Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-12-09

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
It's my business to do that. Of
course laughed Sherman. and then
without more ado ne 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. 1t was a miniature fireplace
with a figure Of Santa Claus emerging
from the chimney with pack Of toys.
Afterward 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
a mess Of the floor" he said ruefully
after introductions had been made and
he found himself in the midst OF fam
lily party.
Never mind that" consoled Mr..
Ross amiably as he led the way into
another warmly lighted room in the
midst Of which stood a huge Christmas
tree. We've had that room closed for
several days past because it 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 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"
hn
pared" laughed Sherman. I'm sorry,
but 1 believe they're waiting for me
across the street, and the youngsters
will be disappointed if 1 don't make
my appearance down the chimney at
the appointed hour or as near to 1t as
can manage"
Surely you're not going TO try to do
! it again tonightr' protested Eve. It's
rather a dangerous feat, you know"
Not a Bit" treasured Sherman.
"You see the houses are low and the
drop is not a great distance, and they
/ will be prepared for me. By the way,
1 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
/ 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
I 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"
81 don't suppose there Is, my dear, )"
returned Sherman amiably. my SCOT
/ came from another chimney. Before
! / tackled your chimney l played being
my own Santa Claus, and I've made
myself the most beautiful present in
the world"
what was It, Uncle Sherman ask
ed f.!le Amy from her seat on his
knee. What was your beautiful pres
ent, and may we see itE'
/ Some day I hope to show it to you, -
returned Sherman sOlemnly.
Mr.. Adams spread his hands to the
genial fire and eyed his brother-in-law
with n keen, amused glance.
Amy, my daughter" be said, with a
chuckle, your Uncle Sherman means
he will soon introduce you to a beau
tiful auntier'
Sherman stared and Redeemed. How
do you know that" he blurted out
Marcia arose and. slipping her hand
in her husbands arm, drew her broth
er to her side.
Your face betrayed you, dear" she
smiled at him.
Little Amy had been thinking deep
! ". Then Uncle Sherman's wife VIII b'
( Mrs Santa Claus" she cried joyfully.
/ And of course that is what they call
ed Eve Ross after she married Shef
man the following Christmas.