A neighbor saw a Black man on a rooftop in the night, with a bag across his shoulder and the moon behind him bright. She said, “Call the police— there’s a cat burglar up there!” Then the blue lights started flashing through the Christmas lights and air. Pete was coming down the chimney, Pete was coming down the flue. He was filling in for Santa— there was Christmas work to do. The police came up the sidewalk. The children pressed the glass. Somebody yelled, “He’s getting away!” Somebody yelled, “Let him pass!” Then Adam, the chimney sweep, came running from next door. He saw the sootprints on the roof and knew what they were for. He said, “That isn’t any burglar. That’s Pete from Sinterklaas. He’s Santa’s helper for the night— now kindly let him pass.” Pete was coming down the chimney, Pete was coming down the flue. He was filling in for Santa— there was Christmas work to do. Pete climbed down into the parlor. The children gathered near. He set the presents by the tree and said, “Merry Christmas, dear.” The neighbor looked embarrassed. The police looked at the floor. Pete left six little sootprints beside the fireplace door. And high above the rooftops, where the winter stars were bright, Santa laughed, “Good work, old Pete— you saved Christmas night.”
