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how the builders of those houses could have so little consideration for him,

when they knew very well it was his custom to climb down chimneys and

enter houses by way of the fireplaces. Perhaps the men who built those

houses had outgrown their own love for toys, and were indifferent whether

Santa Claus called on their children or not. Whatever the explanation might

be, the poor children were forced to bear the burden of grief and

disappointment.

The following year Santa Claus found more and more of the new-fashioned

chimneys that had no fireplaces, and the next year still more. The third year,

so numerous had the narrow chimneys become, he even had a few toys left in

his sledge that he was unable to give away, because he could not get to the

children.

The matter had now become so serious that it worried the good man greatly,

and he decided to talk it over with Kilter and Peter and Nuter and Wisk.

Kilter already knew something about it, for it had been his duty to run around

to all the houses, just before Christmas, and gather up the notes and letters to

Santa Claus that the children had written, telling what they wished put in

their stockings or hung on their Christmas trees. But Kilter was a silent

fellow, and seldom spoke of what he saw in the cities and villages. The others

were very indignant.

Those people act as if they do not wish their children to be made happy!" said

sensible Peter, in a vexed tone. "The idea of shutting out such a generous

friend to their little ones!"

But it is my intention to make children happy whether their parents wish it

or not," returned Santa Claus. "Years ago, when I first began making toys,

children were even more neglected by their parents than they are now; so I

have learned to pay no attention to thoughtless or selfish parents, but to

consider only the longings of childhood."

You are right, my master," said Nuter, the Ryl; "many children would lack a

friend if you did not consider them, and try to make them happy."

Then," declared the laughing Wisk, "we must abandon any thought of using

these new-fashioned chimneys, but become burglars, and break into the

houses some other way."

What way?" asked Santa Claus.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus