The daily Alaskan., 1915-01-05

iected for these gifts because there were in 1t. a. very large open fireplace and ah ample chimney through which Santa Claus could get his fat body. Besides. Mrs. warleld intended that the family Christmas should begin at breakfast time. It was then that the gifts would be distributed. and it would be impossible. for her to conceal any longer her plan for the celebration of the day.
 Christmas morning opened bright and crisp. The Warfeld children were up. as usual. at daylight pulling down their stockings and diving into them. Their mother joined them and forbade their opening any of the packages ex- .cept those that Santa Claus had brought. A bright fire blazed and crackied and snapped ouothe hearth, joining in the festivities and adding to the chtldren's happiness. :... -
 Why, mamma." said one, "l thought we were not going to have this kind Ol a Sul ioAAluo Nhlo sNals
 'T didn't say that said that had an especial plan for this years Christ mas"
 What Is it?'
 Wait"
 Mir Warfeld came down and in the merry scene forgot for the moment the troubles in which the merrSmak- CTS were equally interested though they were ignorant of them. He per mitted little Billy to show him his jumping jack and consented to pull the string that worked It's arms and legs. He was obliged to kiss Molly's doll and take, notice of how it, closed its eyes when it lay on its back. Mrs. WarHeld was as cheery as the chil- dren.
 She doesn't know the worst" said her husband to himself, "or she could not Keep up this way" .... ...
 The thought brought back the gloom to his face. but his wife kissed 1t away with smile. ..
 Then his eyes took i'll the numerous bundles she had stacked about the fireplace. and he could not refrain from giving her a look as much as to say. Why did you go to such ex- pense?" But she gave him another kiss, and the children were constantly forcing him to Inspect more gifts. And so it was that he got through this Christmas ordeal, with trouble at the door, better than might have been ex- pected. ....
 When the children had emptied their stockings all sat down to breakfast. Thus far it seemed that no gift had been provided for papa. After he had asked the divine blessing he said to bis wife:
 1T am glad. Iny dear. that you have acceded to my wishes in one respect YOU have not inflicted Christmas gift upon me-" .....
 Lift your plate.a vas the reply.
 Warfeld did as he was bidden and revealed an envelope addressed to him. opening it, be took out check payable to his wife and indOrsed to him for $11,655.
 Whats thisT'
 Stanford Bros. check to me for roy alty on A Mystery of. a Mirror .-
 Warfeld looked at his wife inquir- ingly. He evidently did not under stand.
 '.I wrote the novel," she continued, and sent it. to you anonymously. l received 1t back with printed unaVail- able card l sent it to other publish CTS. and they all declined 1t. Finally Stanford Bros. consented to bring It out They are a new firm and have adopted q new plan of judging Of man uscripts. They circulate them among a large number of persons such as may be expected to read them when pub lished. Nearly all these approved. They published the book on the usual terms. This is. my first remittance but understand from them that the book is still selling and will sell for  some time
 There was so much of modification mingled with this announcement that the Ruthoress arose fsom tue table and nut her arms about her huS6ands neck. Then Ut .a sign from her the children followed her example, each giving him hug and kiss and all crying:
 Glad you got your Christmas gift papa"
 When he. had been duly hugged and kissed into a frame of mind acceptable to his wife and children he took up the check again, looked at, it's face. turned 1t over and looked at Its back and said:
 What do you propose l shall do with 1t. sweetheaFt?"
 "Whatever you think best"
 'I shall do whatever you think bestH
 ..What use should be made of It is for future consideration. For the pres ent it is enough for us to know that I have the wherewithal to give the children a merry Christmas, and as for you and me. well. we know that we have a new start"