[After the song, they stop and listen. A sound of distant sleigh-bells is heard. The children scatter and hide behind the furniture or in dark corners. Mother Goose retires to entrance door and stands in its shadow.]
[The bells sound louder, then cease. The window is opened slowly. Santa Claus enters, sets in his pack, goes out again and brings in a big sled, closes window and comes forward to fire, rubbing his hands.]
Santa Claus. Such houses! A fellow has to prowl and prowl around a house like a thief to find a place to get in. Look at that chimney! They’ll expect me to come in on the telephone-wire next. Well—here are the stockings—one—two—three—four.
[At a signal from Jack, the children creep out and spring upon Santa Claus from behind. They pull him down, hold his hands and legs, and pull him to a big chair in the middle of the room. Meanwhile Santa Claus calls, “Help! help! murder!” Jack at length stops his mouth by winding a handkerchief about his head. This Jack does leaning over him from behind.]
Jack. Now, Santa Claus, it’s no use to wiggle and scream. You’re caught. Will you be good and quiet? If you will, hold up both hands, and waggle the fingers. [Santa Claus does so.] All right. [Jack takes off handkerchief and comes around toward front.] Now, listen. We don’t mean any harm—
Santa Claus. Oh, you don’t, you young scamps!
Jack. [With dignity.] We’re not scamps, and we promised Mother Goose here not to hurt you, and we haven’t.