Santa Claus’s Letter
Christmas was coming. Jamie and Ted had already begun
to write long letters to Santa Claus. But one thing was rather
queer: both boys asked him for the same things. Each little letter
ended with - «Just like Brother’s.» They agreed to ask for only
one sled. They would rather ride together. Now was not this
very sweet and loving?
One night, after they had gone to bed, Jamie said, «Ted, if Santa
Claus brings us skates, Jim can teach us how to use them.»
«Oh, yes; and if we get fur mittens it will be such fun to make a
fort.»
«And a snowman,» Jamie answered. Ted went oh: «I’ll always
ride the sled down a hill, and you can ride it up.» «I guess you
won’t,» Jamie said, speaking loudly.
«Why not?» Ted asked. «Because it’ll be as much my sled as
yours.»
«Yes, of course,» Ted replied; «but I chose it first.» «You are a
selfish boy!» said Jamie.
«Well, then, so are you!» «I don’t care. I won’t sleep with you.
I’ll ask mamma if I can’t have the first pick; I’m the biggest,»
roared Jamie, bounding out of bed.
«You’re a big, cross cry baby,» Ted shouted, jumping out after
his brother. Away ran Jamie to mamma, with Ted at his heels.
Both were angry. Both talked at once.
Mamma was grieved. Her dear little boys had never been so
unkind to each other before. She kissed their hot faces and
stroked their pretty hair. She told them how their naughty
words hurt her. She showed them how displeased God was to
see two little brothers quarrel. That night they went to sleep
in each oth