CHAPTER XIV
SNYTHERGEN’S TROUBLES
The “Three Wise Men” and Santa Claus were sitting up very late around a coal fire in the enormous grate. Santa Claus would have preferred a log, had not delicacy of feeling made him avoid burning wood in Snythergen’s presence. Sancho was perched on the back of the chair Squeaky had curled up in; and Snythergen sat tailor fashion on the floor. Santa Claus nestled in the depths of his great easy chair. There was no light save the flicker of the fire.
“I don’t know when I have had such an enjoyable evening,” said Santa Claus, “and I am sure it is past all our bedtimes.”
“Oh, no,” said Squeaky, “we got into the habit of late hours on account of the bear.”
“What bear?” said Santa Claus, in surprise.