The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-12-23


 You've been bad boy this year," Peters father said. "You have been late to school nearly every day. You never say please and thank you; you won't wash behind your ears; you've told lies and said swear words, Peter. You aren't kind to people, either. You don't even de- serve peppermint camel" "I've done some good things this year." Peter answered, trying to swallow a lump like an apple in his throat. He never before had seen his father look so stern.
 eff you can tell me one kind deed you've done, I'll tell Santa Claus to let you have your presents" his father told him.
 This would be easy, Peter thought. He opened his mouth but no words came. He couldn't think of one good act he had done all year long. Then he had another idea
 Santa Claus doesn't know I've been bad! He'll come down the | chimney and leave me train and track and skates, anyway"
 Mot this year, Peter" His father shook his head. When I hear him coming down the chimney, I'm go- ing to get up and tell him not to unload his sack"
 Peter Takes Action
 Peter had another idea, but he didn't say this one out loud. He waited until everybody in the house was in bed, then he got up, crept into the living room, sat down by the fireplace, and waited. He kept looking up the chimney. When he heard Santa Claus coming he was going to t,Sl him to be very quiet. If Santa Claus were quite, Peters father wouldn't wake up to tell him to go away, Peter thought. Now, as you know, on the night before Christmas it is supposed to be so still in everybody's house that there isn't creature stirring, not even 8 mouse. That wasn't true at Peters house. A mouse scuttled across the floor and stopped by Pe- ter.
 What's wrong, Peter?" the mouse asked.
 Peter jumped. He never be- fore had heard mouse speak. He didn't even know that mice could speak.
 Don't be scared" the mouse went on talking. "One day you saved my life when the cat was chasing me. Now I want to help you"
 'Then I did 8 good deed this year," Peter exclaimed. "I'll tell my father, and he'll let Santa Claus stop tonight"
 "No, no, don't tell your father" the mouse pleaded and ran all around the room, he was so ex- cited. "He might not think it was a good deed. Grownups think mice ought to be killed because we eat their cheese and bacon. I'll help you instead. Tell me what is the matter"
 The Only Solution Peter told him his troubles. When he finished the mouse whistled. It | Vsso VAAS 0AAAAAAACoVS SAayCoV WA1AobAC you ever heard. Peter thought it was surprise that made him whistle. But at once 8 little man, no bigger than an elf, came sliding down the lamp. A fairy with yellow curls flew in through the window, even if it was closed. A brownie crept out of flower vase. A goblin with a face as round as an orange and legs as thin as matches, sat down on the cork of an ink bottle. Two gnomes with Tapping ears walked out of the telephone. |
 There's only one thing to do," the fairy said. "Well have to make you over. We'll make you into the kind of 8 boy your father likes, so you'll never, never be punished again. Next Christmas every one of your stockings will be stuffed" !" She touched him with her wand. with this touch, Peter, you will