"Deeraredeer，"saidhe，"andnothingbutdeer。Weretheyhorsesitwouldberighttoharnessthemlikehorses。Butnooneharnessesdeerbecausetheyarefree，wildcreatures，owingnoserviceofanysorttomankind。ItwoulddegrademydeertolaborforClaus，whoisonlyamaninspiteofthefriendshiplavishedonhimbytheimmortals。"
"Youhaveheard，"saidthePrincetoAk。"ThereistruthinwhatWillsays。"
"CallGlossieandFlossie，"returnedtheMaster。
ThedeerwerebroughttotheconferenceandAkaskedthemiftheyobjectedtodrawingthesledgeforClaus。
"No，indeed!"repliedGlossie；"weenjoyedthetripverymuch。"
"Andwetriedtogethomebydaybreak，"addedFlossie，"butwereunfortunatelyaminutetoolate。"
"Aminutelostatdaybreakdoesn’tmatter，"saidAk。"Youareforgivenforthatdelay。"
"Provideditdoesnothappenagain，"saidthePrinceoftheKnooks，sternly。
"Andwillyoupermitthemtomakeanotherjourneywithme？"askedClaus，eagerly。
ThePrincereflectedwhilehegazedatWill，whowasscowling，andattheMasterWoodsman，whowassmiling。
Thenhestoodupandaddressedthecompanyasfollows：
"SinceyouallurgemetograntthefavorIwillpermitthedeertogowithClausonceeveryyear，onChristmasEve，providedtheyalwaysreturntotheForestbydaybreak。Hemayselectanynumberhepleases，uptoten，todrawhissledge，andthoseshallbeknownamongusasReindeer，todistinguishthemfromtheothers。AndtheyshallbatheinthePoolofNares，andeatthecasaandgrawleandmarbonplantsandshallbeundertheespecialprotectionoftheFairyQueen。
Andnowceasescowling，WillKnook，formywordsshallbeobeyed!"
Hehobbledquicklyawaythroughthetrees，toavoidthethanksofClausandtheapprovaloftheotherimmortals，andWill，lookingascrossasever，followedhim。
ButAkwassatisfied，knowingthathecouldrelyonthepromiseofthePrince，howevergrudginglygiven；andGlossieandFlossieranhome，kickinguptheirheelsdelightedlyateverystep。
"WhenisChristmasEve？"ClausaskedtheMaster。
"Inabouttendays，"hereplied。
"ThenIcannotusethedeerthisyear，"saidClaus，thoughtfully，"forIshallnothavetimeenoughtomakemysackfuloftoys。"
"TheshrewdPrinceforesawthat，"respondedAk，"andthereforenamedChristmasEveasthedayyoumightusethedeer，knowingitwouldcauseyoutoloseanentireyear。"
"IfIonlyhadthetoystheAwgwasstolefromme，"saidClaus，sadly，"Icouldeasilyfillmysackforthechildren。"
"Wherearethey？"askedtheMaster。
"Idonotknow，"repliedClaus，"butthewickedAwgwasprobablyhidtheminthemountains。"
AkturnedtotheFairyQueen。
"Canyoufindthem？"heasked。
"Iwilltry，"shereplied，brightly。
ThenClauswentbacktotheLaughingValley，toworkashardashecould，andabandofFairiesimmediatelyflewtothemountainthathadbeenhauntedbytheAwgwasandbeganasearchforthestolentoys。
TheFairies，aswewellknow，possesswonderfulpowers；butthecunningAwgwashadhiddenthetoysinadeepcaveandcoveredtheopeningwithrocks，sonoonecouldlookin。Thereforeallsearchforthemissingplaythingsprovedinvainforseveraldays，andClaus，whosatathomewaitingfornewsfromtheFairies，almostdespairedofgettingthetoysbeforeChristmasEve。
Heworkedhardeverymoment，butittookconsiderabletimetocarveoutandtoshapeeachtoyandtopaintitproperly，sothatonthemorningbeforeChristmasEveonlyhalfofonesmallshelfabovethewindowwasfilledwithplaythingsreadyforthechildren。
ButonthismorningtheFairieswhoweresearchinginthemountainshadanewthought。Theyjoinedhandsandmovedinastraightlinethroughtherocksthatformedthemountain，beginningatthetopmostpeakandworkingdownward，sothatnospotcouldbemissedbytheirbrighteyes。AndatlasttheydiscoveredthecavewherethetoyshadbeenheapedupbythewickedAwgwas。
Itdidnottakethemlongtoburstopenthemouthofthecave，andtheneachoneseizedasmanytoysashecouldcarryandtheyallflewtoClausandlaidthetreasurebeforehim。
Thegoodmanwasrejoicedtoreceive，justinthenickoftime，suchastoreofplaythingswithwhichtoloadhissledge，andhesentwordtoGlossieandFlossietobereadyforthejourneyatnightfall。
Withallhisotherlaborshehadmanagedtofindtime，sincethelasttrip，torepairtheharnessandtostrengthenhissledge，sothatwhenthedeercametohimattwilighthehadnodifficultyinharnessingthem。
"Wemustgoinanotherdirectionto—night，"hetoldthem，"whereweshallfindchildrenIhaveneveryetvisited。Andwemusttravelfastandworkquickly，formysackisfulloftoysandrunningoverthebrim!"
So，justasthemoonarose，theydashedoutoftheLaughingValleyandacrosstheplainandoverthehillstothesouth。Theairwassharpandfrostyandthestarlighttouchedthesnowflakesandmadethemglitterlikecountlessdiamonds。Thereindeerleapedonwardwithstrong，steadybounds，andClaus’heartwassolightandmerrythathelaughedandsangwhilethewindwhistledpasthisears：
"Withaho，ho，ho!
Andaha，ha，ha!
Andaho，ho!ha，ha，hee!
NowawaywegoO’erthefrozensnow，Asmerryaswecanbe!"
JackFrostheardhimandcameracingupwithhisnippers，butwhenhesawitwasClaushelaughedandturnedawayagain。
Themotherowlsheardhimashepassednearawoodandstucktheirheadsoutofthehollowplacesinthetree—trunks；butwhentheysawwhoitwastheywhisperedtotheowletsnestlingnearthemthatitwasonlySantaClauscarryingtoystothechildren。Itisstrangehowmuchthosemotherowlsknow。
Clausstoppedatsomeofthescatteredfarmhousesandclimbeddownthechimneystoleavepresentsforthebabies。Soonafterhereachedavillageandworkedmerrilyforanhourdistributingplaythingsamongthesleepinglittleones。Thenawayagainhewent，signinghisjoyouscarol：
"NowawaywegoO’erthegleamingsnow，Whilethedeerrunswiftandfree!
FortogirlsandboysWecarrythetoysThatwillfilltheirheartswithglee!"
Thedeerlikedthesoundofhisdeepbassvoiceandkepttimetothesongwiththeirhoofbeatsonthehardsnow；butsoontheystoppedatanotherchimneyandSantaClaus，withsparklingeyesandfacebrushedredbythewind，climbeddownitssmokysidesandleftapresentforeverychildthehousecontained。
Itwasamerry，happynight。Swiftlythedeerran，andbusilytheirdriverworkedtoscatterhisgiftsamongthesleepingchildren。
Butthesackwasemptyatlast，andthesledgeheadedhomeward；andnowagaintheracewithdaybreakbegan。GlossieandFlossiehadnomindtoberebukedasecondtimefortardiness，sotheyfledwithaswiftnessthatenabledthemtopassthegaleonwhichtheFrostKingrode，andsoonbroughtthemtotheLaughingValley。
ItistruewhenClausreleasedhissteedsfromtheirharnesstheeasternskywasstreakedwithgray，butGlossieandFlossieweredeepintheForestbeforedayfairlybroke。
Clauswassoweariedwithhisnight’sworkthathethrewhimselfuponhisbedandfellintoadeepslumber，andwhileheslepttheChristmassunappearedintheskyandshoneuponhundredsofhappyhomeswherethesoundofchildishlaughterproclaimedthatSantaClaushadmadethemavisit。
Godblesshim!ItwashisfirstChristmasEve，andforhundredsofyearssincethenhehasnoblyfulfilledhismissiontobringhappinesstotheheartsoflittlechildren。
11。HowtheFirstStockingsWereHungbytheChimneysWhenyourememberthatnochild，untilSantaClausbeganhistravels，hadeverknownthepleasureofpossessingatoy，youwillunderstandhowjoycreptintothehomesofthosewhohadbeenfavoredwithavisitfromthegoodman，andhowtheytalkedofhimdaybydayinlovingtonesandwerehonestlygratefulforhiskindlydeeds。Itistruethatgreatwarriorsandmightykingsandcleverscholarsofthatdaywereoftenspokenofbythepeople；butnooneofthemwassogreatlybelovedasSantaClaus，becausenoneotherwassounselfishastodevotehimselftomakingothershappy。Foragenerousdeedliveslongerthanagreatbattleoraking’sdecreeofascholar’sessay，becauseitspreadsandleavesitsmarkonallnatureandenduresthroughmanygenerations。
ThebargainmadewiththeKnookPrincechangedtheplansofClausforallfuturetime；for，beingabletousethereindeeronbutonenightofeachyear，hedecidedtodevotealltheotherdaystothemanufactureofplaythings，andonChristmasEvetocarrythemtothechildrenoftheworld。
Butayear’sworkwould，heknew，resultinavastaccumulationoftoys，soheresolvedtobuildanewsledgethatwouldbelargerandstrongerandbetter—fittedforswifttravelthantheoldandclumsyone。
HisfirstactwastovisittheGnomeKing，withwhomhemadeabargaintoexchangethreedrums，atrumpetandtwodollsforapairoffinesteelrunners，curledbeautifullyattheends。FortheGnomeKinghadchildrenofhisown，who，livinginthehollowsundertheearth，inminesandcaverns，neededsomethingtoamusethem。
Inthreedaysthesteelrunnerswereready，andwhenClausbroughttheplaythingstotheGnomeKing，hisMajestywassogreatlypleasedwiththemthathepresentedClauswithastringofsweet—tonedsleigh—bells，inadditiontotherunners。
"ThesewillpleaseGlossieandFlossie，"saidClaus，ashejingledthebellsandlistenedtotheirmerrysound。"ButIshouldhavetwostringsofbells，oneforeachdeer。"
"Bringmeanothertrumpetandatoycat，"repliedtheKing，"andyoushallhaveasecondstringofbellslikethefirst。"
"Itisabargain!"criedClaus，andhewenthomeagainforthetoys。
Thenewsledgewascarefullybuilt，theKnooksbringingplentyofstrongbutthinboardstouseinitsconstruction。Clausmadeahigh，roundingdash—boardtokeepoffthesnowcastbehindbythefleethoofsofthedeer；andhemadehighsidestotheplatformsothatmanytoyscouldbecarried，andfinallyhemountedthesledgeupontheslendersteelrunnersmadebytheGnomeKing。
Itwascertainlyahandsomesledge，andbigandroomy。Clauspainteditinbrightcolors，althoughnoonewaslikelytoseeitduringhismidnightjourneys，andwhenallwasfinishedhesentforGlossieandFlossietocomeandlookatit。
Thedeeradmiredthesledge，butgravelydeclareditwastoobigandheavyforthemtodraw。
"Wemightpullitoverthesnow，tobesure，"saidGlossie；"butwewouldnotpullitfastenoughtoenableustovisitthefar—awaycitiesandvillagesandreturntotheForestbydaybreak。"
"ThenImustaddtwomoredeertomyteam，"declaredClaus，afteramoment’sthought。
"TheKnookPrinceallowedyouasmanyasten。Whynotusethemall？"
askedFlossie。"Thenwecouldspeedlikethelightningandleaptothehighestroofswithease。"
"Ateamoftenreindeer!"criedClaus，delightedly。"Thatwillbesplendid。PleasereturntotheForestatonceandselecteightotherdeeraslikeyourselvesaspossible。Andyoumustalleatofthecasaplant，tobecomestrong，andofthegrawleplant，tobecomefleetoffoot，andofthemarbonplant，thatyoumaylivelongtoaccompanymeonmyjourneys。LikewiseitwillbewellforyoutobatheinthePoolofNares，whichthelovelyQueenZurlinedeclareswillrenderyourarelybeautiful。ShouldyouperformthesedutiesfaithfullythereisnodoubtthatonnextChristmasEvemytenreindeerwillbethemostpowerfulandbeautifulsteedstheworldhaseverseen!"
SoGlossieandFlossiewenttotheForesttochoosetheirmates，andClausbegantoconsiderthequestionofaharnessforthemall。
IntheendhecalleduponPeterKnookforassistance，forPeter’sheartisaskindashisbodyiscrooked，andheisremarkablyshrewd，aswell。AndPeteragreedtofurnishstripsoftoughleatherfortheharness。
Thisleatherwascutfromtheskinsoflionsthathadreachedsuchanadvancedagethattheydiednaturally，andononesidewastawnyhairwhiletheothersidewascuredtothesoftnessofvelvetbythedeftKnooks。WhenClausreceivedthesestripsofleatherhesewedthemneatlyintoaharnessforthetenreindeer，anditprovedstrongandserviceableandlastedhimformanyyears。
Theharnessandsledgewerepreparedatoddtimes，forClausdevotedmostofhisdaystothemakingoftoys。Thesewerenowmuchbetterthanthefirstoneshadbeen，fortheimmortalsoftencametohishousetowatchhimworkandtooffersuggestions。ItwasNecile’sideatomakesomeofthedollssay"papa"and"mama。"ItwasathoughtoftheKnookstoputasqueakinsidethelambs，sothatwhenachildsqueezedthemtheywouldsay"baa—a—a—a!"AndtheFairyQueenadvisedClaustoputwhistlesinthebirds，sotheycouldbemadetosing，andwheelsonthehorses，sochildrencoulddrawthemaround。
ManyanimalsperishedintheForest，fromonecauseoranother，andtheirfurwasbroughttoClausthathemightcoverwithitthesmallimagesofbeastshemadeforplaythings。AmerryRylsuggestedthatClausmakeadonkeywithanoddinghead，whichhedid，andafterwardfoundthatitamusedthelittleonesimmensely。Andsothetoysgrewinbeautyandattractivenesseveryday，untiltheywerethewonderofeventheimmortals。
WhenanotherChristmasEvedrewneartherewasamonsterloadofbeautifulgiftsforthechildrenreadytobeloadeduponthebigsledge。Clausfilledthreesackstothebrim，andtuckedeverycornerofthesledge—boxfulloftoysbesides。
Then，attwilight，thetenreindeerappearedandFlossieintroducedthemalltoClaus。TheywereRacerandPacer，RecklessandSpeckless，FearlessandPeerless，andReadyandSteady，who，withGlossieandFlossie，madeupthetenwhohavetraversedtheworldthesehundredsofyearswiththeirgenerousmaster。Theywereallexceedinglybeautiful，withslenderlimbs，spreadingantlers，velvetydarkeyesandsmoothcoatsoffawncolorspottedwithwhite。
Clauslovedthematonce，andhaslovedthemeversince，fortheyareloyalfriendsandhaverenderedhimpricelessservice。
Thenewharnessfittedthemnicelyandsoontheywereallfastenedtothesledgebytwos，withGlossieandFlossieinthelead。Theseworethestringsofsleigh—bells，andweresodelightedwiththemusictheymadethattheykeptprancingupanddowntomakethebellsring。
Clausnowseatedhimselfinthesledge，drewawarmrobeoverhiskneesandhisfurcapoverhisears，andcrackedhislongwhipasasignaltostart。
Instantlythetenleapedforwardandwereawaylikethewind，whilejollyClauslaughedgleefullytoseethemrunandshoutedasonginhisbig，heartyvoice：
"Withaho，ho，ho!
Andaha，ha，ha!
Andaho，ho，ha，ha，hee!
NowawaywegoO’erthefrozensnow，Asmerryaswecanbe!
TherearemanyjoysInourloadoftoys，Asmanyachildwillknow；
We’llscatterthemwideOnourwildnightrideO’erthecrispandsparklingsnow!"
NowitwasonthissameChristmasEvethatlittleMargotandherbrotherDickandhercousinsNedandSara，whowerevisitingatMargot’shouse，cameinfrommakingasnowman，withtheirclothesdamp，theirmittensdrippingandtheirshoesandstockingswetthroughandthrough。Theywerenotscolded，forMargot’smotherknewthesnowwasmelting，buttheyweresentearlytobedthattheirclothesmightbehungoverchairstodry。Theshoeswereplacedontheredtilesofthehearth，wheretheheatfromthehotemberswouldstrikethem，andthestockingswerecarefullyhunginarowbythechimney，directlyoverthefireplace。ThatwasthereasonSantaClausnoticedthemwhenhecamedownthechimneythatnightandallthehouseholdwerefastasleep。Hewasinatremendoushurryandseeingthestockingsallbelongedtochildrenhequicklystuffedhistoysintothemanddashedupthechimneyagain，appearingontheroofsosuddenlythatthereindeerwereastonishedathisagility。
"Iwishtheywouldallhanguptheirstockings，"hethought，ashedrovetothenextchimney。"ItwouldsavemealotoftimeandI
couldthenvisitmorechildrenbeforedaybreak。"
WhenMargotandDickandNedandSarajumpedoutofbednextmorningandrandownstairstogettheirstockingsfromthefireplacetheywerefilledwithdelighttofindthetoysfromSantaClausinsidethem。Inface，Ithinktheyfoundmorepresentsintheirstockingsthananyotherchildrenofthatcityhadreceived，forSantaClauswasinahurryanddidnotstoptocountthetoys。
Ofcoursetheytoldalltheirlittlefriendsaboutit，andofcourseeveryoneofthemdecidedtohanghisownstockingsbythefireplacethenextChristmasEve。EvenBessieBlithesome，whomadeavisittothatcitywithherfather，thegreatLordofLerd，heardthestoryfromthechildrenandhungherownprettystockingsbythechimneywhenshereturnedhomeatChristmastime。
OnhisnexttripSantaClausfoundsomanystockingshungupinanticipationofhisvisitthathecouldfilltheminajiffyandbeawayagaininhalfthetimerequiredtohuntthechildrenupandplacethetoysbytheirbedsides。
Thecustomgrewyearafteryear，andhasalwaysbeenagreathelptoSantaClaus。And，withsomanychildrentovisit，hesurelyneedsallthehelpweareabletogivehim。
12。TheFirstChristmasTreeClaushadalwayskepthispromisetotheKnooksbyreturningtotheLaughingValleybydaybreak，butonlytheswiftnessofhisreindeerhasenabledhimtodothis，forhetravelsoveralltheworld。
Helovedhisworkandhelovedthebrisknightrideonhissledgeandthegaytinkleofthesleigh—bells。OnthatfirsttripwiththetenreindeeronlyGlossieandFlossieworebells；buteachyearthereafterforeightyearsClauscarriedpresentstothechildrenoftheGnomeKing，andthatgood—naturedmonarchgavehiminreturnastringofbellsateachvisit，sothatfinallyeveryoneofthetendeerwassupplied，andyoumayimaginewhatamerrytunethebellsplayedasthesledgespedoverthesnow。
Thechildren’sstockingsweresolongthatitrequiredagreatmanytoystofillthem，andsoonClausfoundtherewereotherthingsbesidestoysthatchildrenlove。SohesentsomeoftheFairies，whowerealwayshisgoodfriends，intotheTropics，fromwhencetheyreturnedwithgreatbagsfulloforangesandbananaswhichtheyhadpluckedfromthetrees。AndotherFairiesflewtothewonderfulValleyofPhunnyland，wheredeliciouscandiesandbonbonsgrowthicklyonthebushes，andreturnedladenwithmanyboxesofsweetmeatsforthelittleones。ThesethingsSantaClaus，oneachChristmasEve，placedinthelongstockings，togetherwithhistoys，andthechildrenweregladtogetthem，youmaybesure。
Therearealsowarmcountrieswherethereisnosnowinwinter，butClausandhisreindeervisitedthemaswellasthecolderclimes，fortherewerelittlewheelsinsidetherunnersofhissledgewhichpermittedittorunassmoothlyoverbaregroundasonthesnow。AndthechildrenwholivedinthewarmcountrieslearnedtoknowthenameofSantaClausaswellasthosewholivednearertotheLaughingValley。
Once，justasthereindeerwerereadytostartontheiryearlytrip，aFairycametoClausandtoldhimofthreelittlechildrenwholivedbeneatharudetentofskinsonabroadplainwheretherewerenotreeswhatever。Thesepoorbabiesweremiserableandunhappy，fortheirparentswereignorantpeoplewhoneglectedthemsadly。Clausresolvedtovisitthesechildrenbeforehereturnedhome，andduringhisridehepickedupthebushytopofapinetreewhichthewindhadbrokenoffandplaceditinhissledge。
Itwasnearlymorningwhenthedeerstoppedbeforethelonelytentofskinswherethepoorchildrenlayasleep。Clausatonceplantedthebitofpinetreeinthesandandstuckmanycandlesonthebranches。
Thenhehungsomeofhisprettiesttoysonthetree，aswellasseveralbagsofcandies。Itdidnottakelongtodoallthis，forSantaClausworksquickly，andwhenallwasreadyhelightedthecandlesand，thrustinghisheadinattheopeningofthetent，heshouted：
"MerryChristmas，littleones!"
Withthatheleapedintohissledgeandwasoutofsightbeforethechildren，rubbingthesleepfromtheireyes，couldcomeouttoseewhohadcalledthem。
Youcanimaginethewonderandjoyofthoselittleones，whohadneverintheirlivesknownarealpleasurebefore，whentheysawthetree，sparklingwithlightsthatshonebrilliantinthegraydawnandhungwithtoysenoughtomakethemhappyforyearstocome!Theyjoinedhandsanddancedaroundthetree，shoutingandlaughing，untiltheywereobligedtopauseforbreath。Andtheirparents，also，cameouttolookandwonder，andthereafterhadmorerespectandconsiderationfortheirchildren，sinceSantaClaushadhonoredthemwithsuchbeautifulgifts。
TheideaoftheChristmastreepleasedClaus，andsothefollowingyearhecarriedmanyoftheminhissledgeandsetthemupinthehomesofpoorpeoplewhoseldomsawtrees，andplacedcandlesandtoysonthebranches。Ofcoursehecouldnotcarryenoughtreesinoneloadofallwhowantedthem，butinsomehomesthefatherswereabletogettreesandhavethemallreadyforSantaClauswhenhearrived；andthesethegoodClausalwaysdecoratedasprettilyaspossibleandhungwithtoysenoughforallthechildrenwhocametoseethetreelighted。
ThesenovelideasandthegenerousmannerinwhichtheywerecarriedoutmadethechildrenlongforthatonenightintheyearwhentheirfriendSantaClausshouldvisitthem，andassuchanticipationisverypleasantandcomfortingthelittleonesgleanedmuchhappinessbywonderingwhatwouldhappenwhenSantaClausnextarrived。
PerhapsyourememberthatsternBaronBraunwhooncedroveClausfromhiscastleandforbadehimtovisithischildren？Well，manyyearsafterward，whentheoldBaronwasdeadandhissonruledinhisplace，thenewBaronBrauncametothehouseofClauswithhistrainofknightsandpagesandhenchmenand，dismountingfromhischarger，baredhisheadhumblybeforethefriendofchildren。
"Myfatherdidnotknowyourgoodnessandworth，"hesaid，"andthereforethreatenedtohangyoufromthecastlewalls。ButIhavechildrenofmyown，wholongforavisitfromSantaClaus，andIhavecometobegthatyouwillfavorthemhereafterasyoudootherchildren。"
Clauswaspleasedwiththisspeech，forCastleBraunwastheonlyplacehehadnevervisited，andhegladlypromisedtobringpresentstotheBaron’schildrenthenextChristmasEve。
TheBaronwentawaycontented，andClauskepthispromisefaithfully。
Thusdidthisman，throughverygoodness，conquertheheartsofall；
anditisnowonderhewasevermerryandgay，fortherewasnohomeinthewideworldwherehewasnotwelcomedmoreroyallythananyking。
OLDAGE
1。TheMantleofImmortalityAndnowwecometoaturning—pointinthecareerofSantaClaus，anditismydutytorelatethemostremarkablethathashappenedsincetheworldbeganormankindwascreated。
WehavefollowedthelifeofClausfromthetimehewasfoundahelplessinfantbytheWood—NymphNecileandrearedtomanhoodinthegreatForestofBurzee。Andweknowhowhebegantomaketoysforchildrenandhow，withtheassistanceandgoodwilloftheimmortals，hewasabletodistributethemtothelittleonesthroughouttheworld。
Formanyyearshecarriedonthisnoblework；forthesimple，hard—workinglifeheledgavehimperfecthealthandstrength。
AnddoubtlessamancanlivelongerinthebeautifulLaughingValley，wheretherearenocaresandeverythingispeacefulandmerry，thaninanyotherpartoftheworld。
ButwhenmanyyearshadrolledawaySantaClausgrewold。Thelongbeardofgoldenbrownthatoncecoveredhischeeksandchingraduallybecamegray，andfinallyturnedtopurewhite。Hishairwaswhite，too，andtherewerewrinklesatthecornersofhiseyes，whichshowedplainlywhenhelaughed。Hehadneverbeenaverytallman，andnowhebecamefat，andwaddledverymuchlikeaduckwhenhewalked。Butinspiteofthesethingsheremainedaslivelyasever，andwasjustasjollyandgay，andhiskindeyessparkledasbrightlyastheydidthatfirstdaywhenhecametotheLaughingValley。
Yetatimeissuretocomewheneverymortalwhohasgrownoldandlivedhislifeisrequiredtoleavethisworldforanother；soitisnowonderthat，afterSantaClaushaddrivenhisreindeeronmanyandmanyaChristmasEve，thosestanchfriendsfinallywhisperedamongthemselvesthattheyhadprobablydrawnhissledgeforthelasttime。
ThenalltheForestofBurzeebecamesadandalltheLaughingValleywashushed；foreverylivingthingthathadknownClaushadusedtolovehimandtobrightenatthesoundofhisfootstepsorthenotesofhismerrywhistle。
Nodoubttheoldman’sstrengthwasatlastexhausted，forhemadenomoretoys，butlayonhisbedasinadream。
TheNymphNecile，shewhohadrearedhimandbeenhisfoster—mother，wasstillyouthfulandstrongandbeautiful，anditseemedtoherbutashorttimesincethisaged，gray—beardedmanhadlaininherarmsandsmiledonherwithhisinnocent，babylips。
Inthisisshownthedifferencebetweenmortalsandimmortals。
ItwasfortunatethatthegreatAkcametotheForestatthistime。
NecilesoughthimwithtroubledeyesandtoldhimofthefatethatthreatenedtheirfriendClaus。
AtoncetheMasterbecamegrave，andheleaneduponhisaxandstrokedhisgrizzledbeardthoughtfullyformanyminutes。Thensuddenlyhestoodupstraight，andpoisedhispowerfulheadwithfirmresolve，andstretchedouthisgreatrightarmasifdeterminedondoingsomemightydeed。ForathoughthadcometohimsograndinitsconceptionthatalltheworldmightwellbowbeforetheMasterWoodsmanandhonorhisnameforever!
ItiswellknownthatwhenthegreatAkonceundertakestodoathingheneverhesitatesaninstant。Nowhesummonedhisfleetestmessengers，andsenttheminaflashtomanypartsoftheearth。
AndwhentheyweregoneheturnedtotheanxiousNecileandcomfortedher，saying：
"Beofgoodheart，mychild；ourfriendstilllives。AndnowruntoyourQueenandtellherthatIhavesummonedacouncilofalltheimmortalsoftheworldtomeetwithmehereinBurzeethisnight。Iftheyobey，andharkenuntomywords，Clauswilldrivehisreindeerforcountlessagesyettocome。"
AtmidnighttherewasawondroussceneintheancientForestofBurzee，whereforthefirsttimeinmanycenturiestherulersoftheimmortalswhoinhabittheearthweregatheredtogether。
TherewastheQueenoftheWaterSprites，whosebeautifulformwasasclearascrystalbutcontinuallydrippedwateronthebankofmosswhereshesat。AndbesideherwastheKingoftheSleepFays，whocarriedawandfromtheendofwhichafinedustfellallaround，sothatnomortalcouldkeepawakelongenoughtoseehim，asmortaleyesweresuretocloseinsleepassoonasthedustfilledthem。AndnexttohimsattheGnomeKing，whosepeopleinhabitallthatregionundertheearth’ssurface，wheretheyguardthepreciousmetalsandthejewelstonesthatlieburiedinrockandore。AthisrighthandstoodtheKingoftheSoundImps，whohadwingsonhisfeet，forhispeopleareswifttocarryallsoundsthataremade。Whentheyarebusytheycarrythesoundsbutshortdistances，fortherearemanyofthem；butsometimestheyspeedwiththesoundstoplacesmilesandmilesawayfromwheretheyaremade。TheKingoftheSoundImpshadananxiousandcarewornface，formostpeoplehavenoconsiderationforhisImpsand，especiallytheboysandgirls，makeagreatmanyunnecessarysoundswhichtheImpsareobligedtocarrywhentheymightbebetteremployed。
ThenextinthecircleofimmortalswastheKingoftheWindDemons，slenderofframe，restlessanduneasyatbeingconfinedtooneplaceforevenanhour。Onceinawhilehewouldleavehisplaceandcirclearoundtheglade，andeachtimehedidthistheFairyQueenwasobligedtountangletheflowinglocksofhergoldenhairandtuckthembackofherpinkears。Butshedidnotcomplain，foritwasnotoftenthattheKingoftheWindDemonscameintotheheartoftheForest。AftertheFairyQueen，whosehomeyouknowwasinoldBurzee，cametheKingoftheLightElves，withhistwoPrinces，FlashandTwilight，athisback。HeneverwentanywherewithouthisPrinces，fortheyweresomischievousthathedarednotletthemwanderalone。
PrinceFlashborealightning—boltinhisrighthandandahornofgunpowderinhisleft，andhisbrighteyesrovedconstantlyaround，asifhelongedtousehisblindingflashes。PrinceTwilightheldagreatsnufferinonehandandabigblackcloakintheother，anditiswellknownthatunlessTwilightiscarefullywatchedthesnuffersorthecloakwillthroweverythingintodarkness，andDarknessisthegreatestenemytheKingoftheLightElveshas。
InadditiontotheimmortalsIhavenamedweretheKingoftheKnooks，whohadcomefromhishomeinthejunglesofIndia；andtheKingoftheRyls，wholivedamongthegayflowersandlusciousfruitsofValencia。
SweetQueenZurlineoftheWood—Nymphscompletedthecircleofimmortals。
ButinthecenterofthecirclesatthreeotherswhopossessedpowerssogreatthatalltheKingsandQueensshowedthemreverence。
ThesewereAk，theMasterWoodsmanoftheWorld，whorulestheforestsandtheorchardsandthegroves；andKern，theMasterHusbandmanoftheWorld，whorulesthegrainfieldsandthemeadowsandthegardens；
andBo，theMasterMarineroftheWorld，whorulestheseasandallthecraftthatfloatthereon。Andallotherimmortalsaremoreorlesssubjecttothesethree。
WhenallhadassembledtheMasterWoodsmanoftheWorldstooduptoaddressthem，sincehehimselfhadsummonedthemtothecouncil。
VeryclearlyhetoldthemthestoryofClaus，beginningatthetimewhenasababehehadbeenadoptedachildoftheForest，andtellingofhisnobleandgenerousnatureandhislife—longlaborstomakechildrenhappy。
"Andnow，"saidAk，"whenhehadwontheloveofalltheworld，theSpiritofDeathishoveringoverhim。Ofallmenwhohaveinhabitedtheearthnoneothersowelldeservesimmortality，forsuchalifecannotbesparedsolongastherearechildrenofmankindtomisshimandtogrieveoverhisloss。Weimmortalsaretheservantsoftheworld，andtoservetheworldwewerepermittedintheBeginningtoexist。
ButwhatoneofusismoreworthyofimmortalitythanthismanClaus，whososweetlyministerstothelittlechildren？"
Hepausedandglancedaroundthecircle，tofindeveryimmortallisteningtohimeagerlyandnoddingapproval。FinallytheKingoftheWindDemons，whohadbeenwhistlingsoftlytohimself，criedout：
"Whatisyourdesire，OAk？"
"TobestowuponClaustheMantleofImmortality!"saidAk，boldly。
Thatthisdemandwaswhollyunexpectedwasprovedbytheimmortalsspringingtotheirfeetandlookingintoeachother’sfacewithdismayandthenuponAkwithwonder。Foritwasagravematter，thispartingwiththeMantleofImmortality。
TheQueenoftheWaterSpritesspokeinherlow，clearvoice，andthewordssoundedlikeraindropssplashinguponawindow—pane。
"InalltheworldthereisbutoneMantleofImmortality，"shesaid。
TheKingoftheSoundFaysadded：
"IthasexistedsincetheBeginning，andnomortalhaseverdaredtoclaimit。"
AndtheMasterMarineroftheWorldaroseandstretchedhislimbs，saying：
"Onlybythevoteofeveryimmortalcanitbebestoweduponamortal。"
"Iknowallthis，"answeredAk，quietly。"ButtheMantleexists，andifitwascreated，asyousay，intheBeginning，itwasbecausetheSupremeMasterknewthatsomedayitwouldberequired。Untilnownomortalhasdeservedit，butwhoamongyoudaresdenythatthegoodClausdeservesit？Willyounotallvotetobestowituponhim？"
Theyweresilent，stilllookingupononeanotherquestioningly。
"OfwhatuseistheMantleofImmortalityunlessitisworn？"demandedAk。"Whatwillitprofitanyoneofustoallowittoremaininitslonelyshrineforalltimetocome？"
"Enough!"criedtheGnomeKing，abruptly。"Wewillvoteonthematter，yesorno。Formypart，Isayyes!"
"AndI!"saidtheFairyQueen，promptly，andAkrewardedherwithasmile。
"MypeopleinBurzeetellmetheyhavelearnedtolovehim；thereforeIvotetogiveClaustheMantle，"saidtheKingoftheRyls。
"HeisalreadyacomradeoftheKnooks，"announcedtheancientKingofthatband。"Lethimhaveimmortality!"
"Lethimhaveit——lethimhaveit!"sighedtheKingoftheWindDemons。
"Whynot？"askedtheKingoftheSleepFays。"Heneverdisturbstheslumbersmypeopleallowhumanity。LetthegoodClausbeimmortal!"
"Idonotobject，"saidtheKingoftheSoundImps。
"NorI，"murmuredtheQueenoftheWaterSprites。
"IfClausdoesnotreceivetheMantleitisclearnoneothercaneverclaimit，"remarkedtheKingoftheLightElves，"soletushavedonewiththethingforalltime。"
"TheWood—Nymphswerefirsttoadopthim，"saidQueenZurline。"OfcourseIshallvotetomakehimimmortal。"
AknowturnedtotheMasterHusbandmanoftheWorld，whohelduphisrightarmandsaid"Yes!"
AndtheMasterMarineroftheWorlddidlikewise，afterwhichAk，withsparklingeyesandsmilingface，criedout：
"Ithankyou，fellowimmortals!Forallhavevoted’yes，’andsotoourdearClausshallfalltheoneMantleofImmortalitythatitisinourpowertobestow!"
"Letusfetchitatonce，"saidtheFayKing；"I’minahurry。"
Theybowedassent，andinstantlytheForestgladewasdeserted。Butinaplacemidwaybetweentheearthandtheskywassuspendedagleamingcryptofgoldandplatinum，aglowwithsoftlightsshedfromthefacetsofcountlessgems。WithinahighdomehungthepreciousMantleofImmortality，andeachimmortalplacedahandonthehemofthesplendidRobeandsaid，aswithonevoice：
"WebestowthisMantleuponClaus，whoiscalledthePatronSaintofChildren!"
AtthistheMantlecameawayfromitsloftycrypt，andtheycarriedittothehouseintheLaughingValley。
TheSpiritofDeathwascrouchingveryneartothebedsideofClaus，andastheimmortalsapproachedshesprangupandmotionedthembackwithanangrygesture。ButwhenhereyesfellupontheMantletheyboresheshrankawaywithalowmoanofdisappointmentandquittedthathouseforever。
SoftlyandsilentlytheimmortalBanddroppeduponClausthepreciousMantle，anditclosedabouthimandsankintotheoutlinesofhisbodyanddisappearedfromview。Itbecameapartofhisbeing，andneithermortalnorimmortalmightevertakeitfromhim。
ThentheKingsandQueenswhohadwroughtthisgreatdeeddispersedtotheirvarioushomes，andallwerewellcontentedthattheyhadaddedanotherimmortaltotheirBand。
AndClausslepton，theredbloodofeverlastinglifecoursingswiftlythroughhisveins；andonhisbrowwasatinydropofwaterthathadfallenfromtheever—meltinggownoftheQueenoftheWaterSprites，andoverhislipshoveredatenderkissthathadbeenleftbythesweetNymphNecile。Forshehadstoleninwhentheothersweregonetogazewithraptureupontheimmortalformofherfosterson。
2。WhentheWorldGrewOldThenextmorning，whenSantaClausopenedhiseyesandgazedaroundthefamiliarroom，whichhehadfearedhemightneverseeagain，hewasastonishedtofindhisoldstrengthrenewedandtofeeltheredbloodofperfecthealthcoursingthroughhisveins。Hesprangfromhisbedandstoodwherethebrightsunshinecameinthroughhiswindowandfloodedhimwithitsmerry，dancingrays。Hedidnotthenunderstandwhathadhappenedtorestoretohimthevigorofyouth，butinspiteofthefactthathisbeardremainedthecolorofsnowandthatwrinklesstilllingeredinthecornersofhisbrighteyes，oldSantaClausfeltasbriskandmerryasaboyofsixteen，andwassoonwhistlingcontentedlyashebusiedhimselffashioningnewtoys。
ThenAkcametohimandtoldoftheMantleofImmortalityandhowClaushadwonitthroughhisloveforlittlechildren。
ItmadeoldSantalookgraveforamomenttothinkhehadbeensofavored；butitalsomadehimgladtorealizethatnowheneedneverfearbeingpartedfromhisdearones。Atoncehebeganpreparationsformakingaremarkableassortmentofprettyandamusingplaythings，andinlargerquantitiesthaneverbefore；fornowthathemightalwaysdevotehimselftothisworkhedecidedthatnochildintheworld，poororrich，shouldhereaftergowithoutaChristmasgiftifhecouldmanagetosupplyit。
TheworldwasnewinthedayswhendearoldSantaClausfirstbegantoy—makingandwon，byhislovingdeeds，theMantleofImmortality。
Andthetaskofsupplyingcheeringwords，sympathyandprettyplaythingstoalltheyoungofhisracedidnotseemadifficultundertakingatall。Buteveryyearmoreandmorechildrenwerebornintotheworld，andthese，whentheygrewup，beganspreadingslowlyoverallthefaceoftheearth，seekingnewhomes；sothatSantaClausfoundeachyearthathisjourneysmustextendfartherandfartherfromtheLaughingValley，andthatthepacksoftoysmustbemadelargerandeverlarger。
Soatlengthhetookcounselwithhisfellowimmortalshowhisworkmightkeeppacewiththeincreasingnumberofchildrenthatnonemightbeneglected。Andtheimmortalsweresogreatlyinterestedinhislaborsthattheygladlyrenderedhimtheirassistance。AkgavehimhismanKilter，"thesilentandswift。"AndtheKnookPrincegavehimPeter，whowasmorecrookedandlesssurlythananyofhisbrothers。
AndtheRylPrincegavehimNuter，thesweetesttemperedRyleverknown。AndtheFairyQueengavehimWisk，thattiny，mischievousbutlovableFairywhoknowstodayalmostasmanychildrenasdoesSantaClaushimself。
Withthesepeopletohelpmakethetoysandtokeephishouseinorderandtolookafterthesledgeandtheharness，SantaClausfounditmucheasiertopreparehisyearlyloadofgifts，andhisdaysbegantofollowoneanothersmoothlyandpleasantly。
Yetafterafewgenerationshisworrieswererenewed，foritwasremarkablehowthenumberofpeoplecontinuedtogrow，andhowmanymorechildrentherewereeveryyeartobeserved。Whenthepeoplefilledallthecitiesandlandsofonecountrytheywanderedintoanotherpartoftheworld；andthemencutdownthetreesinmanyofthegreatforeststhathadbeenruledbyAk，andwiththewoodtheybuiltnewcities，andwheretheforestshadbeenwerefieldsofgrainandherdsofbrowsingcattle。
YoumightthinktheMasterWoodsmanwouldrebelatthelossofhisforests；butnotso。ThewisdomofAkwasmightyandfarseeing。
"Theworldwasmadeformen，"saidhetoSantaClaus，"andIhavebutguardedtheforestsuntilmenneededthemfortheiruse。Iamgladmystrongtreescanfurnishshelterformen’sweakbodies，andwarmthemthroughthecoldwinters。ButIhopetheywillnotcutdownallthetrees，formankindneedstheshelterofthewoodsinsummerasmuchasthewarmthofblazinglogsinwinter。And，howevercrowdedtheworldmaygrow，IdonotthinkmenwillevercometoBurzee，nortotheGreatBlackForest，nortothewoodedwildernessofBraz；unlesstheyseektheirshadesforpleasureandnottodestroytheirgianttrees。"
Byandbypeoplemadeshipsfromthetree—trunksandcrossedoveroceansandbuiltcitiesinfarlands；buttheoceansmadelittledifferencetothejourneysofSantaClaus。Hisreindeerspedoverthewatersasswiftlyasoverland，andhissledgeheadedfromeasttowestandfollowedinthewakeofthesun。SothatastheearthrolledslowlyoverSantaClaushadalloftwenty—fourhourstoencircleiteachChristmasEve，andthespeedyreindeerenjoyedthesewonderfuljourneysmoreandmore。
Soyearafteryear，andgenerationaftergeneration，andcenturyaftercentury，theworldgrewolderandthepeoplebecamemorenumerousandthelaborsofSantaClaussteadilyincreased。Thefameofhisgooddeedsspreadtoeveryhouseholdwherechildrendwelt。Andallthelittleoneslovedhimdearly；andthefathersandmothershonoredhimforthehappinesshehadgiventhemwhentheytoowereyoung；andtheagedgrandsiresandgranddamesrememberedhimwithtendergratitudeandblessedhisname。
3。TheDeputiesofSantaClausHowever，therewasoneevilfollowinginthepathofcivilizationthatcausedSantaClausavastamountoftroublebeforehediscoveredawaytoovercomeit。But，fortunately，itwasthelasttrialhewasforcedtoundergo。
OneChristmasEve，whenhisreindeerhadleapedtothetopofanewbuilding，SantaClauswassurprisedtofindthatthechimneyhadbeenbuiltmuchsmallerthanusual。Buthehadnotimetothinkaboutitjustthen，sohedrewinhisbreathandmadehimselfassmallaspossibleandsliddownthechimney。
"Ioughttobeatthebottombythistime，"hethought，ashecontinuedtoslipdownward；butnofireplaceofanysortmethisview，andbyandbyhereachedtheveryendofthechimney，whichwasinthecellar。
"Thisisodd!"hereflected，muchpuzzledbythisexperience。"Ifthereisnofireplace，whatonearthisthechimneygoodfor？"
Thenhebegantoclimboutagain，andfoundithardwork——thespacebeingsosmall。Andonhiswayuphenoticedathin，roundpipestickingthroughthesideofthechimney，butcouldnotguesswhatitwasfor。
Finallyhereachedtheroofandsaidtothereindeer：
"Therewasnoneedofmygoingdownthatchimney，forIcouldfindnofireplacethroughwhichtoenterthehouse。IfearthechildrenwholivetheremustgowithoutplaythingsthisChristmas。"
Thenhedroveon，butsooncametoanothernewhousewithasmallchimney。ThiscausedSantaClaustoshakehisheaddoubtfully，buthetriedthechimney，nevertheless，andfounditexactlyliketheother。
Moreover，henearlystuckfastinthenarrowflueandtorehisjackettryingtogetoutagain；so，althoughhecametoseveralsuchchimneysthatnight，hedidnotventuretodescendanymoreofthem。
"Whatintheworldarepeoplethinkingof，tobuildsuchuselesschimneys？"heexclaimed。"InalltheyearsIhavetraveledwithmyreindeerIhaveneverseenthelikebefore。"
Trueenough；butSantaClaushadnotthendiscoveredthatstoveshadbeeninventedandwerefastcomingintouse。Whenhedidfinditouthewonderedhowthebuildersofthosehousescouldhavesolittleconsiderationforhim，whentheyknewverywellitwashiscustomtoclimbdownchimneysandenterhousesbywayofthefireplaces。
Perhapsthemenwhobuiltthosehouseshadoutgrowntheirownlovefortoys，andwereindifferentwhetherSantaClauscalledontheirchildrenornot。Whatevertheexplanationmightbe，thepoorchildrenwereforcedtobeartheburdenofgriefanddisappointment。
ThefollowingyearSantaClausfoundmoreandmoreofthenew—fashionedchimneysthathadnofireplaces，andthenextyearstillmore。Thethirdyear，sonumeroushadthenarrowchimneysbecome，heevenhadafewtoysleftinhissledgethathewasunabletogiveaway，becausehecouldnotgettothechildren。
Thematterhadnowbecomesoseriousthatitworriedthegoodmangreatly，andhedecidedtotalkitoverwithKilterandPeterandNuterandWisk。
Kilteralreadyknewsomethingaboutit，forithadbeenhisdutytorunaroundtoallthehouses，justbeforeChristmas，andgatherupthenotesandletterstoSantaClausthatthechildrenhadwritten，tellingwhattheywishedputintheirstockingsorhungontheirChristmastrees。ButKilterwasasilentfellow，andseldomspokeofwhathesawinthecitiesandvillages。Theotherswereveryindignant。
"Thosepeopleactasiftheydonotwishtheirchildrentobemadehappy!"saidsensiblePeter，inavexedtone。"Theideaofshuttingoutsuchagenerousfriendtotheirlittleones!"
"Butitismyintentiontomakechildrenhappywhethertheirparentswishitornot，"returnedSantaClaus。"Yearsago，whenIfirstbeganmakingtoys，childrenwereevenmoreneglectedbytheirparentsthantheyarenow；soIhavelearnedtopaynoattentiontothoughtlessorselfishparents，buttoconsideronlythelongingsofchildhood。"
"Youareright，mymaster，"saidNuter，theRyl；"manychildrenwouldlackafriendifyoudidnotconsiderthem，andtrytomakethemhappy。"
"Then，"declaredthelaughingWisk，"wemustabandonanythoughtofusingthesenew—fashionedchimneys，butbecomeburglars，andbreakintothehousessomeotherway。"
"Whatway？"askedSantaClaus。
"Why，wallsofbrickandwoodandplasterarenothingtoFairies。
IcaneasilypassthroughthemwheneverIwish，andsocanPeterandNuterandKilter。Isitnotso，comrades？"
"IoftenpassthroughthewallswhenIgatheruptheletters，"saidKilter，andthatwasalongspeechforhim，andsosurprisedPeterandNuterthattheirbigroundeyesnearlypoppedoutoftheirheads。
"Therefore，"continuedtheFairy，"youmayaswelltakeuswithyouonyournextjourney，andwhenwecometooneofthosehouseswithstovesinsteadoffireplaceswewilldistributethetoystothechildrenwithouttheneedofusingachimney。"
"Thatseemstomeagoodplan，"repliedSantaClaus，wellpleasedathavingsolvedtheproblem。"Wewilltryitnextyear。"
ThatwashowtheFairy，thePixie，theKnookandtheRylallrodeinthesledgewiththeirmasterthefollowingChristmasEve；andtheyhadnotroubleatallinenteringthenew—fashionedhousesandleavingtoysforthechildrenthatlivedinthem。
AndtheirdeftservicesnotonlyrelievedSantaClausofmuchlabor，butenabledhimtocompletehisownworkmorequicklythanusual，sothatthemerrypartyfoundthemselvesathomewithanemptysledgeafullhourbeforedaybreak。
TheonlydrawbacktothejourneywasthatthemischievousWiskpersistedinticklingthereindeerwithalongfeather，toseethemjump；andSantaClausfounditnecessarytowatchhimeveryminuteandtotweakhislongearsonceortwicetomakehimbehavehimself。
But，takenalltogether，thetripwasagreatsuccess，andtothisdaythefourlittlefolkalwaysaccompanySantaClausonhisyearlyrideandhelphiminthedistributionofhisgifts。
Buttheindifferenceofparents，whichhadsoannoyedthegoodSaint，didnotcontinueverylong，andSantaClaussoonfoundtheywerereallyanxiousheshouldvisittheirhomesonChristmasEveandleavepresentsfortheirchildren。
So，tolightenhistask，whichwasfastbecomingverydifficultindeed，oldSantadecidedtoasktheparentstoassisthim。
"GetyourChristmastreesallreadyformycoming，"hesaidtothem；
"andthenIshallbeabletoleavethepresentswithoutlossoftime，andyoucanputthemonthetreeswhenIamgone。"
Andtoothershesaid："Seethatthechildren’sstockingsarehungupinreadinessformycoming，andthenIcanfillthemasquickasawink。"
Andoften，whenparentswerekindandgood—natured，SantaClauswouldsimplyflingdownhispackageofgiftsandleavethefathersandmotherstofillthestockingsafterhehaddartedawayinhissledge。
"Iwillmakealllovingparentsmydeputies!"criedthejollyoldfellow，"andtheyshallhelpmedomywork。ForinthiswayIshallsavemanypreciousminutesandfewchildrenneedbeneglectedforlackoftimetovisitthem。"
Besidescarryingaroundthebigpacksinhisswift—flyingsledgeoldSantabegantosendgreatheapsoftoystothetoy—shops，sothatifparentswantedlargersuppliesfortheirchildrentheycouldeasilygetthem；andifanychildrenwere，bychance，missedbySantaClausonhisyearlyrounds，theycouldgotothetoy—shopsandgetenoughtomakethemhappyandcontented。Forthelovingfriendofthelittleonesdecidedthatnochild，ifhecouldhelpit，shouldlongfortoysinvain。Andthetoy—shopsalsoprovedconvenientwheneverachildfellill，andneededanewtoytoamuseit；andsometimes，onbirthdays，thefathersandmothersgotothetoy—shopsandgetprettygiftsfortheirchildreninhonorofthehappyevent。
Perhapsyouwillnowunderstandhow，inspiteofthebignessoftheworld，SantaClausisabletosupplyallthechildrenwithbeautifulgifts。Tobesure，theoldgentlemanisrarelyseeninthesedays；
butitisnotbecausehetriestokeepoutofsight，Iassureyou。
SantaClausisthesamelovingfriendofchildrenthatintheolddaysusedtoplayandrompwiththembythehour；andIknowhewouldlovetodothesamenow，ifhehadthetime。But，yousee，heissobusyalltheyearmakingtoys，andsohurriedonthatonenightwhenhevisitsourhomeswithhispacks，thathecomesandgoesamonguslikeaflash；anditisalmostimpossibletocatchaglimpseofhim。
And，althoughtherearemillionsandmillionsmorechildrenintheworldthanthereusedtobe，SantaClaushasneverbeenknowntocomplainoftheirincreasingnumbers。
"Themorethemerrier!"hecries，withhisjollylaugh；andtheonlydifferencetohimisthefactthathislittleworkmenhavetomaketheirbusyfingersflyfastereveryyeartosatisfythedemandsofsomanylittleones。
"Inallthisworldthereisnothingsobeautifulasahappychild，"
saysgoodoldSantaClaus；andifhehadhiswaythechildrenwouldallbebeautiful，forallwouldbehappy。
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