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Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2693, 24 December 1909, Page 3 (Supplement)

A VISIT FROM SANTA CLAUS. (Bv ALICE J. STEERS, in the “TimesDemocrat.”) “I don’t care a bit,” said Fred. When he and Tom were safe in bed; “In Santa Claus I don’t believe, That story’s told us to deceive. “Come down the chimney ; gracious met Why, he’d be black, as black could be, Don’t you be foolish, Tommy dear, ’Tis papa gives the things each year. Little Betty in her cot, Both the boys had quite forgot. And her big eyes are full of tears, As Freddie’s words fall on her ears. .“Oh, Freddie,, say that is not true, He comes each year to me and von, For mamma always tells ns so, - And mamma tells the truth, you know.” Then Freddie grumbles, /.‘What a bore, I quite forgot that open door.” Comes Tommy’s wisdom to the fore, As he says softly, “let us snore.” So Betty’s questions all are vain. For they both snore with might and main, And she lies crying in her bed, Because dear Santa Claus is dead. Now floating through the darkened • room, A soft light banishes the gloom, And there, within the mellow light Wee Betty sees the strangest sight. Standing clothed in furry coat That reaches down from heels to throat, Smiling through his long grey beard, Old Santa Claus to her appeared. His bright eyes shine with loving light, His kind works fill her with delight. “Come, come, my gentle little maid, Of Santa Claus y'ou’ro not afraid. “My great toboggans, ‘ long and wide, Arc lying on the snow outside; Those merry bells that you now hear Hang on the antlers of my deer. > ‘ ‘You know I come but once a year To bring my little folks good cheer, jAnd those who don’t believe in me • > Had better have a Christmas tree. ' ' ' -V , • •- ' . • “For though I wish them nought of ill* Their stockings I no more can fill, But children like you, Betty dear, .' Will have them filled by me each year/* . Then he waved a kind good-bye, ~ And through the ceiling seemed to ny, With tinkling bells and champing hobf His reindeer passed along the roof, sdi ' cj** * j On, on they flew, she knew quite well, For she still hears the tinkling beU/'*' ’• j And Santa’s voice call full and cleat} c “A happy Christmas to all hero/! ns.