“Oh,” said Sancho on his guard, “there was one prowling about in the forest where we lived.”
“You needn’t have been afraid if you had provided him with food,” said Santa Claus.
“So we found,” said Snythergen feelingly.
“I have been thinking,” said Santa Claus, “that we make a cozy little group together. I would be glad to have you stay here and live with me.”
“Splendid,” cried Snythergen. “This is the only comfortable house I ever saw. The architect had the good sense to make the ceilings high enough.”
“There is a bedroom upstairs, too, just right for you,” said Santa Claus, “and you may all occupy it together if you will promise to go to bed and not talk.”
“Oh, Santa Claus,” cried Snythergen delighted, “you are too good!”
“And we’ll be polite to the bear,” said Squeaky.
“Maybe you won’t like it here as well as you think,” said Santa Claus. “I shall expect you to do some work.”