"Who? What?" demanded the twins, running over to Babs.
Meredith and Paul hurried over also and stood surprised to see real Santa Claus come out from under the branches, rubbing his eyes and yawning.
"Well, well, well, friends! I must have taken a nap! I am so tired from working nights over all the dolls and toys! But, now I will soon have to go!" chuckled the jolly old fellow.
Babs stood as still as could be, but Don and Dot danced a frenzied dance and shouted with joy to find dear old Santa really there with them.
"Oh, Santa, we are so glad to see you," they cried, while everyone smiled and repeated the welcome.
"And I'm glad to be with you. I made up my mind that I would try to stop early on my way to the other children. Now, if you want me to give you these gifts, I'd better be busy for I have a long way to travel to-night, you know. But I may stop over in the morning and see how you like your presents."
This was too much for the twins' cup of happiness, and they ran up and clung to their beloved friend.
The distribution of gifts then took place and everyone from Mike to Mr. Latimer was remembered.
The children knew there was no place toys could be had in that faraway forest, so of course Santa Claus had brought them when he came!
The revelation that there was a really and truly Santa Claus gave Dot and Don more happiness than anything else, for, at home, some of the boys and girls said it was all make-believe.