The Nodding Donkey
had been taken down more than once and made to do his trick of shaking
his head, but, so far, no one had bought him. And though the China Cat
had also been looked at and admired, no one had bought her.
At last Mr. Mugg stretched his arms, yawned as though he might be very
sleepy, and said:
"Turn out the lights, Angelina! It is time to close the shop and go to
bed."
Soon the toy shop was in darkness, all except one light that was kept
burning all night. The place became very still and quiet, the only noise
being made by a little mouse, who came out to get some crumbs dropped by
Mr. Mugg, who had eaten his lunch in the store.
"Ahem!" suddenly said the Nodding Donkey. "Do you mind if I speak to
you?" he asked the China Cat, who stood near him on the shelf.
"Not at all," was the kind answer. "I was just going to ask how you came
here."
"I came direct from the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole,"
answered the Nodding Donkey. "And I suppose, just as we toys could do
there, that we are allowed to move about and talk while here."
"Oh, yes," answered the China Cat. "We can make believe we are alive as
long as no one sees us. But tell me, how is everything at the North
Pole? It is some time since I was there, as I was made early in the
season.
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