In Austria, also, and in many parts of Southern Germany, St. Nicholas Eve is made memorable in every nursery by a visit from the saint. A well grown boy with a quick and clever mind and some knowledge of church doctrine, is chosen to play the part of Santa Klaus. He is masked in long white vestments. A silk scarf is wound around his neck, a mitre crowns his head, a crozier is put in his hand. He is attended by two angels and a whole troop of devils. The angels are dressed much like the choir boys you have seen in Catholic and Episcopalian churches, save that they also wear silken scarfs around their necks. Each carries a basket. The devils blacken their faces, put horns upon their heads and decorate their faces with pig’s snouts or any other grotesque device that may suggest itself to their fancy. All are girt with chains, which they shake or rattle furiously. Boy-like, it is thought much better fun to play devil than angel, and any boy who can lay his hands upon a suitable costume is at liberty to join the infernal train. Late in the afternoon of December 5th the Boy-bishop and his attendants begin their round of visits. It is the season for young folks’ parties, and all the children of the village who are not masquerading as bishop or angel or imp have gathered together in a few of the principal houses. At each Saint Nicholas calls in its due turn. He enters with the two angels, leaving the demons outside to indulge in any pranks they will. [Illustration: No, I don’t believe in you any more, but you may leave the things. Drawing by J. R. Shaver. Copyright 1908 by Life Publishing Co.] A great hush falls upon the assembled children as the Saint advances into the room. One by one he calls them up to examine them. Simple questions suited to their various ages are put to them by the bishop, after which each has to repeat a hymn or a prayer. All this part of the evening’s business is carried on with the greatest seriousness and decorum on the part of children and grown-ups alike. If the child passes a satisfactory examination the angels present it with nuts and apples--if not it has to stand aside. When the last of the examinations is over, the devils are admitted into the room. They are not allowed to come near the good children, but they may tease and frighten the naughty little boys and girls as much as they choose. They delight in strange dances, and in all sorts of odd antics, such as smearing the girls’ faces with lamp-black, or putting coal dust and ashes down the backs of the boys. When Saint Nicholas has left, the children return to their own homes. Before going to bed they hang up their stockings by the chimney or, more likely, place their little boots and shoes close to the hearth, expecting to find them filled with gifts in the morning.