"I must be very careful," said the Nodding Donkey to himself. "I must
not move about too much nor let any of the other toys rub against me
until I am quite dry. If they did they would blur or scratch my shiny
varnish coat, and that would be too bad. But after I am dry I'll have
some fun. Just wait until to-night! Then there will be some great times
in this workshop of Santa Claus!"

The reason the Nodding Donkey said this, was because at night, when
Santa Claus and his merry helpers had gone, the toys were allowed to do
as they pleased. They could make believe come to life, and move about,
having all sorts of adventures.

But, presto! the moment daylight came, or any one looked at them, the
toys became as straight and stiff and motionless as any toys that are in
your playroom. For all you know some of your toys may move about and
pretend to come to life when you are asleep. But it is of no use for you
to stay awake, watching to see if they will, for as long as any eyes are
peeping, or ears are listening, the toys will never do anything of
themselves.

The Nodding Donkey knew that when Santa Claus and the workers were gone
he and the other toys could do as they pleased, and he could hardly wait
for that time to come.

"But while I am waiting I will stay here on the shelf and get hard and
dry," said the Nodding Donkey to himself.

Once more he looked in the glass on the doll's bureau, and he was well
pleased with himself, was the Nodding Donkey.