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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
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+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #68843 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68843)
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-The Project Gutenberg eBook of The quest for Santa Claus, by Frank
-Atkinson
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
-most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
-of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
-will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before
-using this eBook.
-
-Title: The quest for Santa Claus
-
-Author: Frank Atkinson
-
-Release Date: August 26, 2022 [eBook #68843]
-
-Language: English
-
-Produced by: Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed Proofreading
- Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from
- images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
-
-*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE QUEST FOR SANTA
-CLAUS ***
-
-
-
- TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
-
- Text in italics is surrounded by underscores: _italics_.
- Text in bold is surrounded by equal signs: =bold=.
- Text in Small Caps has been rendered in ALL CAPS.
- Some minor changes to the text are noted at the end of the book.
-
-
-
-
- The
- Quest for Santa Claus
-
- BY
-
- FRANK ATKINSON
-
- [Illustration]
-
- _PRICE 50 CENTS_
- _____
-
- Copyright 1923
- _____
-
- ARTHUR H. STROUSE PUBLISHING CO.
- BERWYN, ILL.
-
-
-
-
- The Quest for Santa Claus
-
-
- A CHRISTMAS PLAY IN
- FOUR ACTS AND A PROLOGUE
- DEPICTING FAMILIAR SCENES ON CHRISTMAS EVE
- IN MERRY ENGLAND
- _______
-
- Prologue
- Act I A Street in Sandbach
- Act II Brereton Hall
- Act III Room in Santa Claus House
- Act IV Santa Claus Workshop
- _______
-
- CAST OF CHARACTERS
-
- ROSALIND, The Original 2 in 1
- CAPTAIN OF THE CONGO S. S.
- FIRST MATE OF THE CONGO S. S.
- MAGGIE }
- CRISPIN } A brace of street urchins
- MR. S. CLAUS, Toymaker--by special appointment to Her Majesty, the Queen
- MRS. S. CLAUS, Frugal housewife
- J. D. ROCKY FELLOW, Lamplighter
- WILLIAM KNIGHT HAWK, Watchman
- HAROLD }
- ETHEL } Two souls with but a single thought
- MATTHEW RINGLING, Town Crier
- MR. ALLCOCK }
- MR. CLEWS } Lovers of darkness rather than light
- M’LLE BEATYSAX OPHONIA
- M’LLE VIOLA FIDDEL STRINGS
- M’LLE SKYLARK LINNETTE NIGHTENGALE
- MONSIEUR WOOD WYNDE
- M’LLE FLUFFY
- M’LLE TABITHA, Playful as a Kitten
- SANTA CLAUS, Fountain of Eternal Youth
- LUCIFER MATCH, King of Imps
- Citizens, Waits, Retinue of Imps
-
-
-NOTE: Before the curtain rises upon Act I, as soon as the company
-has assembled, the Superintendent ostensibly begins a short
-address of welcome. While thus engaged, “Beggar Maid” enters at
-the rear of the room and immediately starts in with her lines
-and by the time the First Mate, who up until that point has
-been serving as an Usher, has made reply the whole audience is
-conscious of the conversation taking place, and the dialogue goes
-on uninterrupted until the end.
-
-The transformation accomplished by the erstwhile Beggar Maid, but
-now a Fairy Princess, is the sudden illumination of the evergreen
-trees flanking both sides of the stage by colored electric
-lights, and is very effective.
-
-
-
-
-PROLOGUE
-
-
-BEGGAR MAID: Please, sir, and wot’s a’goin’ on ’ere, is it the
-movies or somethin’?
-
-(USHER) First Mate: No, this is a Christmas Party for the boys
-and girls of the ....................... Sunday School.
-
-BEGGAR MAID: Oh, I’m sorry--not for them, but for myself--I
-thought, if it was a movie you might let me in for this
-ha’penny--it’s all the money I’ve got--But this is no place for
-me--nobody wants a beggar around when they’re ’avin’ parties.
-
- (Beggar Maid turns to leave, but before doing so the usher
- takes her by the hand.)
-
-(USHER) First Mate: No, don’t go away--I assure you we shall be
-glad to have you as our guest--Come with me.
-
-BEGGAR MAID: No, thank ’ee, I can’t come here wi’ on’y these rags.
-
- (As she speaks she is struggling to get away.)
-
-(SUPT.) Captain (Addressing the Usher): What is it, Mr. ----?
-
-(USHER) First Mate: We have with us, Mr. Superintendent, an
-unexpected guest--a stranger in town, who came here thinking it
-was a movie show--I’ve been telling our young friend that she
-will be welcome--but she is reluctant to accept my invitation.
-
-(SUPT.) Captain: You are quite right, Mr. ----, we are indeed
-happy to have anyone come and share our joy--let me assure you,
-dear, you are welcome--come right along, see here we have a
-vacant chair where you will be able to see the players, and, I
-dare say, you will find them quite as fine as any you would see
-at the movies.
-
- (By this time, with reluctant steps, led by the (USHER)
- First Mate, the Beggar Maid has come to the front of the
- room and the center of the stage.)
-
- (But instead of taking the proffered seat, turning to the
- (Superintendent) Captain, and rising to her full stature,
- she speaks.)
-
-BEGGAR MAID: Mr. Superintendent, I am much pleased to find here
-the Spirit of the Master, and to vouchsafe to you and to all of
-these dear people gathered here, a royal, happy good time in all
-your merrymaking, and in the homage I trust each and all are now
-bringing in honor of the infant Christ, who, two thousand years
-ago was born in a lowly stable amid the hills of Bethlehem, in
-old Judea. No less true is it in our day than it was of old that
-oftentimes we entertain angels unaware. Doubtless, you think I
-am only a beggar, and for that I am very thankful, for thus it
-is possible for me to reward the kindly spirit you have shown
-to those less fortunate than yourselves. But you see I am not a
-beggar.
-
- (Here the Beggar Maid drops off her outer garment.) but a
- fairy princess, whose magic wand can make beauty spring up
- everywhere.
-
- (Turning to the right hand she waves her wand over the
- trees, which instantly flash into beauty, (colored lights),
- and then to the left hand--and, while the people are
- rejoicing over the illumination, she rapidly runs down
- the center aisle to rear of room, and makes her escape,
- stopping only once to wish them
-
-“A Merry Christmas.”)
-
-
-END OF PROLOGUE
-
-
-
-
-ACT I.
-
-STREET IN SANDBACH
-
-
-NOTE: When the curtain rises Santa Claus is busy arranging toys
-in shop window, lighting candles and doing such other stage work
-as will enliven the scene.
-
-No lines are spoken until Crispin and Maggie come upon the scene,
-the idea being to portray the various types of folk one would
-expect to find upon the street--the types can be many or few,
-fishmongers, washwomen, laborers, children, musicians, teamsters
-returning from work, street arabs, etc. Some of these enter the
-shop and buy, others, like Crispin and Maggie, must be content
-with looking in. These characters should enter alternately from
-right and left stage.
-
- (Enter Crispin.) Note: Boy enters right stage.
-
- (Enter Maggie. After one-half minute girl follows, enters
- left stage. They both walk slowly up stage to window of the
- toy shop, keeping as far apart as is possible. Both are
- interested only in the window display, and for some time
- neither of them speak.)
-
-MAGGIE: Hello!
-
-CRISPIN: (After pause) ’lo!
-
- (Another silence)
-
-MAGGIE: D’jer live ’ere?
-
-CRISPIN: Naw.
-
-MAGGIE: Neither do I. (Pause). Wot’s yer name?
-
-CRISPIN: Der gang calls me Cris, but in ’igh sasiety dey calls me
-Crispin.
-
- (After pause)
-
-Wot’s yore name?
-
-MAGGIE: W’en I call on the queen my name is Maggie, but the folk
-in our alley call me Mag.
-
-CRISPIN: Wot yer hidin’ under yer apron?
-
-MAGGIE: A apple.
-
-CRISPIN: We’re d’jer swipe it?
-
-MAGGIE: I didn’t swipe it, smarty, an old guv’ner gave it to me
-for running an errand for ’im.
-
-CRISPIN: Is that all ’e guv yer?
-
-MAGGIE: Isn’t that enough--wot yer want a guy to guv yer--a
-sixpence fer doin’ nuthin’--an’ besides, he wor a nice ol’
-gentleman.
-
-CRISPIN: How d’jer know--was ’e a friend of yer feyther?
-
-MAGGIE: Naw, smarty, ’e was no friend of my fambly, I never seen
-’im before tonight--but I know ’e is a nice man--he said such
-nice things to me.
-
-CRISPIN: Wot d’jer mean by nice things--I never seed any on ’em
-knockin’ around our alley.
-
-MAGGIE: Well--w’en I got back to ’im he smiled and said, “Thank
-yer, mi dear, and ’eres a apple fer yer, and I wish yer a Merry
-Christmas.”
-
-CRISPIN: (H)excuse me, Mag, fer takin’ liberties with yer name
-on such a short acquaintance, but I ’ave to laff w’en I ’ear of
-these rich guys wishin’ the likes of us a ’appy Christmas, and
-doin’ nuthin’ to ’elp make their wish come true.--Now if yer
-kind benefactor ’ad said, “Here’s a ten-pound note--go and get
-yerself some warm clothes to cover yer ’arf-naked body, and some
-food to fill yer empty stomach, and get fer yerself one o’ them
-golden-’aired dollys wot shut their eyes, and say, ‘Mamma’ when
-yer punch ’em in their breadbasket,” I could feel he were sincere
-in his good wishes for yer.
-
-MAGGIE: Now, Cris, yer mustn’t run on like that, it isn’t
-fair--some of these rich folk never had the chances you and me
-’ave ’ad--and so I say, clothes, or no clothes, food, or no
-food, blue-eyed sleepin’, squawkin’ dollies, or no dollies,
-I’m glad fer the progress some on ’em ’ave made. Perhaps some
-day they will learn that true Christmas ’appiness _begins_ in
-_well wishing_ and _ends_ in _well doing_. Until then we must be
-content in _lookin’_ at the things which belong to others, just
-as we ’ave been doin’ before this winder fer the last ’arf ’our.
-
- (At this point the clock in the steeple strikes five.)
-
-CRISPIN: Gee, I must be going.
-
-MAGGIE: So must I, Cris--but before we part I want to wish yer a
-Merry Christmas.
-
- (Both start to walk away in opposite directions, but before
- leaving the stage Maggie stops.)
-
-MAGGIE: Say, Cris, just a minute--’ave yer a jack knife in yer
-pocket?
-
- (Cris searches his pockets--fishes out a rather dilapidated
- knife--opens it, and hands it to Maggie, who cuts apple in
- half--returns knife to Cris.)
-
-MAGGIE: And ter make my wish come true, Cris--’er’s the ’alf of
-my apple.
-
- (Both leave the stage, joyfully eating the apple and
- grinning from ear to ear.)
-
- (Exit Maggie, Right.)
-
- (Exit Crispin, Left.)
-
- (Lamplighter. Enter right, lights street lamp and exit
- left.)
-
- (Washerwoman. Enter left, carrying basket of wash.)
-
- (Fishmonger. Enter right--Fresh herrin’, all alive, all
- alive, all alive. Herrin’, fresh herrin’, twelve fer a
- shillin’. Note: As she passes the shop of Santa Claus, Mrs.
- Claus opens shop door.)
-
-MRS. CLAUS: Are you sure yer herrin’ are fresh?
-
-FISHMONGER: Mi lady, so ’elp me, they were swimmin’ in the sea
-this very mornin’.
-
-MRS. CLAUS: Wot are yer askin’ fer ’em?
-
-FISHMONGER: O’ny a shillin’ a dozen, lady.
-
-MRS. CLAUS: That’s wot I call dear for herrin’. Make it
-nine-pence and I’ll take a dozen.
-
-FISHMONGER: No, ma’am, not if I never sell ’em (walks away.)
-Fresh herrin’, herrin’, herrin’, herrin’, all alive, all alive,
-(suddenly turns again.) Well, missus, seeing as I on’y have a few
-left, ’ere yer are, tak ’em at yer own price. Counts out herring
-and exit.
-
- (At this point Santa Claus locks up his shop for the night,
- puts up shutters in front of windows and returns into shop.)
-
- (Musician. Enter right, carrying bass viol.)
-
- (Night Watchman: Enter left, eight o’clock and all’s well.
- Exit right. Note by this time the village streets are
- nearly deserted.)
-
- (Enter Ethel. Enter Harold. Immediately following exit of
- Watchman after his 8 o’clock round, Harold and Ethel enter
- from left stage--Harold is leading Ethel by the hand. They
- look around from one side of the street to the other, which
- at this time is deserted.)
-
-ETHEL: I don’t believe Santa lives here.
-
-HAROLD: Neither do I--I expect he lives in a big house, like the
-Earl of Crewe.
-
-ETHEL: I am beginning to think we shall not find Santa at all.
-
-HAROLD: Oh, yes, sis, we will find him--don’t get discouraged.
-
-ETHEL: But you are forgetting it is nearly time for him to start
-out on his long journey.
-
-HAROLD: I have not forgotten that, but I am thinking that it
-takes a big factory to hold all the toys Santa has made since
-last year.
-
-ETHEL: Yes, but I don’t see any big factory here, do you?
-
-HAROLD: Look! Look! Ethel, I believe we have found it--see that
-sign over the shop window, it says S. CLAUS, TOYMAKER.
-
-ETHEL: Yes, and the shutters are up--that’s because Santa doesn’t
-want anyone to see him at work.
-
-HAROLD: Let us go and knock on the door and see if Santa will
-answer.
-
-ETHEL: No, I am a little bit afraid. You go.
-
- (While the children are hesitating about what ought to be
- done, Mr. S. Claus leaves the place and starts to walk away
- rapidly. Just then, the children turn and catch sight of
- him.)
-
-HAROLD: See, Ethel, there he goes--Come, let us follow him.
-
- (Both children leave the stage, shouting, “Santa, Santa,
- wait a minute, please, Santa, wait.”)
-
- (_Exit_ Harold and Ethel.)
-
- (Enter Towncrier from right stage.)
-
- (First time off stage--Second time on stage--Crier takes
- center stage, rings bell vigorously, takes position with
- bell reposing in left arm, with right hand clutching tongue
- of bell.)
-
-TOWN CRIER: Lost, strayed or stolen, a ten-year-old boy and his
-young sister--the children of our fellow townsman, Mr. Alphonso
-Cruickshank, Ironmonger and Tinker, of Number 12, High Street,
-Sandbach. When last seen, the children were walking in the
-direction of Congleton Road, but beyond this their whereabouts
-are unknown. A reward of 50 guineas in gold will be paid to any
-person, or persons, who, finding the children, shall safely
-return them to their bereaved parents.
-
- (Exit Crier.)
-
- (Watchman in distance is heard calling, “Nine o’clock and
- all’s well.” The village clock strikes the hour and the
- chimes sweetly play.)
-
- (Enter Clews, right, who saunters across stage and returns,
- taking position under lamp, when chimes are ended.)
-
- (Enter Allcock, left, carrying bundle.)
-
-CLEWS: Good evenin’, mate, w’ere ’as thi bin, I’ve been waitin’
-on thi fur the last ’our.
-
-ALLCOCK: I dunna wonder at thi askin’ w’ere I’ve been. This’ll be
-the first toime in the last twel’ yer that I’ve missed bein’ at
-the Black Bear on Christmas eve. But that is ner the on’y thing
-I’ve missed, so I must ’asten ’ome and get a bite o’ summat to
-eat.
-
-CLEWS: Does ta mean to tell me thi ’asn’t ’ad thi supper yet?
-
-ALLCOCK: I conna speak no plainer than w’at I sed a minit ago.
-
-CLEWS: But w’at kept thi away from ’ome so long--Surely not the
-love of thi work?
-
-ALLCOCK: No, ’ardly that, but thi knows ’ow it is hup at the
-’all--an’ ’ow they fixes hup everythin’ fur the big party they’re
-’avin come ter-morrer--I dunno wat they would a dun if I’d a quit
-on ’em.
-
-CLEWS: I ’no wat thi means, mate, I’ve thought miself wot a
-’elpless lot some folk are.
-
-ALLCOCK: Aye, all I ’eard ter-day was, “Willyum, ’ave yer killed
-an’ dressed the sucking pigs--Willyum, ’ave yer finished plucking
-the geese--Willyum, will yer be sure there are yule logs on ’and
-fer the party--Willyum, go down to the butchers and bring the
-roast of beef I ordered--William, this, and Willyum that,” until
-I’m sick and tired o’ mi own name.
-
-But they’re not a bad lot at that for the mester gave me a
-Christmas box o’ ten shilling’ an’ I ’ave in this bundle some
-clothes wot belonged to the little gel w’at died a year ago come
-Michaelmas, an’ a bran new dress w’ich the missus sent to mi owd
-woman.
-
-CLEWS: Mite it be yer ’ad a goose in yer bundle fer yer Christmas
-dinner, as well as the fine feathers fer the missus?
-
-ALLCOCK: No, Jack, but you ’no and I ’no w’ere there is as fine a
-dinner waitin’ fer them as knows, as ever come out o’ a pot--and
-yer ’ave ’eard tell as ’ow the first thing to be dun in makin’
-rabbit pie is to first catch the rabbit.
-
-CLEWS: I understand, Willyum--Make it ten by the clock--at the
-old place back of the ’all.
-
-ALLCOCK: So long, mate.
-
-CLEWS: So long.
-
- (Exit Poachers.)
-
- (Enter Carolers.)
-
- 1. What Child is This?
- 2. Good King Wenceslas.
- 3. Christians Awake, Salute the Happy Morn.
-
- (Exit Carolers.)
-
-CURTAIN
-
-NOTE: It is very effective when the carolers can conveniently
-sing for the first time off stage, as if in the distance. The
-carolers should be appropriately dressed for cold weather, carry
-lanterns and the stage should be darkened.
-
-
-
-
-ACT II.
-
-
-NOTE: Harold and Ethel in their pursuit of Santa Claus, the
-village Toymaker and Shop Keeper, find themselves far from home
-and in the grounds immediately surrounding Brereton Hall. The
-stage setting should consist of a hedge row built up of small
-evergreen trees at the rear of the stage and on both ends, with a
-wooden stile set in the hedge on right stage. Evergreen branches
-are strewn around, left there by the hedger, who had been
-trimming the hedges about the grounds.
-
-The children enter from left and the Poachers, for such are Clews
-and Allcock, who later appear, enter from the right, climb over
-the stile and soon get busy at the task which brought them there,
-namely, the bagging of a brace of rabbits for their Christmas
-dinner.
-
- (As the curtain rises, Harold and Ethel are wearily
- dragging themselves across stage--when center is reached,
- Ethel stops, and in tears she refuses to go any further.)
-
-ETHEL (tearfully): Harold, I just can’t go another step, I want
-to go home to mamma.
-
-HAROLD: Don’t cry, Sis, you know I believe we’re almost there--if
-you only think of the fun we will have when we find Santa, you
-will forget all about being tired.
-
-ETHEL: I know it will be lots of fun to see Santa, and, if
-we ever do find him, I’m going to ask him to show me all his
-wonderful toys. But I think I’d rather wait until next year. I
-want mamma.
-
- (No longer able to restrain herself, she bursts out crying,
- much to the undoing of Harold.)
-
-HAROLD: See here, Sis, please don’t cry. When we get home I’ll
-give you my new cricket bat and ball. Perhaps if we sit down
-for a little while we will get rested. I’ll just gather a few
-of these branches--that will be better than sitting on the cold
-ground.
-
- (Harold arranges the branches as a little bed down stage,
- and places Ethel upon it.)
-
-ETHEL: How lonely it is here at night. Can you see any houses
-near?
-
-HAROLD: (Climbing up on stile so as to look over the hedge):
-Yes, I see a big house not far away. I’m sure that must be
-where Santa is. Let us rest here awhile.
-
- (Harold seats himself beside Ethel--puts his arms around
- her, draws her near to him.)
-
-And then we will surely find Santa.
-
- (After pause)
-
-I’m jolly glad the moon is shining, aren’t you, Ethel?
-
- (Ethel does not answer, for she has fallen asleep. Gently
- Harold lays her down upon the boughs and with a yawn
- says----)
-
-I think I’ll just rest awhile myself.
-
- (And in a minute he, too, is fast asleep.)
-
- (Soon after the children fall asleep, two Poachers arrive
- on the scene, and, entirely oblivious to the fact that
- there are human beings near them, they proceed to the work
- of the evening, just as the bell in the village clock
- strikes the hour of ten. All through the work of the
- Poachers the children remain fast asleep.)
-
- (Just as the Poachers make ready to leave, the children are
- discovered.)
-
-CLEWS: Well. I’ll be blow’ed, if ’ere aint the babes in the wood.
-
-ALLCOCK (rushing to cover): Wo’t, yer don’t mean the Game-keeper
-and his gang? W’y don’t yer duck?
-
-CLEWS: (laughing heartily): ’Oo said onythin’ about game-keepers.
-Come an’ luk fer thy sel’--’ere are two as fine babbys as yer
-hever sot h’eyes on.
-
-ALLCOCK (drawing near to sleeping children): Blime me, if they
-haint. I wonder wot they’re doin’ ’ere at this time o’ noight?
-
-CLEWS: I conna tell thi that, mon, w’y doesn’t thi ask ’em thi
-sel’?
-
-ALLCOCK (gently shaking Harold): Wake h’up, little mon, does
-ta want to catch thi death o’ cold lying out ’ere this cold
-night--and what about the little gel, wake ’er h’up tew.
-
- (After some time and much rubbing of eyes, the children
- awaken.)
-
-HAROLD: Please, Mr., can you tell us who lives in yonder
-house--Sis and I hope that is where Santa lives. If so, we must
-be going, or else Santa will have left.
-
-ETHEL: Yes, you know he will go just as soon as the clock strikes
-twelve, and we want to see his wonderful toys before he leaves.
-
-CLEWS: ’Earken to that, will yer, these kids want to see Santa
-Claus--Ha! Ha! Ha! Say, Kiddie, there haint no Santa.
-
-HAROLD: You are mistaken, sir, for sis and I saw him tonight,
-with our own eyes, but he walked so fast we couldn’t catch up to
-him.
-
-ALLCOCK: An’ w’ere might it be that yer saw the idol of yer
-dreams?
-
-HAROLD: We saw him come from his shop in the square near the
-Black Bear.
-
-CLEWS (aside): Say, mate, it’s the owd codjer, S. Claus, the
-kiddies are thinkin’ on. Wot der yer say if we giv ’em a lift.
-It’s not much the likes of uz can do to make anny body ’appy, but
-’eres a little job we con do as well as anny on ’em.
-
-ALLCOCK: Yer rite, mate.
-
- (Turning to children)
-
-Come along, we’ll ’ave yer in front of ’is r’yal ’ighness in less
-nor a jiff’ey.
-
- (Exit Poachers with the now happy children upon their
- shoulders, and their Christmas dinner safely bagged.)
-
- (Enter King of the Imps--At blast of whistle the imps
- spring up behind the hedge.)
-
-IMPS (all): What ho, your majesty!
-
-LUCIFER MATCH: Assemble ye here for a council of war.
-
-IMPS (all): Your Majesty’s commands shall be obeyed.
-
- (Imps gather down stage and seat themselves Indian fashion
- in a circle--the King remains standing.)
-
-LUCIFER MATCH (addressing Imps): My mind is ill at ease--Go where
-I will, I fail not to observe how men, in city, town, and hamlet
-throughout the land, in fealty to Him they call the Christ, are
-moved to deeds of mercy and of love.
-
-IMP NO. 1: If such be true, Your Majesty, it bodes ill of thee
-and thy kingdom of darkness.
-
-LUCIFER MATCH: Yea, such is true, and not content with that, they
-move from street to street, and house to house, and, like the
-angels on Bethlehem hills, two thousand years ago, they proclaim
-the Messiah’s birth, and sing of _Peace_ and _Goodwill to Men_.
-Thus do they assail and threaten my right to reign and rule.
-
-IMP NO. 1: It must not be, Your Majesty.
-
-LUCIFER MATCH: It shall not be--some way must be found to stop
-these inroads upon my kingdom and domain--but what to do, and
-how, and when, I know not.
-
-IMP NO. 1: Has not Your Majesty thought of persecution?
-
-LUCIFER MATCH: Persecution, in that ye counsel without knowledge.
-To stop this tide of Christmas cheer by persecution is as foolish
-as to attempt to dam a river at its mouth.
-
-IMP NO. 1: Has not Your Majesty discovered any arch conspirator
-in this plot?
-
-LUCIFER MATCH: Aye, that I have and by cunning ways have I sought
-to turn him from his course, but neither threat, money, or
-persuasion have any effect upon him to check the rising of good
-will, which, like water gushing from a fountain, overflows and
-fills the hearts of the children of men everywhere with his own
-genial spirit and warm friendliness.
-
-IMP NO. 1: Where does he abide, Your Majesty?
-
-LUCIFER MATCH: He lives hard by an Inn, the Black Bear, where
-incessantly he toils throughout the year in fashioning toys and
-other gifts, which he lavishly bestows upon the people in his
-journey around the world on Christmas night--but I fear his real
-abode is in the hearts of men, and particularly in the hearts of
-little children.
-
-IMP NO. 1 (rising and bowing): Pardon me, Sire for venturing to
-suggest that thou commission us to wreak destruction upon the
-toys, or otherwise prevent this arch enemy of thine from carrying
-out his plan.
-
-LUCIFER MATCH: Thou speakest words of wisdom, and it is my will
-that thou perform in my name, and in behalf of my kingdom this
-work of destruction. Here, then, is thy commission--Look well to
-the task.
-
- (King hands document to Imp No. 1, who reads it aloud to
- the other Imps.)
-
-“Whereas, one Santa Claus, by cunning devices and by his
-unfailing good humor and goodwill, is stealing the hearts and
-fealty of my hitherto loyal subjects--now, therefore, do I,
-Lucifer Match, declare that from this hour I will give him no
-peace or rest--
-
-And, in order that his work may be brought to nought, I do
-commission my loyal band of Imps to sally forth and utterly
-destroy not only this arch conspirator, but all his handiwork--To
-him who shall accomplish the downfall of this personification of
-Christmas Peace and Good Will, I give the half of my kingdom, and
-the hand of my daughter in marriage.
-
- (Signed) LUCIFER MATCH,
- King of the Imps.”
- LARGE
- RED
- SEAL
-
- (After reading of commission, exit Lucifer Match. _Then
- Imps disappear behind the hedge._)
-
-END OF ACT II. CURTAIN.
-
-
-
-
-ACT III.
-
-
-SCENE--ROOM IN SANTA CLAUS’ HOUSE
-
-(When the curtain rises, Santa is doing some simple task around
-the room with his back to the audience--then, turning around as
-the clock strikes eleven, he speaks--)
-
-SANTA: Ah, the time is drawing nigh when I must sally forth--An
-hour yet remains, and so I’ll improve it by taking a little
-nap--How good it is after the day’s toil is ended to sweetly
-rest--perchance to dream of the fruit of one’s labor. Here’s
-a cushion for my head, and what matters if my feet hang o’er
-the end like culprits from the gallows. ’Tis good--And now to
-sleep----
-
- (Santa sinks into deep slumber.)
-
- (Enter Imps stealthily--3 from right, and 3 from left--They
- look around the room and presently discover Santa. They
- look first toward Santa’s picture on the wall and then at
- Santa.)
-
-IMP 5: This is the place.
-
-IMP 2 (pointing to Santa): And there’s the man.
-
-IMP 3: Methinks already half of my lord’s kingdom is mine.
-
-IMP 4: Strike then the blow.
-
-IMP 3 (approaches Santa, then returns): My heart fails me--Strike
-thou the blow.
-
-IMP 5 (approaches Santa, then returns): Only a traitor could
-strike so kindly a face as his.
-
-IMP 1: Cowards, make way--I’ll lay him low.
-
- (Advances to Santa with hand uplifted as if to strike.)
-
-His must be a charmed life--I can no ill do unto him.
-
- (Turning to Imps)
-
-Is there no one willing to obey our king?
-
-IMPS (all): No, not one--Would that our king were Santa--and here
-and now we pledge to him our allegiance.
-
- (Each approaches Santa in turn making a profound bow, and
- then leaves the room--excepting Imp 1.)
-
-
-SANTA CLAUS’ ROOM
-
-IMP 1: I know what power is this which makes me traitor to my
-king--Would I could warn him of his danger.
-
- (Walks to and fro in deep thought.)
-
-This will I do--With my dagger will I pinion to yon wall this
-commission of my king, so shall he learn of the king’s purpose to
-do him harm.
-
- (Walks to back of stage--takes dagger from belt, and
- thrusts it through the Royal Commission to the wall.)
-
- (Then, after making bow to Santa, he retires off stage.)
-
- (Exit Imp No. 1. After exit of Imp No. 1, Santa awakens,
- stretches, and after rising makes discovery of the Imp’s
- Commission, which he removes from the wall, examines
- dagger, reads commission, laughs heartily, and to show his
- disdain tears commission to bits.)
-
- (A loud knock upon the door announces the arrival of Harold
- and Ethel whom the poachers have safely landed at the home
- of Santa Claus. Santa goes to door, left stage, and there
- finds the two children whom he invites to enter.)
-
-SANTA: Well! Well! Well! In all my life I have never before had
-the pleasure of a visit in my home from two such interesting
-children. But what brought you here at this time of night?
-
-HAROLD: We came on the shoulders of two of the nicest men we ever
-met, didn’t we, Ethel?
-
-ETHEL: Yes, and I am afraid we should never have found you,
-Santa, if they hadn’t helped us.
-
-SANTA: Now, that you have found me what is it you want?
-
-HAROLD: Sis wants awfully to see your wonderful toys, but I
-believe I’d like a nice soft bed to sleep in. (Yawns.) I’m so
-tired.
-
-ETHEL: You mustn’t mind what Harold says, Santa; of course, we
-both want to see the toys, even though we are tired. (Ethel
-yawns.) You see, Santa, we have been searching everywhere for you.
-
-SANTA: This is perplexing, but I think I am beginning to
-understand. Let us go into the next room. Mrs. Santa will know
-what to do for tired and hungry children, and then I will show
-you a few of my animated toys which I assure you is a rare
-privilege. Come along.
-
- (Santa takes them by the hand.)
-
- (Exit right.)
-
-CURTAIN.
-
-
-
-
-ACT IV.
-
-SANTA’S WORKSHOP
-
-
-When the curtain rises, the toys are standing rigidly at back of
-stage. Santa enters with children, whom he seats back to audience
-at front and center of stage. Santa then proceeds to exhibit the
-toys, winding them up, marching them to front stage, then to
-position at front of stage right and left.
-
- M’lle Beatysax Ophonia, Saxophone Solo
-
- M’lle Viola Fiddel Strings, Violin Solo
-
- M’lle Skylark Linnette Nightengale, Vocal Solo
-
- Monsieur Wood Wynde, Flute Solo
-
- M’lle Tabitha, Playful as a Kitten, who makes merriment
- whenever the dolls are not actually doing their stunt.
-
- M’lle Fluffy, a dancing doll
-
-No dialogue need be prepared for Santa, as it is better to let
-Santa make his own fun in his own way. After the last number the
-carolers and other members of the cast slip quietly upon the
-stage and end the play by singing one verse of “O Come, All Ye
-Faithful.”
-
-CURTAIN.
-
-
-
-
-Ideas for Children’s Parties
-
-[Illustration]
-
-By Arthur H. Strouse
-
-Just What You Have Been Looking For
-
-Complete plans for each month of the year with suggestions for
-refreshments and simple homemade decorations. Will provide a
-thoroughly enjoyable series of entertainments at least expense.
-All outlines in this book have been the outgrowth of many
-original parties by the author and others. An acceptable gift for
-Teacher or parent.
-
-Neatly bound in Art Craft Cover.
-
- Price per copy, limp cover.................$0.60
-
-
-
-
-Stunts for In and Out-of-Doors
-
-[Illustration]
-
-By Arthur Howard Strouse
-
-For Young and Old
-
-140 pages of “Mixer,” Active, Quiet, Magic, Stunts, Contests,
-School-room and play-ground games, Athletic Feats, Parties for
-entertaining large or small groups in home, church or school,
-and many suggestions for every occasion in the year. Meets
-recreational requirements for young and old.
-
- Price per copy, Heavy Bristol Cover........$0.60
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-Outdoor Stunts
-
-By Arthur H. Strouse
-
-The contents of this book were inspired by many outings with
-boys and girls. The object in producing it was to supply the
-increasing demand for good recreational plans. Wouldn’t you like
-to give an out-door party where “Wieners” could be roasted over
-the bon-fire, and later engage in games that bring the glow to
-your cheeks and a happy light in your eyes?
-
-There are war games, games of skill, Indian and African games;
-Campfire and Community Suggestions and real “Stunts” that boys
-and girls love to play. Size 6×9 inches.
-
- Price per copy.............................$0.50
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-The Palace of Dreams
-
-By Katherine J. Postle
-
-An Entire Christmas Eve Entertainment
-
-A religious play that beautifully illustrates the Christmas
-story. Will hold the intense interest of all from beginning to
-end. Includes tableau, dialog and music. The setting may be
-simple or elaborate as desired. Children delight in appearing
-in costume. Once given will long be remembered. Thirty or more
-characters.
-
- Price per copy.............................$0.25
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-The Children’s Christmas Dream
-
-By Mary E. Telford
-
-A Christmas play in one act, easily staged, teaching the spirit
-of giving. Has a splendid missionary climax. Sixteen characters
-(children). The scene is laid out in Grandfather’s house where
-the children are spending their Christmas. While waiting for
-Santa, the children fall asleep. A fairy summons children from
-foreign lands who make their appeal to learn more of the Christ
-Child.
-
- Price per copy.............................$0.25
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-Behold, I Bring You Good Tidings
-
-By F. Lester Price
-
-and
-
-A Christmas Carol
-
-By W. A. Bartlett
-
-A Special Christmas Folder for the Children’s Service. Contains
-two songs of Exceptional Merit.
-
- Price per copy 10 cents, per dozen...........$1.00
-
-
-
-
-Christmas Budget of Recitations and Plans
-
-By Arthur H. Strouse
-
-140 pages of new suggestions for the Christmas program, home or
-school. Many selections of recognized merit. 140 pages.
-
- Price per copy, paper cover.............................$0.75
-
-☛ Ready for distribution September 1, 1923
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-The Awakening of Mr. Smith
-
-A Missionary Play
-
-By Bertha J. Clemans
-
-Mr. Wealthy Smith is converted to believing and contributes
-liberally--through a dream--portrayed in view of the audience.
-Natives of different countries appearing and presenting their
-great needs. A very impressive play in three acts easily staged,
-6 or more characters.
-
- Price per copy...............................$0.25
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-The Soul of a Flower
-
-By Katherine J. Postle
-
-A New Idea for Children’s Day
-
-A delightful plan of Dialog and Song in which the children
-personify flowers and trees in the world of “Makebelieve.”
-Pronounced most unique and instructive. Children’s Day was once
-called “Flower Day” and the custom was to present the children
-with flowers or potted plants. Why not revive this worthy custom?
-Combine it with the Soul of a Flower and have a service that will
-be a delight to all. Twenty or more characters.
-
- Price per copy....................................$0.50
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-Alice Forber, Missionary
-
-By Gertrude Martin Strawick
-
-A dramatic Chinese play written by Miss Strawick while Missionary
-in China. The plot is true to life and intensely interesting.
-
-The setting may be made simple or elaborate as desired. In 3
-acts, 30 characters. Time, 2 hours.
-
- Price per copy......................$0.50
-
-
-
-
- TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
-
-
- The following changes have been made to the text:
-
- page 1: “LINNETTE NIGHTENGAL” changed to “LINNETTE NIGHTENGALE”
- page 6: “this very morning’” changed to “this very mornin’”
- page 6: “Musician” line turned to stage directions
- page 8: “Enter Carolers.” line turned to stage directions
- page 9: “Dont’ cry” changed to “Don’t cry”
- page 9: “she burst out” changed to “she bursts out”
- page 11: “kindgdom of darkness” changed to “kingdom of darkness”
- page 15: “they hadnt’ helped” changed to “they hadn’t helped”
-
-*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE QUEST FOR SANTA CLAUS ***
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-<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The quest for Santa Claus, by Frank Atkinson</p>
-<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
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-</div>
-
-<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The quest for Santa Claus</p>
-<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Frank Atkinson</p>
-<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: August 26, 2022 [eBook #68843]</p>
-<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p>
- <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p>
-<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE QUEST FOR SANTA CLAUS ***</div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" style="max-width:30em;">
-<img class="w100" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<div class="frontpage">
-
-<h1>The<br />Quest for Santa Claus</h1>
-
-<p class="pfs80">BY</p>
-
-<p class="p1 pfs120">FRANK ATKINSON</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter illowe5" id="illo_santa">
- <img class="w100" src="images/illo_santa.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="p3 ital pfs120">PRICE 50 CENTS</p>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="pfs80">Copyright 1923</p>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<p class="p2 pfs120">ARTHUR H. STROUSE PUBLISHING CO.</p>
-<p class="pfs90">BERWYN, ILL.</p>
-
-</div>
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</span></p>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<p class="nobreak pfs150 caption">The Quest for Santa Claus</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="pfs100">
-<span class="smcap">A Christmas Play in<br />
-Four Acts and a Prologue<br />
-Depicting Familiar Scenes On Christmas Eve<br />
-In Merry England</span><br />
-</p>
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-
-<table class="autotable">
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl"><a href="#PROLOGUE">Prologue</a></td>
-<td></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl"><a href="#ACT_I">Act <abbr title="1">I</abbr></a></td>
-<td class="tdl">A Street in Sandbach</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl"><a href="#ACT_II">Act <abbr title="2">II</abbr></a></td>
-<td class="tdl">Brereton Hall</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl"><a href="#ACT_III">Act <abbr title="3">III</abbr></a></td>
-<td class="tdl">Room in Santa Claus House</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl"><a href="#ACT_IV">Act <abbr title="4">IV</abbr></a></td>
-<td class="tdl">Santa Claus Workshop</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-
-
-<hr class="r5" />
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-<p class="pfs100">CAST OF CHARACTERS</p>
-
-<div class="charlist">
-<span class="smcap">Rosalind</span>, The Original 2 in 1<br />
-<span class="smcap">Captain of the Congo S. S.</span><br />
-<span class="smcap">First Mate of the Congo S. S.</span><br />
-<table>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Maggie<br />Crispin</span></td>
-<td class="tdl fs180">}</td>
-<td class="tdl">A brace of street urchins</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-<p class="pcharlist"><span class="smcap">Mr. S. Claus</span>, Toymaker—by special appointment to Her Majesty, the Queen<br /></p>
-<span class="smcap">Mrs. S. Claus</span>, Frugal housewife<br />
-<span class="smcap">J. D. Rocky Fellow</span>, Lamplighter<br />
-<span class="smcap">William Knight Hawk</span>, Watchman<br />
-<table>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Harold<br />Ethel</span></td>
-<td class="tdl fs180">}</td>
-<td class="tdl">Two souls with but a single thought</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-<span class="smcap">Matthew Ringling</span>, Town Crier<br />
-<table>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Mr. Allcock<br />Mr. Clews</span></td>
-<td class="tdl fs180">}</td>
-<td class="tdl">Lovers of darkness rather than light</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-<span class="smcap"><abbr title="Mademoiselle">M’lle</abbr> Beatysax Ophonia</span><br />
-<span class="smcap"><abbr title="Mademoiselle">M’lle</abbr> Viola Fiddel Strings</span><br />
-<a id="corr1"></a><span class="smcap"><abbr title="Mademoiselle">M’lle</abbr> Skylark Linnette Nightengale</span><br />
-<span class="smcap">Monsieur Wood Wynde</span><br />
-<span class="smcap"><abbr title="Mademoiselle">M’lle</abbr> Fluffy</span><br />
-<span class="smcap"><abbr title="Mademoiselle">M’lle</abbr> Tabitha</span>, Playful as a Kitten<br />
-<span class="smcap">Santa Claus</span>, Fountain of Eternal Youth<br />
-<span class="smcap">Lucifer Match</span>, King of Imps<br />
-Citizens, Waits, Retinue of Imps<br />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[2]</span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Note</span>: Before the curtain rises upon Act <abbr title="1">I</abbr>, as soon as the
-company has assembled, the Superintendent ostensibly begins a
-short address of welcome. While thus engaged, “Beggar Maid”
-enters at the rear of the room and immediately starts in with her
-lines and by the time the First Mate, who up until that point has
-been serving as an Usher, has made reply the whole audience is
-conscious of the conversation taking place, and the dialogue goes
-on uninterrupted until the end.</p>
-
-<p>The transformation accomplished by the erstwhile Beggar
-Maid, but now a Fairy Princess, is the sudden illumination of the
-evergreen trees flanking both sides of the stage by colored electric
-lights, and is very effective.</p>
-
-
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="PROLOGUE">PROLOGUE</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Beggar Maid</span>: Please, sir, and wot’s a’goin’ on ’ere, is it the
-movies or somethin’?</p>
-
-<p class="lines">(<span class="smcap">Usher</span>) First Mate: No, this is a Christmas Party for the boys
-and girls of the ....................... Sunday School.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Beggar Maid</span>: Oh, I’m sorry—not for them, but for myself—I
-thought, if it was a movie you might let me in for this
-ha’penny—it’s all the money I’ve got—But this is no place
-for me—nobody wants a beggar around when they’re ’avin’
-parties.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Beggar Maid turns to leave, but before doing so the
-usher takes her by the hand.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines">(<span class="smcap">Usher</span>) First Mate: No, don’t go away—I assure you we shall
-be glad to have you as our guest—Come with me.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Beggar Maid</span>: No, thank ’ee, I can’t come here wi’ on’y these
-rags.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(As she speaks she is struggling to get away.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines">(<span class="smcap"><abbr title="Superintendent">Supt.</abbr></span>) Captain (Addressing the Usher): What is it, Mr. ——?</p>
-
-<p class="lines">(<span class="smcap">Usher</span>) First Mate: We have with us, Mr. Superintendent, an
-unexpected guest—a stranger in town, who came here
-thinking it was a movie show—I’ve been telling our young
-friend that she will be welcome—but she is reluctant to accept
-my invitation.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span></p>
-
-<p class="lines">(<span class="smcap"><abbr title="Superintendent">Supt.</abbr></span>) Captain: You are quite right, Mr. ——, we are indeed
-happy to have anyone come and share our joy—let
-me assure you, dear, you are welcome—come right along,
-see here we have a vacant chair where you will be able to
-see the players, and, I dare say, you will find them quite
-as fine as any you would see at the movies.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(By this time, with reluctant steps, led by the (<span class="smcap">Usher</span>)
-First Mate, the Beggar Maid has come to the front of
-the room and the center of the stage.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(But instead of taking the proffered seat, turning to the
-(Superintendent) Captain, and rising to her full stature,
-she speaks.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Beggar Maid</span>: Mr. Superintendent, I am much pleased to find
-here the Spirit of the Master, and to vouchsafe to you and
-to all of these dear people gathered here, a royal, happy
-good time in all your merrymaking, and in the homage I
-trust each and all are now bringing in honor of the infant
-Christ, who, two thousand years ago was born in a lowly
-stable amid the hills of Bethlehem, in old Judea. No less
-true is it in our day than it was of old that oftentimes we
-entertain angels unaware. Doubtless, you think I am
-only a beggar, and for that I am very thankful, for thus it
-is possible for me to reward the kindly spirit you have
-shown to those less fortunate than yourselves. But you
-see I am not a beggar.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Here the Beggar Maid drops off her outer garment.)
-but a fairy princess, whose magic wand can make beauty
-spring up everywhere.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Turning to the right hand she waves her wand over
-the trees, which instantly flash into beauty, (colored
-lights), and then to the left hand—and, while the people
-are rejoicing over the illumination, she rapidly runs
-down the center aisle to rear of room, and makes her
-escape, stopping only once to wish them</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">“A Merry Christmas.”)</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 p4"><span class="smcap">End of Prologue</span></p>
-
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-
-<div class="chapter"><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span>
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_I">ACT <abbr title="1">I</abbr>.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p class="pfs100"><span class="smcap">Street in Sandbach</span></p>
-
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Note</span>: When the curtain rises Santa Claus is busy arranging
-toys in shop window, lighting candles and doing such other
-stage work as will enliven the scene.</p>
-
-<p>No lines are spoken until Crispin and Maggie come upon the
-scene, the idea being to portray the various types of folk one
-would expect to find upon the street—the types can be many or
-few, fishmongers, washwomen, laborers, children, musicians,
-teamsters returning from work, street arabs, etc. Some of these
-enter the shop and buy, others, like Crispin and Maggie, must be
-content with looking in. These characters should enter alternately
-from right and left stage.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Enter Crispin.) Note: Boy enters right stage.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Enter Maggie. After one-half minute girl follows, enters
-left stage. They both walk slowly up stage to window
-of the toy shop, keeping as far apart as is possible.
-Both are interested only in the window display, and for
-some time neither of them speak.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: Hello!</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Crispin</span>: (After pause) ’lo!</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Another silence)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: D’jer live ’ere?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Crispin</span>: Naw.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: Neither do I. (Pause). Wot’s yer name?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Crispin</span>: Der gang calls me Cris, but in ’igh sasiety dey calls
-me Crispin.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(After pause)</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">Wot’s yore name?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: W’en I call on the queen my name is Maggie, but the
-folk in our alley call me Mag.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Crispin</span>: Wot yer hidin’ under yer apron?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: A apple.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Crispin</span>: We’re d’jer swipe it?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: I didn’t swipe it, smarty, an old guv’ner gave it to me
-for running an errand for ’im.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Crispin</span>: Is that all ’e guv yer?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: Isn’t that enough—wot yer want a guy to guv yer—a
-sixpence fer doin’ nuthin’—an’ besides, he wor a nice ol’
-gentleman.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Crispin</span>: How d’jer know—was ’e a friend of yer feyther?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: Naw, smarty, ’e was no friend of my fambly, I never
-seen ’im before tonight—but I know ’e is a nice man—he
-said such nice things to me.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span></p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Crispin</span>: Wot d’jer mean by nice things—I never seed any on
-’em knockin’ around our alley.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: Well—w’en I got back to ’im he smiled and said,
-“Thank yer, mi dear, and ’eres a apple fer yer, and I wish
-yer a Merry Christmas.”</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Crispin</span>: (H)excuse me, Mag, fer takin’ liberties with yer name
-on such a short acquaintance, but I ’ave to laff w’en I ’ear
-of these rich guys wishin’ the likes of us a ’appy Christmas,
-and doin’ nuthin’ to ’elp make their wish come true.—Now
-if yer kind benefactor ’ad said, “Here’s a ten-pound
-note—go and get yerself some warm clothes to cover
-yer ’arf-naked body, and some food to fill yer empty stomach,
-and get fer yerself one o’ them golden-’aired dollys
-wot shut their eyes, and say, ‘Mamma’ when yer punch ’em
-in their breadbasket,” I could feel he were sincere in his
-good wishes for yer.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: Now, Cris, yer mustn’t run on like that, it isn’t fair—some
-of these rich folk never had the chances you and me
-’ave ’ad—and so I say, clothes, or no clothes, food, or no
-food, blue-eyed sleepin’, squawkin’ dollies, or no dollies,
-I’m glad fer the progress some on ’em ’ave made. Perhaps
-some day they will learn that true Christmas ’appiness
-<em>begins</em> in <em>well wishing</em> and <em>ends</em> in <em>well doing</em>. Until then
-we must be content in <em>lookin’</em> at the things which belong
-to others, just as we ’ave been doin’ before this winder fer
-the last ’arf ’our.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(At this point the clock in the steeple strikes five.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Crispin</span>: Gee, I must be going.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: So must I, Cris—but before we part I want to wish
-yer a Merry Christmas.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Both start to walk away in opposite directions, but before
-leaving the stage Maggie stops.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: Say, Cris, just a minute—’ave yer a jack knife in yer
-pocket?</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Cris searches his pockets—fishes out a rather dilapidated
-knife—opens it, and hands it to Maggie, who
-cuts apple in half—returns knife to Cris.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Maggie</span>: And ter make my wish come true, Cris—’er’s the ’alf
-of my apple.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Both leave the stage, joyfully eating the apple and
-grinning from ear to ear.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Exit Maggie, Right.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Exit Crispin, Left.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Lamplighter. Enter right, lights street lamp and
-exit left.)</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span></p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Washerwoman. Enter left, carrying basket of wash.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Fishmonger. Enter right—Fresh herrin’, all alive, all
-alive, all alive. Herrin’, fresh herrin’, twelve fer a shillin’.
-Note: As she passes the shop of Santa Claus, Mrs.
-Claus opens shop door.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Claus</span>: Are you sure yer herrin’ are fresh?</p>
-
-<a id="corr2"></a><p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Fishmonger</span>: Mi lady, so ’elp me, they were swimmin’ in the
-sea this very mornin’.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Claus</span>: Wot are yer askin’ fer ’em?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Fishmonger</span>: O’ny a shillin’ a dozen, lady.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Claus</span>: That’s wot I call dear for herrin’. Make it nine-pence
-and I’ll take a dozen.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Fishmonger</span>: No, ma’am, not if I never sell ’em (walks away.)
-Fresh herrin’, herrin’, herrin’, herrin’, all alive, all alive,
-(suddenly turns again.) Well, missus, seeing as I on’y
-have a few left, ’ere yer are, tak ’em at yer own price.
-Counts out herring and exit.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(At this point Santa Claus locks up his shop for the
-night, puts up shutters in front of windows and returns
-into shop.)</p>
-
-<a id="corr3"></a><p class="stage">(Musician. Enter right, carrying bass viol.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Night Watchman: Enter left, eight o’clock and all’s
-well. Exit right. Note by this time the village streets
-are nearly deserted.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Enter Ethel. Enter Harold. Immediately following
-exit of Watchman after his 8 o’clock round, Harold and
-Ethel enter from left stage—Harold is leading Ethel by
-the hand. They look around from one side of the street
-to the other, which at this time is deserted.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span>: I don’t believe Santa lives here.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: Neither do I—I expect he lives in a big house, like
-the Earl of Crewe.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span>: I am beginning to think we shall not find Santa at all.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: Oh, yes, sis, we will find him—don’t get discouraged.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span>: But you are forgetting it is nearly time for him to start
-out on his long journey.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: I have not forgotten that, but I am thinking that it
-takes a big factory to hold all the toys Santa has made
-since last year.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span>: Yes, but I don’t see any big factory here, do you?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: Look! Look! Ethel, I believe we have found it—see
-that sign over the shop window, it says S. CLAUS,
-TOYMAKER.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span></p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span>: Yes, and the shutters are up—that’s because Santa
-doesn’t want anyone to see him at work.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: Let us go and knock on the door and see if Santa will
-answer.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span>: No, I am a little bit afraid. You go.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(While the children are hesitating about what ought to
-be done, Mr. S. Claus leaves the place and starts to
-walk away rapidly. Just then, the children turn and
-catch sight of him.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: See, Ethel, there he goes—Come, let us follow him.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Both children leave the stage, shouting, “Santa, Santa,
-wait a minute, please, Santa, wait.”)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(<i>Exit</i> Harold and Ethel.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Enter Towncrier from right stage.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(First time off stage—Second time on stage—Crier
-takes center stage, rings bell vigorously, takes position
-with bell reposing in left arm, with right hand clutching
-tongue of bell.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Town Crier</span>: Lost, strayed or stolen, a ten-year-old boy and his
-young sister—the children of our fellow townsman, Mr.
-Alphonso Cruickshank, Ironmonger and Tinker, of Number
-12, High Street, Sandbach. When last seen, the children
-were walking in the direction of Congleton Road, but beyond
-this their whereabouts are unknown. A reward of
-50 guineas in gold will be paid to any person, or persons,
-who, finding the children, shall safely return them to their
-bereaved parents.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Exit Crier.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Watchman in distance is heard calling, “Nine o’clock
-and all’s well.” The village clock strikes the hour and
-the chimes sweetly play.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Enter Clews, right, who saunters across stage and returns,
-taking position under lamp, when chimes are
-ended.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Enter Allcock, left, carrying bundle.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span>: Good evenin’, mate, w’ere ’as thi bin, I’ve been waitin’
-on thi fur the last ’our.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Allcock</span>: I dunna wonder at thi askin’ w’ere I’ve been. This’ll
-be the first toime in the last twel’ yer that I’ve missed
-bein’ at the Black Bear on Christmas eve. But that is ner
-the on’y thing I’ve missed, so I must ’asten ’ome and get
-a bite o’ summat to eat.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span>: Does ta mean to tell me thi ’asn’t ’ad thi supper yet?</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span></p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Allcock</span>: I conna speak no plainer than w’at I sed a minit
-ago.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span>: But w’at kept thi away from ’ome so long—Surely not
-the love of thi work?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Allcock</span>: No, ’ardly that, but thi knows ’ow it is hup at the ’all—an’
-’ow they fixes hup everythin’ fur the big party they’re
-’avin come ter-morrer—I dunno wat they would a dun if
-I’d a quit on ’em.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span>: I ’no wat thi means, mate, I’ve thought miself wot a
-’elpless lot some folk are.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Allcock</span>: Aye, all I ’eard ter-day was, “Willyum, ’ave yer killed
-an’ dressed the sucking pigs—Willyum, ’ave yer finished
-plucking the geese—Willyum, will yer be sure there are
-yule logs on ’and fer the party—Willyum, go down to the
-butchers and bring the roast of beef I ordered—William,
-this, and Willyum that,” until I’m sick and tired o’ mi
-own name.</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">But they’re not a bad lot at that for the mester gave me a
-Christmas box o’ ten shilling’ an’ I ’ave in this bundle
-some clothes wot belonged to the little gel w’at died a
-year ago come Michaelmas, an’ a bran new dress w’ich the
-missus sent to mi owd woman.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span>: Mite it be yer ’ad a goose in yer bundle fer yer Christmas
-dinner, as well as the fine feathers fer the missus?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Allcock</span>: No, Jack, but you ’no and I ’no w’ere there is as fine
-a dinner waitin’ fer them as knows, as ever come out o’ a
-pot—and yer ’ave ’eard tell as ’ow the first thing to be
-dun in makin’ rabbit pie is to first catch the rabbit.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span>: I understand, Willyum—Make it ten by the clock—at
-the old place back of the ’all.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Allcock</span>: So long, mate.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span>: So long.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Exit Poachers.)</p>
-
-<a id="corr4"></a><p class="stage">(Enter Carolers.)</p>
-
-<ol class="stage">
-<li>What Child is This?</li>
-<li>Good King Wenceslas.</li>
-<li>Christians Awake, Salute the Happy Morn.</li>
-</ol>
-
-<p class="stage">(Exit Carolers.)</p>
-
-
-<p class="pfs100"><span class="smcap">Curtain</span></p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Note</span>: It is very effective when the carolers can conveniently
-sing for the first time off stage, as if in the distance. The carolers
-should be appropriately dressed for cold weather, carry
-lanterns and the stage should be darkened.</p>
-
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span></p>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_II">ACT <abbr title="2">II</abbr>.</h2>
-</div>
-
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Note</span>: Harold and Ethel in their pursuit of Santa Claus,
-the village Toymaker and Shop Keeper, find themselves far from
-home and in the grounds immediately surrounding Brereton
-Hall. The stage setting should consist of a hedge row built up
-of small evergreen trees at the rear of the stage and on both
-ends, with a wooden stile set in the hedge on right stage. Evergreen
-branches are strewn around, left there by the hedger, who
-had been trimming the hedges about the grounds.</p>
-
-<p>The children enter from left and the Poachers, for such are
-Clews and Allcock, who later appear, enter from the right, climb
-over the stile and soon get busy at the task which brought them
-there, namely, the bagging of a brace of rabbits for their Christmas
-dinner.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(As the curtain rises, Harold and Ethel are wearily
-dragging themselves across stage—when center is
-reached, Ethel stops, and in tears she refuses to go any
-further.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span> (tearfully): Harold, I just can’t go another step, I want
-to go home to mamma.</p>
-
-<a id="corr5"></a><p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: Don’t cry, Sis, you know I believe we’re almost
-there—if you only think of the fun we will have when we
-find Santa, you will forget all about being tired.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span>: I know it will be lots of fun to see Santa, and, if we
-ever do find him, I’m going to ask him to show me all his
-wonderful toys. But I think I’d rather wait until next
-year. I want mamma.</p>
-
-<a id="corr6"></a><p class="stage">(No longer able to restrain herself, she bursts out crying,
-much to the undoing of Harold.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: See here, Sis, please don’t cry. When we get home
-I’ll give you my new cricket bat and ball. Perhaps if we
-sit down for a little while we will get rested. I’ll just
-gather a few of these branches—that will be better than
-sitting on the cold ground.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Harold arranges the branches as a little bed down
-stage, and places Ethel upon it.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span>: How lonely it is here at night. Can you see any houses
-near?</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span></p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: (Climbing up on stile so as to look over the hedge):</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">Yes, I see a big house not far away. I’m sure that must
-be where Santa is. Let us rest here awhile.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Harold seats himself beside Ethel—puts his arms
-around her, draws her near to him.)</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">And then we will surely find Santa.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(After pause)</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">I’m jolly glad the moon is shining, aren’t you, Ethel?</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Ethel does not answer, for she has fallen asleep. Gently
-Harold lays her down upon the boughs and with a
-yawn says——)</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">I think I’ll just rest awhile myself.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(And in a minute he, too, is fast asleep.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Soon after the children fall asleep, two Poachers arrive
-on the scene, and, entirely oblivious to the fact that
-there are human beings near them, they proceed to the
-work of the evening, just as the bell in the village clock
-strikes the hour of ten. All through the work of the
-Poachers the children remain fast asleep.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Just as the Poachers make ready to leave, the children
-are discovered.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span>: Well. I’ll be blow’ed, if ’ere aint the babes in the wood.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Allcock</span> (rushing to cover): Wo’t, yer don’t mean the Game-keeper
-and his gang? W’y don’t yer duck?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span>: (laughing heartily): ’Oo said onythin’ about game-keepers.
-Come an’ luk fer thy sel’—’ere are two as fine
-babbys as yer hever sot h’eyes on.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Allcock</span> (drawing near to sleeping children): Blime me, if they
-haint. I wonder wot they’re doin’ ’ere at this time o’
-noight?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span>: I conna tell thi that, mon, w’y doesn’t thi ask ’em thi
-sel’?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Allcock</span> (gently shaking Harold): Wake h’up, little mon, does
-ta want to catch thi death o’ cold lying out ’ere this cold
-night—and what about the little gel, wake ’er h’up tew.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(After some time and much rubbing of eyes, the children
-awaken.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: Please, Mr., can you tell us who lives in yonder house—Sis
-and I hope that is where Santa lives. If so, we must
-be going, or else Santa will have left.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span></p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span>: Yes, you know he will go just as soon as the clock
-strikes twelve, and we want to see his wonderful toys before
-he leaves.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span>: ’Earken to that, will yer, these kids want to see Santa
-Claus—Ha! Ha! Ha! Say, Kiddie, there haint no Santa.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: You are mistaken, sir, for sis and I saw him tonight,
-with our own eyes, but he walked so fast we couldn’t catch
-up to him.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Allcock</span>: An’ w’ere might it be that yer saw the idol of yer
-dreams?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: We saw him come from his shop in the square near the
-Black Bear.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Clews</span> (aside): Say, mate, it’s the owd codjer, S. Claus, the
-kiddies are thinkin’ on. Wot der yer say if we giv ’em a
-lift. It’s not much the likes of uz can do to make anny
-body ’appy, but ’eres a little job we con do as well as anny
-on ’em.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Allcock</span>: Yer rite, mate.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Turning to children)</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">Come along, we’ll ’ave yer in front of ’is r’yal ’ighness in
-less nor a jiff’ey.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Exit Poachers with the now happy children upon
-their shoulders, and their Christmas dinner safely
-bagged.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Enter King of the Imps—At blast of whistle the imps
-spring up behind the hedge.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imps</span> (all): What ho, your majesty!</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Lucifer Match</span>: Assemble ye here for a council of war.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imps</span> (all): Your Majesty’s commands shall be obeyed.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Imps gather down stage and seat themselves Indian
-fashion in a circle—the King remains standing.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Lucifer Match</span> (addressing Imps): My mind is ill at ease—Go
-where I will, I fail not to observe how men, in city,
-town, and hamlet throughout the land, in fealty to Him
-they call the Christ, are moved to deeds of mercy and of
-love.</p>
-
-<a id="corr7"></a><p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp No. 1</span>: If such be true, Your Majesty, it bodes ill of thee
-and thy kingdom of darkness.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span></p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Lucifer Match</span>: Yea, such is true, and not content with that,
-they move from street to street, and house to house, and,
-like the angels on Bethlehem hills, two thousand years ago,
-they proclaim the Messiah’s birth, and sing of <i>Peace</i> and
-<i>Goodwill to Men</i>. Thus do they assail and threaten my
-right to reign and rule.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp No. 1</span>: It must not be, Your Majesty.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Lucifer Match</span>: It shall not be—some way must be found to
-stop these inroads upon my kingdom and domain—but
-what to do, and how, and when, I know not.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp No. 1</span>: Has not Your Majesty thought of persecution?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Lucifer Match</span>: Persecution, in that ye counsel without knowledge.
-To stop this tide of Christmas cheer by persecution
-is as foolish as to attempt to dam a river at its mouth.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp No. 1</span>: Has not Your Majesty discovered any arch conspirator
-in this plot?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Lucifer Match</span>: Aye, that I have and by cunning ways have I
-sought to turn him from his course, but neither threat,
-money, or persuasion have any effect upon him to check the
-rising of good will, which, like water gushing from a fountain,
-overflows and fills the hearts of the children of men
-everywhere with his own genial spirit and warm friendliness.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp No. 1</span>: Where does he abide, Your Majesty?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Lucifer Match</span>: He lives hard by an Inn, the Black Bear, where
-incessantly he toils throughout the year in fashioning toys
-and other gifts, which he lavishly bestows upon the people
-in his journey around the world on Christmas night—but
-I fear his real abode is in the hearts of men, and particularly
-in the hearts of little children.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp No. 1</span> (rising and bowing): Pardon me, Sire for venturing
-to suggest that thou commission us to wreak destruction
-upon the toys, or otherwise prevent this arch enemy of
-thine from carrying out his plan.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Lucifer Match</span>: Thou speakest words of wisdom, and it is my
-will that thou perform in my name, and in behalf of my
-kingdom this work of destruction. Here, then, is thy commission—Look
-well to the task.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(King hands document to Imp No. 1, who reads it aloud
-to the other Imps.)</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span></p>
-
-<p class="lines">“Whereas, one Santa Claus, by cunning devices and by his unfailing
-good humor and goodwill, is stealing the hearts and
-fealty of my hitherto loyal subjects—now, therefore, do I,
-Lucifer Match, declare that from this hour I will give him
-no peace or rest—</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">And, in order that his work may be brought to nought, I
-do commission my loyal band of Imps to sally forth and
-utterly destroy not only this arch conspirator, but all his
-handiwork—To him who shall accomplish the downfall of
-this personification of Christmas Peace and Good Will, I
-give the half of my kingdom, and the hand of my daughter
-in marriage.</p>
-
-<div class="figleft">LARGE<br />
-RED<br />
-SEAL</div>
-
-<p class="right">
-(Signed) <span class="smcap">Lucifer Match</span>,<br />
-King of the Imps.”</p>
-
-
-
-<p class="stage">(After reading of commission, exit Lucifer Match. <i>Then
-Imps disappear behind the hedge.</i>)</p>
-
-
-<p class="stage"><span class="smcap">End of Act <abbr title="2">II</abbr>. Curtain.</span></p>
-
-
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-
-<div class="chapter"><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span>
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_III">ACT <abbr title="3">III</abbr>.</h2>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="pfs100"><span class="smcap">Scene—Room in Santa Claus’ House</span></p>
-
-<p>(When the curtain rises, Santa is doing some simple task
-around the room with his back to the audience—then, turning
-around as the clock strikes eleven, he speaks—)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Santa</span>: Ah, the time is drawing nigh when I must sally forth—An
-hour yet remains, and so I’ll improve it by taking a little
-nap—How good it is after the day’s toil is ended to
-sweetly rest—perchance to dream of the fruit of one’s
-labor. Here’s a cushion for my head, and what matters if
-my feet hang o’er the end like culprits from the gallows.
-’Tis good—And now to sleep——</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Santa sinks into deep slumber.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Enter Imps stealthily—3 from right, and 3 from left—They
-look around the room and presently discover Santa.
-They look first toward Santa’s picture on the wall and
-then at Santa.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp 5</span>: This is the place.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp 2</span> (pointing to Santa): And there’s the man.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp 3</span>: Methinks already half of my lord’s kingdom is mine.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp 4</span>: Strike then the blow.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp 3</span> (approaches Santa, then returns): My heart fails me—Strike
-thou the blow.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp 5</span> (approaches Santa, then returns): Only a traitor could
-strike so kindly a face as his.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp 1</span>: Cowards, make way—I’ll lay him low.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Advances to Santa with hand uplifted as if to strike.)</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">His must be a charmed life—I can no ill do unto him.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Turning to Imps)</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">Is there no one willing to obey our king?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imps</span> (all): No, not one—Would that our king were Santa—and
-here and now we pledge to him our allegiance.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Each approaches Santa in turn making a profound
-bow, and then leaves the room—excepting Imp 1.)</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span></p>
-
-<p class="pfs100"><span class="smcap">Santa Claus’ Room</span></p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Imp 1</span>: I know what power is this which makes me traitor to
-my king—Would I could warn him of his danger.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Walks to and fro in deep thought.)</p>
-
-<p class="midlines">This will I do—With my dagger will I pinion to yon wall
-this commission of my king, so shall he learn of the king’s
-purpose to do him harm.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Walks to back of stage—takes dagger from belt, and
-thrusts it through the Royal Commission to the wall.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Then, after making bow to Santa, he retires off stage.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Exit Imp No. 1. After exit of Imp No. 1, Santa
-awakens, stretches, and after rising makes discovery of
-the Imp’s Commission, which he removes from the wall,
-examines dagger, reads commission, laughs heartily, and
-to show his disdain tears commission to bits.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(A loud knock upon the door announces the arrival of
-Harold and Ethel whom the poachers have safely landed
-at the home of Santa Claus. Santa goes to door, left
-stage, and there finds the two children whom he invites
-to enter.)</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Santa</span>: Well! Well! Well! In all my life I have never before
-had the pleasure of a visit in my home from two such interesting
-children. But what brought you here at this
-time of night?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: We came on the shoulders of two of the nicest men we
-ever met, didn’t we, Ethel?</p>
-
-<a id="corr8"></a><p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span>: Yes, and I am afraid we should never have found you,
-Santa, if they hadn’t helped us.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Santa</span>: Now, that you have found me what is it you want?</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Harold</span>: Sis wants awfully to see your wonderful toys, but I
-believe I’d like a nice soft bed to sleep in. (Yawns.) I’m
-so tired.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Ethel</span>: You mustn’t mind what Harold says, Santa; of course,
-we both want to see the toys, even though we are tired.
-(Ethel yawns.) You see, Santa, we have been searching
-everywhere for you.</p>
-
-<p class="lines"><span class="smcap">Santa</span>: This is perplexing, but I think I am beginning to understand.
-Let us go into the next room. Mrs. Santa will
-know what to do for tired and hungry children, and then
-I will show you a few of my animated toys which I assure
-you is a rare privilege. Come along.</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Santa takes them by the hand.)</p>
-
-<p class="stage">(Exit right.)</p>
-
-
-<p class="pfs100"><span class="smcap">Curtain.</span></p>
-
-
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-
-<div class="chapter"><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span>
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_IV">ACT <abbr title="4">IV</abbr>.</h2>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="pfs100"><span class="smcap">Santa’s Workshop</span></p>
-
-<p>When the curtain rises, the toys are standing rigidly at back
-of stage. Santa enters with children, whom he seats back to
-audience at front and center of stage. Santa then proceeds to
-exhibit the toys, winding them up, marching them to front stage,
-then to position at front of stage right and left.</p>
-
-<p class="midstage"><abbr title="Mademoiselle">M’lle</abbr> Beatysax Ophonia, Saxophone Solo</p>
-
-<p class="midstage"><abbr title="Mademoiselle">M’lle</abbr> Viola Fiddel Strings, Violin Solo</p>
-
-<p class="midstage"><abbr title="Mademoiselle">M’lle</abbr> Skylark Linnette Nightengale, Vocal Solo</p>
-
-<p class="midstage">Monsieur Wood Wynde, Flute Solo</p>
-
-<p class="midstage"><abbr title="Mademoiselle">M’lle</abbr> Tabitha, Playful as a Kitten, who makes merriment
-whenever the dolls are not actually doing their stunt.</p>
-
-<p class="midstage"><abbr title="Mademoiselle">M’lle</abbr> Fluffy, a dancing doll</p>
-
-<p>No dialogue need be prepared for Santa, as it is better to let
-Santa make his own fun in his own way. After the last number
-the carolers and other members of the cast slip quietly upon the
-stage and end the play by singing one verse of “O Come, All Ye
-Faithful.”</p>
-
-
-<p class="pfs100 p2"><span class="smcap">Curtain.</span></p>
-
-
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-<div class="adverts">
-<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span>
-
-
-<p class="pfs150 caption">Ideas for Children’s Parties</p>
-
-<div class="figleft illowp30" id="book1" style="max-width: 20.8125em;">
- <img class="w100" src="images/book1.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-<p class="pfs100 caption">By Arthur H. Strouse</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">Just What You Have Been Looking For</p>
-
-<p>Complete plans for each month of the year with suggestions
-for refreshments and simple homemade decorations.
-Will provide a thoroughly enjoyable series of entertainments
-at least expense. All outlines in this book
-have been the outgrowth of many original parties by the
-author and others. An acceptable gift for Teacher or
-parent.</p>
-
-<p>Neatly bound in Art Craft Cover.</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">Price per copy, limp cover.................$0.60</p>
-
-<hr class="r95" />
-
-<p class="pfs150 caption">Stunts for In and Out-of-Doors</p>
-
-<div class="figright illowp30" id="book2" style="max-width: 20.3125em;">
- <img class="w100" src="images/book2.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">By Arthur Howard Strouse</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">For Young and Old</p>
-
-<p>140 pages of “Mixer,” Active, Quiet, Magic, Stunts,
-Contests, School-room and play-ground games, Athletic
-Feats, Parties for entertaining large or small groups in
-home, church or school, and many suggestions for every
-occasion in the year. Meets recreational requirements
-for young and old.</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">Price per copy, Heavy Bristol Cover........$0.60</p>
-
-<hr class="r95" />
-
-<div class="figright illowp30" id="book3" style="max-width: 18.875em;">
- <img class="w100" src="images/book3.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="pfs150 caption">Outdoor Stunts</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">By Arthur H. Strouse</p>
-
-<p>The contents of this book were inspired by many outings
-with boys and girls. The object in producing it was
-to supply the increasing demand for good recreational
-plans. Wouldn’t you like to give an out-door party where
-“Wieners” could be roasted over the bon-fire, and later
-engage in games that bring the glow to your cheeks and a
-happy light in your eyes?</p>
-
-<p>There are war games, games of skill, Indian and
-African games; Campfire and Community Suggestions and
-real “Stunts” that boys and girls love to play. <b>Size
-6×9 inches.</b></p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">Price per copy.............................$0.50</p>
-
-<hr class="r95" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span></p>
-
-<div class="figleft illowp30" id="book4" style="max-width: 20.25em;">
- <img class="w100" src="images/book4.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="pfs150 caption">The Palace of Dreams</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100">By Katherine J. Postle</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">An Entire Christmas Eve Entertainment</p>
-
-<p>A religious play that beautifully illustrates the Christmas
-story. Will hold the intense interest of all from beginning
-to end. Includes tableau, dialog and music. The setting
-may be simple or elaborate as desired. Children delight in
-appearing in costume. Once given will long be remembered.
-Thirty or more characters.</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">Price per copy.............................$0.25</p>
-
-<hr class="r95" />
-
-<div class="figleft illowp30" id="book5" style="max-width: 21.5em;">
- <img class="w100" src="images/book5.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="pfs150 caption">The Children’s Christmas Dream</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 p1">By Mary E. Telford</p>
-
-<p>A Christmas play in one act, easily staged, teaching the
-spirit of giving. Has a splendid missionary climax. Sixteen
-characters (children). The scene is laid out in Grandfather’s
-house where the children are spending their Christmas.
-While waiting for Santa, the children fall asleep. A
-fairy summons children from foreign lands who make their
-appeal to learn more of the Christ Child.</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">Price per copy.............................$0.25</p>
-
-<hr class="r95" />
-
-<div class="figright illowp30" id="book6" style="max-width: 20.375em;">
- <img class="w100" src="images/book6.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="pfs150 caption">Behold, I Bring You Good Tidings</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100">By F. Lester Price</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100">and</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">A Christmas Carol</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 p1">By W. A. Bartlett</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100">A Special Christmas Folder for the Children’s Service.
-Contains two songs of Exceptional Merit.</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">Price per copy 10 cents, per dozen...........$1.00</p>
-
-<hr class="r95" />
-
-<p class="pfs150 caption">Christmas Budget of Recitations and Plans</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">By Arthur H. Strouse</p>
-
-<p>140 pages of new suggestions for the Christmas program, home or school.
-Many selections of recognized merit. 140 pages.</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">Price per copy, paper cover.............................$0.75</p>
-
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption"><span style="font-size: 200%;">☛</span> Ready for distribution September 1, 1923</p>
-
-<hr class="r95" />
-
-<div class="figleft illowp30" id="book7" style="max-width: 18.5625em;">
- <img class="w100" src="images/book7.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span></p>
-
-<p class="pfs150 caption">The Awakening of Mr. Smith</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">A Missionary Play</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 p1">By Bertha J. Clemans</p>
-
-<p>Mr. Wealthy Smith is converted to believing
-and contributes liberally—through a dream—portrayed in
-view of the audience. Natives of different countries appearing
-and presenting their great needs. A very impressive
-play in three acts easily staged, 6 or more characters.</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">Price per copy...............................$0.25</p>
-
-<hr class="r95" />
-
-<div class="figright illowp30" id="book8" style="max-width: 20.0625em;">
- <img class="w100" src="images/book8.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="pfs150 caption">The Soul of a Flower</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100">By Katherine J. Postle</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">A New Idea for Children’s Day</p>
-
-<p>A delightful plan of Dialog and Song in which the children
-personify flowers and trees in the world of “Makebelieve.”
-Pronounced most unique and instructive. Children’s Day
-was once called “Flower Day” and the custom was to present
-the children with flowers or potted plants. Why not
-revive this worthy custom? Combine it with the Soul of a
-Flower and have a service that will be a delight to all.
-Twenty or more characters.</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">Price per copy....................................$0.50</p>
-
-<hr class="r95" />
-
-<div class="figleft illowp30" id="book9" style="max-width: 20.875em;">
- <img class="w100" src="images/book9.jpg" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="pfs150 caption">Alice Forber, Missionary</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 p1">By Gertrude Martin Strawick</p>
-
-<p>A dramatic Chinese play written by Miss
-Strawick while Missionary in China. The
-plot is true to life and intensely interesting.</p>
-
-<p class="noind">The setting may be made simple or elaborate
-as desired. In 3 acts, 30 characters. Time,
-2 hours.</p>
-
-<p class="pfs100 caption">Price per copy......................$0.50</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<hr class="r95" />
-
-<div class="transnote">
-
-<p class="pfs120">TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE</p>
-
-<p>The cover image was repaired to remove a library sticker and
-is placed in the public domain.</p>
-
-<p>The following changes have been made to the text:<br />
-<a href="#corr1">page 1</a>: “LINNETTE NIGHTENGAL” changed to “LINNETTE NIGHTENGALE”<br />
-<a href="#corr2">page 6</a>: “this very morning’” changed to “this very mornin’”<br />
-<a href="#corr3">page 6</a>: “Musician” line turned to stage directions<br />
-<a href="#corr4">page 8</a>: “Enter Carolers.” line turned to stage directions<br />
-<a href="#corr5">page 9</a>: “Dont’ cry” changed to “Don’t cry”<br />
-<a href="#corr6">page 9</a>: “she burst out” changed to “she bursts out”<br />
-<a href="#corr7">page 11</a>: “kindgdom of darkness” changed to “kingdom of darkness”<br />
-<a href="#corr8">page 15</a>: “they hadnt’ helped” changed to “they hadn’t helped”</p></div>
-
-<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE QUEST FOR SANTA CLAUS ***</div>
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