The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-12-24

trapped children rose In terror.
 MT. Herrick, standing near Carol, cursed.
 Andy crawled down to the car as soon as he could squeeze through the opening in the doors. The elevator rested on the bottom of the pit and the children were piled on top of one another, 90 panic stricken they couldn't un- tangle arms and legs.
 Andy was talking to the chil- dren, soothing them. Ono by one he began lifting them up. Bill leaned down and took them from his arms, setting them on their feet in front of Carol.
 The doctor came and examined them. They were badly frightened yet none seemed seriously hurt.
 But when they were almost all out, Carol heard Andy say sharp- ly, "Get another man, Bill. We can't manage this one alonel"
 He was bending over the figure of Q boy lying on the floor of the elevator. The boy clutched Q little girl in his arms. Andy ioosened his hold and lifted the child away.
 Nickyl Carol thought frantIcai- ly as she saw Andy lift the still form.
 Nicky's eyes were closed and he was inurmuring, "she was 50 little -1 didn't want her--to get hurt"
 They had him out Of the pit ct last and Andy was holding him again. "det an ambulance, Bill" he ordered. "Nicky fell on his back with the weight of the other children on top of him."
 Bill hurried of.
 Andy spoke briefly with the doctor and together they tried to make their way through the crowd with Nicky. MT. Herrick rushed Up to Andy and Carol heard him say, That elevator should have been reported to me, Andy. Bills been running 1t at relief hours. He ought to know 1t needed repairs" His face was purple with guilt. Andy was too concerned ever Nicky to see.
 Carol seethed. MT. Herrick was trying to blame Bill. He would do anything to save his own skin,
 It was Q shame. She'd go to Andy herself and tell him about thta interview Bill had with MT, Herrick. She'd see that Andy knew the truth,
 But not now. Now she wouldn't even mention 1t to Bill because first they must get these crying children home.
 She suggested to Bill that they go together and take each child to the proper place.
 He gratefully agreed and within m hour they had delivered each one to his mother. explaining that the doctor had examined him and found him unhurt.
 Then, while Bill returned to the store, Carol went toward the hos- pital to see about Nicky.
 "JimLny-gee, Miss Carol" Nlcky said. T didn't 'Spose you'd come So quick. Mir. Andy list left"
 They had fixed him up in a plaster cast but he seemed cheer.
 "of course I'd come, Nicky. How do you feei?"
 My back hurts but the doctor says it's O. K."
 "Thmats fine. I'll bet you were going up to toyland to sec that electric train MT. Andy pronliSed?"
 "Uh-huh." His small face clouded, "duesS I'll be here for ChrigtmaS now. You can't have much Christ. mas in e hospital"
 Don't you worry about that" she assured him. Sometimes hos. Of all."
 And she determined to make 1t 50.
 She spent the balance of the afternoon searching for c small tree and tiny ornaments to match it. She bought c lot of little gifts and wrapped them separately iil bright tissue. 1t would be fun for Nicky to open them.
 When she finished she went 10 look for Bill. Carol wanted him to 90 with her and Mary to tho bos- pital in the morning. /
 The closing bell sounded as she reached toyland. For swift moment she remembered that this the end of another Christ- mas shopping season. 4 strange nostalgia swept her. Another year was quickly drawing to a close. Too quicklyl It meant there were only ten brief days for Andy 10 prove himself. so far he had done nothing to indicate he was capable Of running the store.
 Bill was sitting on his tlnsel throne when she found him. He had his head in his hands.
 "Biill" sine exclaimed as AfO rushed up to him. What in the world Is the matter? Surely you're not worrying about that accident--" she caught herself. She wouldn't talk of it on ChriSts mas Eve. i've c plan for to- morrow, Bill. How we can make 1t Q Merry Christmas for N!cky, And want you to wear your