The mirror., 1923-12-20

The first batch of popcorn was passed
= around to each of the group. Mrs. Stubs
came in with pan of molasses in which
to roll popcorn balls; this she set aside
until needed. She now poured golden,
melted butter over the popcorn in each
pan, and as they ate, farmer Stubs related
stories of Christmas long ago. These the
children listened to in great delight; and
as Dickie Austin feasted upon the corn, he
watched the farmer with wide, wondrous,
and eager eyes-laughing and clapping
his hands in glee as the farmer told some
whimsical, amusing tale.
The telephone tingled jerkily. "By Jove
p maybe it's Santa Claus" laughed
Stubbs,jumping up and rushing to the phone.
"Hello-Hello! What's that-just test
ing the line? Well-wait moment, Cen
tral-just get Richard Austin on the line
please-yes-the banker-lives in town"
In moment there came an answering
voice, full of anxiety. "Austin talking"
Subbs interrupted with, "Dick-Ive got
good news for you! Your little boy is out
here at my place, examining himself with
popcorn"
An exclamation of joy-relief-
fulness, came rushing over the wires,
which swayed and sang in the wind with
out Then the farmer added, more loudly
This is Nathan Stubbs talking you
know-bad night out-my kids found little
Dick out in the storm late this afternoon.
Yes-lost in the woods. Gosh! glad
they ran across hinl-says he's looking
for Santa Claus!" The farmer laughed
cheerfully and exclaimed-"Great Snakes !!
What notions these kids get!"
cpl drive out there at once, friend
Stubbs-you've done a great thing for me
tonight" came the voice over the wire.
Then the receiver clicked, and the farmer
resumed his seat in the circle before the
Fireplace.
Pans now brimming full of golden and
white popcorn, Mrs. Stubbs passed needles
and thread to the children to "string the
corn," while she and Ida rolled great
popcorn balls in their pans. Soon long
chains of white corn were ready, and the
Christmas tree was brought in and set in
the middle of the room. All hands joined
in trimming the tree, and, while the chill
dreh were still busy lighting the many
candles hung upon its boughs, Mr.. Stubbs
slipped quietly out of the room and stole
upstairs. Mrs. Stubs blew out the lighted
lamp, allowing only the red glow of the
Fireplace and the Pickering candles to H.
Illuminate the room, and told the children
to form a circle about the tree by joining
hands. Then the children pranced around
the tree and sang with shrill happy voices:
Come Jolly Kris Kringle,
Oh dear Santa Claus,
Come quick down the chimney
To see us because
We've watched and we've waited
For ever so long"
A jingle of sleigh bells was heard; and
a big fat Santa Claus, covered with specks
of white cotton all over his big fur coat
and cap, and string of sleigh bells belted
around his middle, came laughing, pranc-
ing, and jingling into the room.
The children set up howl of delight
and laughter. "Oo-oo-Gee! It's Mr..
Santa Claus!" cried little Dick, clapping
his hands in childish glee.
Santa advanced toward them-his large,
ruddy face wreathed in smiles-eyes brim-
ming with merriment-his long, grey
beard twitching jerkily from side to side
as he nodded his greetings. Over one
shoulder was slung heavy sack, which
he now swung to the floor before the tree.
STOPPING, he began fishing out its con-
tents. A large cardboard box, tied with
a red hair ribbon, was brought forth and
opened. 1t was filled with sweets-squares
of homemade fudge butter-scotch, and