Then he announced: "Next, of course, is little Kitty. Choose, my dear!
Take something pretty!"
Kitty advanced slowly. She knew well what she wanted, but she didn't see it on or under the tree.
Santa Claus watched her roving eyes and then said: "If you don't like what you see, look around behind the tree!"
So Kitty peered around, and sure enough, almost hidden by the strands of tinsel, there stood a bookcase.
"I'll choose that!" she cried, in glee, and Mr. Maynard and Santa Claus pulled it out into view. It was the adjustable kind, with glass fronts, and Kitty had long desired just such a one for her room.
"Isn't it beautiful!" she exclaimed, sitting down on the floor to examine it, and to imagine how it would look filled with story books.
"Now, Sir Kingdon, approach," called out Santa Claus; "carefully scan the branches o'er, and help yourself from its ample store!"
King came toward the tree, eying it carefully in search of something he wanted very much, yet scarcely dared hope for.
But, half hidden by a paper fairy, he spied a gleam of gold, and pounced upon the dream of his heart, a gold watch!
"This will do me!" he said, beaming with delight, at the fine time-piece, with its neat fob. It was a handsome affair for a boy of fourteen; but King was careful of his belongings, and Mr. Maynard had decided he could be trusted with it.