The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 1 — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

88 “Then everything’s all right,” spoke the doctor in a relieved voice. “ But I’m afraid they’re hardly suita- ble. That is I never would have brought —for instance the wrist-watch for Cyn- thia would look out of place on Mary.” “Tt doesn’t matter what it is as long as there are packages to undo and sur- prises at the end.” The doctor had accepted the role of Santa Claus. With all the strength of a strong man he was living up to it. In the midst of the busy preparations Mrs. Mullens arrived. After explanations had been made, she quickly offered the hospitality of her tiny cottage. “And now,” said Dr. Jackman after the excited children had at last been put to bed, “I want to ask you to let me take Larry home with me when I go back to-morrow morning.” Mrs. Mullens uttered a startled ex- clamation. “T’m a doctor,” he continued, ‘“‘ though I have not been practising for the last nine years. But that is beside the ques- tion. The important thing is that I feel certain Larry can be cured. Do you realize what that means—to run about like other boys? Let me have him for a year and I promise you will not regret ta Tears filled Mrs. Mullens’s_ eyes. What a Christmas present it would be! Good, straight legs for Larry instead of his poor, weak, wobbly ones. She had thought only God could do that, but this man said it was not necessary to wait— A sob choked her voice as she gave her boy into the keeping of this stranger. “Understand I don’t promise that Larry will be cured, though I hope so. But I can and do promise that he will be better, much better.” Her father’s voice so deep yet gentle brought to Joyce shadowy memories of days long past. After plans had been discussed and everything arranged, Mrs. Mullens led “Joyce to the plain but neat little bed- THE ARGOSY. room she was to occupy. Then she re- turned to the kitchen to show Dr. Jack- man into the parlor, for she had made up the sofa there for him. The best in the house was not good enough for the man who was to cure her Larry. She picked up his suit-case. It slipped from her hand and dropped to the floor with a heavy thud. “Here, here”? — Dr. Jackman turned quickly at the sound—‘ that’s too heavy for you. Let me carry it.” “It wasn’t the heft,” replied Mrs. Mullens, “I just of a sudden felt weak like.” “Too much excitement for one night,” commented the doctor. ‘“ We must hurry or it will be time to get up before we have gone to bed.”’ At last the house was dark and silent. It lay like a shadow on the whiteness of the snow outside. Suddenly and almost stealthily a tiny light appeared. It moved slowly and cautiously along till it reached the place where Larry was sleeping. “Larry, Larry, wake up, darling,” whispered his mother as she shook him gently. Larry came back to _ consciousness slowly. Half awake, he muttered: ‘And Santa Claus said ‘ All good boys are tight asleep. If Larry is awake I won’t leave him anything,’” and Larry shut his eyes tight. “Larry, Larry.” The terror of his mother’s voice conveyed itself even to the boy’s unconsciousness. _ “T thought you was Santa Claus; is it all a dream?” he questioned in a troubled voice. : ‘Larry, you must get dressed and come with me. Mrs. Mullens looked around in sudden alarm. ‘ But, oh, Larry, hurry, hurry.” “Mother, Santa Claus won’t come while we’re awake,” protested the little fellow loudly. “Hush!” Mrs. Mullens put a quick hand over his mouth and waited, listen- ing anxiously. (€(0) .OO Don’t make a sound.’” KS SO)