ndles that meant gifts for everyone, tinsel threads everywhere
from tip to tip of the branches, and last of all large candles that
would not blow out in a light breeze and would burn a long time.

Huge pine torches were stuck in safe places all about the clearing, and
the large lanterns that hung on poles were ready for the illumination.

The timber men came in early that day, for they knew of Santa Claus'
visit early that night, and washed and dressed for the occasion.

The sledge with the children returned about four o'clock laden with
vines and berries for trimming the dining-room.

The moment the children came toward the clearing, however, they gave
shrieks of pleasure. Everyone ran out to see the cause of the joy and
everyone was surprised (?) to find the tree all ready for lighting.

"Oh, Mumzie, I thought Santa never came until night!" cried Dot,
disappointed to find that her plot to catch him had failed.

"That is the way down home, of course; but here, why I suppose this will
be his first stop as we are so near his home," replied Mrs. Starr.

Babs stood gaping at the tree and never saying a word.

"Say, Mumzie, you jus' said 'Would be his first stop' but he's been and
done it!" exclaimed Don.

"Oh, but he hasn't distributed the gifts. Don't you think he will want
to hand them about himself?" asked Mrs. Starr.

"Maybe he won't have time, you know. He has to go so far to-night. Maybe
that's why he hung them here so early--so's we could he'p ourselves,"
ventured Dot, thoughtfully.

"Well, we will wait until dark and see. If he hasn't returned by
five-thirty or six o'clock, I guess we will do the giving," said Mrs.
Starr, leading Babs away to the cabin to be dressed for Santa in case he
should come.

"I'm goin' to put on my best dress, too, Mumzie," said Dot, and Don
whispered that he wanted to put on his Sunday suit.

"All right, dearies, but hurry so you will be here if he comes,"
returned Mrs. Starr, smiling with anticipation.

Now, the postman who brought mail and any shopping from the town to the
camp, every week, had been engaged to keep up the delivery all winter
for very good pay, and he willingly took the risk of getting caught in a
storm for the salary he got. He had a brother who was the very image of
a Santa Claus--short, fat, with white beard and ruddy complexion; jolly
as could be, too. Mr. Starr talked with him while he was in town and
arranged for both of the men to spend Christmas Da