Santa Needs Rescuing!

 

cover art by Morris Gollub

"Santa's Sea Trip," with art by Arthur Jameson, appeared in Dell's Four Color #205 (December 1948) and proves that it's always a good idea to give Santa a hand when he needs it. The writer, by the way, is unknown.

The Navy ship "Gull" is on its way home to Boston, but bad weather means they probably won't be home in time for the crew to spend the holiday with their families. That's too bad, but what can be done about it?

A cabin boy mentions Santa Clause, earning a gentle teasing from one of the older crewmen. But Santa happens to be flying by and hears his name being spoken. He flies down for a look, but the storm buffets him. He and his toys tumble out of his sleigh.

Santa is rescued from the ocean and the ship's captain reacts with considerable aplomb when he sees who their visitor is. The crew then gathers up the toys from about the ship and put them under a tarp to protect them from the elements.

They do all this just because they want to help, but Santa will not let them go unrewarded. He promises them a gift. And that gift is quick in coming as the weather clears and suddenly getting home for Christmas is certain.

And, well, that's it. It's a very simple, straightforward 8-pager. But it's a fun 8-pager. Jameson's art gives it just the right look and sometimes a simple fable about assisting others and showing generosity can be more effective that an 800-page book.

Read it yourself online HERE.