Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1911-01-20
dom. sits Santa Claus, OF course
Isn't III Christmas avaY

dom. ''Its Santa Claus, Of course
Isn't It Christmas ever
Then girls voice spoke--the low
sst softest contralto tones Bell had
ever heard: he almost loved her fol-
the sweetness Of her voice.
"Friend or foe, Santa Claus or bur,
glar, all are welcome here tonight,
aren't they. dadY'
Certainly, Evel" The old mans
voice softened wonderfully as he
spoke 10 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
S Be2esr Ankles and gave the necessary
impetus to HIS further descent.
eMery Christmas, everybody said
Sherman feebly from behind his 10.
Vial mask.
hiptfy Christmas yourselfp' rejoin.
- MsEnnge old gentleman, and az
'e$,R t''|s fantt Locked daxedly
around be saw that be was among
perfect strangers who suddenly went
Off Into gale of laughter at his ap.
pearance
He recovered himself quickly, how.
ever. and emerged from his sooty con.
dltion 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 he bowed low
before them. santa Claus, at your
service" he said IN his pleasant voice.
"Pm afraid Two made mistake. |
was due to get down Mr.. Frank Adams
chimney ut this time, and ! was sure
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 10
nearly alike The Adams house ana
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
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 merriment over
the toys be distributed. Eve Ross
blushed warmly over the one he gave
to her. 1t was miniature Hreplac
with u 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 a young man as one would care to
have drop down the chimney on Christ.
mas eve. Pm afraid I've made rather
a mess OF the floor" he said ruefully
after introductions had been made and
he found himself In tho midst Of a 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
.,ovvIa .A-ss-s past b0ssaaso % IL suoty.
Something happened to the chimney
the other day, and man has been
here tinkering with the job for several
days. He knocked or today on ac-
count of the snow and left all his lad.
ders and 30 forth around, 50 that made
your path easy, ehT
ut did. found the way well pre-
pared" laughed Sherman. I'm sorry,
but / believe they're waiting for me
across the street, and the yOungsters
will be disappointed II | don't make
my appearf nee down the chimney o.
the appointed hour or as near to II AZ |
can manage"
Surely you're not going TO try to do
it-again tonight protested Eve. IT'S
rather dangerous feat, you know"
mot Bit" reassured Sherman.
You see, the houses are low and the
drop Ii not u great distance, and they
will be prepared for me. BY the way,
l must express my thanks for my cor.
dial reception"
They laughed and pushed forward,
and young Henry Ross gripped his
hand Ia 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 got 10 black and
soOty, Sherman asked Mrs Adams
after awhile 1--WE had this chimney
thoroughly cleaned, and Timothy said
there wasn't n speck OF SCOT left"
y don't suppose there IL, 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 10
the world"
what was 1t. Uncle Sherman ask
Il ~u aa mot