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3. The Deputies of Santa Claus

However, there was one evil following in the path of civilization that caused

Santa Claus a vast amount of trouble before he discovered a way to overcome

it. But, fortunately, it was the last trial he was forced to undergo.

One Christmas Eve, when his reindeer had leaped to the top of a new

building, Santa Claus was surprised to find that the chimney had been built

much smaller than usual. But he had no time to think about it just then, so

he drew in his breath and made himself as small as possible and slid down

the chimney.

I ought to be at the bottom by this time," he thought, as he continued to slip

downward; but no fireplace of any sort met his view, and by and by he

reached the very end of the chimney, which was in the cellar.

This is odd!" he reflected, much puzzled by this experience. "If there is no

fireplace, what on earth is the chimney good for?"

Then he began to climb out again, and found it hard work--the space being so

small. And on his way up he noticed a thin, round pipe sticking through the

side of the chimney, but could not guess what it was for.

Finally he reached the roof and said to the reindeer:

There was no need of my going down that chimney, for I could find no

fireplace through which to enter the house. I fear the children who live there

must go without playthings this Christmas."

Then he drove on, but soon came to another new house with a small chimney.

This caused Santa Claus to shake his head doubtfully, but he tried the

chimney, nevertheless, and found it exactly like the other. Moreover, he nearly

stuck fast in the narrow flue and tore his jacket trying to get out again; so,

although he came to several such chimneys that night, he did not venture to

descend any more of them.

What in the world are people thinking of, to build such useless chimneys?" he

exclaimed. "In all the years I have traveled with my reindeer I have never seen

the like before."

True enough; but Santa Claus had not then discovered that stoves had been

invented and were fast coming into use. When he did find it out he wondered

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus