"Oh, how very dark it is here," said the Donkey in a whisper.

"Hush!" whispered a Jumping Jack near him. "Don't talk! Santa Claus
might hear you. He has very sharp ears. You'll be all right. It is no
darker than night."

More toys, all carefully wrapped, came tumbling into the bag, and the
merry jingle of bells grew louder. Then the voice of Santa Claus could
be heard shouting:

"Hi there, Dasher! Stand still, Prancer! Whoa, Blitzen! What's the
matter, Comet? Are you anxious to get to Earth again? Well, we'll soon
start. Steady there, Cupid! Whoa!"

"He's talking to his reindeer," whispered the Jumping Jack.

Suddenly the toys in the big sack felt themselves being picked up. Santa
Claus had slung them over his back to carry out to the sleigh. A moment
later the Nodding Donkey felt a breath of cold air strike him, but he
did not mind, as he had on a warm coat of varnish.

Up and down, and from side to side the toys in the bag felt themselves
being jostled, until they were set down in the big sleigh.

"All aboard!" called Santa Claus, as he took his seat and gathered up
the reins. "Come, Dasher! On, Prancer! Hi, Donner and Blitzen! Down to
Earth you go with the Christmas toys!"

There was another jolly jingle of bells, and the toys felt themselves
being whisked away over the snow. There was a little hole in the bag