Page 32 - Among the camps, or, Young people's stories of the war

A CAPTURED SANTA CLAUS.
I

ing in front of the hall fire, went to (.lie door, His mother
heard him answer doubtfully some question. She opened
the door and went our.. A stranger with a large bundle or
pack stood on the threshold. His hat, which was Still on
his head, was pulled down over his eyes, and he wore a
beard.

' An', leddy, wad ye bay so koind as to shelter a poor
sthranger for a noight at this blissid toim of pace and good­
will ? M he said, in a strong Irish brogue.
J< Certainly,” said Mrs. Stafford with her eyes fixed on
him. She moved slowly up to him. Then, by an instinct,

quickly lifting her hand, she pushed his hat back from his
eyes. Her husband clasped her in his arms.
" M y darling I”
When the pack was opened, such a treasure-house of toys
and things was displayed as surely never greeted any other

eyes, The smaller children, including Ran, were not awaked,
at their father's request, though Mrs. Stafford wished to wake
them to see him ; but Bob was let into the secrets, exccpt
that he was not permitted to see a small package which

bore His name, Mrs. Stafford and the Colonel were like two
children themselves as they "tip p ed " about stuffing the long
stockings with candy and toys of all kinds. The beautiful
doll with flaxen hair, all arrayed in silk and lacc, was seated,
last of all, securely on top of Evelyn’s stocking, with her ward­
robe just below her. where she would greet her young mistress

when she should first open her eyes, and Charlie's little blue