Herald - Lantern - Dispatch 25 December '85 2Z

SHOP AT HOME IN STONE HARBOR

£ Christmas 4 Soldiers %

Marching tin soldiers made a terrible roar up the steps of the basement to the huge kitchen door. Three years in a corner they were boxed in a crate; sadly forgotten they rusted in wait. Their general awoke them! Their bugler trilled! A hundred tin soldiers mustered and drilled. Their general was angry. Everyone knew tin soldiers guard Christmas each and every year through. The general, be-ribboned and puffed out in pride, issued his orders from the pony he'd ride: "We'll march to the tree surround all the toys, make everything ready for good girls and boys." With their borses and cannons as shiny as new they made up a column — two after two. Hoisting cannons and horses with candy cane cranes they stormed up the steps on popcorny chains. At the top of the stairs and aimed at the door ten tiny cannons would blast it for sure. But the general commanded: "Save ammunition — We'll open that door with a little ambition." With cables of tinsel, at the bugler's call they pulled the door open, invading the hall. At the general's command they formed into file, each standing a square of checked kitchen tile. They rounded the corner from kitchen to den and sent out the scouts who yelled back just then: "The tree, here's the tree, all covered with lights with presents beneath it and other such sights!" "March on!" boomed the general and the cannons rolled on and the horses pranced forward — they had only 'til dawn. 'Cross the carpet they charged, one hundred strong, halting just when the clock chimed 'Ding-Dong.'

Then from the chimney at precisely midnight, a sound worse than thunder gave the soldiers a fright. When the smoke and the soot of the fireplace cleared a dusty red figure like magic, appeared! He slapped his fur cap on the bend of his knee and his sneeze from its smoke made the brave soldiers flee. Santa Claus chuckled and called back the band. He strode to the soldiers, shaking everyone's hand. "Thank you tin soldiers, you've done a fine job, guarding from gobblins that break toys and rob. Remain here," said Santa. "Til the first light of day. Then I'll return to take you away." "We must stay," said the general, who fretted and fussed, "though we've been in the cellar for three years to rust." Though Santa was late he sat in a chair to tell Christmas soldiers why they mustn't stay there. "I know of some children who'll give you nice care, their last name Is : will you go with me there? These children forgot you and left you to rust but the 's take care of the toys in their trust." All the tin soldiers gave out a cheer. The general was happy. He smiled ear to ear. Swift — up the chimney Santa Claus rose: "Remember at daybreak everyone goes!" The old chimney echoed these last words he had, as if to remind them so they wouldn't be sad: "Christmas is Christmas for good girls and boys but Christmas is also a Christmas for toys." e.j. duffy

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