"Oh, my!" exclaimed Santa Claus, and his voice seemed rather sad.
"Why, what is the matter?" asked Curly.
"Alas," said Santa Claus. "This year I have only one toy engine, and a poor little lame boy has asked for that in a letter he sent to me up the chimney the other night. And I have only one toy auto, and a little boy who has no papa or mamma, and who is very poor, has asked for that. I was going to give the toys to them, but since you have met me in the woods I must grant your request, since whoever meets Santa Claus face to face, can have just what they ask of him.
"But I know the little lame boy and the other poor little boy will be much disappointed. Still it can't be helped. I will grant your wishes, Floppy and Curly, but—"
"Stop!" suddenly cried Flop Ear.
"Hold on!" exclaimed Curly Tail.
Then, somehow, into their hearts there came a feeling of sadness, and yet not so much sadness as gladness and happiness.
"I—I guess I don't want a toy steam engine," said Flop Ear. "Give it to the lame boy."
"Good," cried Santa Claus.
"And I don't need the toy auto very much," went on Curly Tail. "Give it to the poor little boy."