
The curtain opens on a dazzling Christmas morning in a grand household, where a massive, brilliantly trimmed tree dominates a room overflowing with gifts, gadgets, and decorations. All of the presents belong to a seven‑year‑old heir who, despite his wealth, longs for simple, carefree play rather than the polished trappings of his privileged life.
Into this glittering setting slip two teenage boys, their faces hidden behind masks, carrying a box of candy and a mischievous plan. As they tiptoe among the opulent toys, they wonder whether the lavish bounty belongs only to the lone child or could be shared with the many other children who have none. Their uneasy intrusion sets up a gentle clash of worlds, inviting listeners to consider generosity, imagination, and the true spirit of the holidays.
Language
en
Duration
~42 minutes (40K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
New York: D. Appleton & Company, 1927.
Credits
Bob Taylor, Charlene Taylor, Tim Lindell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)
Release date
2024-01-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1887–1953
Best known for witty one-act plays and ingenious mystery stories, this American writer brought a sharp sense of structure and surprise to everything he wrote. His work moved easily between stage and page, blending clever puzzles with a lively theatrical touch.
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