“Here comes SANTA CLAUS !”
But there was glory and reward for Pat in what he saw as he made the last mile of his journey. Pike-pole and sail went over on the ice at what he considered the proper moment, but he misjudged the speed. He cautiously put out a foot to use as a brake. It struck an obstruction, and he and the sled and the pig and the bundles went into a confused heap almost at the feet of Ballinger and the children! “Merry Christmas!” roared Pat. “Hurrah for Pat Santa Claus!” cried Ballinger, and the children took up the cry with excited happiness. "I've brought the Christmas with me,” said Pat, proudly, as he got up and shook himself, “but I’ll own up to ye I couldn’t have done it if a fisherman friend of mine hadn’t made me a loan of his reindeer.”