ACTIII.
Scene—Room in Santa Claus’ House
(When the curtain rises, Santa is doing some simple task around the room with his back to the audience—then, turning around as the clock strikes eleven, he speaks—)
Santa: Ah, the time is drawing nigh when I must sally forth—An hour yet remains, and so I’ll improve it by taking a little nap—How good it is after the day’s toil is ended to sweetly rest—perchance to dream of the fruit of one’s labor. Here’s a cushion for my head, and what matters if my feet hang o’er the end like culprits from the gallows. ’Tis good—And now to sleep——
(Santa sinks into deep slumber.)
(Enter Imps stealthily—3 from right, and 3 from left—They look around the room and presently discover Santa. They look first toward Santa’s picture on the wall and then at Santa.)
Imp 5: This is the place.
Imp 2(pointing to Santa): And there’s the man.
Imp 3: Methinks already half of my lord’s kingdom is mine.
Imp 4: Strike then the blow.
Imp 3(approaches Santa, then returns): My heart fails me—Strike thou the blow.
Imp 5(approaches Santa, then returns): Only a traitor could strike so kindly a face as his.
Imp 1: Cowards, make way—I’ll lay him low.
(Advances to Santa with hand uplifted as if to strike.)
His must be a charmed life—I can no ill do unto him.
(Turning to Imps)
Is there no one willing to obey our king?
Imps(all): No, not one—Would that our king were Santa—and here and now we pledge to him our allegiance.
(Each approaches Santa in turn making a profound bow, and then leaves the room—excepting Imp 1.)
Santa Claus’ Room
Imp 1: I know what power is this which makes me traitor to my king—Would I could warn him of his danger.
(Walks to and fro in deep thought.)
This will I do—With my dagger will I pinion to yon wall this commission of my king, so shall he learn of the king’s purpose to do him harm.
(Walks to back of stage—takes dagger from belt, and thrusts it through the Royal Commission to the wall.)
(Then, after making bow to Santa, he retires off stage.)
(Exit Imp No. 1. After exit of Imp No. 1, Santa awakens, stretches, and after rising makes discovery of the Imp’s Commission, which he removes from the wall, examines dagger, reads commission, laughs heartily, and to show his disdain tears commission to bits.)
(A loud knock upon the door announces the arrival of Harold and Ethel whom the poachers have safely landed at the home of Santa Claus. Santa goes to door, left stage, and there finds the two children whom he invites to enter.)
Santa: Well! Well! Well! In all my life I have never before had the pleasure of a visit in my home from two such interesting children. But what brought you here at this time of night?
Harold: We came on the shoulders of two of the nicest men we ever met, didn’t we, Ethel?
Ethel: Yes, and I am afraid we should never have found you, Santa, if they hadn’t helped us.
Santa: Now, that you have found me what is it you want?
Harold: Sis wants awfully to see your wonderful toys, but I believe I’d like a nice soft bed to sleep in. (Yawns.) I’m so tired.
Ethel: You mustn’t mind what Harold says, Santa; of course, we both want to see the toys, even though we are tired. (Ethel yawns.) You see, Santa, we have been searching everywhere for you.
Santa: This is perplexing, but I think I am beginning to understand. Let us go into the next room. Mrs. Santa will know what to do for tired and hungry children, and then I will show you a few of my animated toys which I assure you is a rare privilege. Come along.
(Santa takes them by the hand.)
(Exit right.)
Curtain.