9. "Santa Claus!"
Claus thought that none of the children would ever know where the toyscame from which they found by their bedsides when they wakened thefollowing morning. But kindly deeds are sure to bring fame, and famehas many wings to carry its tidings into far lands; so for miles andmiles in every direction people were talking of Claus and his wonderfulgifts to children. The sweet generousness of his work caused a fewselfish folk to sneer, but even these were forced to admit theirrespect for a man so gentle-natured that he loved to devote his life topleasing the helpless little ones of his race.
Therefore the inhabitants of every city and village had been eagerlywatching the coming of Claus, and remarkable stories of his beautifulplaythings were told the children to keep them patient and contented.
When, on the morning following the first trip of Claus with his deer,the little ones came running to their parents with the pretty toys theyhad found, and asked from whence they came, they was but one reply tothe question.
"The good Claus must have been here, my darlings; for his are the onlytoys in all the world!"
"But how did he get in?" asked the children.
At this the fathers shook their heads, being themselves unable tounderstand how Claus had gained admittance to their homes; but themothers, watching the glad faces of their dear ones, whispered that thegood Claus was no mortal man but assuredly a Saint, and they piouslyblessed his name for the happiness he had bestowed upon their children.
"A Saint," said one, with bowed head, "has no need to unlock doors ifit pleases him to enter our homes."
And, afterward, when a child was naughty or disobedient, its motherwould say:
"You must pray to the good Santa Claus for forgiveness. He does notlike naughty children, and, unless you repent, he will bring you nomore pretty toys."
But Santa Claus himself would not have approved this speech. Hebrought toys to the children because they were little and helpless, andbecause he loved them. He knew that the best of children weresometimes naughty, and that the naughty ones were often good. It isthe way with children, the world over, and he would not have changedtheir natures had he possessed the power to do so.
And that is how our Claus became Santa Claus. It is possible for anyman, by good deeds, to enshrine himself as a Saint in the hearts of thepeople.
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus Page 15