Hobo was so surprised that he remained silent (Beardies sometimes can be very quiet). He realized that his dreams were coming true, this jolly old man must be Santa. 
see credits

His nose was as red as a cherry, pink cheeks were surrounded by a beard as white as Hobo's own (except that Hobo's still had stains from last nights dinner).  And, Hobo remembered, Santa is known to come down chimneys. But this wasn't Christmas Eve. There were still a few days before Santa was expected. 

Santa looked straight into Hobo's eyes (well as straight as you can with all that fur covering his face) and said "Hobo, you must help me save Christmas. The North Pole has been taken over and all the other Beardies of the World have been captured and made slaves. You must come with me...." 

"TO THE LAND OF CLAUS"
Page 6
(C) Copyright Glenn D. Short Commerce Township, Michigan USA 1996-2013