The Washington herald., 1913-12-25
POLLY In TOYLAND.
By CLARIssA aIACKIE.
tcourssht, ,as,

The toy department was a fairylsnd
OF the most wonderful playthings gath
cred from all parts Of the world and
Polly dropped Uncle Dicks hand and
started on an exploring expedition all by
herself. Dick Carleton, having sundry
commissions to execute for Santa Claus,
was relieved that Polly's bright eyes
were diverted elsewhere for the moment
and that her acute little ears could not
hear his remarks to the saleswoman con-
corning a certain dolls house that Polly
had admired. There was a little wigwam
all set up on a circle OF imitation green
grass that attracted PolIy's attention al
most at once. 1t was around the corner
from the counter where Uncle Dick was
standing and Polly slipped around and
peeked within the flaps which were folded
across the opening.
What a puffickly deah little house!'
crowed Polly in unconscious imitation
Of her mammals dearest friend. There
upon she disappeared within the wig
wan and examined the interior. The
floor was covered with the furry skin of
some wild animal and there was a cum
ming three-Iegged kettle hanging over
some crossed sticks.
Polly planned how she would furnish
this delightful retreat. and in the midst
of planning the heated air sent her
drowsily to dreaming.
While Polly slept there, Dick Carleton
was searching frantically for his little
niece. No one had seen her and no one
could spare time in this last hurried rush
of Christmas Eve to assist Dick in his
search. Finally he concluded that some
artfuI kidnapper had Iured Polly away
from his side, and he transferred his
search to the street and reported the loss
Of Polly to the police department.
':Ah-h-h-h-um!" yawned Polly sleepily
as she rolled over on the furry rug and
opened her blue eyes.
Just then the flaps of the wigwam were
pulled aside and the light and chatter
and din OF the crowded toy department
penetrated Polly's snug retreat
Dear me- said a delightful voice;
what a lovely little place in which to
take a nap"
Are you an angelo" asked Polly.
mo, indeed!' laughed Bettina vaness.
Tell me what you are doing in there,
little girl"
Polly blInked herself wide awake.
II came in to see it, she whispered
my Uncle Dick!'
Come here, dear" said Bettina- mo
doubt your Uncle Dick is looking for you.
How long have you been in there?"
PoIly's ideas of time were exceedingly
vague.
''Only a few days" she replied.
Bettina was startled She was not ac-
customed TO children.
She found a quiet seat out of the track
of the Christmas shoppers and little by
little she drew from Polly the story Of
how she had become separated from
Uncle Dick They had come out to look
for a present for Polly to give grand
father and grandmother. She had select
ed for grandfather a most alluring book
81 knew he would like it, said Polly
1T was about the cutest little
book was called Patty and Her
'Indeed?' cried Bettina. land what did
you get for grandmother"
You will never guessr exclaimed
Polly. Il wanted a dory's hair brush
and comb-I know grandmother would
want to give it to me for Florence, my
best doll-so she would like to have it.
you see. But Uncle Dick wouldn't let
me buy the book or the brush-we were
just going down stairs to get something
1 saw the wigwam and
went in"
Now, you must tell me your name
and where you live. Polly"
My name said Polly calmly, sis
Polly Carleton and 1 can't remember
where 1 live-you see, it never mattered
until 1 got lost"
She was looking intentIy into Bettina's
lovely face, with its exquisite rose COL
oriFg, its lustrous dark eyes and long,
curling dark lashes.
who are you?' asked Polly bluntIy.
i've seen you in my Uncle Dicks
watch
You have seen me in your uncle's
watch?' repeated Bettina blankly
Polly nodded. Once I s'prised Uncle