evening before by the supposed St. Nicholas, nor was it sufficient to
soothe the poor little aching head of the unfortunate Edwin.

Edwin had been in bed but a few hours when he heard the children's voices.
He listened to their remarks as they examined in turn the beautiful gifts,
and then--was it possible? He thought he heard the youngest child in a tone
of disappointment saying, "Why, where are Ed's stocking and things? Didn't
he get anything at all?"

The answer from Elmer was spoken differently. "No, hush!" he said. "Ed
hasn't anything here. Santa Claus, you know, doesn't bring gifts to every
one. There are only certain people who are allowed presents."

Then Edwin heard his cousin explaining the story of Blue Mountain and St
Nicholas as he had often heard it before; but when his cousin said, "The
reason that Ed wasn't remembered is because he does so many bad things,"
Edwin wondered again what kind of report the elves had carried concerning
the pebbles and the other things that Elmer had taken dishonestly and what
explanation they had given regarding the lies. But there was seemingly no
way for Edwin to know these things. His storehouse of knowledge was
apparently closed, but still he was not discouraged in well-doing nor was
he tempted to do evil. Like Job, he could have said: "Thou knowest that I
am not wicked ... I am full of confusion ... Even when I remember I am
afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh" (Job 10:7, 15; 21:6).



CHAPTER VII

MYSTERIES UNFOLDING