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and finally consults a pocket memorandum book.]

You’re Dick and Betty Martin? [They nod shyly.]

Yes, that’s right:

They’re miles away from home—a pretty plight!

Good youngsters, too; I’ve got ’em on my list;

And just to think, my call they might have missed!

Suppose I let you have your presents now—

[To children.]

Queen. [Interrupting.]

But, Santa dear, that doesn’t fix it! How

Can they get home to-night?

Jack.For, don’t you see,

It’s late, and they’re as weary as can be?

Crystal.

Their mother’s getting anxious too, they say—

Queen. [With decision.]

You’ll simply have to take them in your sleigh!

[The children clutch one another in wonder and suspense, while the others nod their heads at Santa, with determination.]

Santa. [Starts with surprise, then strokes his

beard thoughtfully.]

I wish I might! But if the truth be told,

My sleigh is just as full as it will hold,

Of gifts for all the folk for miles around:

To duty false I’ve never yet been found.

And yet—[looking at children]

to leave them in this lonely wood—