But where was the Toyman now? He had disappeared as mysteriously as
had the tree after they brought it home. He must have forgotten
something important, for he couldn't want to do _chores_ when
there was that tree to look at.

However, the boys were eager enough, both yelling:

"Now for the presents!"

"Wait a minute, laddies," said their father, "somebody's calling."

Now there was a telephone in the White House with the Green Blinds by
the Side of the Road, a funny old-fashioned instrument, but a very
useful one, nevertheless.

It was tinkling. Father went to it, and this is what they heard him
say,--

"Hello! hello!" Then,--

"Why, is that _you_--"

He turned around to the folks in the room:

"Hush!" he warned them, "it's Santa Claus."

Then he turned to the telephone again, very surprised to be talking to
so important a person.

"I'm certainly glad to hear from you. How are you?" said Father.