The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-01-11

AH''! as int iloZeu ulllh Ill the TIN
can.
Who's going to be Santa Clauso'
asked Checkers. casually. Heard
there was going to be one
There is" answered Paul, firmly.
Bet it's old Pop Briggs, on account
of his whiskers."
1T is not" Paula's chin tilted a bit
higher. Thank you so much, Mr..
Crossben. for helping me, and I'm sor-
ry you can't come tonight. and help
give the children a happy time"
Maybe we'll come" said Checkers,
doubtfully. scratching his head. rs
Don Briggs going to be Santa Claus?"
He is not" said Paula. coldly.
"Goodby."
Yet both checkers and Don left the
little log house with the firm convic.
ton that the other was favored by
the teacher. and was to appear as
Santa Claus as mark Of honor.
Paula's cheeks were very pink that
night when she faced her assembly,
and noted how splendidly the whole
valley had turned out to support her
celebration. Only the younger crowd
was absent, the boys from seventeen
to twenty-five.
And now. children" said Paula,
finally. Il think 1t is time for Santa
Claus. and really must meet him out
in the entry. and tell him your names.
you know. I'm going to ask Mrs.
Briggs II she won't take my place and
introduce him when the dear old saint
comes In. and I'll hold the reindeer"
1t sounded wonderfully plausible.
The little ranch children stared and
held their breaths. and wriggled about
excitedly. as the door closed after the
teacher. Then came the sound of
sleigh bells that iingled merrily, and
stopped with flourish at the outer
door. Then there was silence. with
Mrs. Briggs beaming on them from
the teachers desk. And all at once
scream.
my land. what's that now" gaspsd
Mrs. Briggs.
There came another and another,
muffied now. and the stamping OF
horses hoofs on the snow outside. Of
many hoofs.
Mrs. Briggs ran to the door and
flung 1t open. There were the rival
factions from the Shaky o. and the
Crossben. and they fought for possess
lon Of Santa Claus, a short. stocky
figure wrapped from toes to ears In
Mrs. Briggs coat, with a fur cap on.
and Santa Claus mask. resplendent
In rosy cheeks, long curly white
beard. and smiling lips.
Boys. what on earth are you do
ing?" she cried. That's teacher!"
It was q very white-faced. indig-
nsnt little teacher that emerged from
the folds Of the raccoon coat when
Don carried her into the schoolroom
bodily. and set her down on the plat
form.
Its Miss Santa Claus" he said.
Boys. lets give her three cheers. and
swear never to do It again. II she'll
let 10 stay. and give 10 some candy.
too"
"Ill let you stay II you'll every one
shake hands. and promise not to fight
any more" retortsd Paula. with fash.
Ing eyes. ITS . shame the way the
valley 10 upset with you all. And
here you almost spoiled our fun to-
night kidnapping me"
I'VE thought you were Don." said
Checkers. sadly.
I'VE thought you were Checkers"
grinned back Don. I'll shake hands
II Checkers WILL"
There, before the teachers desk.
they shook hands. and after them all
the rival members OF the two factions
shook hands. and good will and peace
reigned at Little Turtle Creek for the
first time In years. Just for minute
out in the snowy. dark entry Don
stopped Paula as she waved good
night to tie crowd. The hood Of the
coat had fallen back, her cap was of,
and she looked like little Esquimaux.
Some way. his arms went around her
just naturally, and their lips met.
Can | see you home. teacher"
yelled Don. jubilantly. and Checkers
fed.