Brownie: The message was sent by your helper, Fleet-Foot. He learned just an hour ago that there is a family living in the little settlement that was not counted when he made his census. There are two children—a boy and a girl, both very small.
Mrs. Santa: Poor little things, and no presents left for them.
Santa: No, I must start in five minutes. There’s no time to make anything for them now.
Brownie: There’s nothing left in the workshop. I just looked. It’s a shame. Fleet-Foot says they are such nice children.
During all this conversation the Tree and the Toys have been listening very carefully. They come forward.
Tree: How many children, did you say?
Brownie: Two—very nice ones.
Soldiers [together]: Do you think they could tell a General from a private?
Doll: Does the little girl have clean hands?