However, he had on the same red coat trimmed with white fur, the long beard falling down over his chest, and the belt, and the rubber boots, and the red woolen cap on his head. But his face had lost a little flesh, and it wasn't all red as you see in the pictures, but brown and red,--like--like--the Toyman's; and his eyes didn't pop out of his head either, but were just like ordinary people's eyes, only kinder, like the Toyman's, and these, the children said, were the kindest in the world.
Marmaduke wished the Toyman would come back, so that he might meet Santa, for he was a year-round Santa himself, always making things and doing things for little boys.
But Santa was talking:
"Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!" he said, then he added,--"to one and all."
At the sound of his voice the children forgot their wonder and awe, and hurried to him and clasped his knees, and little Johnny Cricket tried to reach for his crutches, but Santa just picked him up in his arms and kissed him and little Hepzebiah too.
Now Father stood up.
"Mr. Santa Claus," he began, but Santy interrupted him,--
"No Mister for me," he told Father, "we're among friends. I've known you all ever since you were born. Ho! Ho!" and he laughed, and his laugh seemed very jolly.
"Very well," replied Father, "pardon my mistake--Friend Santy, then. Would you be so good as to distribute the presents?"
"Deelighted!" said Santy with a bow, "Marmaduke, you hand 'em to me and I'll read off the names."