THE ACORN Volume Five DECEMBER Number Two The Night Before Christmas 1907 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the flat Not a creature was stirring, not even the cat. Above the steam-heater the stockings were placed In hopes that by Santa they soon would be graced. The children were snug in their wee folding bed, While visions of Teddy-bears danced through each head. And I in pajamas likewise in a grouch Had gone to my patent convertible couch. When out on the asphalt there rose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. A mantle of darkness enshrouded the room, The "quarter" gas meter had left us in gloom, But, after detaching a chair from my feet, I threw back the curtain, looked down the street. The ark light shone bright on our new garbage-can Awaiting the call of the D. S. C. man; And what did my wondering optics devour: But a big touring-car of a hundred horse power With a business like chauffer, so shiny and slick, I knew in a jiffy it must be Saint Nick. As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly-He ascended the fire-escape nimble and spry, over