The daily Alaskan., 1915-01-13

stairs and put on his suit.
 Re made an excellent Santa Claus. He was five feet four inches in height and fat, though he added to his flesh by means of pillow. He had on the fur cap, fur trimmed coat and high boots that are supposed to belong to Kriss Kringle. His mask wore a be- nevolent grin
 Anh with ruddy cheeks like embers in
 the ashes of his beard.
 When Jim had got on all his clothes be took up his bag, went up flight of steps from the top floor to the scuttle, pushed it open. set his candle on the step. bltU 1t out, emerged on to the roof and started for his own home. Passing over several intervening houses, he opened scuttle and de seconded the stairs There were no lights above tho second floor. so that he could neither see nor be seen. He was about to descend farther when he heard some one coming up the stairs Stepping into a room, he closed the door, leaving crack through which he could peep.
 Presently hr heard the scratch of a match, and a gas jet in the hall was lighted, revealing the face of strange woman. What did 1t mean? Could he have got into the wrong house? His home was the sixth from the end house, where he had put On his cos. tune Had he missed house or counted too many IL didn't matter; he had certainly made a mistake.
 The woman, considering that it was Christmas time. wore rather sad ex- pression. She went into bedroom opposite the one in which Jim was con cealed and looked down on a few toys a meager Christmas provision-laid out on a bed, then, closing the door behind her. came out into the hall
 Jim supposed that she would go downstairs again, but instead of doing so she came right Into the room where he was He retreNted into a corner, but was unable to conceal himself. On perceiving him the woman started and gave a suppressed cry; but, recogniz- ing a Santa Claus, her appearance and actions changed at once.
 "Oh, Tom," she exclaimed joyfully, how lovely of you! l knew that you wouldn't stay for Christmas, but | didn't think you would do this for the children. Isn't it too delightful for anything! And what q splendid Santa Claus you make"
 Running to the landing, she called out: Children, come up here! Santa Claus has comc!"
 Four little tots, the oldest nine, the youngest three. came running up the stairs, the older tumbling over the younger ones and all in hurry to see Santa Claus.
 In one respect Jim was relieved. His father had told him that he must be careful not 10 get into the wrong house, for he had read of a thief who had once played Santa Claus for the pur- pose of plunder and had been shot When Jim found that he had blunder- ed he was much frightened. Indeed, he dared not reveal himself. AS soon as the children appeared he advanced into the light and began to tess toys to the little ones. They were eagerly seized Jim had a vain hope that something would occur before he need give away the more substantial presents to enable him to save them for their intended purpose, but as he proceeded so great was the happiness he was conferring on this family that he kept on empty Ing his sack quite willingly.
 Finally Jim came to package that he knew contained his sister Jennie's party dress A little girl about Jen nie's age stood looking up at him wist fully. Jim could not withstand the temptation He tossed the package to the child She broke the string that bound it, eagerly tore off the cover and. unfolding the dress, held it up ad millngly. Then she threw her arms around Jim's heck, and he forgot his blunder in his and her happiness.
 Jim flung skates, clothes, dolls, shoes, anything. everything that his hand touched as he plunged It into the bag, till there was nothing left. Then it occurred to him that he had better be getting out. Rowing and throwing kiss es to the family he had made so hap py, he ran down the stairs, the chil dren crying out for him not to go yet, but ignoring their pleadlngs till he came to the front door, through which he passed and closed 1t, shutting out the joyful chatter behind him.
 Meanwhile his brothers and sisters were kept with difficulty by his moth- CT in the room where she had gather. cd them. The father was downstairs in the library. The door opened and in walked MT. Jim in Santa Claus rig, but with an empty bag. ..
 "Why, Jim," exclaimed his father, whats become of your presents|
 "Gone?"
 "Gone2 But whereT
 "I went down the wrong scuttle. A lot of children thought was their