Karl Krinken, His Christmas Stocking

KARL KRINKEN, HIS CHRISTMAS STOCKING.
Ballantyne Press BALLANTYNE, HANSON AND CO. EDINBURGH AND LONDON
KARL KRINKEN.
KARL KRINKEN, HIS CHRISTMAS STOCKING.
BY THE AUTHORS OF “THE WIDE, WIDE WORLD,” “QUEECHY,” “DIANA,” ETC. ETC. LONDON: JAMES NISBET & CO., 21 BERNERS STREET. MDCCCLXXVIII.
I think it necessary to come to the help of the Public—
Lest Miss Wetherell should not have her dues, they are giving her the dues of every one else; and whatever my hand may have to do on “Ellen Montgomery’s Bookshelf,” there it is—even though “a discerning Public” perceive it not. No matter for that—I had as lief be behind the books as before them; but must enter my protest against facts which are no facts.
Therefore kind Public, Messrs Editors, and friends in general, I propose this division of the volumes; by which my sister and I will each in turn have written them all. Whatever book or part of a book you particularly like, thank Miss Wetherell for it; and let all those pages which are less interesting be charged to the account of
AMY LOTHROP.
New York. Dec. 13. 1853.

Wherever Santa Claus lives, and in whatever spot of the universe he harnesses his reindeer and loads up his sleigh, one thing is certain—he never yet put anything in that sleigh for little Carl Krinken. Indeed it may be noted as a fact, that the Christmas of poor children has but little of his care. Now and then a cast-off frock or an extra mince pie slips into the load, as it were accidentally; but in general Santa Claus strikes at higher game,—gilt books, and sugar-plums, and fur tippets, and new hoods, and crying babies, and rocking-horses, and guns, and drums, and trumpets;—and what have poor children to do with these? Not but they might have something to do with them. It is a singular fact that poor children cut their teeth quite as early as the rich,—even that sweet tooth, which is destined to be an unsatisfied tooth all the days of its life, unless its owner should perchance grow up to be a sugar-refiner. It is also remarkable, that though poor children can bear a great deal of cold, they can also enjoy being warm—whether by means of a new dress or a load of firing; and the glow of a bright blaze looks just as comfortable upon little cheeks that are generally blue, as upon little cheeks that are generally red; while not even dirt will hinder the kindly heat of a bed of coals from rejoicing little shivering fingers that are held over it.