Life — December 2, 1901 — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

“LIFE 467 your reputation will spread and you're sure to be overworked. Even with your facility you'll have to employ reindeer to help you out, for all your goods will have to be delivered in one night. And as you cannot be expected to act like an ordinary burglar, you'll have to go down the chimney, which you will find an intensely disagreeable process. Nor is this all.” The young spirit before him hung his head slightly at this, but there was yet discernible in his eye that sparkle of domitable brightness which later on became one of his distin- guishing characteristics. “Go on,” he said. “Tt will not be long—a few hundred years, more or less"— continued King Time, *‘ when you will discover that the cus- tom you have inaugurated with so much pride, will degenerate into a mere scramble. The idea of giving things at Christmas will spread from the Children to the Grown-ups, and whenever an idea goes from Children to Grown-ups, it is always spoiled in transit. Every one will find himself compelled to give a lot of things away which he cannot afford to give, and receive a lot which he doesn't want. A false, hypocritical atmosphere will begin to envelop your idea. Every variety of sham will be introduced and TUE WATER SUBSIDES. BUT NOW THE SUN COMES OCT. YOU AREON a new system of annual begging will assume great proportions. The THE BROILING DESERT OF COLORADO. ordinary man’s life will become a burden, and will be divided into three periods. First, The Approach to Christmas, when he makes desperate efforts (and fails) to think of appropriate things to give. Second, Just Before Christmas, when he iS practically besieged by an army of persistent beggars ; and third, After Christmas, when he wonders how he'll ever pay his bills. You yourself, youngster, altkough you are a victim of perpetual youth, will grow old in appearance, and round-shoul- dered, and your beard will become as white as snow under your manifold cares. It’s true your stomach will never lose its curve, nor your eye its twinkle, but that’s only because you will be obliged to live in the fresh air so much. Now, boy, think it over. It will be a great strain, and if you once take the place you'll have to keep it. Come back in a week and let me know,” He waved his hand, and the young philanthropist, sadder in demeanor than when he entered, bowed and withdrew. The Chief Recorder, who sat on the right of King Time, turned to SEE! A FIERCE MOUNTAIN LION APPROACHES, worth while has already been written. What is your idea—liter- ary, ornamental or philanthropic?” “It’s philanthropic,” said the visitor. ‘I wish to be of some service to the sons of men. I want the privilege of visiting them once a year, and distributing such gifts among them as at least will make them happy for a time.” “Lsee,” said Father Time. ‘In other words, you've applied for the position of Santa Claus. Well, I suppose that job will have to be filled sooner or later. But you are a young fellow, and I'm a good deal older than you. Besides, I have a prophetic eye, and I can look ahead and see what is going to happen. Shall I reveal some of the pleasant things in store for you?” “If you like,” said the applicant, apparently undismayed. “ Well,” said King Time, “ you'll begin in a small way with this new idea of yours, and for the first few years distribute only a few gifts to small children. Evéry gift will be received with real joy, and you'll have a good time. But after a while you'll become better known. You'll be mighty well advertised, you know, and comicbooks.com