The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1911-01-06

dom. Its Santa Claus, Of course
Isn't Ii Christmas ever"
Then q girls voice spoke-the low,
est, 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, dad?"
Certainly, Eve" The old mans
voice softened wonderfully as he
spoke to 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 jo-
vial mask.
Merry Christmas yourselfw rejoin-
ed a strange old gentleman, and as
the fictitious Santa looked dazedly
around he saw that he was among
perfect strangers who suddenly went
or into gale Of laughter at his ap-
pearance.
He recovered himself quickly, how
ever, and emerged from his sooty 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 he bowed low
before them. Santa Claus, at your
service" he said in his pleasant voice.
"Pm afraid I've made q 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. 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
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 merriment over
the toys he distributed. Eve Ross
blushed warmly over the one he gave
to her. 1t 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 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 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, EN-?
1T 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 if 1 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
it again tonightw protested Eve. ITS
rather dangerous feat, you know"
Not Bit treasured Sherman.
"You see, the houses are low and the
drop is not q 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 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
cleaned, and Timothy said
there wasn't a speck Of SCOT left"
II don't suppose there Is, my DEAR"
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 II, Uncle Sherman ask
ed little Amy from her seat on his
knee. "What was your beautiful pres
ent, and may we see itT'
"Some day hope to show 1t to you"
Sherman solemnly.
Mr.. Adams spread his hands to the