The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1920-12-25
SCHOCH
GOOD THINGS TOEAT

showed that Red was wise in the
ways of policedom.
A stealthy hand passed rapidly over
the window sash, and quick eye
glanced at the fastenings.
Dead easy" said the owner of the
hand and eye. mot even a burglar
alarm"
Silently the window was raised. af-
ter a jimmy had noiselessly broken
the fllmsy catch that held it. A leap
put Red inside. On the instant his
revolver was in his, hand. Red was
evidently an expert and took no
chances. Ere long the jewelers. case
was in his other hand,-open. Good
for five hundred at least" thought the
thief. He moved to the fireplace and
in the light of the flames surveyed the
mantel-piece for other valuables. He
was startled by voice.
ooh, Mr.. Santa Claus, I've caught
you at last"
| The thief turned, revolver ready to
fire. Then he lowered the gun.
"Pshaw, it's only kid--and she
thinks I'm the jolly old gent that
brings the toys" he muttered. mo
use shooting her. I can make my get
away easier than that"
you don't look like your pictures
at all, Santa" continued the voice, as
little girl of about seven years old
came up to the prowler and took him
by the hand. But oh, Santa, how
good you are" she exclaimed delight
eddy as the toys and stocking met her
gaze. And wasn't good little girl
at all. Mama said you mightn't come
if l wasn't good" y
The tramp was nonplused. He did
not know for once what to do But
the chatter or the child saved him.
"Where's your reindeer, Santa? And
are you mad because | caught you?"
queried the little one.
mot at ALL" said the tramp finding
voice, "but you must go back to bed
you'll catch cold"
mo | won't" said the child; "it's
warm here. But you came in the
window. l thought you came down
the chimney"
"Oh, in a house where the fire is
burning, | have to come in at the win
dow responded the tramp. .
"Sit down, Santa" said the child,
forcing the dazed Red to seat 81
want to ask you something. Did you
ever see the Infant jesus"
Good Lord!' muttered the tramp.
The question stunned him. He had
not always been a tramp.
NO" he answered; what makes
you ask?"
| cause you are SO good" answered
the child. I'm going to make my
first Holy Communion tomorrow.
Mama said if I am good the Infant
Jesus will come and stay with me
always. And He will take me some
day to live with Him in heaven. You
! are so good, Santa. I'm sure you must
live in heaven. Don't you?"
Not exactly" said the tramp husk-
lily. The prattle Of this tot was NOV
ing him strangely. Scenes long for
gotten came up before him. Home
| such, as it had been-a church-and
| then his life-his wicked, wasted life.
flashed before his eyes, and he shrank
from the touch of this innocent child
at his side.
But some day. you'll go there,
won't you, Santa"
Il hope So said the tramp. but his
voice sounded doubtful.
| ooh If Won do -acl- tbo Jnfan. r
| sus to make me always good like you.
I'm going to tell Him want to be
good when | go to Holy Communion
tomorrow. Did you ever make your
First Holy Communion, Santa ?",;
Red groaned. There is one memory
that never dies. The Day Of his First
Communion rose now before the mind
OF this prodigal of life's opportunities,
tContinped on page 70