"Has any box come for me from Grand Forks?" asked he.
"Yaas, guess that's what you're lookin' fer," replied the man who was ticket-agent, baggage-master and express agent, all three in one.
"That's it!" smiled Mr. Starr, taking his money out to pay the charges.
"All paid, and nuthin' to c'lect," laughed the man.
"Ho, that so? Well, then, just keep this and buy the kiddies some Christmas," said Mr. Starr, handing the man a dollar.
A whole dollar for a present meant more to this man out in the wilderness than a hundred dollars would to one in the city.
The box was set up in front of Mr. Starr's feet in the cutter, and the horses pranced away with sleigh-bells jingling like a veritable Santa Claus!
Several stops were made at stores where candy, pop-corn, trimmings for trees, fruit, and toys were sold. Mr. Starr then drove his team to the stable and left word to be called for an early start in the morning. He went into the house, greeted the hotel keeper who had never before had a transient guest in the winter, and had supper with the family. Early that night he went to bed, leaving orders to be called at five.
By six o'clock the next morning, Mr. Starr, with all of his shopping piled in the back, under the seat, and in front of the sleigh, was flying back to the lumber camp.
The weather held good, and late that night the camp heard the jangle of bells as Mr. Starr drove over to the stables.