Judge — December 22, 1917 — page 8: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Santa Claus Controlled By ALM. POLWELL ILLIE turned and tossed in his Christmas Eve sleep—there was nothing odd in that. He had done so every Christmas Eve since he was big enough to comprehend that Christmas meant presents. But now, it seemed to him, he was wide awake and staring straight at Santa Claus. With the aid of a dark lantern, Santa was filling Willie’s stocking, and his manner in no sense suggested the “jolly old elf” of Mr. Moore's poem. Not only did he fail to “shake when he laughed, like a bowl-full of jelly” but he failed to laugh. In fact, he was bowing his head and sighing. “Three,” he said to himself; “that’s all; just three. Oh, it’s terrible; I wish I'd given the busi- ness up. Anything would be preferable to this.” Then, with the saddest kind of sad ey turned and looked at Willie. “So you're awake, Willie, are you,” said Santa Claus; “well, I suppose I may as well tell you and get it over with. Only three candi “Tommy Smith's an Atheist, Mother.” three little ones, to every stocking this Chri “Why, Bobbie, what makes you think that?” mas, Willie. Three candies, and only one nut; “Well, I know he is. He doesn’t believe in Santa Claus.” and only half an apple. I tried my best to make it more, but I had no success. And sec! This is the worst of — him. Here are your three candies. I’ve made one of them, the all. This is your peppermint cane. Thi biggest of them, a hard caramel so it will last a long time.” Sadly Santa held up a red and white wisp about the size of And Willie and Santa together threw themselves on the amatch. Willie’s eyes had been growing bigger and bigger, and _ pillow and sobbed aloud. at this they grew bigger still, and the corners of his little mouth drooped alarmingly. en,” said the Mother to the Father, busy with mysteri- “Don’t cry, Willie,” whispered Santa Claus. “Oh, please ous duties in the living room; “I think I hear Willie crying. don’t cry. I couldn't bear it. Suppose your $s Willie, is that you? What's the ma e come in and find me here. It isn’t my fault, Wi ’s " “I—I bub-umped my he-head me a voice from above, Here Santa Claus shook his head and sighed afresh. “on the edge of the b-b-bed, and Mama, I wuh-wish you’d come “—It's the Food Controller, Willie. The orders come from up and tuck mein. T had an awful, awful dream!” Working Overtime "Neath the Holly HERE under the holly she’s standing, Fair miss in the filmy pink gown, Whilst Lat the top of the landing Am holding the banisters down. She's dainty, she’s charming and smiling, Alluring—so fellows have said. To me she is not so beguiling; Would she were the other instead! Thank heaven! Tom’s kissed her—oh, Mindy, Fie on you! fair sister of mine! Break ‘way and give place to Lucindy, Your college chum, lovely, divine. Mone ‘neath the holly she’s standing, Lucindy in filigreed gown, Whilst [at the top of the landing Am holding the banisters down. I'm off to the blisses delightful Of kisses awaiting below, ‘Tom's back s suspense it is frightful! L wonder will he never go? Ye gods! he is kissing Lucindy Some kisser of Kisserville fame! A moment ago it was Mindy— The large one—Say! Did you call me a big moving van? Ah! all of it goes with the game! “No, I said movie fan!” —Horace Seymour Keller. comicbooks.com,