"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。