The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1921-12-23

ny JONI Sulu we HOuiu Wutu VIC EVi
to heaven. Can we hang up our stock
ingsT asked the little girl.
You surely can, dears." said vesta,
heartily.
An will we have a Tismus treeT'
An a Santa ClausT'
Vesta glanced at her cousin helpless
~. She was now floundering In deep
waters.
'Surer 20 he pledged In his deep bass
voice. IF you'll go to bed now and get
TO sleep. You can listen for the rein
deers. and perhaps Santa Claus Will fill
up your stockings and bring you a
Christmas tree"
Phil !" calculated vesta. 1T isn't
right to dlsappoint them"
lie waved her aside. That's all
right, fairy godmother!"
And will he bring our Daddy John?"
asked the little girl anxiously.
who knows?" ventured Phil eau
tlously.
But this request was too much for
Vesta, who had already hurried away
toward the attic and a certain copper
bound trunk, full Of small garments.
rs that you, Vesta?" called her fla
Tiers querulous voice.
Yes, dad"
Aren't you In bed YETI he nut
tered
I'm going soon, dear" she lied
blushlngly, knowing full well that the
two hours ahead would be busy ones.
Assisted by Phil she managed to get
two wobbly heads and two pair Of
small limp arms and legs into the
sleeping garments. for the sandman
had already claimed them.
II lii fire in the spare room. Phil;
Wen just carry them In there. DO be
quiet, for dad mustn't know until morn
ing" she whispered.
The old reprobate !" said
Phil under his breath.
Vesta glanced at him reproach-
fully as he lifted the chubby figure of
the little girl In his arms, while she
carried the little boy. Shortly after
ward Bulge and Teddy were tucked
away between warm blankets In the big
four-poster In the spare room.
Back before the fireplace Vesta and
Phil gazed bankly at each other
Didn't ! tell you so?' volunteered
the latter cheerfully. Didn't tell
you that you're. the goddess Of the
hearth? That the Christmas spirit
would come your way tonight? That
you were born to be the mother of
little children?" he Intercepted in
staccato tones.
but how are we to live up to our
promlses?" she laughed, ignoring his
comments. The House of Drake is
embarrassed by its shower of bless
ings. | have no doubt that we are
entertaining angels unawares, but now
that you have succeeded In inducing
the Christmas spirit to tarry, why not
try your magic on Santa Claus and bid
him bring us a tree?"
Il lose no time in accepting the com
mission. Behold in me an impromptu
Santa Claus, ready to do the bidding
OF the vestal virgin. Now for some
druid to lead the way to forest of
young balsams."
AT your service!' laughed vesta
gaily. 1T is but eight O'clock" she
said, glancing at the old banjo clock
over the mantel. Il have an inspira-
tion. Gomez" she commanded, snatch
ing her tam-o -shanter and coat from
the halltree, ut the same time handing
Phil his own coat and hat Five min
utes later they were on their way
across lots to the balsam grove on the
armed with the sharpest AK
In the coloners toolchest. Soon
small but symmetrical tree was laid
low.
so far, so goodv' breathed Phil
cheerfully. shouldering the embyro
Christmas tree. II declare It's worth
4 trip to France. with a train OFF the
rack, to have this experience. But
how about a Santa Claus rig?"
Zone thing at a time. Phil" gurgled
vesta In so girlish voice that the
nan was almost startled. II declare
his tarrying of the Christmas spirit
guests unawares, playing
/ restal virgin and being a druid all
n one night is rather celebrating
Maybe We'll have real Christmas vet.
Poor dad and mumsey! I'm wonder
nc. ="
zone thing at time. Vesta," Knocked
'hil gaily. Il prophesy other sur
,rises. When the Christmas spirit Is
abroad in the land no telling what mir.
'cle may happen. Even Uncle Henry
nay get jolt into the Kingdom of
IN sure do my part to
ring this to pass"
As they passed down the hillside to
he quiet street, now carpeted with |
now, they heard sound of sleigh |
'ells. Soon happy voices were carol
ng.
silent Night. Holy Night" they
ang.
The Christmas tree and holly man |
vas still dispensing his wares when |
hey AT last reached the market. and |
Don Nesta's arms were laden with !
Inning holly wreaths in which many |
ed berries cleaned, while Phil with |
lis balsam and other packages looked |