y at the camp where
the jolly one was to play Santa Claus for the children.

Mr. Starr had purchased material for clothing and the ladies cut and
sewed them. The jolly man would have to hide himself all evening, so
Babs and the twins would not see him and thus find out the trick played
upon them. But, he could reappear the next morning in costume and remain
so until time for the brothers to return to town. This would make the
whole Christmas Day one of bliss for the three little ones--to think
that Santa stayed with them a whole day on the return trip to the North
Pole, after his night's work was done!

The children were dressed and warmly wrapped up by the time a horn was
heard. Heads popped out of cabin-doors, and everyone looked in the
direction of the tree. It was wonderfully illuminated, every candle
flickering brightly in the dark. All about the clearing the great pine
knots flared and the lanterns burned steadily, making the entire place a
glow of light.

"Oh, Dot, run, run!" called Don, dragging his sister out by the hand.

"O-oh! isn't it grand!" sighed Dot, standing with clasped hands.

The others came out of their cabins and hurried over to the tree.

"Santa's come again and lit de lights!" cried Babs, ecstatically.

"Did he, Daddum?" asked Don, doubting that Santa did the lighting.

"I didn't do it, and I don't believe anyone of the men did it--did you?"
asked Mr. Starr, turning to the group of smiling men.

"I didn't, and I know not one of the timber-jacks did it," said Mr.
Latimer, soberly.

Suddenly, Babs, who was seeking under a branch for a tempting ball of
pop-corn that hung low, gave a shriek of mingled fear and joy.

"Oh, he's here! He's sleeping in here!" cried she, pointing her chubby
fingers toward the tree.

"Who? What?" demanded the twins, running over to Babs.

Meredith and Paul hurried over also and stood surprised to see real
Santa Claus come out from under the branches, rubbing his eyes and
yawning.

"Well, well, well, friends! I must have taken a nap! I am so tired from
working nights over all the dolls and toys! But, now I will soon have to
go!" chuckled the jolly old fellow.

Babs stood as still as could be, but Don and Dot danced a frenzied dance
and shouted with joy to find dear old Santa really there with them.

"Oh, Santa, we are _so_ glad to see you," they cried, while everyone
smiled and repeated the welcome.

"And I'm glad to be with you. I made up my mind that