Part 12 (1/2)

”Well, we will wait until dark and see. If he hasn't returned by five-thirty or six o'clock, I guess we will do the giving,” said Mrs.

Starr, leading Babs away to the cabin to be dressed for Santa in case he should come.

”I'm goin' to put on my best dress, too, Mumzie,” said Dot, and Don whispered that he wanted to put on his Sunday suit.

”All right, dearies, but hurry so you will be here if he comes,”

returned Mrs. Starr, smiling with antic.i.p.ation.

Now, the postman who brought mail and any shopping from the town to the camp, every week, had been engaged to keep up the delivery all winter for very good pay, and he willingly took the risk of getting caught in a storm for the salary he got. He had a brother who was the very image of a Santa Claus--short, fat, with white beard and ruddy complexion; jolly as could be, too. Mr. Starr talked with him while he was in town and arranged for both of the men to spend Christmas Day at the camp where the jolly one was to play Santa Claus for the children.

Mr. Starr had purchased material for clothing and the ladies cut and sewed them. The jolly man would have to hide himself all evening, so Babs and the twins would not see him and thus find out the trick played upon them. But, he could reappear the next morning in costume and remain so until time for the brothers to return to town. This would make the whole Christmas Day one of bliss for the three little ones--to think that Santa stayed with them a whole day on the return trip to the North Pole, after his night's work was done!

The children were dressed and warmly wrapped up by the time a horn was heard. Heads popped out of cabin-doors, and everyone looked in the direction of the tree. It was wonderfully illuminated, every candle flickering brightly in the dark. All about the clearing the great pine knots flared and the lanterns burned steadily, making the entire place a glow of light.

”Oh, Dot, run, run!” called Don, dragging his sister out by the hand.

”O-oh! isn't it grand!” sighed Dot, standing with clasped hands.

The others came out of their cabins and hurried over to the tree.

”Santa's come again and lit de lights!” cried Babs, ecstatically.

”Did he, Daddum?” asked Don, doubting that Santa did the lighting.

”I didn't do it, and I don't believe anyone of the men did it--did you?”

asked Mr. Starr, turning to the group of smiling men.

”I didn't, and I know not one of the timber-jacks did it,” said Mr.

Latimer, soberly.

Suddenly, Babs, who was seeking under a branch for a tempting ball of pop-corn that hung low, gave a shriek of mingled fear and joy.

”Oh, he's here! He's sleeping in here!” cried she, pointing her chubby fingers toward the tree.

”Who? What?” demanded the twins, running over to Babs.

Meredith and Paul hurried over also and stood surprised to see real Santa Claus come out from under the branches, rubbing his eyes and yawning.

”Well, well, well, friends! I must have taken a nap! I am so tired from working nights over all the dolls and toys! But, now I will soon have to go!” chuckled the jolly old fellow.

Babs stood as still as could be, but Don and Dot danced a frenzied dance and shouted with joy to find dear old Santa really there with them.

”Oh, Santa, we are _so_ glad to see you,” they cried, while everyone smiled and repeated the welcome.

”And I'm glad to be with you. I made up my mind that I would try to stop early on my way to the other children. Now, if you want me to give you these gifts, I'd better be busy for I have a long way to travel to-night, you know. But I may stop over in the morning and see how you like your presents.”

This was too much for the twins' cup of happiness, and they ran up and clung to their beloved friend.