Bartholomew to the Rescue

Bartholomew to The Rescue 1

Files from the S.S.E.P.2

(Santa's Special Elf Patrol)3

by Tripp Horner � 1993/20094

The Northern Light's brightly shine down upon the white blanket of snow that covers the ground. Creating all the colors of a rainbow as they danced upon the buildings that are home for Santa Claus, his wife Emma, and his army of elves. All is quiet. Then the sound of bells from the clock tower in the center of the village begin to chime. It is time to get up. In their cottages the Elves begin to stir out of their beds, another day has begun.5

Time here at Santa's Toy Shop is not measured by hours and minutes as everywhere else in the world. Here in this magical town at the top of the world, time is marked by months and days. The face of the clock, high above the village square, looks just like any other. Except where there are usually numbers, on this special clock are the months of the year. Clocks through out the world all go around twice to mark a normal twenty - four hour day. This is the only clock that goes around ounce each year and where the twelve should be, are the words Christmas Eve. This unique way of measuring time answers the question that children of all ages have wondered for many years. 6

Why doesn't Santa Claus ever get older? 7

The answer is a very simple one really. You see, outside the boundaries of the Christmas Village, a day and night go by every twenty-four hours. Here the days and nights are six months long, each! So that means that every year that passes where everyone else lives, here at the North Pole only one day goes bye.8

"Look" cries one of the elves as he points to the bell tower while rubbing his eyes. "It's half past March. We better get moving or we'll be late!" Everyone is scampering about getting dressed, putting their boots on and running out the door towards the Great Hall where all gather to eat. 9

The Great Hall is filled with tables and on each, Mrs. Claus and her helpers, have hot bowls of oatmeal ready and waiting. There are hot biscuits, jellies and jams, and a steaming pot of hot chocolate. In the kitchen the griddle is hot and ready for the pancake batter to be dropped upon it. All is prepared for the hungry elves to come and eat. It is so very important that these legendary toy makers are kept happy and in the best of health. There are so many good little boys and girls around the world who depend on them making the toys and other gifts that Santa will bring to them on Christmas Eve. 10

Over in a corner of the hall is a small room. This is the office of the elf who has the least to do. Here is where Dr. Mortimer Elfenhimer DE (Doctor of Elfotomy) sits awaiting sick call. Here at the Toy Shop no one ever gets sick and no one has ever had a broken bone. The worst thing that happens is he might have to remove a splinter or two every ten years or so.11

The large double doors swing open and in come the hungry army of little elves. All smiling, singing, and laughing. The air is filled with the smell of the pancakes being cooked on the hot griddle as everyone finds their seat. There are rows and rows of tables filled with hungry toy makers. 12

Suddenly they become silent as Santa enters the room. "Good morning my friends." He says with a smile. "Good Morning Santa." They respond in a chorus of happy voices. The Great Hall is again filled with chatter as they await their breakfast. Santa hangs up his coat on a brass coat rack and sits down in his chair at the head of the table. He and Mrs. Claus, along with the heads of each department of the Toy Shop, sit together at a table in the center of the room. The table is built of the finest oak, hand-crafted by Santa's Master Carpenter Elves. It is about twelve feet long and four feet wide. Santa and his wife sit at each end with twelve smaller chairs between them. Six on each side. This is where the Heads of each department sit. There is a place for Doctor Elfenhimer, Nicholas, the Head of Carpentry, Michelangelo, the Head of Painting, Helga, the Director of Packaging and Gift Wrapping. There's one for Olaf, the Head of the Stables and Theodore, the trainer of the reindeer. 13

On the other side, there are six more chairs. Four of them are for the section leaders of the S.S.E.P. (Santa�s Special Elf Patrol.) The last two are reserved for Thadius the Head of Records and a chair for the Head of the S.S.E.P. His name is Bartholomew, Santa's right-hand Elf. The S.S.E.P. was created so Santa can have a more accurate record kept on the children. They have divided the world into four sections. The North-east, the North-west, and the South-east and South-west. All of the Scout Elves in the field, report daily to the leaders of each section at Elf Central. When the information is received it is then sent on to the record department where Thadius, the Head of Records, enters it into the child's file. This is how Santa knows who has been bad or good. 14

As everyone begins to eat Santa notices that Bartholomew's seat is empty. "Where is Bartholomew?" He questions putting down his cup of hot chocolate. " Oh, he's doing a special check on someone. He'll be home soon I am sure." Said Mrs. Claus as she puts a bowl of hot cereal in front of him. "Well I hope so." Replied Santa as he takes a drink from his mug. " With the ever growing number of children each year I don't think we could make it with out him around." Yes, the list gets bigger and bigger each year. It seems that every minute that passes, no less than five new names are added to Santa�s list of good children. 15

Bartholomew travels to all the corners of the globe checking on the army of scout elves. The diligent elf puts in many long hours keeping in touch with the other elves, and still takes time to check personally on any special reports. He must also be sure that all the elves in the field are equipped properly. Every scout-elf is given very hi-tech and useful tools to use. The elves at the research department have come up with some very interesting gadgets for them to use. Each elf is given a Stellar Code Transmitter. It is built in such a way that messages can be sent or received without fear of interference or detection. They are also given a small leather pouch that clips to the other side of their belt, inside are kept special powders. These powders have magical qualities to aid the elves as they go out among ordinary people. There is E.T.D., (Elf Transforming Dust.)16

When sprinkled on they change into whatever animal is on the label. Like a dog, cat, bird or even a mouse, to name a few. This is very helpful in getting in close to get accurate information on the children, while keeping their identity secret. Also in the kit is F.L.E.P.,( Fast as Lightening Elf Powder.) When an elf put's it on he can move so fast that he can't be seen by the naked eye. These and a few other elf tricks keep them from ever being discovered or captured. While everyone at the North Pole is sitting enjoying breakfast, thousands of miles away Bartholomew is checking on a report about a little girl. He is in a small town near Washington D.C. where the United States Government has built a complex for the top scientists in the world. Here they live in beautiful homes complete with laboratories. 17

The grounds are kept secured and are patrolled by a highly trained specialized police force. Each scientist that lives here is a specialist in their chosen field. In this complex of gracious homes and finely trimmed lawns they live in safety with their families. Bartholomew is checking on a report he received on Amy Martin. She is nearly ten years old has been confined in a wheelchair for almost a year. 18

The reports he received made Bartholomew curious and has taken special interest in Amy because of a letter Santa received from her. She showed her deep concern for other people in the world, so he felt her compassion made her wise beyond her years. That is why he wanted to see first hand what was going on. The doctors can not seem to find a reason why she can't walk. There's no physical injuries, tests show no problem anywhere in her body, everyone is baffled as to why she can't walk. 19

Her father, Dr. Paul Martin, is a highly respected Bio-chemist working for the government. He is involved in special research, and is head of a team trying to discover a way to increase the food supply by using less chemicals and having fruits and vegetables grow better, healthier and more abundant. His work has been very successful. He is protected by the government to ensure that his work will not fall into the wrong hands. Many believe that Dr. Martin and his team will find it and will help those who need it most throughout the world. Living here in this special complex is good for both of them. Not only can he continue his research around the clock, but he can also be with Amy. Dr. Martin is a widower. His wife was killed in a strange car accident, only eighteen months ago. The police report faulted road conditions on the night of the crash. What puzzles everyone is the fact that Mrs. Martin was an expert driver and the weather conditions were not bad that night. It seemed that ever since Amy's father became the head of this special team, they have been plagued with one catastrophe after another. 20

On this clear winter night, the stars were in full view. The air was cold and crisp and thanks to a bright full moon you could see very clearly, even though it was so late. Bartholomew was slipping in and out of the hedges trying to get a good look inside the house. He had to be careful not to be seen by the security patrol. He finally found a window that gave a perfect view of the interior of the house. There sitting in the center of the room and Amy was reading. A tear came to his eye as he remembered how reports on her, (before she was confined to the wheel chair) had her running and playing just as any other little girl her age. What an ugly thing the wheelchair became as he watched her sitting there. 21

Suddenly something covered him. " Gotcha. " A voice behind him said. Reaching into his pouch quickly for his E.T.D. he quickly transformed into a chimp. " Let's see what we have here?" It was Amy's Dad who had him trapped with his overcoat. Reaching into his jacket for a pen-light and opening up the coat slightly, he looked at Bartholomew. " A chimp? Now where did you come from?" He wondered as he studied the disguised elf. " Funny, you looked more human when I first saw you. " He said as he studied his capture. " Oh well, I guess the darkness can play tricks on the eyes. Let's get you into my lab and then we'll find out where you belong." He picked up the chimp and carried him into the house. 22

They entered the Doctors lab, filled with computers and other various scientific equipment. He carried the chimp over to a corner where there was a large cage designed to hold a large animal. " This should hold you and keep you out of trouble until I can find out where you belong." As he put Bartholomew inside. Closing the door and locking it, he stands back scratching his head. "I must be working to hard or something. I could have sworn you were human when I first saw you, I guess I better get my eyes checked." He said as he walked over to the refrigerator he kept in the lab. "Let's see if we can find something for you to eat." Opening the door and looking inside. " Well, your in luck my mysterious hairy friend. There is some fruit here just right for a guest like you." As he pulled out a ripe banana for his captured guest. He walked back to the cage and handed it to the chimp. " Great!" Bartholomew thought to himself. "I hate bananas." Not wanting to arouse suspicion on himself, acting timid, he took the fruit. "That's right, don't be afraid." The Doctor said with a smile as the chimp took the banana. " Well, I guess I'll call security and see what can be done about you." As he turned his back to place the call Bartholomew took this opportunity to dispose of the banana by tossing it into a nearby trash bucket. " There, now if he only has an apple in that refrigerator I'll be very happy." The disguised elf thought to himself. " Hello, security. This is Dr. Martin. Yes, no everything is fine officer. Oh, is that you Smitty? How have you been? Long time, no see. Listen, everything is fine, I am calling because I found a chimpanzee; you know a chimp, like Tarzan's Cheata. Yes, that's right. I caught him wandering around my house. Have you had any report from any of the other doctors reporting one missing? Don't even have one registered here at the complex. That's odd? I wonder how he got in here. No, he's confined here and he seems to be tame, you check around and I'll keep him here. If we can't find a home for him maybe Amy would like him for a pet. Thanks Smitty, call me if you find out anything. Ok talk to you later." Hanging up the phone and turning back to the chimp. " I've got to go upstairs and check on my daughter Amy. You'll get to meet her later." Scratching his head looking at his caged guest. " I wonder where you came from?" The Doctor turns and walks towards the door." Don't be afraid, I'll be back later to check on you. Being that you enjoy bananas so much I'll run down to the commissary and get you a bunch." He said as he shut off the light and shut the door. " Wonderful! More bananas, just what I always wanted. Now to find a way out of here." He reached under his fur and pulled out his pouch, and got the E.T.D. (Elf Transforming Dust) and changed back to normal. "Well, this is a nice place to visit but I don't think I want to live here." He said as he tried to open the door; but of course the door was locked.� No problem." He thought as he reached into the pouch again.23

" I'll just change into a mouse or something small enough to slip through these bars, then I am outta here." His expression changed suddenly when he discovered he could not change into any thing smaller than a rabbit. "Oh great and my communicator is missing. Just my luck, I must have lost it somewhere." He muttered. " Now what do I do! " He said in a somewhat frightened voice. "I can't pick locks. I can't get small enough to slip threw the bars. I can't contact any one for help and to top it off no one even knows where I am." 24

Things were not going well. Upstairs the Doctor was busy preparing dinner for himself and Amy. He could well afford a house keeper and a cook, but he preferred to do things himself. He felt it was better this way for he and his little girl could spend more time together. It's hard being mother and father to a little girl when you are a widower. Add to that the pressures of being a research scientist involved in a top secret government project, things do become difficult. The saying "Love will find a way" is very true in their case, by staying together they manage well. It amazes people that Paul Martin continues to work after the loss of his wife and the paralysis of his daughter. � Daddy, what's for dinner." Amy called from the den. "Well why don't you come in here and see for yourself lazybones." Her father replied. In a few moments she came into the kitchen from the den where she was doing her homework. Amy is a very bright and happy child who doesn't let her problem get her down. She feels that a cure will be found and she is certain she will soon be able to run and play as before. Since she was little her Father and Mother taught her to have, P.M.A. (Positive Mental Attitude.) " Well, What ever it is you're cooking smells good !" She comments as she comes into the kitchen. 25

" Never pick on the chef when he's cooking my dear, for remember your stomach is in his hands." Her father said with a laugh. " What have you been up to today?" Meanwhile down in the lab the captured elf was trying to shake open the door to his prison. Suddenly, he could hear someone coming. He quickly stopped what he was doing and sat down in his cage as the door opened. The lights went on and he saw a different man walk in. He was a tall, thin gentleman with dark skin. 26

Bartholomew watched him as he went over to the desk in the center of the room. The man seemed to be familiar with the surroundings for he acted as if he should be there, but something was not quite right. He was looking for something on Dr. Martin's desk. What ever it was he was searching for could not be found. His search suddenly ended when he heard footsteps coming towards the lab. Moving quickly away from the desk to the work bench fumbling with some other papers as Dr. Martin entered the room. " Well! Mac, what are you doing here this late? " He asked. " I forgot my reading glasses. I knew you were having dinner and I didn't want to disturb you so I let myself in." He answered searching under some papers on the work table. "That's strange?" Bartholomew thought to himself. " He wasn't even looking for any glasses over there!" Looking over at the cage Affar asked. " Where did the chimp come from Doc." 27

� I found him outside the house earlier. He was wandering around in the bushes, so I captured him. I called security to see where he belongs, but no one has reported him missing." The Doctor replied. " I suppose if no one claims him he could be a good companion for my daughter. He seems quite tame and very intelligent." He added. " I suppose that would be a good idea Doc." The assistant said. " If you want I will get some serum and give him a rabies shot." Glancing over to the cage "Doc! Look, I think he's fainted." Meanwhile back at the Toy Shop Santa was checking to see if there had been any word from his number one elf. " Nothing has come in as of yet Santa." said an elf over at the C.C.B. (Communication Command Board) 28

"Very well Gustave, the moment there is any word, let me know. I'll be over at the stable checking on the reindeer." Santa told the elf. He could not hide the fact he was worried, over the disappearance of his little friend. Santa loves all the elves and always keeps a watchful eye on everyone, but Bartholomew is like the son he never had. When ever Santa is worried he has two special places he will go. The first is a little room just off the Toy Shop, where he keeps his personal carpentry tools. 29

These are the tools he used to make toys for the children in his village before he became Santa Claus. That was when he and his wife Emma lived in a small village in Northern Europe. As the legend goes they were lost in a sudden blizzard while returning home from town. It was snowing so hard that Donder, his faithful reindeer couldn't pull the sleigh any further. So they stopped beneath the side of a mountain to try and weather out the storm. It was there that the elves found him, his wife, and Donder nearly half frozen and almost dead. The elves carried them to their cottage and nursed them all back to health. 30

The elves themselves were Master Toy Makers but had no way to distribute the toys to the children. Grateful to them for saving his life he vowed to be the deliverer of the toys. To keep their work a secret, they all set off to the most unlikely spot on earth to make their toys. 31

With the help of elf magic and a lot of hard work they built the worlds greatest toy shop, and he from then on, was known as Santa Claus. His second favorite place is the stable where the reindeer are kept. He will spend hours on end caring for them. Next to Mrs. Claus and the elves, they are his best friends. Donder of course is his most favorite of all. Each of his strong, sturdy, stags, have a large stall all their own. All neatly kept with each of their names engraved on a plaque over each stall. There are ten stalls in the barn. 32

There is a stall for Donder, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, Cupid, Vixen, and Blitzen. The other stalls are there for any extra reindeer that are brought up from the reindeer farm on the other side of the Christmas Village, when needed. Santa enjoys caring for them himself, for he depends on their strength to carry himself and the children's gifts on Christmas Eve. He was grooming Donder as Mrs. Claus came in the door. "Your still worried about Bartholomew aren't you dear." She said in a soft soothing voice. "Emma, you know me to well." He answered while brushing his four legged friend. " I can't understand it. He has never gone this long without letting someone know where he is. Yes my darling wife, I am very worried. Why can't anyone find him!" His voice seemed to begin to crack as he moved the grooming brush more quickly. " Come with me up to the big house and I'll Fix you a cup of hot chocolate and a piece of apple pie. You can sit in your chair by the fire and relax for a while. Bartholomew will show up. You know there must be a very important reason he hasn't checked in yet. But you know he will. Come along now, you really need to relax for a bit." Mrs. Claus spoke in a soft reassuring voice. Santa let out a deep sigh and nodded.33

" Your right Emma. I'll put this big fellow in his stall and we'll go." Santa answered in a calmer tone then before. He put Donder away and with his arm around his wife, went towards the big house. As Santa and his wife walked up the path two elves watched while they were carrying packages to the warehouse. " I haven't seen Santa this upset in all the time I've known him." One elf said. " You know, he is such a caring man. I am sure he'd be as upset if anyone of us were missing." Everyone at the village felt the same as Santa, for Bartholomew was loved by all. Thousands of miles away the missing elf paced back and forth in his cage. His uneasiness is not because of his imprisonment, but his feeling that things were not right. 34

As he paces he thinks to himself. " The Doctor is a very nice man and his daughter is a very sweet child. But the Doctors assistant? Something is not right here. I must stay long enough to find out, even if I have to eat, YUCK, bananas! Suddenly his attention turned to the lab door being unlocked. 35

It was well past Midnight and he figured that everyone was asleep. The door swung open as a hand switched on the light. It was Mac and another man. Quietly they came into the room. "You look through the file cabinet and I'll check through the desk." Mac said pointing towards the far side of the room where the files are kept. " Are you sure their asleep?" Asked the companion in a nervous voice. 36

" Yes, now get busy we don't have much time. There must be something here to tell how far along he is with his research." Mac answered. Both men moved quietly as mice going through all the papers they could find. "How is it you work with him and you don't know where he keeps his notes?" The man searching the files asked Mac. " This is such an important project that he trusts no one. He gives me tests to run and when I am finished he takes the results and studies them in private. If he discovers what we are doing, I shutter to think what the Americans will." Mac said as they searched. "What the Americans will do if they find out what?" Bartholomew pondered. "That settles it. I am not leaving here until I get to the bottom of this." He thought to himself as he continued watching the two men. "Nothing, nothing at all." Mac commented in a disgusted tone as he searched the papers. "The General is not going to like hearing we have come up short." His companion spoke. " What's the next move?" He added. "I'll just have to keep watching and hope he begins to confide in me more. As long as his daughter remains crippled he will not leave, so we must make sure she remains in her wheel chair." Mac said as they began to leave. " As long as we keep his daughter in that wheel chair, the Doctor will not move his work to another, more closely guarded location." Mac added. They shut the door and were gone. " The General will not like to hear what? General who? What are they searching for, and what do they mean keep Amy in the wheelchair?" All these questions were bothering the disguised elf. " I can't leave until I find out what's going on around here. I've got to get word to Santa. He must be told about this!" Bartholomew thought to himself as he laid down to sleep. 37

A restless night sleep was ended by Dr. Martins voice. " Wake up it's a beautiful day. Here's some fruit for your breakfast." He opened the cage and placed a dish full of fruit inside. " You look like you didn't sleep well. I wish you could understand your safe and no ones going to hurt you." The Doctor said in a soothing, reassuring tone, as he walked over to his desk. "Somehow I've got to get him to let me out so I can find out what's going on and contact Santa." The elf thought to himself. " I know what I'll do!" Bartholomew had a plan in mind, and went into action. He began by making chimp noises and making gestures to the Doctor to come over to the cage.38

He continued his attempt for about 10 minutes, but the Doctor was locked into his work. " Well." He thought. " The subtle approach isn't working." He began to be more aggressive. His voice grew louder and he shook the cage harder. Finally success. " What's the matter?" The Doctor asked as he rose from his chair and walked over to the cage. Bartholomew looked up at him with his big blue eyes and held out his hairy arms. " Oh, you want to be friends." The scientist said as he came closer. " Let's see what you do when I let you out." Reaching down to unlock the door, as it swung open the first thought the elf had was to run and disappear. He knew he had to find out what Affar was up to, so he opened his arms for the Doctor to lift him up. So the kindly young researcher did just that. " Well, this is much better. I knew there was more to you than meets the eye." He said as he walked back to his desk and sat down. " You sit here." Placing his guest on a chair. " Now you sit there for a little bit and don't touch any thing. When I finish these computations we will go upstairs and you can meet my daughter. I've told her all about you and she is looking forward to meeting you. This won't take to long." He said as he returned to his work. The chimp watched attentively as the doctors nimble fingers sped across his computer. " You don't know how lucky you are my little mystery visitor, that you are a chimp. You see this." Holding a test tube in his hand. " This is a sample of water that is killing children. It only makes adults very sick, but it can kill it's victims under 14 years old. So far it has only shown up in a few small towns, but if it gets into a major city the results would be to horrible to think about. " He said as his voice changed from one of explanation, to one of despair. " I've got to find out what it is and find a cure before it's too late." After an hour passed the Doctor gathered his papers together and opened a drawer on his desk. Turning to his little companion he said. " Now don't tell anyone what you are about to see." Then with a push of a hidden button a secret compartment was revealed. After placing his papers in the compartment he closed it. " Make sure you keep this hiding place a secret." He told the chimp with a laugh. "Only you and I know about it. So what do you think? Shall we go upstairs and have you meet Amy?" Bartholomew began to jump up and down happily to show he thought it was a good idea. " Hmmm, I think we need to find something for you to wear. Since I don't have any diapers these old clothes I found of Amy's should do just fine." Bartholomew went along with being dressed up thankful there were no diaper's around. " These look just fine on you." said Dr. Martin as he dressed the chimp in a pair of old blue jeans and an old flannel shirt. 39

They were Amy's when she was little and they fit him just right. " There, you look just fine." The Doctor asked. " Are you ready" The chimp looked the outfit over and thought to himself. " If anyone back home hears about this, I'll never hear the end of it." Taking him by the hand, off they went. 40

Amy was in the den reading as the door opened. " Amy." Called her Father " I've got a surprise for you." As he walked in with the chimp. " So this is the house guest you've been telling me about Daddy." She said as she put her book down and wheeled over to them. " Hi, my name is Amy." As she opened her arms to him. Without a second thought Bartholomew jumped on her lap. " Hey, I think he likes you Amy." Her Father said watching the two of them. " Is he going to stay with us Daddy?" She asked as she held her new found friend. " Well, if no one claims him, I can't see why not. He seems to be well trained and very intelligent." He answered. " Don't you think you should give him a name?" He added. " That's a good idea Daddy. Let's see." As she looked him over. " He seems to be quite uncommon, so he will need a very uncommon name." She said and began to think. Along side her was a copy of the book Lights, Camera, Santa. A story in which his real name is mentioned. He reached for the book, opened it up and pointed to his name. " Daddy, look. He's pointing to the name Bartholomew in my book. That's funny he can't read. I wonder if...? Nah he couldn't be." She questioned as she watched him. " Well Amy, maybe it's just luck that he pointed to that name. But the name Bartholomew seems to fit him just right." Her Father said scratching his head in amazement. " So we can call him Bartholomew, right Daddy." Amy asked. " Well, you like the name and he seems to like the name, and I think it's a great idea." The Doctor replied. With that Bartholomew reached for the doctors hand. " Look at that." Amy said " He seems to be shaking your hand." Looking at the chimp shaking his hand the Doctor said " Well, that makes it unanimous." As He and Amy laughed. "Now." Bartholomew thought to himself. " I can find out what Mac and his friend are up to. But the first thing I must do is get a message to Santa. I'll bet he's worried." The next day gave him the means he needed to send the message. Amy and he were outside on the porch together. The sky was a bright blue and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Perched in a tree near the house was a pigeon. Bartholomew knew if he could get the birds attention the pigeon would take a message to a local member of the Elf Patrol. But how to get the would be courier the message? Just then Amy's father came out onto the porch. "It's time for your exercises Amy. I've got to bring you inside." He said. 41

" I think we'll leave Bartholomew outside for a while in the fresh air. What do you think?" He asked Amy. " That's a good idea Daddy. He seems to like the fresh air. Bartholomew," She called. " I'll be back in a little bit. You be good and stay out of trouble. Okay." With that her father wheeled her inside. 42

" Now's my chance." Bartholomew turned to the pigeon in the tree and called to it in the language a pigeon understands. 43

All Elves in the S.S.E.P. can speak to all the animals in the world. This helps them in many ways. Like checking with the family dog, on how the children are behaving. Or like now, getting a message to another elf. He called the bird to come down and asked it to find a fellow elf so a message could be sent to Santa Claus at the North Pole. The pigeon understood and in the blink of an eye he was gone. It wasn't long when the Elf heard someone calling him. " Bartholomew, it's me, Tobias." Tobias is one of the younger elves assigned to the central United States.� Where are you Tobias." He answered looking about. " I'm down here in the bushes. Where have you been. Santa's been worried sick. He called an A.E.W.A. (ALL ELF WORLD ALERT) on you." Tobias whispered from the bushes. " Listen, send a message to Santa that I am all right. Tell him I've stumbled onto something that is very important. Let him know I need a communicator and I will send word to him just as soon as I can. Tell him I will probably need his help later. Got that? Bartholomew instructed his fellow elf. " I got it." Tobias answered. " I'll send the message right away and get the things you request just as soon as I can." In the blink of an eye he was gone. Sitting quietly in his study in the big house Santa was reading, when there was a loud knock at the door. " Santa." A voice called. "Bartholomew's been found." With that Santa jumped up, and opened the door. " Where is he? Is he all right?" He asked in an excited tone. " He sent this message for you." The elf handed a piece of paper to him. Santa read the message and said to the elf who was waiting by the door. " I don't know what's going on where he is, but it sounds serious. Tell the heads of all departments to stand ready to help. Have the things he requested sent right away to him, and keep me informed." Santa said and the elf quickly turned and did as he was told. At that moment Emma Claus came down the hall towards the study as the elf sped past her. " What's that all about Dear? She asked. " Bartholomew has been located. He's sent word that he's all right but something is amiss and he has asked us to stand-by to help if he needs us. I wonder what he is up to? " Santa said as he gazed out the window with his hands folded in back of him. That next morning there was another plate set at the breakfast table.44

The Doctor felt that since his house guest was so smart and well behaved, he could eat with them. Still wondering where the chimp came from, finding his owner's didn't seem as pressing as before. He watched as Amy and her hairy friend seem to be really enjoying each others company. It made him feel good to see her this happy. " Well young lady, if you have no objections, I think we'll move the chimps... Excuse Me, Bartholomew's; cage up to your room." He said with a smile. " Oh Daddy, that would be wonderful." Her happiness was hard to hide. " Hear that! You are going to stay in my room instead of the lab. Do you like that idea ?" She asked the chimp. Bartholomew began making happy gestures and sounds as a real chimpanzee would. " Look Daddy! He's happy too!" Amy pointed out to her father. The Doctor smiled as he sat to eat. Looking at the new addition to his household he thought to himself. " You are really something. I've been around a lot of chimpanzee's in my time, but I've never seen one as intelligent as you." After breakfast they moved the cage up to Amy's room. 45

" Gee Daddy, does he have to sleep in that cage." Amy asked in a pleading way. " Yes honey, but he can be free to roam about during the day as long as we are home." Her father answered. " You and Bartholomew can play in here while I go down to the lab and get some work done. Don't forget, tonight I have my weekly meeting. Mrs. Washburn will be here at six, to stay with you." He added. " Now have a good time and both of you stay out of trouble." He closed the door as he left. " Well, what do you think we should do now?" She asked her companion. " Let's have a tea party. You can be my friend from out of town visiting me. " Rolling her wheelchair over to her closet. " Let's see if we can find a party dress for you to wear." Slapping his forehead with his hand Bartholomew thought to himself. " A PARTY DRESS! Oh no, first a narrow escape from a diaper, now I have to wear a dress! If I didn't think finding out what is going on around here is so important, I'd make like lightening and bolt out of here". "Here we are." Amy said holding a petite pink ruffled dress in her hand. " This will look beautiful on you. Bartholomew, why are you covering your eyes? Don't you like it?" All dressed and sitting together the two playmates are having tea. Bartholomew in his pretty dress with a ribbon on top of his head and Amy in her white ruffles. " Would you like one lump or two my dear?" Amy asked pretending to be a cordial hostess. The elf held up two fingers with his left hand as he rested his head in a disgusted manner on his right. " Are you having a good time?" 46

She asked as she put the invisible lumps of sugar in to his cup. " Oh just wonderful!" Bartholomew thought to himself. 47

"Well, what would you like to talk about? I know. You know my father is doing some very important work. You must not tell anyone, but he works for the government and his work is top secret. He is trying to find out why kid's my age are getting very sick.48

Some of them will die if he can't find a cure. I really hope he finds one soon. He has been working so hard since my Mommy was killed and I wound up in this wheelchair." Tears began to form in her eyes as she spoke. 49

" I miss my Mommy so much!" As she broke into tears she buried her face in her hands. Bartholomew close to tears himself went to her and put his arms about her. The rest of their day together was spent playing games and having fun. Until it was time for Amy's therapy. " Now you stay in here and I will be back before you know it." Amy said as she was wheeled out to another room where the therapy equipment is set up. The door closed and Bartholomew was alone. He began to think of the event earlier when he held Amy as she cried. It has become so much more important to him now to get to the bottom of this mystery. Questions started to run through his head. Who is this assistant Mac? What is it he and his friend were looking for? Who is the General? So many questions and not enough answers. 50

" Hello Bartholomew." A soft voice spoke. He turned around quickly to see who or what was calling his name. But he saw no one. " I'm down here." The voice called out again. It was a mouse. " Hello there, and who are you?" He asked his tiny gray visitor. " Is my disguise so good you don't recognize me? " Said the mouse in a playful tone. Scratching himself under his chin he looked closer at the mouse with one eye closed. " No, I don't recognize you. But I guess if you've seen one mouse, you've seen 'em all." Suddenly the mouse transformed into his true form. " Sebastian! What are you doing here?" Bartholomew cried out, happy to see a familiar face. " I'm so glad to see you. How did you get here?" He asked as he shook his friends hand. " I was told you needed some help and I was sent to assist you. Oh yeah, here's your communicator. I found it outside hidden under a bush." Sebastian said handing it to his still disguised friend. " Thanks, I must have dropped it the night I was captured by the Doctor." Taking it and placing it in the pocket of his blue jeans. " Santa has been worried and want's you to contact him as soon as you get the chance. Now tell me what is going on around here? I have to report in when I leave." 51

The visiting elf said as he pulled out paper and pen. Not knowing how much time they had, Bartholomew proceeded to explain to his fellow elf all he had learned so far. "... and that's all I've found out so far.52

I have to get to the bottom of this before I can leave. I feel it's that important!" He said. " Well, I certainly agree with you and I'm sure Santa will agree also. I'll send in the report right away. When I get a reply I'll let you know." Reaching into his pouch for his E.T.D. he added " I'll stay close if you need help." Poof, He was a mouse again. " Thanks Sebastian, I'm glad your out there if I need your help, now you better get going. I'll talk to you later." Bartholomew said as the mouse scurried out of sight. Not long after his friend had left Amy returned from therapy. Even though she was tired she did not want to nap.53

She wanted to play some more with her new found friend. After dinner Dr. Martin prepared to leave for his weekly meeting. Amy had washed and was in bed as he came in to say good night. " Well young lady, you've had a very busy day today." He said as he bent down to kiss her good night. " You and Bartholomew be good for Mrs. Washburn, okay. No fooling around tonight." As he kissed her. " Don't worry Daddy, we'll be good. Won't we Bartholomew!" She assured her father looking over to the cage where the elf was. With that the chimp let out a sound as if he was agreeing with her. " Well then, I'm off. I'll see you two in the morning at breakfast. Good night." He turned off the light as he shut the door. Sleep came quickly that night for it had been a very busy day. Sometime after midnight the sound of some one entering the room woke Bartholomew. With his super sensitive ears he heard clearly the whispering voices. It was Affar and the other man who was with him the night before. " What are they doing here?" He thought as he watched and listened. " Are you sure the old woman is asleep?" The accomplices asked softly so as not to be heard." Yes, she always falls asleep after she watches that talk show. She won't wake up until the Doctor comes home." Affar assured him. " Let's get this done so we can get out of here." Reaching into a bag Affar took two small boxes and placed them on either side of Amy's head. Then he connected what seemed to be, a tape recorder. The two stood very quietly as Affar switched the tape player on. Bartholomew could here soothing music being played through the speakers. Then he heard a women's voice, almost sounding enchanted. The voice was calling Amy by name. It was telling Amy how she should not use her legs for they won't work anymore. The message was repeated over and over. Now it is clear what these two evil men were doing! 54

They were brainwashing Amy into believing she can't walk. Why would they want to do such a terrible thing to her? Then he remembered what was said the night he saw them searching the lab.55

If Amy was well the Doctor would move his work to a place more heavily guarded. Now things are taking shape, but what to do next? If he tries to wake Amy they might get scared and hurt her. He would have to think of another plan. An hour went by then the two packed up their brainwashing equipment and left. Reaching for his communicator he contacted the C.C.B. " This is Bartholomew." He spoke in a whisper. " Contact Sebastian and have him meet me A.S.A.P. Over." He put the tiny radio in his pocket and waited for another visit from his fellow elf. Thanks to the efficiency of the S.S.E.P. his wait was a short one.56

Less than five minutes had passed when he heard the sound of tiny feet coming towards him. It seemed that he had just put his communicator away and Sebastian was in the room. " What kept you?" Bartholomew asked in a joking tone. " Heavy traffic on the rodent roadway." Replied the mouse. "What's going on?" The two elves sat down as Bartholomew filled his colleague in on the events of the night. "...so you can see why I can't leave. Now here's what I want you to do. I figured out a way to expose the bad guys but I will need Santa's help. You contact him and tell him all that I've discovered. He needs to be here to help explain to Doctor Martin what's going on. I think the shock would be doubled, receiving this information and being told about it by an elf. I plan to let Amy know who I am tomorrow. It will be a lot easier for her to believe who I am." As he finished explaining his plan. " I'll get this information to Santa personally. When do you plan for this to take place?" Sebastian asked. " Next Thursday, if all goes according to plan. So get going and report back to me as soon as you can. We have got to stop what's happening around here as soon as possible." Bartholomew answered. Sebastian nodded and was off in the blink of an eye leaving his friend to get a much needed rest. Closing his eyes he stretched out placing his hands behind his head as a smile came to his face. " Boy oh boy, there's going to be a hot time around this house come Thursday night." He thought to himself as he drifted off to sleep. 57

It was a clear crisp morning that greeted them as the alarm clock rang. Amy awoke, stretched her arms and rubbed her eyes. " Wake up Bartholomew." She called to the sleeping elf. " We've got a lot to do." The chimp got up scratching his head as he cleared his thoughts. He had been lost in a wonderful dream, in it he was home at the toy shop having breakfast in the great hall with all his friends. In front of him was a large stack of hot cakes, with lots of syrup and hot biscuits. His stomach began to growl for it needed to be filled. Amy got out of bed washed and dressed herself then together they headed towards the kitchen for breakfast. 58

Bartholomew's mind was on hot cakes, but his hopes came to an abrupt end when his eyes caught sight of a bowl of corn flakes waiting for him on the table. " Oh well," He thought to himself. " It could be worse, the Doctor could have put a banana out for me." 59

Just at that moment he heard Dr. Martin say. " Good morning you two. Your cereal is ready and here's a nice ripe banana for you Bartholomew." As he placed it on the table for him. They all sat and enjoyed their breakfast and talked about what was planned for the day. " I won't be seeing much of you two today." The Doctor said. " I will be very busy in the lab. I got some new information last night that might help me find out what this unknown chemical is that's gotten' into the water supply. So you two will have to watch out for each other. Okay." " We'll be good Daddy, you don't have to worry about us. " Amy said looking over at Bartholomew who was nodding his head in agreement. " See Daddy, even Bartholomew promises to stay out of trouble." She added with a giggle. The Doctor looked at his daughters hairy companion and thought to himself. " There's something about that chimp. He seems to understand every word being said. Well, he's been so good and he seems to love Amy, I suppose I am just worrying over nothing." He finished clearing the table and putting the dishes in the dish-washer he left to go down to the lab. " Well, what should we do today?" She asked Bartholomew. " Shall we go into the den and watch T.V.?" Bartholomew shook his head. " How about we just go to my room and play house." This time his response was more graphic. He shook his head very frantically, for he definitely did not want to put on another party dress. " Well I suppose I could read you a story?" That was what he was waiting to hear. He clapped his hands and made sounds like a chimp, to let her know that's what he wanted. He figured that since she was reading the book about Santa, and himself it would help her believe him when his true identity is revealed to her. They went to Amy's room and she rolled her wheel-chair up to her desk. " Let's see, what book would you like me to read to you?" She said as she scanned her collection. " How about this one?" She held up a condensed version of Treasure Island by Robert Lewis Stephenson. He shook his head no thinking to himself. " I love that story, especially Long John's parrot, but she has to read me the other book." He then pointed to the book on her end table. She looked over to where he was pointing and said. " Oh, You want me to read you the book where we found your name. Okay, I like that one too." Before she was able to turn her wheel-chair around Bartholomew stood before her with the book in hand. 60

" Well, I guess you really want to hear this story, don't you." She said to him and he nodded his head. " Now you come here and sit on this chair next to me and I'll read it to you." In a heart beat the chimp was at her side. Amy started to read the story. The disguised elf waited for the right moment to reveal his true identify. He sat waiting as she continued to read."... Using his Elf Transforming Dust Bartholomew changed back into a dog. Gee, I wonder if Santa's elves can do things like that?" She added as she read the story. It's now or never. the elf thought to himself.61

" Yes Amy, we can change into any animal we need to." The chimp spoke out. You could have heard a pin drop for even the air in the room stood still. Staring at the chimp that just spoke to her, Amy asked in a stunned tone. " Did you just now speak to me?" Still a little shaken by what she had just heard. " Yes Amy I did. My name is Bartholomew, and I am the elf from your book. Don't be frightened, I will not hurt you. Your my friend! I will try to explain to you why I am here. You must listen and believe that everything I am going to tell you is true. The first thing I want is show you what I really look like. When you see me as an elf it will be easier for you to understand. Now watch." He got down from his seat and stood before her. Reaching into his pocket for his E.T.D., he sprinkled it over his head and instantly became an elf. Brushing himself off he turned to look at Amy who was staring at him with her eyes and mouth wide open. " There now, this is what I truly look like. You see Amy; I'm an elf. You must promise to always keep this a secret. There are only a handful of people that have ever seen us in our true form." His voice was soft and calm as he spoke to his friend. " It's true! You really are an elf. I know I can't be dreaming this, cause I'm wide awake. How did you get here? What are you doing here? Gosh, I'm so confused�62

." Amy said holding her head. " Now the first thing you must do is calm down." Bartholomew said as he put his hand on her shoulder. " I am here because your father captured me when I was checking on you the other night. Remember in your book where it talks about the S.S.E.P.? Well, as you know I am the head of that part of Santa's team. I've been keeping watch over you for a long time. Are you still frightened?" 63

Looking at him standing there with his pointed ears, flannel shirt, overalls, pointed boots, beard, blue eyes and a smile, she replied. " No, I'm not afraid. Well, just a little confused." She added. " It's not everyday a person meets one of Santa's elves." She began to seem more at ease as she talked to him. " I have so many questions to ask you." She continued. " I will answer all of your questions later." Bartholomew interrupted. " Right now we've got more important things to take care of." 64

Bartholomew began to tell her everything that had happened from the time he was captured. He told her about what Mac and his accomplice were doing in her father's lab. " That figures, I never liked him." She said with a clinched fist. " We have to tell Daddy about him." Bartholomew shook his head. " You see Amy, that's the problem. How do we tell him? He certainly won't believe it if I tell him. I don't think he will be very receptive to the idea that an elf, disguised as a chimpanzee, saw his assistant trying to steal his notes.65

That plus the fact Mac is working for someone called the General, makes it sound like a chapter from a spy story, doesn't it." He scratched his chin for a moment." So I've come up with a plan how we can stop them in their tracks." He stopped for a moment and looked outside the door to be sure no one was around. He closed the door and went back to Amy. " Now here's what we're going to do. Santa will be coming here early Thursday night, before your father goes to his weekly meeting. He will explain to your Father what I found out and about our plan to expose these two men. I will depend on you to be there to help us convince your Dad we are telling him the truth." He said holding Amy's hand. " You can depend on me. I won't let you down." She answered. " Is the real Santa Claus really going to be here?" She asked with a curious pixie smile. " Yes, the real Santa will be here." He assured her. " Now all we can do is wait until Thursday night, and then we'll see what happens." He added. " Bartholomew, are you going to become a chimp now?" Amy asked. " Would you rather I didn't?" He asked. " Well," she said blushing slightly. " I think you look much cuter as an elf. Bartholomew smiled and nodded his head. " Okay, but if we hear someone coming I'll have to become a chimp again in a hurry." The elf smiled and added. " I'll stay like this only if you promise me, NO MORE PARTY DRESSES." They both laughed and spent the rest of the day playing and enjoying each others company. 66

Meanwhile miles away from them, there was something going on at Mac's apartment. He was sitting at a short wave radio, waiting for coded orders from the mysterious General. Fidgeting in his seat and nervously tapping his fingers on the desk, he waits. Finally a voice begins to speak over the radio. " This is KPX49543 calling WIK67399 do you copy. Over." " This is WIK67399, we are receiving you. Over." Mac answered. " Prepare for important message. Are you ready to receive? Over." The speaker blared. " Yes I am ready. Over. " Mac responded with pen and paper in hand. " This is from your mother. 67

She is not feeling well. She needs you to send the medicine to make her better. She will not understand if she doesn't hear from you soon. She wants me to tell you how very unhappy she will be if you fail her. Over." 68

The message ended. " Message received and understood. I will carry Mother's wishes. Over." Mac said as the transmission ended. Coming out of the kitchen with two cups of coffee in hand, Mac's accomplice asked. 69

" Well, what are we going to do now? It seems we don't have much time." As he hands a cup to his companion. " All we can do is hope we can find Doctor Martin's notes on the project soon. I don't want to use violence, but if we can't find them soon, I see no other way." Taking a drink from his cup. " We'll give it one more week. Then I am afraid we will have to change our tactics. I like the man and his daughter; but you know what will happen to us if we fail." He said to his partner. Night fell and all were asleep. Except for Bartholomew who waited for the right moment to contact Santa. He could hear the Grandfather clock in the living room, announce that it was Twelve O'clock. He reached for his communicator and called the Toy Shop. " This is Bartholomew calling. Let me speak to Santa. Over." He said. " This is Gustave at the C.C.B. I am sending for Santa now. Stand-by. Over." Bartholomew waited scratching his head. " I'll be glad when I can shed this disguise. The last thing I need now is a case of fleas." He thought to himself as he waited. Then the communicator came alive with a familiar voice. " This is Santa, are you reading me Bartholomew? Over." " Yes Santa I'm here. Over." He answered with a smile, glad to hear his best friends voice. " Sebastian reported your problem to me. I agree that we should do what ever we can. What's your plan? Over." Santa asked. " I will need you to come down here and explain things to Doctor Martin. I have told Amy all that I know, and she is ready and eager to help. Over." The elf informed his boss. " I bet you've got a plan to put into action, and I'm sure it will be a doozie. When do you want me to come to help? Over." Santa asked. " I will need you here early Thursday evening. The weather man said it will be a cloudy night and the moon won't be out. Over." Bartholomew replied. " All right, You have everything ready and I will be there. Over." The jolly old elf said as he finished. 70

" I'll see you then Santa, and yes, if all goes according to plan it will� be a doozie! Over and out." The elf said with a laugh. The stage was set, now all that remained was for the players to take their positions. Bartholomew went over every detail in his mind again and again. Mac and his friend were very dangerous people, so everyone's actions must be timed just right. 71

All that remains is for Santa to convince Doctor Martin to go along with the plan. That should be easy enough, for all he has to do is get him to believe that he is Santa Claus. That Bartholomew is really an elf, and that his assistant is a foreign agent working for some mystery General. That shouldn't be to hard.72

The rest of the week was spent with Bartholomew and Amy doing all sorts of things together. They played games, read books, and just enjoyed each others company. Thursday arrived and Amy awoke and she seemed to be very unhappy. She could not hide that she was upset over something. Bartholomew was quick to notice the change and asked why she felt sad. " 73

Today is the day you'll be finished here. Then you will be gone, and I'll never see you again." She told him as a tear formed in her eye. " Now that's a silly way to feel." The elf replied as he put his arms around her. " First of all, you are now a member of our team. You have been told secrets about us, that only a few others know. If it will make you feel better I promise that I will visit you as often as I can." He continued trying to reassure her they would always keep in touch. " Besides someday when your grown-up, you'll have children of your own for me to keep track of." He smiled, as he raised her head up to look directly in his eyes. " Now, come on, you have got to stop feeling this way. Smile!" Amy tried not to, but with the elf's kind words and gentle touch she couldn't help smiling. She gave him a great big hug and said. "I love you Bartholomew!" Looking at him she added, " Wow! You elves can really blush, can't you." " Amy, time to eat." Her father called. " Be there in a minute Daddy." She answered. Turning towards the elf she asked, " When will Santa be here?" Bartholomew was preparing to transform back into a chimp and replied. " I figured he will arrive just after it gets dark. Then the three of us will try to get your father to believe what's been going on." He sprinkled the magic dust all over himself and instantly changed into a chimp. " Do you think he will believe us." She asked. " That I don't know. All we can do is wait and stand by to help Santa if we're needed." With that the two left for breakfast. The day went slowly as the anticipation of Santa's arrival grew with each passing minute. Both Amy and her disguised companion couldn't keep their minds on any thing else. Finally the sky began to get dark. 74

" It won't be long now Amy." Bartholomew said as his eyes scanned the evening sky. " He'll be here, don't worry. Then we will expose Affar's plans and everything will be all right. I promise!" Amy nodded in silence as she tried to hide her nervousness. Suddenly there was the sound of sleigh bells in the distance. " Listen Amy. Can you hear that? It's Santa!" Bartholomew said as he pointed towards the blackened sky. " Now we will get this mystery all straightened out." He added, running silently toward the door to watch what was happening. 75

The doorbell rang and Doctor Martin went to answer it. There dressed in a black overcoat and hat, was a short, stocky, gentlemen with a full white beard. � Yes sir, can I help you?" Doctor Martin asked the visitor. Good evening Doctor Martin." The man said. " I would like to speak to you about a chimpanzee you found about ten days ago. May I come in." The Doctor opened the door all the way to allow the man to enter the house. "Yes; I do have a chimp. How did you get in here? The guards at the gate didn't call to let me know you were coming. Who are you?" The Doctors caution and curiosity were understandable. The complex was designed to prevent surprise visitors. " Doctor please don't worry, I will explain everything to you in just a few minutes. Right now I would like you to call Bartholomew and your daughter to join us, please." The elderly gentleman's appearance and manner gave the Doctor no reason to be afraid, so he so he did as the man requested. " Amy, would you bring Bartholomew here for a minute. There's someone here who would like to see him." In a moment the two were coming down the hall. " Remember Amy, don't let on that you know who he is." The elf whispered as they approached the two men. " Amy, this gentleman, Mr.;� He paused for a second then turned to the visitor and said. " You never told me your name? " Again questions filled his mind. " Can we adjourn to your study Doctor. There's a lot I need to explain to you." Amy's father pointed to his study and they all went into the room. The Doctor sat at his desk with Amy and the chimp to his left, while the mysterious visitor stood in front of them. " Now," The Doctor said, " who are you? " Staring at his guest.� You will have a difficult time believing me, but everything you are about to hear is true. First of all, my name is Santa Claus." 76

Well this information was not what the good Doctor expected, nor was prepared to hear. " You must be some kind of nut!" He said reaching for the phone. " I'm going to call security and have them bring a straight jacket and notify the boy's over at the Rubber Room Hotel about you." He tried to dial, but the phone was dead. " Please don't bother. I expected you would react like this so I had one of my elves put your phone out of commission. Doctor, you have nothing to fear, I assure you. We are here to help and aid you in your quest. If you will just relax and listen you will understand why we had to approach you in this way." Seeing he had no recourse but to listen the Doctor sat back down. 77

" All right, I'll listen to what you have to say, but first, I want you to promise me that if I listen to you and don't believe what you have to say, you will leave with no trouble." With that Santa smiled and said. " That's fair enough, I agree." Santa took off his coat and hat and said as he sat down across from the Doctor. " About two weeks ago one of my best elves was sent down to check on Amy's progress. 78

While he was looking in on her you captured him. Using a special formula the elf was able to transform himself into one of many disguises to prevent his true identify from being discovered. Bartholomew chose the disguise of a chimp." The Doctor interrupted suddenly. " You are going to tell me that this chimpanzee is really an elf. Oh; this I've got to see. You prove to me that animal standing there is really an elf, I promise to listen to all you have to say. Is that fair enough?" 79

Thinking he had the old man over a barrel, he smiled and awaited Santa's response. " That sounds fair enough. Bartholomew, if you please." The chimp walked over to the center of the room and then with a sprinkle of his E.T.D., in a flash he stood before the Doctor as elf. " Hello Doctor Martin; before Santa continues I would like to thank you for all your kindness. Please, believe everything you are about to hear." Dr. Martin sat in his chair staring at Bartholomew with, a look of surprise and disbelief on his face. Santa had left the room for a moment and returned with a glass of water for the bewildered Doctor. Understandably stunned by the metamorphosis that just took place before his eyes, Santa had to place the glass in his hand. His eyes still fixed on Bartholomew, he took a drink. Amy, who had been sitting their in silence said. " Daddy, it's all right, their here to help. You must listen to them." The Doctor regained his composure after a few minutes, loosened his tie and looked at Santa. " You must forgive me Mr., I mean Santa, this is not easy to grasp. I mean your, Santa Claus, and he's an elf. It can't be a trick, cause it happened right before my eyes. I always thought you were a fairytale. I believed in you when I was a child, but I grew up." He put his elbows on the desk and put his head between his hands. " I must be working to hard. This can't really be happening to me." He said. 80

" You are not cracking up Paul, and we are very real." Santa explained calling him by his first name. " You see, children around the world believe in me because they want to. When they reach a certain age it is no longer fashionable to believe. Upon becoming an adult, without knowing, they are now my helpers. It is sad that these days the children are growing up so quickly. It wasn't long ago that children believed in me well into their teenage years." There was a sound of sadness in his voice as he spoke. " That, we can discuss at a different time, there is more pressing business to take care of. Paul, you and Amy are in danger! "With that Doctor Martin jumped up from behind the desk. 81

" What do you mean, we're in danger? Are you trying to scare us? What are you trying to say?" His voice was loud as he spoke. One could see the anger in his face. "I was beginning to believe you, and now you are telling me this. What kind of game are you playing?" Amy wheeled her chair closer to the desk and said " Daddy, this is no game! Please listen to them, they are here to help." Doctor Martin looked at his daughter and sat back down at his desk. " All right Amy, I'll listen, but this all so hard to believe. Go ahead Santa." The Doctor said in a questioning tone. " Tell me why we're in danger." Santa looked at the puzzled Doctor and said. " I think I should let Bartholomew take it from here. 82

He is the one who found out what is going on, and he has also devised a plan to capture the people responsible. Bartholomew, explain to the Doctor what's been going on." The elf walked over to the desk and proceeded to tell him all about what he had seen and heard. The Doctor listened and was bewildered by what he was told. When the elf finished Santa said. " Well, Paul, do you understand why we came here to help?" Looking at Bartholomew then at Santa Doctor Martin said. " It's hard to believe, but it does explain things that have been bothering me about Mac. This General do you have any idea who he is?" Bartholomew shook his head. " Mac went through an extensive security check when he began working for me, but I suppose their findings on him could have been wrong. I can't believe anyone could do this to children, and they are brainwashing my little girl! When I find Mac, with my own hands I'll..." Santa put his hand on the Doctor's shoulder calming him. Then the wise old man said. " Relax my friend, justice will be dealt out this night. I assure you!" Looking into the elder man's eyes, a sudden feeling of trust took hold of him. " I believe you, Santa. What's our next move?" He asked? Santa turned to his little partner and said. " Bartholomew, tell the Doctor your plan." The elf went over to the desk and proceeded to map out the surprises he had in mind for Affar and his partner. Time was growing short and they had to be ready. Everyone knew what they had to do and were ready to act. Amy and Bartholomew left the room leaving Santa and Doctor Martin to complete some minor details. 83

" Tell me something Santa? This complex has one of the finest security systems made. How did you get in here?" 84

Santa looked at him with a big grin and said. " The usual way, reindeer power. we've been using stealth technology years before your government discovered it." They both laughed. Everything was ready, Santa was in the Doctor's study, the sitter had arrived, and Doctor Martin was acting as if he was preparing to leave. Amy was in her room with Bartholomew, and Sebastian would be in the hall at the proper time.85

Bartholomew had told him earlier what to do by . It was Nine O'clock. They all knew that zero hour was Midnight. This was the hardest part, the waiting. Amy stirred in her bed, nervous about what lay ahead. Her elf friend talked to her to reassure her and to help her relax. He said. " Remember Amy, you've got to act as if you are asleep when they arrive. 86

When they go to put the ear phones on you that's when I'll go into action. If they make it back into the hallway Sebastian will take over. Remember what you see will be Sebastian and I. There will be no reason for you to be afraid. On the other hand, those two gentlemen will have the scare of their lives. Now just relax and leave everything to us. All right?" Amy looked at him and said in a soft voice. " I'll do my best, but I wish there was some other way to do this." Laying her head back down on her pillow. Down stairs the Doctor said good-bye to Mrs. Washburn and went out the door. He had to get into the car and drive off, to be sure that if they were being watched, everything had to seem normal. He planned to drive around the complex for about an hour then park his car and enter the house through the lab door. Once inside he could join Santa in the study and wait. Footsteps could be heard in the hallway as the clock struck midnight. " The only good thing I can say about those two is they are punctual." Bartholomew whispered to Amy as he reached for his E.T.D. " Remember Amy you must pretend to be asleep. Are you ready?" He asked. Amy whispered back. " I'm ready." As the door slowly swung open. Entering the room were the two unsuspecting villains. They slowly walked towards Amy's bed confident that their presence was still unknown." Now the fun begins." Bartholomew thought to himself as he prepared to change his appearance. 87

Suddenly the two men stopped in their tracks. Mac said to his helper. " Do you hear that? It sounds like something is growling over by the ape's cage. Hand me your flash light." Switching the light on he pointed it over in the direction of the noise. Mac's eyes met a pair of steel blue eyes which belonged to the largest black panther he had ever seen. The animal was set and ready to strike. The two let out the most blood curdling scream and bolted towards the door. 88

It was almost comical to see them fighting each other to get into the hall. The panther let out a loud roar. They almost ripped the door from it's hinges as they as they pulled each others clothing to reach the safety of the hallway. Their path to freedom seemed clear for a brief second as they ran, but it didn't last long. In the hallway, waiting was Sebastian in the form of a giant stripped Siberian Tiger. The two screamed in terror as they turned to run the other way, but again there was no escape. 89

Standing in the way, with teeth gleaming in the light was Bartholomew. With no way to escape the two men fell to their knee's crying like babies and praying for their lives to be spared. At that moment it wasn't the hand of fate that took hold of them but the hands of Doctor Martin and Santa. They gave no resistance to their captors. They were just grateful someone saved them. " Well , look what we have here." Doctor Martin said as he held Mac by his collar. " I believe it's time for a confession, don't you agree." " I have nothing to say to you." Replied Affar still shaken from the ordeal. " Oh, is that so?" Santa asked. " Perhaps you two would like to play with my two pets some more?" Looking at the pair of jungle cats his brave co-conspirator readily agreed to speak. Affar, held by the Doctor, warned his accomplice not to say a word since they could prove nothing.90

That was until Bartholomew came closer and let loose with a spine chilling roar. It worked like a charm. Affar started confessing right there on the spot. Having a portable tape recorder on her lap Amy recorded every word. When Affar had finished Santa told the two cats to leave. " We got you and your taped confession. I think we should call the authorities don't you San.. I mean Kris." The Doctor said to Santa with a wink." Go ahead, call the police." Mac said. " That confession is useless. With the sounds of those cats in it, I will just say it was made in fear of my life. So you might as well let us go and no one will get hurt."" Cats what cats?" Santa asked. " Amy, play back the tape for these gentlemen." Amy rewound the tape and hit the play button. 91

A surprised look came to everyone's face, that is all except Santa, when the only sound on the tape was Mac's voice making a total confession. " But, they were here. Big as life. I saw them." Mac cried out. " That's your story." Santa replied with a big smile on his face." Doctor, you call the police and I'll watch these two." The police came and hauled them off to jail with Mac still screaming something about jungle cats. The tape was handed to the Federal Authorities who went to Mac's apartment evidence was also found that proved them responsible for Amy's mothers car crash. As for the General, he was a power mad tyrant who planned to over throw the government of his country and become king. All was back to normal thanks to Bartholomew. That left only one thing to do. 92

After the police left, everyone at the house gathered in the living room. Amy and Bartholomew sat together near the fireplace, talking with Sebastian. As her Father and Santa came in with hot cocoa and cookies." Daddy," Amy asked. " Where did Mrs. Washburn get off to?" The Doctor laughed and told her that when he came back into the house he sent her home. " I then turned the T.V. on and made believe I was her asleep on the couch. I guess I did a good job for neither Mac nor his partner knew the difference." Everyone laughed. " Only one thing puzzles me Santa, how come the elves could not be heard on tape when they were cats?" Amy's Father asked Santa who was drinking his cocoa. " I'll try to explain. You see on Christmas Eve. when we go from house to house it is important to be quiet. Well as you can imagine, we needed to develop some form of communication between each other so as not to be heard. You all thought you heard the elves growling like jungle cats, but in reality it was all in your minds. We use a form of mental telepathy." The Doctor scratched his head in amazement. " You must have some kind of team to have this much technology at your disposal Santa." 93

Setting his cup on the table Santa said. " Paul if I told you that one of my team could possibly get Amy back the use of her legs, would you go with us to the North Pole?" Stunned by the words he heard Amy's Father told him. " Santa if you could do that, I'd follow you anywhere." Santa stood up and said." Well then, let's get going." Amy looked at Santa " We're really going to the North Pole, to your workshop, tonight?" She asked him.94

" Yes Amy, tonight. The reindeer are outside and they will carry all of us there before you know it." He reached down and picked her up out of the wheel chair, and they were off to the North Pole. As Santa had promised they were at the Toy Shop in a matter of minutes. Santa landed the sleigh with pinpoint accuracy. They were greeted by Mrs. Claus and a dozen or more elves. Santa carried Amy as they all went up to the great hall. There in his office Dr. Elfenhimer waited. As Santa walked in he asked. " Is everything ready Doctor?" Sitting Amy down on an overstuffed easy chair. 95

" Yes Santa, I have the medicine right here." The elf Doctor said holding a glass in his hand. "Very good Doctor." He said as he turned to Amy. " I want you to listen to me very carefully Amy. The Doctor here has something for you to drink. It's the magic water from the Christmas spring that the reindeer drink to enable them to fly. The Doctor feels that because your system is different it will allow you to walk again. There is only one thing you have got to do. 96

You must believe it will work. Because it comes from a magic spring, it will only work if you believe it will. Do you understand?" Looking around at everyone in the room she said. " Yes Santa, I understand, and I know it's going to work, cause you told me it will, and I believe in you." Doctor Elfenhimer handed her the vile. At that moment there was not a sound as she drank the magic liquid.97

She set the empty glass on the table beside her, and everyone waited. Nudging Santa Amy's Father asked him in a whisper. " What's in the vile? Will it really make her walk?" Santa went " Shush, she has to concentrate!" Amy moved towards the edge of the chair, then stopped. "Amy." Santa said in a soft voice. " You must believe that you can." Amy smiled and nodded her head. A moment later her feet touched the floor. Her legs wobbled a bit, then they became straight. She took a deep breath and started to walk across the room to her father.98

Tears came to Doctor Martin's face with each step that brought her closer to him. The cheer that rang out when Amy walked into her Father's arms could have been heard around the world. " Now, " Santa said turning to Bartholomew. " Our job is done." A splendid feast was going on in the great hall to celebrate Amy regaining the use of her legs. Her Father sat with Santa and his Wife smiling and watching Amy run and play with the elves. " Santa, you must tell me more about this serum that made Amy walk again. How is it made?" He asked his host. " Paul, you made the medicine that cured your daughter." Looking puzzled at the words Santa spoke the Doctor said. " I don't understand? What could I have done?" 99

Santa put his hand on his shoulder. " You have always brought Amy up to think positive. I believe you call it P.M.A. ( Positive Mental Attitude ) Well, all we did was give your medicine a little boost of Christmas Magic. Because they had her brainwashed in believing she couldn't walk with negative thoughts. All we had to do was give her a healthy shot of positive thoughts. The medicine was no more than colored water from our springs, It was her believing she could that made her walk." 100

All to soon it was time for Amy and her Father to be taken home. There wasn't a dry eye in all the Toy Shop. There were gifts given to Amy from the elves, Mrs. Claus had an apple pie for them to take home. Doctor Martin was shaking hands with Santa when he asked. " Where's Bartholomew? I've got to thank him for everything he's done for us." Santa pointed over towards the center of the room. " He and Amy are saying their good bye's." 101

" Remember you promised to visit me. So you better not forget." Amy said to the elf as he sat on the end of the table. " I don't break promises I make to my friends. Now remember your promise, you can never reveal what you have seen here." Bartholomew told her. " I promise not to tell." She said holding her hand out. " Walk me over to the sleigh?" He took her hand and they rejoined her father. " It's time to go." Santa said to them as he climbed aboard the sleigh. Amy got a kiss from Mrs. Claus then climbed on with her father and Santa.102

She looked at Bartholomew who was standing next to the sleigh. "Aren't you coming with us? " She asked. " Nah. I've got a lot of things to catch up on. While I was with you some of these younger elves have got things backed up. So I need to get to work. Good bye Doctor, take care. Good bye Amy." He reached out his hand to her. " No that won't be good enough!" She said as she jumped down from the sleigh. She stood in front of her friend, put her arms around him and gave him a great big kiss, right on the lips. 103

As she let go and got back aboard waving to everyone the sleigh was gone. Standing there still in shock, blushing a bright pink was Bartholomew. After a minute he regained his thoughts. 104

" All right everyone don't stand there staring let's get moving, Christmas will be here before you know it." As long as you believe in yourself, there's nothing you can not do.105