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
other's arms, full of love and forgiveness.
Christmas morning came at last.
Very early the boys crept out
of bed, just to "feel" their stockings.
Papa heard them, and, remembering that
he was once a boy lighted the gas.
Each little red stocking was full
from toe to top. Boxes and paper parcels were
piled around them. Such shouting!
Such a good time!
It seemed as if all their letters had
been answered. Suddenly Jamie cried,
"O Ted, here's a letter!"
They put their little heads together,
and with papa's help spelled this out:
"My dear Boys,—No sled this year. It
quarrelled so I was afraid to bring it.
I dropped it off the load about a week
ago. Get ready for it next year.