Putnam patriot., 1911-01-13


ed strange old gentleman. and ~
the fictitious Santa looked dazedly
around he saw that be was among
perfect strangers who suddenly went
on 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 bis 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 a 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 gravey. yet with .
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
4 surprise"
Its my business to do that, Of
course" laughed Sherman. and then
without more ado he swung his pack
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 a miniature fireplace
with a figure Of Santa Claus emerging
from the chimney with pack Of toys.
Afterward Sherman dofYed his mask
and stood forth as handsome and well
have drop down the chimney ON Christ
mas eve. Pm afraid I've made rather
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
several days past because 1t Is sooty.
Something happened to the chimney
the other day. and man has been
here tinkering with the job for several
days. He knocked of today on ac-
count of the snow and left all his lad
ders and SO forth around, so that made
your path easy, eh!''
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 l don't make
my appearance down the chimney at
the appointed hour or as near to 1t as
can manage
Surely you're rot going TO try 10 do
1t again tonightr' protested Eve. Its
rather a dangerous feat. you know"
Not Bit" treasured Sherman.
you see. the houses are low and the
drop IL not a great distance. and they
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 aud 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
thoroughly cleaned. and Timothy said
there wasn't a speck of SCOT left
Il don't suppose there is. my dear"
returned Sherman amiably. MY SCOT
came from another chimney Before
l 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
knee "What was your beautiful pres
snt. and may We see itY'
Some day l hope to show 1t to you.'
returned Sherman solemnly.
Mr.. Adams spread his hands to the
genial fire and eyed his brother-in-law
with q keen. amused glance.
Amy. my daughter" he said, with a
ehuckle. your Uncle Sherman means
he viii soon introduce you to beau
tiful auntie,''
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 nj him
Little Amy had been thinking deep
" Then Uncle Sherman's wife will be
Mrs Santa Claus she cried joyfully
And of course that is what they call
ed Eve Ross after she married Sher.
man the following Christmas-
fiow's This
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FL. CHENEY 4 co. Toledo o.
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.WALpISe, KISNAN q MARVIN,
Wholesale Druggists, Toledo, O
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