The dark cloud-wrack happened to part, and Nancy saw towering above her the dearest and most imposing old gentleman imaginable, with a large smiling face and long white beard. White curly hair fringed his holly-decked scarlet cap, and his long, loose, red coat revealed here and there glimpses of scarlet plush beneath. Instead of rabbits and pheasants, he was laden with the newest of toys; and as to Muffins, he was nowhere to be seen--unless he was that toy-dog dangling from the overflowing bag, and wearing a leather collar with bell attached, and a leather muzzle that ought to allay the fears of the most nervous. [Illustration: "_Who are you, then?_"] "Yes, little woman, I am Santa Claus--himself!" he repeated, with his jolly chuckle. "I--I--beg your pardon," stammered Nancy, quite confused. "It's all right," he replied good-humouredly. "Now shall I see you home before I continue my rounds?" "Oh, may I come with you?" The words had dropped out of her mouth before she could stop herself. Santa Claus shook his head. "Come with me, indeed? I should think not! Come with me? 'Pon my word!" Then he hesitated and smiled, and said kindly, "Well, come along, dear. You're a good, brave little girl. But you must know I've never made such an exception before. However, it's so odd to find a child who doesn't know me--even such a little village mouse as you--that we must really make one another's acquaintance." He drew Nancy under his cloak to keep her extra warm, and to hide her from view, and he showed her how she could peep out. Then he took her by the hand, and the quaint pair proceeded along the mysterious-looking forest until they came to the part Nancy loved best. There, heaps and heaps of fir-trees grew, the tall ones protecting the wee ones, and the wee ones doing their best to try and grow tall too. Santa Claus stood still, and looked around, as if in preparation of some important matter. Nancy felt something was going to happen, and she peered up into the face of her guide. "Father Christmas has come!" he proclaimed loudly at last. And then what a change there was! The fir-trees all became Christmas-trees, lighted each one--big and little--with candles, blue or green, yellow or red, each burning with the same coloured light. And from the diamond-frosted branches hung toys innumerable. At the top of each tree stood triumphant a fairy-doll with wand outstretched. Nancy clasped her hands with rapture at the sight. "Oh, Santa Claus!" was all she could exclaim. He lifted her on to his shoulder, and let her gaze until she had gazed enough. Now, indeed, she realised what toys were--whence they came, and how they grew. Then she felt he was carrying her away, and her heart beat with curiosity and excitement, for she knew Santa Claus was proceeding on his rounds to pay visits to all the sleeping children who deserved it, while she was clinging to his dear old neck, and would see all that went on.