The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1914-12-09


Now that the boy could see him in the
full glare of many electric lights, his
furs did not seem the most gorgeous
things in the world. When the flap
ping front of his red jacket flew open,
the child was surprised to see how
ragged was the thin gray coat'i it COW
cred; and as for the good old saints
comfortable stomach-strange to say,
it was not!
IL wish you all merry Christ
mas" faltered Santa Claus; "but
really must be going, sir"
"Nonsense!" cried Mr. Harrison.
mot until you have got rid of this
chill, and"
ri can't Stay. sir" said Santa. It'll
lose my job II / d."
Well what Il you do? I'll give
you better one" said the banker.
II can't can't" faltered the man.
"I-I-Tve got Little Billee Of my
own at home waitin' for me, sir. II I
hadn't" he added fiercely, do you
suppose I'd be dom this?" He point
ed at the painted boards, and shud-
dered.
81 guess Santa Claus is tired, papa"
said Little Billee, smuggling up close
ly to the old fellow and taking hold
Of his hand alphabetically. Hes
been walkin' lot today"
Eyes, my son." said Mr.. Harrison
gravely. These are very busy times
for Santa Claus, and I guess that, as
he still has a hard night ahead Of
him. James had better ring up Henry
and tell him to bring the car around
right away, SO that We may take him
back-to his little boy. Well have to
lend him fur coat, to keep the wind
off, too, for 1t is bitter night"
"Oh," said Little Billee, II haven't
told you about these boards he wears.
He has 'em to keep the wind of. and
they're fine, papa!" Little Billee
pointed to the two sign-boards which
Santa Claus had leaned against the
wall. HE says he uses 'em on cold
nights" the lad went on. They have
writing on 'em, too. Do you know
what it says?"
eyes," said Mr.. Harrison. glancing
at the boards. 1T says If You Want
Good Christmas Dinner for a Quar-
ter, Go to Smithson's Cafe"
Little Billee roared with laughter.
"Papa's trying to fool me. just as
you did when you pretended not to
know where lived, Santa Claus" he
said, looking up into the old fellows
face, his own countenance brimming
over with mirth. you mustn't think
he can't read. though" the lad added
hastily. He's only joking"
ooh. no. indeed, l shouldn't have
thought that" replied Santa Claus,
smiling through his tears.
"I've been joking, have -" said Lit
tie Billee's papa. well. then, Mr..
Billiam, suppose you inform me what
it says"
Merry Christmas to Everybody"
said Little Billee proudly. Il couldn't
read it myself, but he told me what it
said. He has 1t printed there so that
If he misses saying it to anybody,
they'll know he means it just the
same"
"By Jove, Mr.. Santa Claus" cried
Little Billee's papa, grasping the old
man warmly by the hand, 81 owe you
ten million apologies! l haven't be-
lieved in you for many a long year;
but now, sir, take it all back. You
do exist, and, by the great horn spoon,
you are the real thing!"
Little Billee had the satisfaction of
acting as host to Santa Claus at a
good, luscious dinner, which Santa
Claus must have enjoyed very much.
After dinner Henry came with the au-
tomobile, and, bidding everybody good
night, Santa Claus and Little Billee's
papa went out of the house together.
Christmas morning dawned, and Lit
tie Billee awoke from wonderful
dreams Of rich gifts, and Of extraOrdi-
nary adventures with his new-found
friend, to find the reality quite as
splendid as the dream things.
AS for Santa Claus, Little Billee has
not seen him again; but down at his
fathers bank there is a new messenger,
named John, who has voice so like
Santa Claus voice that whenever Lit
tie Billee goes down there in the mo-
tor to ride home at night with his
papa, he runs into the bank and has
a long talk with him. Just for the
pleasure of pretending that 1t is Santa
Claus he Ia talking to.