"Time to stop for supper!" called Santa Claus, and all the little men
laid aside the toys on which they were working. Then such a bustle and
hustle there was to get out of the shop; for the day had come to an end.

Night settled down over North Pole Land. It was dark, but in the house
where Santa Claus lived with his men some Japanese lanterns, hung from
icicles, gave them light to see to eat their supper.

In the toy shop it was just dimly light, for one lantern had been left
burning there, in case Santa Claus might want to go in after hours to
see if everything was all right.

And by the light of this one lamp the Nodding Donkey saw a curious
sight. Over on his left the Plush Bear raised one paw and scratched his
nose. On the Donkey's right the China Cat opened her china mouth and
softly said:

"Mew!"

And then, on the next shelf, a Rolling Elephant, who could wheel about,
spoke through his trunk, and said:

"The time has come for us to have some fun, my friends!"

"Right you are!" mewed the China Cat.

"And we have a new toy with us," said the Plush Bear. "Would you like to
play with us?" he asked the Nodding Donkey.

The Nodding Donkey moved his head up and down to say "yes," for he was