others to climb up, and just as the last of them, including the Nodding
Donkey, were safely in place, the door of the shop opened and in came
Santa Claus and his men.

Then such a bustling about as there was! And from outside the shop could
be heard the jingle of bells.

"Those must be the reindeer," thought the Nodding Donkey. "Oh, what a
jolly time I shall have if I ride in the sleigh with Santa Claus!"

Never was there such a busy time in the shop of Santa Claus! Jolly St.
Nicholas himself hurried here and there, helping his men pick up
different toys which were put in a big bag. One of the men stopped in
front of the Nodding Donkey.

"Shall I put this chap in, Santa Claus?" the man inquired.

"Is the varnish dry?" asked St. Nicholas.

"Yes," answered the little man, testing it lightly with his finger.

"Then put him in," said Santa Claus. "I'll take the Nodding Donkey to
Earth with me."

"Oh, joy! Now I shall have some adventures! Now I shall see what the
Earth is like!" thought the Nodding Donkey.

A moment later he was picked up, wrapped in soft paper, and thrust into
a bag.