266 
THE BED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
that they had been accustomed to Christinas trees from 
their childhood. 
Suddenly a strange-looking being came out from behind 
a clump of boughs in the corner. The astonished Mani- 
tobans gave one involuntary grunt in chorus^ and then 
were as silent as before. 
It was apparently a little old man, dressed in a bear- 
skin, with a cap of marmot, and a blue-fox tail hanging 
down behind. He wore a mask made from material pro- 
vided by Solomon's brown bear, and had a long, gray 
beard (of moss). 
This singular creature now advanced into the firelight, 
and announced himself as Santa Glaus. He was a little 
late, he said, because his reindeers were a trifle timid 
about going through the Chilkoot pass, and had shied at 
a Mammoth a few miles away. However, he had arrived 
safely, and was prepared to distribute presents, as usual. 
Turning to the tree, he proceeded to take down a 
really beautiful little pair of snow-shoes, about one half 
the regular size. 
" These," said Santa Glaus, " are for Miss Florence But- 
ton. They were manufactured and placed in my hands 
for her by my good friend Solomon. ' May she live long 
to wear 'em,' is his wish." 
Florence examined the shoes with delight. The frames 
were made of young birch, and they were strung with 
strong, fine sinews. The sockets and straps were of mar- 
mot and deer skin. 
