house"
ACROSS the street, sir" explained
the old gentleman gravely. yet with a
merry twinkle in his eyes. "Santu
rarely makes mistakes, yet who car
blame him when these houses are 50
nearly alike The Adams house and
this one, sir, were built by twin broth
ers and are alike as two peas. We are
glad to see you, though you did give US
a surprise"
cts my business to do that, OF
course" laughed Sherman, and then
without more ado he swung his pack
to the floor and proceeded to find with.
in 1t some git for each Of the strangers
he had dropped among. There was
much laughter and merriment over
the toys he distributed. Eve Ross
biushed warmly over the one he gave
to her. 1t was a miniature fireplace
with a figure of Santa Claus emerging
from the chimney with a pack Of toys.
Afterwars Sherman doffed his mask
and stood forth as handsome and well
set up young man as one would care to
have drop down the chimney on Christ
mas eve. I'm afraid I've made rather
mess OF Tho tioor." he said ruefully
after introd1ctions had been made and
he found himself in the midst Of fam
lily party.
Never mind that" consoIed Mr..
Ross anllahly as be led the way into
another warmly lighted room In the
midst Of which stood huge Christmas
tree. "We'ye had that room closed for
several days past because 1t is sooty.
Something happened to the chimney
the other day. and a man has been
here tinkering with the job for several
days. He knocked of today on ac-
count of the snow and left all his lad
ders and so forth around. so that made
your path easy, eh?"
'It did. found the way well pre-
pared" laughed Sherman. "I'm sorry.
but l believe they're waiting for me
across the street, and the youngsters
will be disappointed II don't make
my appearance down the chimney at
the appointed hour or as near to it as
can manage"
Surely you're not going to try to do
1t again tonightr' protested Eve. Its
rather a dangerous feat, you know"
mot a bit,r reassured Sherman.
'You see, the houses are low and the
drop is not great distance. and they
will be prepared for me. BY the way,
must expr ass my thanks for my cor
dial reception"
They laughed and pushed forward,
and young Henry Ross gripped his
hand In a most cordial manner. After
he had shaken hands with everybody
and promised to come over the next
day and tell them about his second
chimney adventure, Sherman went
forth, his palm still thrilling from con-
tact with Ewes rose leaf hand.
He found proper preparations made
for him at the house across the street,
and his descent Of the Adams chimney
was effected in the tamest manner, and
his appearance was the signal for the
widest rejoicing on the part Of his
nephews and nieces.
Where did you get so black and
sooty, Sherman asked Mrs. Adams
after awhile. I'VE had this chimney
thoroughly cleaned, and Timothy said
there wasn't a speck Of SCOT left"
II don't suppose there IS. my DEAR"
returned Sherman amiably, MY SCOT
came from another chimney. Before
l tackled your chimney played being
my own Santa Claus, and I've made
myself the most beautiful present in
the world"
What was 1t, Uncle ShcrmanT ASK
ed little Amy from her seat on his
knee. "What was your beautiful pres
ent, and may we see ltY'
Some day hope to show it to you"
returned Sherman solemnly.
Mr.. Adams spread his hands to the
genial fire and eyed his brother-ln-law
with a keen, amused glance.
Amy, my daughter" he said, with a
chuckle. your Uncle Sherman means
he will soon introduce you to beau
tiful auntier'
ohtfHldh staIeu anu reuueneu.
do you know that?' he blurted out
Marcia arose and, slipping her
in her husbands arm, drew he:
er to her side.
"Your face betrayed you. D.
smiled at him.
little Amy had been tn
y. Then Uncle shermaA
Mrs. Santa Claus" she
And Of course that t-
ID Eve Ross after 81
man the following (
Nathan Gut