And I have only one toy auto, and a
little boy who has no papa or mamma, and who is very poor, has asked
for that. I was going to give the toys to them, but since you have
met me in the woods I must grant your request, since whoever meets
Santa Claus face to face, can have just what they ask of him.
"But I know the little lame boy and the other poor little boy will
be much disappointed. Still it can't be helped. I will grant your
wishes, Floppy and Curly, but--"
"Stop!" suddenly cried Flop Ear.
"Hold on!" exclaimed Curly Tail.
Then, somehow, into their hearts there came a feeling of sadness,
and yet not so much sadness as gladness and happiness.
"I--I guess I don't want a toy steam engine," said Flop Ear. "Give
it to the lame boy."
"Good," cried Santa Claus.
"And I don't need the toy auto very much," went on Curly Tail. "Give
it to the poor little boy."
"Good!" cried Santa Claus again, and then his face seemed to shine
like the sun, and there seemed to be wreaths of holly and bunches of
mistletoe sticking all over him, and he sprang into his sleigh, the
reindeer shook their horns, making the bells jingle like anything,
and then, off on top of the snowflakes rode Santa Claus, calling
back:
"All right, piggie boys, I won't forget you, or any of the earth
children.
Pages:
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185