When Nicko left Newgate via the front entrance, the crowd booed vigorously. A hail of rotten fruit and vegetables rained down from all sides, mixing with the plump snowflakes. Nicko protected his face with his arms as the hangman led him through the baying crowd.
The hatred in people’s faces horrified Nicko. He didn’t deserve this kind of treatment. If they only knew his true identity. But he couldn’t tell them. Santa Claus had to remain a secret. If people knew he was real, the mystery and hope of Christmas would be gone forever. Either way, it seemed that the elves were doomed.
‘C’mon, Toby, my boy. What’s taking you so long?’ he mumbled, looking hopefully skyward.
Then, his face lit up as he saw that all around, his elves were perched on the rooftops. Nobody else seemed to notice the
