The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1919-12-19


her see them smile at IL.
The afternoon before Christmas
Julia persuaded her husband to take
little Bobbie downtown so that he
could not surprise her trimming the
tree. Brother Jim and the old folks
went along.
Little Bobbie naturally was mos.
OF all Interested in the toy depart.
ments and hardly could be made leave
hold some of the playthings he most
fancied.
'Oh see. daddiel A horsie that
rocks. with name and bride and
ever'thingl 49,. And oh. grandma
lookitl lookit! There's a real live
Santa Claus talking TO those other
little boys and girlsr
II was indeed. The big store had
hired a rather shabby-looklng young
man that week. who for SIS was sup
posed TO sit at the door OF an imlta-
tlon snow house and solemnly encour-
age visiting youngsters 10 tell him
their fondest wants In the line OF pres.
ents. Little Bobbie was impatiently
waiting in line. holding fast with one
chubby fist 10 his fathers hand. In no
time. Mother and father Morris. and
big brother Jim watched and waited
smIlingly for them on the edge OF
the crowd.
"well. my little man. what is your
Iof t.-A n nd
long white whiskered Santa Claus In
tired. husky voice when Boobies
turn finally came.
I'm Bobbie Wallace, dear Mr.. Santa
Claus. and live at 560l Byrne street.
the boy chlrruped at him. round-eyed
and devoutly believing In the Identity
OF Santa. MY mammals name is Julia
Wallace and I've got a little baby
sister now. too"
The long-whiskered Santa patted
his head In perfunctory WEAKNESS.
And what do you most want me to
put in your stocking this Christmas
Eve. BobbleT" he asked with a side
long glance at the tolerantly smiling
father.
Well" drawled Bobbie uncer-
tainly, there are lots and lots of
things l want awful. awful much,
Mister Santa Claus. bur / heard my
mamma say this morning that it's
ever so much nicer TO wish for things
for those that lsve you than for your
self. So /. i guess. / ought TO ask you
10 keep my poor old grandma Morris,
who's got white hair now. from wor-
rying and crying any more over her
boy Dan. You see. Mister Santa. my
uncle Dan Runaway from home a
long, long time ago. before i was born,
and my grandma keeps saying she
can't rest until she sees him again.
She's visiting my papa and mamma
at home now. and saw a present she
has all wrapped up and labeled for
uncle Dan II you'll be good enough "a
find him and bring him out 10 our
house tonight. Won't you do that
please. mister SantaT
With choking cry the white
whIskered one stumbled 10 his feet
nearly upsettIsg his little snow house
and searching Bobbie's wonder-round
ed eyes In hungry disbelief.
"You are Julia Morris little boyT
he muttered dazedly. And you say
that -. that your grandmother really
wants her worthless runaway Dan tC
come back TO her? $50. is waiting here
in the city for him now? Oh. my
God !"
Fred, Boobies father. caught al
the Santa's arm as he reeled un
steadily sidewise as II about TO faint
and in so doing knocked of the bushy
white whlskers
"Aww walled Bobbie. facing hi:
first childish establishment, he ISM
real Santa after all :"
Back through the amazed anc
! rather indignant crowd OF shoppers
old mother Morris was coming AZ fas
as her trembling legs would permit
and above the noise and calls OF
clerks at the counters. could be hearC
her thrilling. Quavering outcry:
Danny oh. Danny Danny I've
found my lost boy at last J"