I would try to stop
early on my way to the other children. Now, if you want me to give you
these gifts, I'd better be busy for I have a long way to travel
to-night, you know. But I may stop over in the morning and see how you
like your presents."

This was too much for the twins' cup of happiness, and they ran up and
clung to their beloved friend.

The distribution of gifts then took place and everyone from Mike to Mr.
Latimer was remembered.

The children knew there was no place toys could be had in that faraway
forest, so of course Santa Claus had brought them when he came!

The revelation that there was a really and truly Santa Claus gave Dot
and Don more happiness than anything else, for, at home, some of the
boys and girls said it was all make-believe.

While everyone sat in the dining-room eating supper, and talking their
heads almost off about the tree and the fun, Santa went away, for he was
nowhere to be found when the children ran out again toward the tree.

During the singing of carols, and the story of the Star of Bethlehem,
Don and Dot often turned their heads to listen, but no jingle of bells
could they hear, so he _must_ have gone on his route.

The children slept like tops that night, but early in the morning when
they came out for breakfast, there sat Santa, under the tree, as happy
and fresh as could be, after his long night's work.

All that day was one long uninterrupted dream that had come true. Santa
played all kinds of games with the children and seemed to have the time
of his life. Then, toward dusk, he shook hands with everyone in camp and
said he had to start for the North Pole.

"Come again, Santa!" called Babs, as she waved her hand at the old
fellow.

"I'll try to, Baby," said Santa Claus as he went toward the stable.

"Gee, Dot, we never thought to peep in the stable and see his reindeers
and sleigh," whispered Don.

Mrs. Starr suspected what Don had said, however, and replied, "No, of
course not! Do you suppose we want Santa to think we are such ill-bred
people as to be curious? Let the dear old man depart in peace."

CHAPTER VIII

MIKE'S BEAR TRAP

WORK and play went quickly after the holidays and February soon arrived
with the timber-men working harder than ever to get out all the logs
possible before the thaw set in. Just as soon as the thaw sets in in the
northern woods, the roads become almost impassable and ice starts to
break up. The river overflows its ba