Sam Bellammy reluctantly opened his eyes and yawned. As the train wound its way out of the cliffs and directed itself toward the small platform across Bailey's Bay he stretched, and for the hundredth time, wished he hadn't celebrated so merrily with the boys that afternoon. Sam got to his feet, stretching his stiff legs, and decided that he had just enough time to exchange a quick greeting with his friend Jim, the conductor. "Hello Jim,'' he called cheerily, leaving the packages on the seat and approaching his old friend. "How's the wife and kids?'' "Good thanks,'' answered Jim, "and how's Myra?'' "Busy getting ready for Christmas,'' replied Sam. The train lurched to an abrupt stop, and as Sam got off, he thought of how delighted Myra would be with the dress he had bought her. Among the other packages was Miss Catherine's ball gown made by an exclusive London designer. She was sixteen, and nothing mattered more to the little Miss than going to the annual Regimental Ball held at the Army Headquarters in prospect. Catherine had been in a flurry of excitement for weeks since the invitation had arrived. Ah, time flies thought Sam, strolling down Trinity Church Road towards the gracious Outerbridge Estate where he had worked for many years. Sam proudly looked down at his shiny silver pocket watch that the Outerbridges had presented him for twenty-five years of faithful service. He tucked the bag containing the boxes more securely under his arm and headed towards the main entrance of the house to give Miss Catherine the expected ball gown. "Sam, Sam! You're finally back,'' shouted Catherine rushing down the cedar staircase, her chestnut curls flying and almost knocking over a priceless family heirloom on the way. "I can hardly wait to see it,'' she said exuberantly, digging through the bag of packages as she searched for the Trimingham's box. "Sam, it's not here,'' said Catherine, throwing the packages out of the bag and onto the floor. "Are you sure you remembered to pick it up?'' "But of course I picked up the box,'' replied Sam, a worried look replacing his normally cheerful expression.

"Whatever is the matter?'' Mrs. Outerbridge stopped in astonishment, looking at her daughter who was crouched on the floor, scattering packages and bundles all about. "My dress isn't here,'' answered an exasperated Catherine. "Sam said he picked up the box at Trimingham's, but all the other packages are from Smith's and Ambards.'' "Now calm down dear and try to think clearly. Let me have a look.'' Mrs. Outerbridge began to look around, carefully checking the bag and all the boxes. "I'm afraid it's not here,'' she said, turning to a very worried and upset Sam. "I know you must have picked it up Sam, but did you leave it anywhere?'' "I'm trying to think where it could be. I traveled home on the train, but before I got off, I gathered everything up.'' At this moment, Miss Catherine burst into tears. "My beautiful ball gown,'' she sobbed, burying her face in her hands. "I won't be able to go to the ball and all of my friends are going!'' "Now calm down,'' said Mrs. Outerbridge.

"tears will solve nothing. Sam, I think you'd better go and have a look on the train. It's awfully crowded at this time of year.'' "Yes madam,'' said Sam sadly. "I'll go down to the station and catch the train on its way back from St. George's.'' So off went Sam, feeling terrible. He didn't see Myra and didn't feel like disturbing her with the bad news, or brooding over how stupid he had been. Miss Catherine was terribly upset. This ball meant so much to her and Sam felt like he had ruined everything. Catching sight of Jim learning out the back carriage, Sam ran towards him before the train could leave the platform. "Jim, Jim!'' he yelled loudly above the noise. "I need your help for a minute!'' "What's the matter mate?'' shouted the lively conductor.

"I've lost a box,'' said Sam anxiously. "A Trimingham's box with Miss Catherine's ball gown inside. If I don't find it, I'm sure to ruin everybody's Christmas.'' "Well, you did come and speak to me for a few minutes,'' said Jim deep in thought. "Did you leave the bag on the seat?'' "Yes,'' replied Sam beginning to realise what could have happened. "You never know at Christmas, with so many people travelling on the train. Let's go through the carriage and take a look.'' Sam and Jim searched under the seats and checked the overhead compartments. It was no use. The Trimingham's box had simply disappeared. "Come to think of it Sam, I saw only one passenger with a box that fits your description. A pretty young girl got off at this stop about the same time you did. I think she's a maid with the Tucker's on Wilkinson Avenue.'' "Well thanks Jim,'' said Sam, feeling even worse than he had before. Watching the train pull away from the pavement and waving to Jim who wished him well, Sam decided that the only thing to do was to cross his fingers and pay a visit to the Tucker estate. Looking down at the silver pocket watch, Sam wondered if this would be his last Christmas with the Outerbridges. Small cottages dotted the grounds of the Tucker estate. Sam knocked loudly on the heavy wooden door at the front entrance of the main house and waited, feeling a little nervous. The door swung open and a plump maid appeared, looking hot and bothered. "Good evening,'' she said, looking at Sam with interest. "How may I help you?'' "Good evening,'' replied Sam.

"I need your help with a very important matter. It's difficult to explain, but I've lost a Trimingham's box. I believe a young girl who works on the estate left the train an hour ago. She was described as being pretty and slim.

Does anyone who looks like that live here?'' "Oh that's jasmine who lives in the cottage by the horse stables. Jasmine came to us just last year and lives with her Grandmother.'' "Thank heavens I've found her,'' sighed Sam with relief. Sam walked through the garden approaching the cottage that he had seen over the wall earlier. It looked tiny. The groom probably lived in better quarters than this, he thought, as he knocked on the door and fervently prayed that she would answer, give him the box containing this the dress, and end this unpleasant episode. "Good evening,'' said a soft voice. A girl stood in front of Sam. Her attractive face framed with short dark hair Sam by surprise.

Sam explained about the missing box. "The conductor saw you get off with a Trimingham's box in your hands.'' "Oh that's Granny's present,'' whispered Jasmine. "We have to speak quietly or we'll wake her up.'' "May I come in,'' said Sam deciding that he had to be forceful. "This is very important. Miss Catherine's ball gown from London for the Regimental Ball is in that box, and I must find it.'' "I'm sorry sir,'' replied Jasmine, reluctantly letting him inside the tiny cottage which looked clean and tidy inside, "but I really don't know what you're talking about. That was Granny's present I had in my hands.'' Sam began to feel irritated with this silly girl. "May I see it please?'' he demanded. "But it's Granny's present!'' Sam saw tears begin to form at the corners of her eyes and trickle down her cheeks. "This is very rude sir. I'm no thief!'' Jasmine went into the dark kitchen and came back with a Trimingham's box. "I bought Granny's gift at Ambards,'' she said opening the box. "I found the box and put her gift inside to make it look better. She loves things from Trimingham's.'' Sure enough, a pink flannel nightgown lay folded beneath the tissue paper. Sam felt dreadful. "I'm very, very sorry,'' he said regretfully. "I didn't mean to intrude and to accuse you of stealing the box. If I don't find it though, I'll ruin everybody's Christmas.'' "Who's there? Who is it?'' called a shrill, high-pitched voice from the next room. "That's Granny,'' said Jasmine worriedly, "she has a bad cold. Granny I'm coming,'' she called loudly. "I'm from the parish,'' said Sam trying to cover up his visit. "It's about the Christmas hampers.'' "You'd better go.'' Jasmine led him quickly out of the cottage and shut the door before he had a chance to apologise properly. What a terribly mix-up, thought Sam. I upset and embarrassed that poor girl and made myself look like a mean, nasty old man. How could he ever make it up to her? What a mess I've made of things, thought Sam as he opened the door of his home. He could hear Myra in the kitchen banging pots and chopping up vegetables, but he was oblivious to the tantalising smells drifting out of the kitchen. "Sam is that you? called Myra, briskly entering the room with a cup in her hands. "I made you some of my lemon grass tea. Good heavens Sam, what's happened?'' Myra stopped in amazement and stared at the unhappy expression on her husband's face. "Why don't you sit down and tell me what this is all about.'' Sam recounted the afternoon events to his sympathetic wife. When he got to the situation involving Jasmine he stopped, not wanting to tell kindhearted Myra how he had upset the poor girl. "Oh dear, oh dear, how on earth did you manage to do that in one afternoon?'' asked Myra after Sam had told her everything. "But it's no use sitting here and crying over spilled milk. The first thing we've got to do is find that dress. Where did you go directly after picking up the box and the other shopping?'' "Ah, let me see,'' said Sam. "I picked up the packages, then I went to Smith's and Ambards, and later I met the boys in The Green Shutters.'' "That's it!'' exclaimed Myra. "Are you sure the train and The Green Shutters were the only places where you sat down? Since you haven't found it on the train, the bar is the next place to check. It's still open. You could go back and have a look.'' "Myra, what would I ever do without you?'' asked Sam jumping to his feet and giving her a big kiss. "I'd better get a move on. The last train leaves in fifteen minutes!'' So off he went huffing and puffing as he ran down Trinity Church Road towards the station. Sam was just in time for the train, and as he sat rocking to and fro in the bumpy carriage, recalled how he had checked to see that the packages were in the bag before having a drink at The Green Shutters.

Perhaps the Trimingham box had fallen out of the bag when he got up to leave.

Front Street was extremely busy. Sam had to push his way off the carriage and was almost swept along in the frenzy of Christmas shoppers. Rounding the corner, Sam heard the familiar shouts of laughter and loud voices coming from The Green Shutters. He pushed open the swinging doors and caught a glimpse of Charlie at the bar. "Hello Charlie.'' He approached the bar. "I'm in a fix.

When I left here this afternoon I think I might have dropped a Trimingham's box. It's very important. You see the dress in the box belonged to Miss Catherine who hopes to wear it to the Regimental Ball tomorrow night.'' "Hey Will,'' shouted Charlie to a youth wiping the tables. "Did you see a fancy Trimingham's box under one of the seats?'' Sam held his breath and felt his heart thumping while he waited for Will's reply. "Yes I did,'' exclaimed the boy. "I gave it to Mistress Wilson who said she would look after it.'' "Where can I find Mistress Wilson?'' asked Sam. "She's upstairs,'' replied Will. "I'll go and get her.'' A few minutes later Mistress Wilson came down the stairs clutching something under her arm. Sam released an enormous sigh of relief when he saw the Trimingham's box. "Hello Sam,'' said the bustling Mistress Wilson. "Who's this box for? I don't see any name on it.'' The Sam suddenly remembered the delivery slip he had stuck in his pocket after picking up the box. Giving it to Mistress Wilson, Sam watched as she carefully perused the slip of paper and eventually handed the box over to Sam with the words, "Make sure you get that box safely to Miss Outerbridge and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family.'' "And to you!'' answered Sam wishing the Sam to Charlie as he tipped young Will for his observance and honesty. Sam left the bar and walked towards the train station glimpsing at his silver watch and feeling a good deal happier than he had a few hours ago. When Sam returned home that evening, he delighted Myra with the good news. "Now you'd better go and give the dress to Miss Catherine,'' his wife announced as she scurried around, filling a hamper for Jasmine and her Grandmother. "In the big house, the servants were just finishing the decorations that lit up the house with the spirit of Christmas. "Good evening everyone,'' called Sam.

"Oh, Sam you're finally back!'' exclaimed Mrs. Outerbridge rising gracefully A Box of Surprises "Yes madam,'' he replied smiling broadly. "I'm sure Miss Catherine will feel much happier now.'' "She most certainly will,'' replied the very relieved mistress of the house. Sam heard a shout of surprise and the clattering of Miss Catherine's shoes as she ran downstairs. "Oh Sam how can I ever thank you! My dress!'' she cried grabbing the box and throwing her arms around his neck. "Shall I go upstairs and try it on?'' "Catherine calm down and remember your manners. All this fuss over the ball is wearing out my nerves,'' said Mrs. Outerbridge putting her hand to her forehead. Catherine's cheeks were flushed with excitement. Sam could see that she could hardly wait to try on the gown and twirl around in the dances that she had been practising for weeks. And then, very unexpectedly, Catherine asked "Where did you find it Sam? Was it on the train after all?'' "Well, no,'' replied Sam trying to decide where to begin the whole complicated story. He could see the sympathy in their eyes as he told the two women about Jasmine and her grandmother living alone in the cramped cottage, and the false accusations he had made. He told them how Myra had filled a Christmas hamper for Jasmine. "How kind Sam,'' said Mrs. Outerbridge and her daughter admiringly. Sam took his leave of the big house and rushed back home feeling quite worn out after the day's happenings. Quickly harnessing the pony trap, Sam and Myra climbed up and made their way to Jasmine's cottage to deliver the Christmas hamper. Jasmine answered the door, looking very surprised to see who it was. Myra quickly took command of the situation. "You do realise Jasmine,'' said the apologetic Myra, "that Sam just made a silly mistake.'' Sam stood uncomfortably in the background, but then Jasmine smiled and invited them in.'' "Who's there?'' called the old lady as she hobbled into the tiny sitting room. "Oh don't you remember the people from the parish, grandma?'' asked Jasmine. "This is Mr.

and Mrs. Bellammy. Look what they've brought us. A lovely Christmas hamper!'' "I hope you will give us the pleasure of accepting this gift,'' said Myra.

The old lady's face lit up with delight as she asked them to sit down. "It would give us even greater pleasure if you would join us for Christmas dinner,'' invited Myra. The sun shone brightly on Christmas morning, and continued on into the afternoon. Sam inhaled the delicious aroma of Myra's cooking with relish. He proudly put on the new skirt that his wife had given him that morning. "Merry Christmas Mr. Bellammy,'' said Jasmine and her grandmother excitedly as they climbed into the pony trap. "Merry Christmas,'' he answered. They both chattered to Sam throughout the ride home. Jasmine's eyes were now alive and sparkling and the bright red dress which she had found in the hamper made a remarkable difference. "Myra, we're home,'' called Sam leading the guests into the living room. "Merry Christmas,'' exclaimed Myra, entering the room with a checkered apron around her waist. "Come and sit at the table. Everything's ready to be served. "We had a problem with the pump this morning,'' she said dishing up the cassava pie and boiled vegetables, "so I've got my nephew Joseph coming this afternoon to fix it.'' "What?'' asked Sam. "I didn't know we...'' his voice faded away as he caught Myra's look. She must be planning something. "Ah, yes,'' said Mrs. Hayward. "Pumps can be such a dreadful nuisance. I remember when I was a young woman in St.

David's. I had to learn how to fix it myself since James wasn't always around to do these things.'' Suddenly a knock sounded at the door and a handsome face appeared at the window. "Merry Christmas everyone!'' shouted a young man.

"Joseph!'' shouted Myra. "You really know how to make an entrance. Come in boy!'' She threw her arms around her nephew and led him into the room. "The pump was making an awful noise this morning so I thought you should check it.

But first, come and meet our friends, the Haywards.'' "Pleased to meet you,'' said Joseph smiling broadly. "Why don't you sit down and have some dinner with us Joseph,'' said Myra who was already setting a place at the table.

Joseph sat down and Myra piled his plate with food. "What's your name?'' he asked turning to Jasmine who was already blushing.'' "Jasmine,'' she said looking up into his handsome face. "I'm pleased to meet you. Are you a plumber?'' "Well no Jasmine,'' laughed Joseph. "I've never fixed a pump before, but one thing I love to do is to garden.'' "So do I,'' cried Jasmine happily. "I love to grow flowers and herbs!'' Jasmine's grandmother and the Bellammy's smiled knowingly as they watched the two animated young people.

After Myra's rich Christmas pudding, everyone took tea in the living room. "I don't know how I can thank you,'' said Mrs. Hayward as she watched Jasmine and Joseph admire Myra's garden together. "You've made it a very special Christmas for myself and Jasmine. We will never forget your hospitality and kindness.'' "Sam and I will never forget how you made this Christmas even happier by sharing it with us,'' replied Myra warmly. "It was the least we could do. Mrs. Hayward, I hope you won't think that I'm being nosy,'' she added, "but Jasmine mentioned that you would soon have to leave the Tuckers.

Mrs. Outerbridge from the big house told Sam that she would be very pleased to interview Jasmine.'' Mrs. Hayward looked stunned. "That would be a blessing,'' she said in a hushed voice. "Jasmine would be so happy. Myra, you've made this more than a special Christmas. It's like a blessing from God.'' Sam watched as she wiped her eyes and turned to look out of the window, hearing the sound of laughter and watching the young man and woman walk across the lawn. Indeed, thought Sam, putting his arm around his wife, mislaying Miss Catherine's box was one of the best things that I ever did. He looked down at his silver pocket watch. This would be the beginning of many more wonderful Christmases to come. "And so you see,'' said my grandmother as she finished up the story, "Sam mislaying the box led to a series of very happy events. I went to the ball that night in my new dress and had a wonderful time and that's where I met your grandfather. Jasmine joined our household and I was able to make a friend for life. Eventually, she married Joseph, and together they had a gorgeous little son who is now our family doctor. I learned from Sam's mistake that Christmas,'' she continued, "that ball gowns and exclusive parties only bring short term happiness, and being able to bring a smile to the face of an unhappy person or to share what you have with another, is much more meaningful. When you do that my dear,'' she said gathering me lovingly in her arms, "you make others very happy as you share the true spirit of Christmas.'' PHOTO Eloisa Mayers