The Christmas Present

Continued from Page 1

Greatly surprised, he left the path and walked towards the lights until he came to a clearing. Dozens of shining little lanterns were hung from the branches of trees, as well as hundreds of apples and pears and nuts and sweets and toys. As Paul stood there wondering, a little gentleman-the smallest he had ever seen-came up to him. He was exquisitely dressed in expensive furs and red leather boots. Paul did not know whether to laugh or to be afraid.

The tiny man bowed politely and said, “You are Paul, the weaver, and we know that you are hungry and tired and sad, because you have nothing to take home to your wife and children for Christmas.” He, then led Paul to a little shelter made of tree bark and fir branches where a small fire burnt brightly and a small table was laid with a snowy white cloth and beside it stood a chair made from tree root. On the table were a bottle of wine and a covered plate of delicious food. “Eat!” said the little man.

Astonished at what was happening, he sat down to eat. He had never tasted anything so delicious. When he had finished eating, the little man said-“Drink.” Paul poured a glass of ruby-red wine and drank it thirstily. All his tiredness had vanished. When he was done, he rose to his feet, wished the little man a merry Christmas and thanked him most gratefully for all his kindness and hospitality.

“Wait, wait a moment,” said the little man, “do you think you can manage to carry something in that sack of yours?” The weaver thought that he could, and the count led him to the trees that were laden with so many good things. “Take as many of these as your sack will hold,” said the little man, “ but if you let me give you some advice, I should take mostly apples and pears.”

The weaver did as he was told to and not wishing to seem too greedy or to disobey the little man’s request, he did take more apples and pears than any of the other things, though he also found room for a good many sweets and toys as well. When his sack was full, he hoisted it onto his back and said many words of thanks to the little man. Just as he was leaving, the little man spoke up again, “Take good care of what you have and make good use of it. It is a reward to you and your wife and children for being kind to one another and for mot complaining about your hard lives.”

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