The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-12-15

i Impetus to his further descent.
 "Merry Christmas, everybodyw said e erman feebly from behind his jo- slul mask.
 "NIerry Christmas yourself" rejoin- ed strange old gentleman, and as the fictitious Santa looked dazedly around he saw that he was among perfect strangers who suddenly went off into a gale of laughter at his ap- pearance.
 He recovered himself quickly, how ever, and 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 he bowed low before them. Santa Claus, at your service" he said in his pleasant voice. was due to get down Mr. Frank Adams l chimney at this time, and I was sure l had the right house,
 "Across the street, sir," explained the old gentleman gravely, yet with a merry twinkle in his eyes. Santa rarely makes mistakes, yet who can blame him when these houses are so nearly alike. The Adams house and this one, sir, were built by twin broth CTS and are alike as two peas. We are glad to see you, though you did give us 6 surprise"
 'Its 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 it some gift for each of the strangers he had dropped among. There was much laughter and merriment over the toys he distributed. Eve Ross blushed warmly over the one he gave to her. It was a miniature fireplace with figure of Santa Claus emerging from the chimney with pack of toys.
 Afterward Sherman doffed his mask and stood forth as handsome and we'll 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 a mess of the foor," he said ruefully after introductions had been made and he found himself in the midst of fam lily party.
 
 Ross amiably az he led the way into another warmly lighted room in the midst of which stood huge Christmas tree. We've had that room closed for several days past because 1t is sooty. Something happened to the chimney the other day, and man has been here tinkering with tse job for several days. He knocked off today on ac- count of the snow and left all his lad ders and so forth around, so that made your path easy, ehf"
 "It did. I found the way we'll pre- pared" laughed Sherman. I'm sorry, but I believe they're waiting for ne across the street, and the youngsters will be disappointed if l don't make my appearance down the chimney at the appointed hour or as near to 1t as l can manage" Surely you're not going to try to do 1t again tonight!' protested Eve. tits rather dangerous feat. you know" "Not a bit," 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 express 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 i he had shaken hands with everybody and promised to come over the next ! day and tell them about his second chimney adventure, Sherman went . fc o1r,,c cfi fbr lir,c tact with Eyes rose leaf hand. He found proper preparations made l for him at the house across the street, 1 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. we had this chimney thoroughly cleaned, and Timothy said there wasn't speck of soot left"
 "I don't suppose there Is, my dear," returned Sherman amiably. "My soot came from another chimney. Before l tackled your chimney I played being my own Santa Claus, and I've made myself the most beautiful present in | the world"
 "What was 1t, Uncle Sherman" ask | ed little Amy from her seat on his knee. "What was your beautiful pres 1 ent, and may we see it?' l "Some day hope to show 1t to you, ' | returned Sherman solemnly. | Mr. Adams spread his hands to the genial fire and eyed his brother-in-law
 with keen, amused glance.
 "Amy. my daughter" he said. with a chuckle, your Uncle Sherman means he will soon introduce you to a beau | tiful auntic"'
 Sherman stared and reddened. "How
 do you LNow that?" he blurted out. | Martia arose and, slipping her hand fin her husbands arm. drew her broth
 CT to ter side.
 "Your face betrayed you, denr," she
 smiled at him.
 Littl" Amy had been thinking deep.
 ly. "Then Uncle Snerman's wife will be
 Mrs. SInta ausw she cried ioyfully.
 And of course that Is what they call.
 ed Eve Ross after she married Sher.
 man the following Christmas.