The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1911-05-11


spoke to the girl.
Then our friend must be released
You can fancy how uncomfortable h
must feel. Henry. can't You help hin
DOWN.?
A strong hand clutched Sherma,
Bells ankles and gave the necessar,
Impetus to his further descent
Merry Christmas, everybody, sal,
Sherman feebly from behind his 10
vial mask.
Merry Christmas yourselfr' reioin
ed a strange old gentleman, and as
the fictitious Santa looked dazedly
around he saw that he was amonp
perfect strangers who suddenly went
off into gale of laughter at his ap.
pearance.
de 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,
I'm afraid I've made mistake. I
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 40 two peas. We are
glad to see you, though you did give us
q surprise"
TITS 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 q 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. "Im 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 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
several days past because 1t 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
lers and SO forth around, SO that made
your path easy, ehT
1T did. found the way well pre-
'ared," laughed Sherman. "Im sorry.
'ut 1 believe they're waiting for me
'cross the street, and the youngsters
VIII be disappointed If / don't make
ny appearance down the chimney at
he appointed hour or as near to 1t as I
an manage"
Surely you're not going to try to do
again tontght!' protested Eve. ITS
ather dangerous feat, you know"
Not a Bit" reassured Sherman.
You see, the houses are low and the
rop Is not great distance, and they
vii be prepared for me. BY the way,
must express my thanks for my cor.
ial reception"
They laughed and pushed forward,
nd young Henry Ross gripped his
and In most cordial manner. After
e had shaken hands with everybody
nd promised to come over the next
ay and tell them about his second
Kinney adventure, Sherman went
'rth, his palm still thrilling from con-
let with Ewes rose leaf hand.
lie found proper preparations made
'r him at the house across the street.
ad his descent of the Adams chimney
as effected in the tamest manner, and
Is appearance was the signal for the
ildest rejoicing on the part of his
ephews and nieces.
Where did you get 30 black and
'oty, Sherman asked Mrs. Adams
ter awhile. eve had this chimney
oroughly cleaned, and Timothy said
ere wasn't a speck Of SCOT left"
Il don't suppose there is, my DEAR"
turned Sherman amiably. "My SCOT
me from another chimney. Before
tackled your chimney played being
y own Santa Claus, and I've made -
yself the most beautiful present in
Q world"
What was 1t, Uncle ShermanT" ASK
little Amy from her seat on his
lee. What was your beautiful pres
t, and may we see itT
Some day hope to show 1t to you,"
turned Sherman soemnly.
Mr.. Adams spread his hands to the
nial fire and eyed his brother-ln-law
tn keen, amused glance.
Amy, my daughter" he said, with q
uckle, your Uncle Sherman means
will soon introduce you to a beau. -
ul auntieW
sherman stared and Redeemed. "How
you know thatr he blurted out.
Marcia arose and, slipping her hand I
her husbands arm, drew her broth
to her side.
Your face betrayed you, DEAR" she
lied at him.
little Amy had been thinking deep
Then Uncle Sherman's wife will be
g. Santa Claus" she cried joyfully.
md Of course that Is what they call.
Eve Ross after she married sher
n the following Christmas.