THE HOUSE ON THE HILL

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21986, 9 January 1937, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE HOUSE ON THE HILL

Swish, down the whitened hill slope, sped a little toboggan; On either side tiny flakes of snow leapt into the frozen atmosphere, as the . toboggan, gathering speed, rushed oyer the soft, downy blanket of a fresh layer of snow. The two occupants were a boy and girl, Jim and Dorothy. , Gradually, as they drew near the plain, the toboggan began ter slacken speed. ,At last, when they came to a standstill, the side of the hill opened, revealing to the children’s surprise,, a hidden door. Much to their further amazement, a little, white bearded old man walked out. Gathering courage, Jim walked up and said, “Hullo! I never knew you lived here.” “Hullo, children,” said the old gentleman, kindly, "How did you find me?” “We came on our sledge,” replied Dorothy. “Come inside and warm yourselves by the fire,”, continued the friendly old man beckoning with his finger. Inside the quaint, little house, built out of the hill, were many curious things, including a bookcase, in which there were many books in rows, entitled, “How to Make Children Happy.” while in a corner there was a red cloak and hood, “Oh! oh!” Dorothy exclaimed. “You are Santa Claus.” “That’s right,” said the little man. “Come, I shall show you my workshop.” While they were looking at all the-wonderful things in the workshop, the sky suddenly blackened and driving hail and snow came down. Then came a funny witch riding on the back of the wind. “Ha! ha! Santa Claus,’’ said she, “I have you in my power. You shall not distribute toys to the children this year.” - “Oh, no, you haven’t,” said Santa, quietly. Turning his back on her, he : stalked in and began stirring a magic potion so that the witch would go away. Owing to his haste, the potion failed to act, and Santa made this startling announcement. “We’ll have to fly to Jack Frost's. He will help us.” Jumping into the sleigh they sped away with the reindeers' hooves flashing in the cold clear sunlight. Hedges, ditches, houses and fields were passed in the twinkling of an eye. Soon the Frost King’s palace was reached. Hearing the tinkle of the sleigh bells, Jack Frost, the Frost'King’s son, hastened to meet them. Far behind them, the witch furious__at being outwitted, stamped in fury and flew away to the moon. If you ever see, a dark smudge across the face of the moon you will know that the witch is talking.with the. Man in the Moon. That night both Jim and . Dorothy dreamed of their adventure. When morning came, to the children’s intense surprise, they found the things they had most desired. Needless to say, Santa Claus distributed all the toys throughout the country, but although the children tried in vain to discover the house in the hill once again, they could not find it. —LAWBENCE TURNER (aged 12), 61 Picton avenue, ' Ricoartoh.