It was covered with little needles that ran evenly all along the
twigs, leaving plenty of room on the branches for all they were going
to put on them. And it looked very soft and feathery and green against
the snow.

The Toyman looked up at the topmost twig, carefully measuring it with
his eye.

[Illustration: "'Stand back, fellows,' the Toyman shouted, 'and watch
the chips fly.'"]

"It will just about reach the parlor ceiling," he declared, and the
boys guessed so, too.

Then he took the axe from his shoulder.

"Stand back, fellows," he shouted, "and watch the chips fly!"

Crack! went the sharp axe blade. A little cut appeared in the tree,
about fifteen inches above the ground. Crack! again, and a little cut
appeared in the trunk, about four inches under the other mark. Crack!
again, and a piece of wood flew out of the spruce.

"A little farther back, youngsters!" called the Toyman, and the
children sought the shelter of the big oak nearby.

Fast flew the axe, still faster the white chips. My! how strong the
Toyman was! Now a big hole yawned in the trunk of the spruce, like the
jaws of the alligator when he basks in the sun. It grew wider and
wider. The Toyman looked around to make sure that the children were