h his sister
back and come a step or two forward. He made a pretty picture in his
white shirt, brown knee-breeches, and little bare legs, the yellow
locks about his shoulders, the rapier in his hand, alert and quite
fearless.

[Illustration: HE MADE A PRETTY PICTURE--ALERT AND QUITE FEARLESS.]

"My sister thinks perhaps you are a wobber, sir; but I think you are
Mr. Khwis Kwingle."

"Yes, I am Kris Kringle to-night, and you see I know your
names--Alice, Hugh." His cloak fell from him, and he stood smiling, a
handsome Chris. "Do not be afraid. Be sure I love little children.
Come, let us talk a bit."

"It's all wite, Alice," said the boy. "I said he wasn't a wobber."

And they went hand in hand toward the fire, now a brilliant blaze. The
man leaned heavily upon a chair back, his lips moving, a great stir of
emotion shaking him as he gazed on the little ones. But he said again,
quickly:

"Yes, yes, I'm Kris Kringle," and then, with much amusement, "and what
do you mean to do with your sword, my little man?"

"It was to kill the wobber, sir; but you mustn't be afraid, because
you're not a wobber."

"And he really won't hurt you," added Alice.

"Good gracious!" exclaimed Kris, smiling, "you're a gallant little
gentleman. And you have been--are you always a good boy to--your
mother?"

"I has been a vewy good boy." Then his conscience entered a protest,
and he added: "for two whole days. I'll go and ask mamma to come and
tell you."

"No, no," said Kris. "It is only children can see me. Old folks
couldn't see me."

"My mother is vewy young."

"Oh! but not like a child; not like you."

"Please, sir, do let us see the presents," said Alice, much at her
ease. For now he pushed a great chair to the fire, and seated them
both in it, saying: "Ah! the poor little cold toes." Then he carefully
closed the door they had left open, and said, smiling as he sat down
opposite them: "I have come far--very far--to see you."

"Has you come far to-night?" said the little host, with rising
courage.

"No, not far to-night." Then he paused. "Is--is your mother--well?"

"Yes," said Hugh, "she is vewy well, and we are much obliged."

"May we soon see the presents?" said Alice. "They did say you would
not come to-night because we are poor now."

"And," added Hugh, "my pony is sold to a man, and his tail is vewy
long, and he loves sugar--the pony, I mean; and mamma says we must go
away and live in the town."

"Yes, yes," s