~Chapter 4~
The North Pole
"Being a man of all about forty years old and finding my desires to see the world dwindling with my energy, I felt I had one last great adventure in me. Therefore, one day I found myself traveling to the far North west territories above Canada, up in Russian Lands, around the time of the first great gold rush there.
I had spent approximately two years on the wide-open frozen tundra fields with the native Eskimo people, learning all about their tribal customs, culture, and languages. Eventually when they felt and I, that I had learned all I could about them, had gained their true friendship and respect they one day confided in me and told me the most wonderful and superb story, that I had ever heard in my life.
They confided in me and bravely told me that there was a illustrious city that only a few living souls on earth had ever seen first-hand, and that this city was to be found high up in the mountain ranges of the North Pole, at the farthest tip of Russia. Did any of you know that I once traveled to the great North Pole?" asked Mr. Beamer as every child's eyes grew a little larger, and more focused at the thought of hearing a story about the North Pole.
"Man oh?man Mr. Beamer. You really traveled to the North Pole?" asked Louis.
"Wow, I can't believe it. You're a real world traveler," proclaimed Chug.
All in attendance that night now knew that a great tale was about to unfold before them. All the children started to let their imaginations run wild, as Mr. Beamer continued.
"It was the great year, of eighteen hundred and eighty eight. The winter had been the harshest that anyone could remember around there for eons.
All was frozen and all were cold.
Great wild and vicious winds were blowing in down from the arctic tundra fields, from the uttermost northern parts of the world, and every man and beast alike, took for cover or they would surely die from the raw exposure of an angry mother nature.
I had followed the fur and gold trade routes with the local tribes to the farthest corners of Russia and beyond, for well over three months, heading due north. The trapping party and guides that I had been traveling with, all turned back as the deepest part of winter had set in, with all its fury bearing down upon us. It was there that I?who was all alone?and ready to turn back myself, came upon one last gloomy and very steep, black and dark mountain range the local peoples called "The Ingnok".
Which translates into their language? meaning..."The Impassable Ones".
"Were you scared Mr. Beamer?"
"Of course I was Molly. Who wouldn't be?"
"Was it cold?" asked Growlin-Harry.
"It was the coldest days I have ever lived through, or could ever remember Harry. Again children listen up for what I tell you now, you will never forget for as long as you live."
All grew deathly still, once again.
"I was hesitant to try to cross this last menacing and dangerous mountain range by myself, but something deep inside of me, kept calling me forward. This was a calling that I had never felt before until that day, and have never felt a single day since. I traveled on by myself with no other help by man for three long arduous days. No man with all his faculties within his grasp would have dared to join me, for fear of an untimely-death from the elements, or from wild unruly beasts.
The winds constantly blew fierce in this part of the world and the cold was stinging, as if a thousand bees, were penetrating your very soul, all at once. This was not the time or the place to find out if you're a man who is faint of heart or weak of mind. For if, the poverty of fear lived deep in your soul, or entangled your heart or mind, it would surely be your quick demise, and any living thing would never see you, again.
There was told by the local people, of a great, mystical city that lies beyond the northern most peaks of that mountain range that held, delight, and merriments for any traveler who could find it. It was a city of neighborly elves, congenial dwarfs, friendly reindeer, delightful and tasty ales, grog, and hearty nourishment's."
"You saw real reindeer and elves Mr. Beamer?" asked Chug in amazement.
"Yes there are real living elves, reindeer, and dwarfs Chug."
"Please go on," asked a very excited Molly.
"Also I was told that this was the noted city which Santa Claus himself called home."
As the story was unfolding, all present listened with a true bewilderment in their hearts at the words they were hearing. All the chickens present huddled together under each other's wings, for heat and comfort. Arty the Pig dug a hole in the mud by the back steps, at the back of the porch to lie in, and Mr. Turkey actually stopped quivering, and shaking long enough to enjoy everyone's company.
Louis began daydreaming that he was, traveling right alongside of Mr. Beamer, wearing an over-sized bearskin coat and a bearskin fur hat, with a backpack on full of furs and a holding a grand, lustrous walking stick in one hand.
Mr. Beamer continued.
"I was a well-seasoned traveler in these parts of the world by now, and had learned the ways of the mountainous lands from the local people. I had by now a solid and very strong back, a trustworthy and loyal horse, and two strong mules, well packed with supplies needed for such a dangerous quest. Nevertheless, most of all I still had an unquenchable and never-ending lust, and desire, to see this wonderful city at the North Pole, that everyone had talked so much about in the past.
The winds and blowing snows were very powerful and steady at the first part of my adventure but I suddenly had a great turn of events happen one night. Unexpectedly the fierce winds settled down. When this happened, I knew this would be my only chance to complete my quest. With no blustery weather to hold me back, I could now make good time to travel across the most treacherous northern peaks, of the mountain range at noonday.
As I moved on through the upper most passes, I dodged fallen stone and rock, and trusted my best friend at the time, Ringo my very strong and brave horse to be ever so steady of foot. I slowly forged onward, and upwards and with great caution. It took me three days of toil and hardship that I had never known before in my life, but I finally realized that the treasure I was seeking was now within my grasp.
As, I reached the very top of the largest mountain I thought I would collapse from pure exhaustion. However, I grew renewed energy as I saw a lone great eagle circling above me. He tipped his wings as if to say, "Only the brave live to tell their tales of adventure and daring. All others will live their last day upon this mountain."
Just then a singular great eagle tail feather slowly fell from the heavens above, landing squarely in my grasp.
It was a sign, sent from high above.
Mr. Beamer reached deep into his overalls, producing an incredibly beautiful, brown, and white feather. It shown magnificently in the gas-lamp light, glowing down on them from above.
Everyone present gave a collective moan of delight.
"Look at that Louis. I'm gonna get me one of those someday when I'm out on a dangerous quest."
"I bet you will Chug," said Louis as he smiled at Chug "if you truly believe in yourself."
Mr. Beamer placed the eagle feather back in his overalls and continued to speak.
"Now with renewed strength I started my decent ever downward and straightforward, into the last darkness of the final mountain range. I walked what seemed like days along the rocky pathway, through thick blue mysterious fogs, that had engulfed and entombed me. Finally, there it stood before me, far away in the distant valley below, only for my unbelieving eyes.
It was the city of glimmering lights.
It was a city that has, not an equal."
"Was it really that beautiful to see Mr. Beamer?" asked Harry "was it Santa's Village?"
"Was it everything we've?we've ever read about?" asked Molly.
"It was all, and more so. It was a city of esteemed lights and true wonde
rment," said Mr. Beamer.
"It was Santa Claus's Village then...and it's...all...real?" asked Molly.
"Holy cow" proclaimed Louis.
"I could tell from my perch high up on the mountainside and still far away that it was a venerable city of life and bustle. As I ambled ever downwards and onwards, and as I traveled nearer and closer to the treasure that awaited me I could see all kinds of strange goings-on within the city grounds.
There were smallish-elves in large groups huddled by open fire-pits, trying to keep warm from the winter elements, groups of reindeer conversing in reindeer-speak, small heavy set workman moving large wooden-carts full of presents here and there, and there were enchanting dwarfs rolling small wooden carts, all along the cities, rust colored brick pathways.
Then straight in front of me, and right in the center of the small metropolis called Santa's Village, there was a high towering building made of mud and stone that appeared to be about ten stories tall.
Found it was, to be the pulse of the citizens who lived there, and the lifeblood of all things that lived near and far.
From the cities hub outward, stretched low-lying buildings, surrounding the entire area. Most structures were only a few feet high, maybe five feet or so, and looked to house all of the elves, dwarfs, and workingmen. The small secondary buildings, as well as the one large building, at the center of town were all molded of mud bricks, and covered with thick thatched roofs made of dried straw.
Showing out of the small round windows of each home was a glowing orange and yellow fire light, with the smell of home cooking assaulting your senses, from each cooking pot.
The smells of this city were a delight.
Smells of fresh-baked elf breads, pumpkin pies and chocolate cakes, simmering beef stews, honey biscuits, succulent minced meat pies, and the smell of cooking buttered vegetables, filled the thin cool winter air.
As I slowly approached the outskirts of the city and closer to the dwarfish men huddled by the open fire pits, I heard all talking about the upcoming Christmas season and how much work was still left to do, before Christmas Eve.
As I passed through the hub of the city towards the tall building standing as a guardian sentinel, I neither spoke nor gazed into anyone's probing eyes. I thought it best to keep a low profile, because I did not know if strangers were welcome in these parts. I then finally found myself standing in front of the massive building that had, held my attention from when I first saw it standing on the very top of the distant mountain pass.
I stood there for a moment to listen to the strange sounds springing with rhythm, from the belly of the building. I then advanced to grab onto one of the large brass door handles, to give the door a mighty tug. As the great door swung open, I knew directly that all I had heard or read of, in books about Santa's Village?was all very...true?and very...real.
I now witnessed the most magnificent sight imaginable to man."
"What did you see," asked an enthralled Louis "when you opened the door Mr. Beamer?"
"Yeah what was the magnificent sight? Did you see more elves?" inquired Molly.
"Molly there were fancy colorful boxes lying everywhere on the floor and shelves, Christmas packages neatly wrapped and stacked high up to the very tops of the wood beamed ceilings, and there were very large and very broad rows upon rows of wooden shelves, so full of toys and neatly stacked that another package could not possible fit on them. Thousands upon thousands of toys perfectly arranged, stacked to the walls, and precisely marked, with each child's name on it, with a brightly colored tag.
In the center of the room there was a wide and far-reaching metal machine thundering with life that billowed white-hot smoke and steam, out of very tall metal vent pipes.
Each vent pipe passed through the roof high above, allowing the steam and smoke to drift high out into the darkened skies above. Metal pulleys with leather straps were moving in circles, large wooden wheels were connected to other large wooden wheels, and there were grinding sounds of metal on metal that reverberated and echoed though out the great room.
I stood in utter amazement at what I was witnessing.
Now the machine?I finally figured out?that the contraption was...an illustrious great "Christmas Present Wrapping-Machine". It looked like it was the only kind of machine like it in the world. The odd metal piece of equipment sat in the very center of the room, and was about six stories high with bright shiny knobs everywhere, with many lights flashing brightly on and off."
"Are you telling me there is a machine that wraps all the presents of the world?" asked Charlie with a surprised look on his face.
"Yes Charlie, this was a one and only great wrapping machine."
"Did you see any presents with my name on them?" asked a smiling Short Stack.
"None with your name that I could see, but I am sure there was one, maybe more."
"Short Stack c'mon man," said Louis.
"Now upon looking closer I could see that there were many complicated looking levers, and a large control panel at the front of the machine where from my account, about fifteen elves at any one time were deep in thought trying to guide its operation. In went the toys at one end of the machine, on a slowly moving leather conveyor belt, and out of the other end a few moments later on another conveyor belt, out passed the toys, perfectly gift wrapped in a neat box with beautiful wrapping paper. Each splendid personal gift was visible tagged with each child's name.
The lead elf-foreman who's, name was Algar who was much taller than the other elves, was shouting out orders for everyone in the room to hear.
We need ten thousand more eyes for those dolls right here, get those children's bikes packed up and on to that conveyor belt over there. Where are those snow sleds heading? Bring me that packaging slip. No do not place those soccer balls there, place them on that conveyor belt over there. Those red wagons by the rear doors send them back to quality control. I don't like the looks of those."
The supervisor was very capable at his job and had worked his way up from the mailroom, almost two hundred years ago. You see elves live a very long, long time. When you are pure of heart and kind to all, which all elves are known to be, you will live a much longer and happier life.
"Are you sure there were no gifts for me?" inquired a disheartened Chug.
Louis poked Chug in the side as Mr. Beamer smiled.
"No Chug but I did see friendly reindeer pulling wagons loads and wagons loads full of more toys that had been made over in the toy factory, found inside another large building next to the great wrapping-machine.
The short stocky workingmen were pulling all of the filled wagons to the great wrapping-machine. They would help when the elves would get behind in their work, or when they were too tired. By the way, the Forman was yelling out orders at everyone he or she, must have been way behind, on getting the presents wrapped, tagged, and ready for Christmas that year.
The lead Foreman, Algar was about five feet inches tall, which were very tall for elves, he had on very small, green shoes, turned up at the toes with blue bells on them, which made the most melodious sound when he walked. He wore a red pointed felt hat that stretched up into the air about two feet, over the top his head. Over his small thin frame, he wore a loose fitting green suit, with three large yellow buttons down the front, and a wide black leather belt with a small shinny gold buckle, that was loosely wrapped around his small waist, this helped keep his baggy, and oversized pants pulled up.
This was the standard outfit for most of the elves and it kept them all warm throughout the long winter days and even longer winter nights. Best of all, all of the elves and workingmen sang the most wondrous songs while they would work, so in fact it wasn't work at all. When you're lucky enough to choose the work you want to do in life, and not what you're assigned, or made to do, then you are truly richer, than any other man or elf
in spirit and in heart."
Louis interrupted Mr. Beamer's story telling for a moment and asked in a soft inquiring voice "Did you see Santa Claus or Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer? Were they there in the great room as well?"
"Louis, I was just getting to that."
"Did you see Mrs. Claus anywhere?" asked Margaret.
Harry chimed in, "Were the reindeer friendly, and did they have large furry antlers?"
"Kids, kids", said Mr. Beamer to all the children present in a friendly chiding tone "let me continue on. Please."
All grew quiet again as Mr. Beamer took another long drawn out puff of his corn pipe.
"Now just as the large wrapping-machine was running full bore, clanking and banging about and all the elves were running in different directions, while trying to full fill the seasons' orders, the front doors of the great building swung wide open again, then a deep and very omnipresent voice boomed out loud and clear, for everyone to hear.
Break time!
It was Santa Claus, himself.
Algar upon hearing Santa yell out to everyone quickly went over to the main control panel and began to turn off the great wrapping-machine, by pulling various levers and switches. The steam and smoke quickly died down from the bellowing engines, as the wheels and pulleys came to a screeching and sudden halt.
There stood before me now was, the mighty Santa Claus in the front doorway with his feet slightly apart in a stance that was custom made of confidence and pride.
Santa was everything you had read or heard about.
Santa was short and plump with a round firm belly. He was so overstuffed and widespread at the waist that it made him look like a small butterball turkey. Well he could have even been related to you Mr. Turkey because he was just, so fat."
Mr. Beamer pointed towards where Mr. Turkey was sitting.
Mr. Turkey began to shake again. Looking to do another magic trick and disappear.
Mr. Beamer took another long drawn out inhale, into the tip of his smoking pipe and continued on.
"Santa was about five feet, five inches tall and weighed in at practically two hundred and fifty pounds. He was very handsomely dressed in a gleaming red and white cotton suit that had three large black shiny buttons down the front that were, in perfect alignment. Santa's, well-pressed suite was perfectly, fitted and it carried an air of royalty about it. He was wearing a pair of large black boots that covered his oversized yet stubby feet with a wide brass buckle that went across the tops of boots.
His lovely beard was flowing freely from his chin and his whiskers were a color of white that I had never seen before. The whiskers illuminated from within. They just had a soft wonderful, velvety glow about them. The hair on the top of his head was the color of freshly fallen snow, or the color of a bunny rabbit's tale. And he had a large bulbous and very round nose, of the softest red hue that I have ever seen before."
"He must be related to you Mr. Beamer, that's kind of what you look like," said Louis with a slight laugh in his voice.
"Why yes that is true and that may be so Louis, but if ever there was a sight to see in your whole life, this was it. I was so flabbergasted at what I was seeing that I fell over flat onto the seat of my pants landing in an outsized vat of red paint that was being used for the painting of children's wagons and bikes.
Santa after hearing all the commotion of me falling and seeing my plight slowly strolled over to me, grabbed me by the nap of my neck, as a mother cat would pull up a newborn kitten, lifting me straight up into the air for a moment. He then shook some of the red paint off me.
He was as strong as any man I had ever met.
With one arm, he just lifted me straight into the air. He finally placed me back on the earth ever so gently and said with some playfulness in his voice, "Well what do we have here, a plump and very red tomato."
"Why hello Santa, My name is Thomas Costello Beamer," I said as I tried to wipe some of the red paint, from my pants.
"And what brings you to my fair city on this dark wintery night?"
"The native people of this area told me of you, and I just had to see for myself?if?you were?well? real or not."
"Well, as you can see...am I very real or not?"
"Oh you are most real, it appears so far."
"Tell me more about yourself and how you got here Thomas."
I answered him.
"I was trapping wild animals and looking for gold treasures for months upon months far up in the far northern country, when I was told of a great city that was to be found over the mountain passes and far down into the valley below?called Snow Valley. I was also told that no one dared to try and pass through those treacherous mountains for fear of the cold, wild-animals, fierce "ancient cave bears", and falling-rocks.
I took this as a personal challenge.
I gathered all of my belongings and headed out on a quest to locate you and your illustrious city. I just had to see for myself, what the world has always thought to be true. That you Santa Claus, Rudolf, and Santa's Village really does exist."
Then Santa spoke again.
"Well, that was quite a story and sounds most dangerous. As you can see I am quite alive, do exist and Santa's Village was found, right here right where your friends said it would be.
Now as you can clearly see my elves and I are way behind in our work this year, and we have things that we must attend to right after this short break. You see Christmas is coming in two months and we're so far behind schedule, that I am afraid we might not be able to get every child in the world, a present this year as we promised. The kids are depending on me again this year to bring them all of their favorite toys and?I can't?you know?let them down?well can I? Do you know how big the world is? That's a tough task, no doubt. So, Mr. Beamer, are you here to help me in my great task or are you here to just dawdle about and fall in vats of red paint all day?"
"No?ah?I am not here to dawdle?er?or waist, your time", I mumbled in astonishment at the thought of talking with the real Santa Clause.
"Well, continue on Thomas?"
"I am a traveler of the world and this is going to be my last great adventure before I retire and go back to my homeland in the heartland of Indiana. I just had to see for myself if all the stories about you were true and then, I had planned on going home but if you really need and want my help, I will gladly offer it to you. Mostly I want to learn all about your great city, about the elves and reindeer and place pen to paper to write this information down in song and written word, for all to remember throughout time. I want the world to know that you really do exist."
"You want the whole world to know all about me ugh? How about we just start with you helping get this irritating rock out of my boot for now?" asked Santa as he sat down on a large perfectly wrapped present (found nearby) and raised his leg up in the air, so I could grab his boot and pull it off.
"Just as Santa was taking off his large boot back that covered his now exposed stocking, in sprang through the front doors...it was the kingly and noble, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.
My, what a beautiful animal, I thought to myself at the sight of seeing Rudolph for the first time. I had seen the most gripping horses of Charlie's family, seen great fine and royal brown bears in the Americas, and I even gazed upon regal white snow panthers in China but nothing compared to the site of the enlightening and stately Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Rudolf was a sleek caramel brown color with sinewy muscles on his forelegs and hindquarters had the grace and presence of a king from a faraway time and carried himself like an Emir sitting on a throne, taking care of all things kingly."
"Man you saw Rudolf?really?" asked Louis.
"Yes?Louis?he was dignified and statuesque.
Nothing could stand up to his magnificence.
His nose was a bright and
a deep color of red that shown as vividly as any lighthouse on a far away cliff. To get your attention or to make a point when he spoke, Rudolf would just light up his nose and the entire room would fill with cheer at the site of its brilliance.
Rudolf walked directly over to Santa, leaned down his mighty head, and held his step while Santa whispered something into his ear. Rudolf nodded his head in approval at Santa that showed him, that he agreed with all, that which was just spoken. He then quickly spun around the other direction, looked around the room for a moment, leapt straight off the ground, kicked his legs about, then flew right out of the large openings in the top of the building; not to be seen again by me for as long as I stayed in Santa Village.
Santa must have sent him to some distant and remote land, on some very important great deed. As, quickly as he had bolted in through the doors, was as quickly as he, darted away.
I only saw Rudolf for a moment and then he was gone, but I will never forget the enthralling, and grand vision of him."
"Did he have a saddle on?" asked Charlie.
"No, no?this reindeer could not be saddled. No ordinary man could break this animal against his will. No one could master this reindeer except Santa Claus," said Mr. Beamer with a quick glance in Charlie's direction.
"Did Rudolf talk to you at all?" asked Growlin Harry in his low throaty voice.
"No only Santa Claus spoke to him in reindeer-speak, I would assume. Rudolf himself did not speak out loud, or to any of the elves."
"He sounds delightful," said Molly
"Rudolf was all that and more Molly."
All the children turned to look at each other, nodding in agreement to all that Mr. Beamer had said.
"Well, Santa Claus kept me as his special guest for the better part of that Christmas season. He showed me all the inner-workings of the great city and all of the delights it held. He introduced me to all of the kind elves, gracious reindeer, and workingmen.
He explained to me how to operate, the great wrapping-machine in detail and he then discussed with me in particular, how the machine was?the only kind like it in the whole world. He explained to me that especially the "ancients" and the "olden-elves" who use to dwell in the old North Pole, long before he came to live there made it.
They had left it to him so he, solely would be responsible for the wrapping of all the Christmas presents in the world. They even allowed me to operate the machine with the guidance of the lead-foreman-elf, Algar.
It was an experience that I will never forget for as long as I live on this earth."
"Will I ever get to see this wrapping-machine?do you think?Mr. Beamer" asked Louis.
"If you dream it, it will all come true. Follow your dreams Louis..."
Mr. Beamer gave Louis a look like none other, one for which Louis had never seen before. It almost frightened little Louis. It was as if Mr. Beamer was saying for real that he would someday go to the North Pole.
"Now where was I? Oh, yes?now also?Santa once asked me about my prodigious, bumpy nose and if I had ever gotten in trouble with it, or was ever embarrassed by it.
It was very funny because just as he was asking me about my nose, I was looking at his nose at the same time, and was going to ask him the very same thing. I told him this story and we both had a very good, long hearty laugh.
Santa also introduced me to Mrs. Claus who was just as enchanting and charming of a person as I had ever met before. I spent many nights together with her after dinnertime enjoying her enlivening stories about the elves and reindeer, when they were younger.
She told me stories of bravado from Rudolf on his travels when he was just a reindeer-trainee, she also told me of Prancer, of Comet, and of Vixen when they were just a tiny reindeer.
I spoke to Mrs. Claus and Santa of my great travels around the world and of my travels across many stormy seas, and Santa told me of his partaking of his many travels around the globe as well. We had many things in common, and I felt as he did that after all was said and done, that we had made a special friendship and bond that would never be forgotten by either one of us till the day that we passed from this physical earth and into the spiritual world.
Santa Claus also told me that Rudolf was getting on in age, his body was slowing, and that someday he would retire, and move on into a quieter life. He also told me that Rudolf needed a new "trainee-helper" to learn his job and then to eventually replace him, when Rudolf's time to retire became due.
So taken aback was I by this fact of course, because Rudolf looked so strong and mighty still when I had last seen him. He also spoke to me that the "replacement for Rudolf" would have to be very kind of heart, extremely courageous beyond a doubt, clean of mind and spirit and most of all, love all the children of the world not just the privileged children or the cute ones, or the ones of a certain color of skin or age.
He would have to have a love for all the children of the world equally. With all that was going on during my visit and at the time, I nary gave it another thought for the rest of my days in Santa's Village.
As my time grew to a close in the North Pole I told Santa, Rudolf, Vixen, Dancer and all the other reindeer and elf's and elves that they could come visit me sometime in the off-season in Centerville, back in old Indiana. They all said they would certainly look me up someday when, things slowed down and that they would be happy, to try Mrs. Beamer's delicious apple pies, that I had bragged so much about while I was there.
Then when my time had come due, and my observations about Santa's Village and Santa Claus had been put from pen to paper, I felt that my time to departure from the great North Pole was at hand.
Santa had gone and come back from his yearly trek around the world. Which I might add was a success again that year, so I packed up my old duffel bags on my two strong mule-deer, got my faithful horse Ringo ready with saddle and rope, and then received supplies from some of the workingmen, for my long demanding trip back home.
However, before he had left on his trip that year it was just then that Santa approached me and gave me the most unusual of parting gifts. It was small clear crystal glass ball, with a figure of an orange furry "man-beast" standing upright in the center of the glass, and when you shook the beautiful bulbous crystal, glass ball, and well-crafted work of art?white snowflakes, fluttered all about him, and a melodic chime could be heard coming from the base.
The beast like figure was the strangest orange color that I had ever seen. His face and eyes seemed to have a "supernatural red glow" to them. I studied the glass ball for a moment and it, to my realizations, it appeared that the figure inside was that of an orange abominable snowman or Yeti."
"You saw an orange, abominable Yeti. I would not want to run into that in the wilds of the arctic?ever. It would scare me so bad that it might turn my hair from bright red to white?that's for sure...and probably scare some of the freckles off me as well" broadcast Louis, as he scrunched up his face in fear.
"Listen up once again Louis because this is very important?especially for you."
Louis's throat went dry.
"These strange mystical beast, are known to roam high up on the mountain sides of the Ingnok Mountains, but no one from what we know had lived, to tell the story of their meeting. However, mostly they are known to especially like to...to...scare...small children. Why Santa gave me this present I still do not know, till this day, but he did say in passing, that someday, one of your loved ones will need this special gift to save his life, and that?was all that?he said to me.
I then advanced to give him a small wooden carving that I had whittled in my spare time at the North Pole of him, and his sleigh full of packages, and of his troop of reindeer.
We exchanged the gifts he then gave me a very long and genuine hug. Mrs. Claus dropped by before I left to say goodbye, as did many of the reindeer, elves, and workingmen that I had grown to love and call fr
iends during my time spent there.
Then at the next daybreak, I left Snow Valley. I traveled back out of the friendly valley of snow, through the dark mountains, across Russia, down through Canada and back to civilization.
This was my last and greatest journey; it will reside in my heart always and will be lodged in my mind forever...till the end of time.
So there you have it.
The story of how I spent one Christmas in the North Pole with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. That was my story of Santa's Village, of the tiny elves and elf's, of the workingmen and the story about, the great wrapping-machine", said Mr. Beamer as he turned to look everyone once again, squarely in the eyes.
Mr. Beamer then punctuated the ending of his story with a large puff of smoke from his pipe. The smoke rose directly over the tops of the children's heads, scattering high overhead above the rooftop of his farmhouse.
Therefore, this ended Mr. Beamer's grand story for the evening.
"Wow, Mr. Beamer. Is that all true or are you just telling us another tall tale like the ones about Charles' family?" asked Short Stack.
"Of course it's all true Short Stack. Why would I try to deceive you? How do you think kids all over the world get all their toys every year at Christmastime?" asked Mr. Beamer who was in disbelief at the question from Short Stack and its intonation.
"All is true about Santa, and all is true about Charlie's family as well", said Mr. Beamer again reinforcing his position.
"Now it's getting late all. All of you children and animals must be getting tired of my long-winded story here. Just maybe?no I guess...you are right Short Stack, the story I just told cannot be true...and my adventure with the Orange Yeti could not be true either. Till next time" said Mr. Beamer with a sly smirk now showing upon his face.
Just then, Mr. Beamer pulled the small crystalline glass ball out of his pants pocket with the orange beast-like man inside.
He held it up high in front of him for all to gaze upon in amazement.
"Like I said, the story just can't be true."
Everybody's mouth dropped wide open.
Charlie, Louis, Chug, Molly, Margaret, Short Stack and all the other children and animals present just stood there gazing, at the small globe in total disbelief at what they were seeing. Mr. Beamer then waived his other arm up in the air signaling for all to scatter. He shook the glass ball, it lit up a bright blue and orange color, and a melodic song could be heard coming from its base.
"OK, everyone go home now, it's getting late."
"What are you holding there Mr. Beamer? Is that the gift Santa gave you?" asked a most astonished Louis.
"No were not tired at all. Do you have any more stories?" asked Charlie with a wild look in his tired eyes.
Charlie had come in late and toward the middle of the story, but he sure did hear the part about Santa's Village and the part about Rudolf retiring in a few years, and needing a future replacement, and of course, he heard the story about the great wrapping-machine.
Now that would be a great job to have thought Charlie. I would love to do that. Just imagine me with a beautiful sleigh to pull on Christmas night, having year round work to keep me busy, and most of all I would get to meet all the children in the world and place cheerful smiles on all of their faces, with the presents I would deliver them each year. Man, oh...man...what a great life that would be, working for Santa Claus in the North Pole.
Charlie with his mind spinning and dreaming of what could be turned to go back up the pathway towards Mr. Beamer's barn, to find his warm bed of hay to lie down in, and fall fast asleep for the night.
This evening dreams for Charlie would be with visions of being a famous working-horse for Santa Claus and making new friends with Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, the workingmen and the elves who live in Santa's Village.
"Now let's all get home and get a good night of sleep, and dream of beautiful snow falls on the northern most mountains of the North Pole. Let us dream of kind reindeer, of elves who sing fanciful songs while they work, and of Santa Claus and all the fanciful toys, that he will surely bring you all this year for Christmas. Which will be upon us soon enough" said Mr. Beamer as all of the children and animals slowly walked towards the dirt road that lead away from his farm and back into town.
"Well, good night Mr. Beamer and thanks for the wonderful story, even though I know it's not true," said Louis as he headed next door to his farmhouse.
On the way back all Louis could do was daydream again about living in the North Pole and about himself being the lead Foreman, standing in front of the great wrapping-machine pulling all sorts of odd levers and switches.
"Well, good night Mr. Beamer" said Growlin Harry as he shuffled off to the sounds of the soles of his shoes slapping on the ground.
Mr. Turkey realizing that the comfort of his friends was slowly getting away from him began to get nervous again, so he fearfully slunk out, off of the back of the porch through the shadows of the nearby birch trees and back into the cornfields, so as not to be seen again that night.
Everyone had a wonderful time that night on the back porch of Mr. Beamer's farmhouse hearing Mr. Beamer tell his delightful and lustrous story about Santa Claus and the North Pole.
All slept deeply and safely in their own comfortable beds that night, with dreams whirling in their heads of shiny new toys being brought to them by, Santa Claus and Rudolf on Christmas Eve that was coming soon enough, but especially they dreamed of one day, of meeting, Santa Claus and the mighty Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.