Tom [leaving his little chair for a big one]. I'm sorry they all think I'm so bad, and I'm really very tired of being cross, but I must find out about Santa Claus, for if he's the kind of man that would bring anybody ashes or whips on Christmas, I don't believe I'll like him at all! [Jingling of bells in chimney.] What's that? [Louder bells.] I do believe he's coming now! [Jumps up.] Oh, dear! where are the others? I wish they would come! I—I—I guess I'm just a little bit afraid! [Gets behind his chair. Enter Santa Claus through the fireplace.]
Santa Claus. That's a fine wide chimney! [Stoops to look up it.] Why doesn't everybody keep a chimney like that for my special use? [Comes front.] I'm sure when I only come once a year, I ought to have some attention paid to my wants!
Tom [faintly]. Santa Claus!
Santa Claus. Hello! What's this? Where are you, anyway? [Looks about, then over chair, and sees Tom.] What! Hiding from me? Come out at once, and tell me what's the matter with you.
Tom [coming out]. Santa Claus, have you got the whip and ashes?
Santa Claus. Whip and ashes! Bless me, what's the boy talking about? Whip? I left my sleigh whip on the roof, if that's what you mean, and I never carry ashes around with me. What are you driving at? Hey?
Tom. Sarah said you gave whips to bad boys, and I've been very naughty—oh, dreadfully naughty!
Santa Claus. Naughty? Dear, dear! I'm sorry to hear that! And on Christmas, too! What a pity! When you knew I was coming? Dear, dear, dear!
Tom. Have you got the whip, then?
Santa Claus. No, no! I never give anybody whips—excepting toy ones, with a whistle in the end, like this—— [gives Tom one] ——and Sarah was just teasing you. I'll have to see Sarah about that. I won't have anybody telling stories about me. But, dear, dear, it makes me unhappy to think you could be so naughty. Why did you do it?