It was the night before Christmas. I had come down the chimney with 1 to give, and to see who lived in this home. I looked about and saw a(n) 2 sight — no presents, nor even a tree. No stockings by the mantel ( 壁炉架 ) , 3 boots covered with sand. On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands, with medals and 4 of all kinds. A sobering ( 令人警醒的 ) thought 5 to me. This house was 6 — I found the home of a soldier. The soldier lay sleeping alone and curled up ( 蜷缩 ) on the floor in this one-bedroom home. The face was gentle, the room in such a terrible condition, not what I 7 a United States soldier was. Was this the hero about 8 I’d just read, curled up on the floor for his bed? I realized the families that I saw this night owed their lives to these soldiers who were 9 to fight. Soon round the world, the children would play, and grown-ups would 10 bright Christmas Day. 11 the soldiers, like the one lying here, they all enjoyed freedom each month of the year. I couldn’t help 12 how many soldiers lay alone on Christmas Eve in a land so far from home. The very thought brought 13 to my eyes. I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The soldier 14 and I heard a rough voice, “ Santa, don’t cry. This life is my 15 I fight for freedom and don’t ask for more. ” The soldier 16 over and went on sleeping, while I couldn’t 17 it and continued to weep. I kept 18 for hours, so silent and still. Then the soldier rolled over, in a soft and pure voice, saying, “ 19 , Santa. It’s Christmas Day; all is secure. ” One look 20 my watch and I knew he was right. “ Merry Christmas , my friend , and to all a good night. ”