The Cairo bulletin., 1910-12-12

sat- ttti are Wticome mere tonlSnt,
aren't thty, dad?'
Certainly. Ever The old mans
voice soften, wonderfully as he
spoke 70 the girl,
Then our friend must be released.
You can fancy how uncomfortable he
must feel. Henry, can't you help him
down.
a strong hand clutched Sherman
Bells ankles and gave the necessary
impetus to his further descent.
Merry Christmas, everybody, said
Sherman feebly from behind his 10.
vial mask.
Merry Christmas Yourself" rejoin-
ed strange old gea, leman, and as
the fictitious Santa looked dazedly
around he saw that he was among
perfect strangers who suddenly went
OH into sale Of laughter at his ap-
pearanoe
He recovered himself quics,..-. how
ever. and emerged from his sooiy con-
dition with 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 yo,r
service" he said In his pleasant voice.
I'm afraid I've made mistake.
was due to get down Nj. Frank Adams
chimney at this time. and was sure
! had the right house"
Across the street. SIR explained
the old gentleman gravcly, yet with d
merry twinkle In bis eyes. Santa
rarely makes mistakes, yet who can
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"
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 1t some gift for each OF the strangers
he had dropped among There was
much laughter and merrlment over
the toys he distributed. Eve Ross
blushed warmly over the one he gave
TO her. 1t was miniature fireplace
with figure of Santa Claus emerging
from the chimney with pack of toys.
Afterward Sherman DOTTED 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 foor,' he said ruefulIy
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 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 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, eh?"
ut did. l found the way we'll pre-
pared" laughed Sherman. I'm sorry
but l believe they're waiting for me
across the street. and the youngsters
will be disappointed if | don't make
my appearance down the chimney at
the appointed hour or as near to it as l
can manage"
Surely you're not going to try to do
it again tonight" protested Eve. ITS
rather dangerous feat, you know"
Not Bit treasured Sherman.
you see, the houses are low and the
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
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 stll thrilling from con
tact with EYES 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 speck Of SCOT left"
Il don't suppose there is, my dear"
returned Sherman amiably. My SCOT
came from another chimney Before
| tackled your chimney 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 little Amy from her seat on his
knee. what was your beautiful pres
ent. and may we see it?'
Some day hope to show it to you
returned Sherman solemnly.
Mr.. Adams spread his hands to the
genial fire and eyed his brother.inrlaw
with Il keen, amused glance.
Amy, my daughter" he said, with n
chuckie. your Uncle Sherman means
he will soon introduce you to beau