Contents
YOUTH
1。Burzee2。TheChildoftheForest3。TheAdoption4。Claus5。TheMasterWoodsman6。ClausDiscoversHumanity7。ClausLeavestheForestMANHOOD
1。TheLaughingValley2。HowClausMadetheFirstToy3。HowtheRylsColoredtheToys4。HowLittleMayrieBecameFrightened5。HowBessieBlithesomeCametotheLaughingValley6。TheWickednessoftheAwgwas7。TheGreatBattleBetweenGoodandEvil8。TheFirstJourneywiththeReindeer9。"SantaClaus!"
10。ChristmasEve11。HowtheFirstStockingsWereHungbytheChimneys12。TheFirstChristmasTreeOLDAGE
1。TheMantleofImmortality2。WhentheWorldGrewOld3。TheDeputiesofSantaClausYOUTH
1。BurzeeHaveyouheardofthegreatForestofBurzee？NurseusedtosingofitwhenIwasachild。Shesangofthebigtree—trunks，standingclosetogether，withtheirrootsintertwiningbelowtheearthandtheirbranchesintertwiningaboveit；oftheirroughcoatingofbarkandqueer，gnarledlimbs；ofthebushyfoliagethatroofedtheentireforest，savewherethesunbeamsfoundapaththroughwhichtotouchthegroundinlittlespotsandtocastweirdandcuriousshadowsoverthemosses，thelichensandthedriftsofdriedleaves。
TheForestofBurzeeismightyandgrandandawesometothosewhostealbeneathitsshade。Comingfromthesunlitmeadowsintoitsmazesitseemsatfirstgloomy，thenpleasant，andafterwardfilledwithnever—endingdelights。
Forhundredsofyearsithasflourishedinallitsmagnificence，thesilenceofitsinclosureunbrokensavebythechirpofbusychipmunks，thegrowlofwildbeastsandthesongsofbirds。
YetBurzeehasitsinhabitants——forallthis。NaturepeopleditinthebeginningwithFairies，Knooks，RylsandNymphs。AslongastheForeststandsitwillbeahome，arefugeandaplaygroundtothesesweetimmortals，whorevelundisturbedinitsdepths。
CivilizationhasneveryetreachedBurzee。Willitever，Iwonder？
2。TheChildoftheForestOnce，solongagoourgreat—grandfatherscouldscarcelyhavehearditmentioned，therelivedwithinthegreatForestofBurzeeawood—nymphnamedNecile。ShewascloselyrelatedtothemightyQueenZurline，andherhomewasbeneaththeshadeofawidespreadingoak。Onceeveryyear，onBuddingDay，whenthetreesputforththeirnewbuds，NecileheldtheGoldenChaliceofAktothelipsoftheQueen，whodranktherefromtotheprosperityoftheForest。Soyouseeshewasanymphofsomeimportance，and，moreover，itissaidshewashighlyregardedbecauseofherbeautyandgrace。
Whenshewascreatedshecouldnothavetold；QueenZurlinecouldnothavetold；thegreatAkhimselfcouldnothavetold。Itwaslongagowhentheworldwasnewandnymphswereneededtoguardtheforestsandtoministertothewantsoftheyoungtrees。Then，onsomedaynotremembered，Necilesprangintobeing；radiant，lovely，straightandslimasthesaplingshewascreatedtoguard。
Herhairwasthecolorthatlinesachestnut—bur；hereyeswereblueinthesunlightandpurpleintheshade；hercheeksbloomedwiththefaintpinkthatedgesthecloudsatsunset；herlipswerefullred，poutingandsweet。Forcostumesheadoptedoak—leafgreen；allthewood—nymphsdressinthatcolorandknownoothersodesirable。Herdaintyfeetweresandal—clad，whileherheadremainedbareofcoveringotherthanhersilkentresses。
Necile’sdutieswerefewandsimple。Shekepthurtfulweedsfromgrowingbeneathhertreesandsappingtheearth—foodrequiredbyhercharges。ShefrightenedawaytheGadgols，whotookevildelightinflyingagainstthetree—trunksandwoundingthemsothattheydroopedanddiedfromthepoisonouscontact。Indryseasonsshecarriedwaterfromthebrooksandpoolsandmoistenedtherootsofherthirstydependents。
Thatwasinthebeginning。Theweedshadnowlearnedtoavoidtheforestswherewood—nymphsdwelt；theloathsomeGadgolsnolongerdaredcomenigh；thetreeshadbecomeoldandsturdyandcouldbearthedroughtbetterthanwhenfresh—sprouted。SoNecile’sdutieswerelessened，andtimegrewlaggard，whilesucceedingyearsbecamemoretiresomeanduneventfulthanthenymph’sjoyousspiritloved。
Trulytheforest—dwellersdidnotlackamusement。EachfullmoontheydancedintheRoyalCircleoftheQueen。TherewerealsotheFeastofNuts，theJubileeofAutumnTintings，thesolemnceremonyofLeafSheddingandtherevelryofBuddingDay。Buttheseperiodsofenjoymentwerefarapart，andleftmanywearyhoursbetween。
Thatawood—nymphshouldgrowdiscontentedwasnotthoughtofbyNecile’ssisters。Itcameuponheronlyaftermanyyearsofbrooding。
Butwhenonceshehadsettledinhermindthatlifewasirksomeshehadnopatiencewithhercondition，andlongedtodosomethingofrealinterestandtopassherdaysinwayshithertoundreamedofbyforestnymphs。TheLawoftheForestalonerestrainedherfromgoingforthinsearchofadventure。
WhilethismoodlayheavyuponprettyNecileitchancedthatthegreatAkvisitedtheForestofBurzeeandallowedthewood—nymphsaswastheirwont——tolieathisfeetandlistentothewordsofwisdomthatfellfromhislips。AkistheMasterWoodsmanoftheworld；heseeseverything，andknowsmorethanthesonsofmen。
ThatnightheheldtheQueen’shand，forhelovedthenymphsasafatherloveshischildren；andNecilelayathisfeetwithmanyofhersistersandearnestlyharkenedashespoke。
"Welivesohappily，myfairones，inourforestglades，"saidAk，strokinghisgrizzledbeardthoughtfully，"thatweknownothingofthesorrowandmiserythatfalltothelotofthosepoormortalswhoinhabittheopenspacesoftheearth。Theyarenotofourrace，itistrue，yetcompassionwellbefitsbeingssofairlyfavoredasourselves。OftenasIpassbythedwellingofsomesufferingmortalI
amtemptedtostopandbanishthepoorthing’smisery。Yetsuffering，inmoderation，isthenaturallotofmortals，anditisnotourplacetointerferewiththelawsofNature。"
"Nevertheless，"saidthefairQueen，noddinghergoldenheadattheMasterWoodsman，"itwouldnotbeavainguessthatAkhasoftenassistedthesehaplessmortals。"
Aksmiled。
"Sometimes，"hereplied，"whentheyareveryyoung——’children，’themortalscallthem——Ihavestoppedtorescuethemfrommisery。ThemenandwomenIdarenotinterferewith；theymustbeartheburdensNaturehasimposeduponthem。Butthehelplessinfants，theinnocentchildrenofmen，havearighttobehappyuntiltheybecomefull—grownandabletobearthetrialsofhumanity。SoIfeelIamjustifiedinassistingthem。Notlongago——ayear，maybe——Ifoundfourpoorchildrenhuddledinawoodenhut，slowlyfreezingtodeath。Theirparentshadgonetoaneighboringvillageforfood，andhadleftafiretowarmtheirlittleoneswhiletheywereabsent。Butastormaroseanddriftedthesnowintheirpath，sotheywerelongontheroad。Meantimethefirewentoutandthefrostcreptintothebonesofthewaitingchildren。"
"Poorthings!"murmuredtheQueensoftly。"Whatdidyoudo？"
"IcalledNelko，biddinghimfetchwoodfrommyforestsandbreatheuponituntilthefireblazedagainandwarmedthelittleroomwherethechildrenlay。Thentheyceasedshiveringandfellasleepuntiltheirparentscame。"
"Iamgladyoudidthus，"saidthegoodQueen，beamingupontheMaster；andNecile，whohadeagerlylistenedtoeveryword，echoedinawhisper："I，too，amglad!"
"Andthisverynight，"continuedAk，"asIcametotheedgeofBurzeeI
heardafeeblecry，whichIjudgedcamefromahumaninfant。Ilookedaboutmeandfound，closetotheforest，ahelplessbabe，lyingquitenakeduponthegrassesandwailingpiteously。Notfaraway，screenedbytheforest，crouchedShiegra，thelioness，intentupondevouringtheinfantforhereveningmeal。"
"Andwhatdidyoudo，Ak？"askedtheQueen，breathlessly。
"Notmuch，beinginahurrytogreetmynymphs。ButIcommandedShiegratolieclosetothebabe，andtogiveithermilktoquietitshunger。AndItoldhertosendwordthroughouttheforest，toallbeastsandreptiles，thatthechildshouldnotbeharmed。"
"Iamgladyoudidthus，"saidthegoodQueenagain，inatoneofrelief；butthistimeNeciledidnotechoherwords，forthenymph，filledwithastrangeresolve，hadsuddenlystolenawayfromthegroup。
SwiftlyherlitheformdartedthroughtheforestpathsuntilshereachedtheedgeofmightyBurzee，whenshepausedtogazecuriouslyabouther。Neveruntilnowhadsheventuredsofar，fortheLawoftheForesthadplacedthenymphsinitsinmostdepths。
NecileknewshewasbreakingtheLaw，butthethoughtdidnotgivepausetoherdaintyfeet。ShehaddecidedtoseewithherowneyesthisinfantAkhadtoldof，forshehadneveryetbeheldachildofman。Alltheimmortalsarefull—grown；therearenochildrenamongthem。PeeringthroughthetreesNecilesawthechildlyingonthegrass。Butnowitwassweetlysleeping，havingbeencomfortedbythemilkdrawnfromShiegra。Itwasnotoldenoughtoknowwhatperilmeans；ifitdidnotfeelhungeritwascontent。
Softlythenymphstoletothesideofthebabeandkneltuponthesward，herlongrobeofroseleafcolorspreadingaboutherlikeagossamercloud。Herlovelycountenanceexpressedcuriosityandsurprise，but，mostofall，atender，womanlypity。Thebabewasnewborn，chubbyandpink。Itwasentirelyhelpless。Whilethenymphgazedtheinfantopeneditseyes，smileduponher，andstretchedouttwodimpledarms。InanotherinstantNecilehadcaughtittoherbreastandwashurryingwithitthroughtheforestpaths。
3。TheAdoptionTheMasterWoodsmansuddenlyrose，withknittedbrows。"ThereisastrangepresenceintheForest，"hedeclared。ThentheQueenandhernymphsturnedandsawstandingbeforethemNecile，withthesleepinginfantclaspedtightlyinherarmsandadefiantlookinherdeepblueeyes。
Andthusforamomenttheyremained，thenymphsfilledwithsurpriseandconsternation，butthebrowoftheMasterWoodsmangraduallyclearingashegazedintentlyuponthebeautifulimmortalwhohadwilfullybrokentheLaw。ThenthegreatAk，tothewonderofall，laidhishandsoftlyonNecile’sflowinglocksandkissedheronherfairforehead。
"Forthefirsttimewithinmyknowledge，"saidhe，gently，"anymphhasdefiedmeandmylaws；yetinmyheartcanIfindnowordofchiding。Whatisyourdesire，Necile？"
"Letmekeepthechild!"sheanswered，beginningtotrembleandfallingonherkneesinsupplication。
"Here，intheForestofBurzee，wherethehumanracehasneveryetpenetrated？"questionedAk。
"Here，intheForestofBurzee，"repliedthenymph，boldly。"Itismyhome，andIamwearyforlackofoccupation。Letmecareforthebabe!Seehowweakandhelplessitis。SurelyitcannotharmBurzeenortheMasterWoodsmanoftheWorld!"
"ButtheLaw，child，theLaw!"criedAk，sternly。
"TheLawismadebytheMasterWoodsman，"returnedNecile；"ifhebidsmecareforthebabehehimselfhassavedfromdeath，whoinalltheworlddareopposeme？"QueenZurline，whohadlistenedintentlytothisconversation，clappedherprettyhandsgleefullyatthenymph’sanswer。
"Youarefairlytrapped，OAk!"sheexclaimed，laughing。"Now，Iprayyou，giveheedtoNecile’spetition。"
TheWoodsman，aswashishabitwheninthought，strokedhisgrizzledbeardslowly。Thenhesaid：
"Sheshallkeepthebabe，andIwillgiveitmyprotection。ButI
warnyouallthatasthisisthefirsttimeIhaverelaxedtheLaw，soshallitbethelasttime。Nevermore，totheendoftheWorld，shallamortalbeadoptedbyanimmortal。Otherwisewouldweabandonourhappyexistenceforoneoftroubleandanxiety。Goodnight，mynymphs!"
ThenAkwasgonefromtheirmidst，andNecilehurriedawaytoherbowertorejoiceoverhernew—foundtreasure。
4。ClausAnotherdayfoundNecile’sbowerthemostpopularplaceintheForest。
Thenymphsclusteredaroundherandthechildthatlayasleepinherlap，withexpressionsofcuriosityanddelight。NorweretheywantinginpraisesforthegreatAk’skindnessinallowingNeciletokeepthebabeandtocareforit。EventheQueencametopeerintotheinnocentchildishfaceandtoholdahelpless，chubbyfistinherownfairhand。
"Whatshallwecallhim，Necile？"sheasked，smiling。"Hemusthaveaname，youknow。"
"LethimbecalledClaus，"answeredNecile，"forthatmeans’alittleone。’"
"RatherlethimbecalledNeclaus，"**returnedtheQueen，"forthatwillmean’Necile’slittleone。’"
Thenymphsclappedtheirhandsindelight，andNeclausbecametheinfant’sname，althoughNecilelovedbesttocallhimClaus，andinafterdaysmanyofhersistersfollowedherexample。
NecilegatheredthesoftestmossinalltheforestforClaustolieupon，andshemadehisbedinherownbower。Offoodtheinfanthadnolack。Thenymphssearchedtheforestforbell—udders，whichgrowuponthegoa—treeandwhenopenedarefoundtobefilledwithsweetmilk。Andthesoft—eyeddoeswillinglygaveashareoftheirmilktosupportthelittlestranger，whileShiegra，thelioness，oftencreptstealthilyintoNecile’sbowerandpurredsoftlyasshelaybesidethebabeandfedit。
Sothelittleoneflourishedandgrewbigandsturdydaybyday，whileNeciletaughthimtospeakandtowalkandtoplay。
Histhoughtsandwordsweresweetandgentle，forthenymphsknewnoevilandtheirheartswerepureandloving。Hebecamethepetoftheforest，forAk’sdecreehadforbiddenbeastorreptiletomolesthim，andhewalkedfearlesslywhereverhiswillguidedhim。
PresentlythenewsreachedtheotherimmortalsthatthenymphsofBurzeehadadoptedahumaninfant，andthattheacthadbeensanctionedbythegreatAk。Thereforemanyofthemcametovisitthelittlestranger，lookinguponhimwithmuchinterest。FirsttheRyls，whoarefirstcousinstothewood—nymphs，althoughsodifferentlyformed。FortheRylsarerequiredtowatchovertheflowersandplants，asthenymphswatchovertheforesttrees。Theysearchthewideworldforthefoodrequiredbytherootsofthefloweringplants，whilethebrilliantcolorspossessedbythefull—blownflowersareduetothedyesplacedinthesoilbytheRyls，whicharedrawnthroughthelittleveinsintherootsandthebodyoftheplants，astheyreachmaturity。TheRylsareabusypeople，fortheirflowersbloomandfadecontinually，buttheyaremerryandlight—heartedandareverypopularwiththeotherimmortals。
NextcametheKnooks，whosedutyitistowatchoverthebeastsoftheworld，bothgentleandwild。TheKnookshaveahardtimeofit，sincemanyofthebeastsareungovernableandrebelagainstrestraint。Buttheyknowhowtomanagethem，afterall，andyouwillfindthatcertainlawsoftheKnooksareobeyedbyeventhemostferociousanimals。TheiranxietiesmaketheKnookslookoldandwornandcrooked，andtheirnaturesareabitroughfromassociatingwithwildcreaturescontinually；yettheyaremostusefultohumanityandtotheworldingeneral，astheirlawsaretheonlylawstheforestbeastsrecognizeexceptthoseoftheMasterWoodsman。
ThenthereweretheFairies，theguardiansofmankind，whoweremuchinterestedintheadoptionofClausbecausetheirownlawsforbadethemtobecomefamiliarwiththeirhumancharges。ThereareinstancesonrecordwheretheFairieshaveshownthemselvestohumanbeings，andhaveevenconversedwiththem；buttheyaresupposedtoguardthelivesofmankindunseenandunknown，andiftheyfavorsomepeoplemorethanothersitisbecausethesehavewonsuchdistinctionfairly，astheFairiesareveryjustandimpartial。Buttheideaofadoptingachildofmenhadneveroccurredtothembecauseitwasineverywayopposedtotheirlaws；sotheircuriositywasintensetobeholdthelittlestrangeradoptedbyNecileandhersisternymphs。
Clauslookedupontheimmortalswhothrongedaroundhimwithfearlesseyesandsmilinglips。HerodelaughinglyupontheshouldersofthemerryRyls；hemischievouslypulledthegraybeardsofthelow—browedKnooks；herestedhiscurlyheadconfidentlyuponthedaintybosomoftheFairyQueenherself。AndtheRylslovedthesoundofhislaughter；
theKnookslovedhiscourage；theFairieslovedhisinnocence。
Theboymadefriendsofthemall，andlearnedtoknowtheirlawsintimately。Noforestflowerwastrampledbeneathhisfeet，lestthefriendlyRylsshouldbegrieved。Heneverinterferedwiththebeastsoftheforest，lesthisfriendstheKnooksshouldbecomeangry。TheFairiesheloveddearly，but，knowingnothingofmankind，hecouldnotunderstandthathewastheonlyoneofhisraceadmittedtofriendlyintercoursewiththem。
Indeed，Clauscametoconsiderthathealone，ofalltheforestpeople，hadnolikenorfellow。Tohimtheforestwastheworld。
Hehadnoideathatmillionsoftoiling，strivinghumancreaturesexisted。
Andhewashappyandcontent。
**SomepeoplehavespelledthisnameNicklausandothersNicolas，whichisthereasonthatSantaClausisstillknowninsomelandsasSt。Nicolas。But，ofcourse，Neclausishisrightname，andClausthenicknamegivenhimbyhisadoptedmother，thefairnymphNecile。
5。TheMasterWoodsmanYearspassswiftlyinBurzee，forthenymphshavenoneedtoregardtimeinanyway。Evencenturiesmakenochangeinthedaintycreatures；
everandevertheyremainthesame，immortalandunchanging。
Claus，however，beingmortal，grewtomanhooddaybyday。Necilewasdisturbed，presently，tofindhimtoobigtolieinherlap，andhehadadesireforotherfoodthanmilk。HisstoutlegscarriedhimfarintoBurzee’sheart，wherehegatheredsuppliesofnutsandberries，aswellasseveralsweetandwholesomeroots，whichsuitedhisstomachbetterthanthebelludders。HesoughtNecile’sbowerlessfrequently，tillfinallyitbecamehiscustomtoreturnthitheronlytosleep。
Thenymph，whohadcometolovehimdearly，waspuzzledtocomprehendthechangednatureofhercharge，andunconsciouslyalteredherownmodeoflifetoconformtohiswhims。Shefollowedhimreadilythroughtheforestpaths，asdidmanyofhersisternymphs，explainingastheywalkedallthemysteriesofthegiganticwoodandthehabitsandnatureofthelivingthingswhichdweltbeneathitsshade。
ThelanguageofthebeastsbecamecleartolittleClaus；buthenevercouldunderstandtheirsulkyandmorosetempers。Onlythesquirrels，themiceandtherabbitsseemedtopossesscheerfulandmerrynatures；yetwouldtheboylaughwhenthepanthergrowled，andstrokethebear’sglossycoatwhilethecreaturesnarledandbareditsteethmenacingly。ThegrowlsandsnarlswerenotforClaus，hewellknew，sowhatdidtheymatter？
Hecouldsingthesongsofthebees，recitethepoetryofthewood—flowersandrelatethehistoryofeveryblinkingowlinBurzee。
HehelpedtheRylstofeedtheirplantsandtheKnookstokeeporderamongtheanimals。Thelittleimmortalsregardedhimasaprivilegedperson，beingespeciallyprotectedbyQueenZurlineandhernymphsandfavoredbythegreatAkhimself。
OnedaytheMasterWoodsmancamebacktotheforestofBurzee。Hehadvisited，inturn，allhisforeststhroughouttheworld，andtheyweremanyandbroad。
NotuntilheenteredthegladewheretheQueenandhernymphswereassembledtogreethimdidAkrememberthechildhehadpermittedNeciletoadopt。Thenhefound，sittingfamiliarlyinthecircleoflovelyimmortals，abroad—shouldered，stalwartyouth，who，whenerect，stoodfullyashighastheshoulderoftheMasterhimself。
Akpaused，silentandfrowning，tobendhispiercinggazeuponClaus。
Thecleareyesmethisownsteadfastly，andtheWoodsmangaveasighofreliefashemarkedtheirplaciddepthsandreadtheyouth’sbraveandinnocentheart。Nevertheless，asAksatbesidethefairQueen，andthegoldenchalice，filledwithrarenectar，passedfromliptolip，theMasterWoodsmanwasstrangelysilentandreserved，andstrokedhisbeardmanytimeswithathoughtfulmotion。
WithmorninghecalledClausaside，inkindlyfashion，saying：
"Bidgoodby，foratime，toNecileandhersisters；foryoushallaccompanymeonmyjourneythroughtheworld。"
TheventurepleasedClaus，whoknewwellthehonorofbeingcompanionoftheMasterWoodsmanoftheworld。ButNecileweptforthefirsttimeinherlife，andclungtotheboy’sneckasifshecouldnotbeartolethimgo。Thenymphwhohadmotheredthissturdyyouthwasstillasdainty，ascharmingandbeautifulaswhenshehaddaredtofaceAkwiththebabeclaspedtoherbreast；norwasherlovelessgreat。Akbeheldthetwoclingingtogether，seeminglyasbrotherandsistertooneanother，andagainheworehisthoughtfullook。
6。ClausDiscoversHumanityTakingClaustoasmallclearingintheforest，theMastersaid：
"Placeyourhanduponmygirdleandholdfastwhilewejourneythroughtheair；fornowshallweencirletheworldandlookuponmanyofthehauntsofthosemenfromwhomyouaredescended。"
ThesewordscausedClaustomarvel，foruntilnowhehadthoughthimselftheonlyoneofhiskindupontheearth；yetinsilencehegraspedfirmlythegirdleofthegreatAk，hisastonishmentforbiddingspeech。
ThenthevastforestofBurzeeseemedtofallawayfromtheirfeet，andtheyouthfoundhimselfpassingswiftlythroughtheairatagreatheight。
Erelongtherewerespiresbeneaththem，whilebuildingsofmanyshapesandcolorsmettheirdownwardview。Itwasacityofmen，andAk，pausingtodescend，ledClaustoitsinclosure。SaidtheMaster：
"Solongasyouholdfasttomygirdleyouwillremainunseenbyallmankind，thoughseeingclearlyyourself。ToreleaseyourgraspwillbetoseparateyourselfforeverfrommeandyourhomeinBurzee。"
OneofthefirstlawsoftheForestisobedience，andClaushadnothoughtofdisobeyingtheMaster’swish。Heclungfasttothegirdleandremainedinvisible。
Thereafterwitheachmomentpassedinthecitytheyouth’swondergrew。He，whohadsupposedhimselfcreateddifferentlyfromallothers，nowfoundtheearthswarmingwithcreaturesofhisownkind。
"Indeed，"saidAk，"theimmortalsarefew；butthemortalsaremany。"
Clauslookedearnestlyuponhisfellows。Thereweresadfaces，gayandrecklessfaces，pleasantfaces，anxiousfacesandkindlyfaces，allmingledinpuzzlingdisorder。Someworkedattedioustasks；somestruttedinimpudentconceit；somewerethoughtfulandgravewhileothersseemedhappyandcontent。Menofmanynatureswerethere，aseverywhere，andClausfoundmuchtopleasehimandmuchtomakehimsad。
Butespeciallyhenotedthechildren——firstcuriously，theneagerly，thenlovingly。Raggedlittleonesrolledinthedustofthestreets，playingwithscrapsandpebbles。Otherchildren，gailydressed，wereproppeduponcushionsandfedwithsugar—plums。Yetthechildrenoftherichwerenothappierthanthoseplayingwiththedustandpebbles，itseemedtoClaus。
"Childhoodisthetimeofman’sgreatestcontent，"saidAk，followingtheyouth’sthoughts。"’Tisduringtheseyearsofinnocentpleasurethatthelittleonesaremostfreefromcare。"
"Tellme，"saidClaus，"whydonotallthesebabiesfarealike？"
"Becausetheyareborninbothcottageandpalace，"returnedtheMaster。"Thedifferenceinthewealthoftheparentsdeterminesthelotofthechild。Somearecarefullytendedandclothedinsilksanddaintylinen；othersareneglectedandcoveredwithrags。"
"Yetallseemequallyfairandsweet，"saidClaus，thoughtfully。
"Whiletheyarebabes——yes；"agreedAk。"Theirjoyisinbeingalive，andtheydonotstoptothink。Inafteryearsthedoomofmankindovertakesthem，andtheyfindtheymuststruggleandworry，workandfret，togainthewealththatissodeartotheheartsofmen。SuchthingsareunknownintheForestwhereyouwerereared。"Clauswassilentamoment。Thenheasked：
"WhywasIrearedintheforest，amongthosewhoarenotofmyrace？"
ThenAk，ingentlevoice，toldhimthestoryofhisbabyhood：howhehadbeenabandonedattheforest’sedgeandleftapreytowildbeasts，andhowthelovingnymphNecilehadrescuedhimandbroughthimtomanhoodundertheprotectionoftheimmortals。
"YetIamnotofthem，"saidClaus，musingly。
"Youarenotofthem，"returnedtheWoodsman。"Thenymphwhocaredforyouasamotherseemsnowlikeasistertoyou；byandby，whenyougrowoldandgray，shewillseemlikeadaughter。Yetanotherbriefspanandyouwillbebutamemory，whilesheremainsNecile。"
"Thenwhy，ifmanmustperish，isheborn？"demandedtheboy。
"Everythingperishesexcepttheworlditselfanditskeepers，"
answeredAk。"Butwhilelifelastseverythingonearthhasitsuse。
Thewiseseekwaystobehelpfultotheworld，forthehelpfulonesaresuretoliveagain。"
MuchofthisClausfailedtounderstandfully，butalongingseizedhimtobecomehelpfultohisfellows，andheremainedgraveandthoughtfulwhiletheyresumedtheirjourney。
Theyvisitedmanydwellingsofmeninmanypartsoftheworld，watchingfarmerstoilinthefields，warriorsdashintocruelfray，andmerchantsexchangetheirgoodsforbitsofwhiteandyellowmetal。
AndeverywheretheeyesofClaussoughtoutthechildreninloveandpity，forthethoughtofhisownhelplessbabyhoodwasstrongwithinhimandheyearnedtogivehelptotheinnocentlittleonesofhisraceevenashehadbeensuccoredbythekindlynymph。
DaybydaytheMasterWoodsmanandhispupiltraversedtheearth，Akspeakingbutseldomtotheyouthwhoclungsteadfastlytohisgirdle，butguidinghimintoallplaceswherehemightbecomefamiliarwiththelivesofhumanbeings。
AndatlasttheyreturnedtothegrandoldForestofBurzee，wheretheMastersetClausdownwithinthecircleofnymphs，amongwhomtheprettyNecileanxiouslyawaitedhim。
ThebrowofthegreatAkwasnowcalmandpeaceful；butthebrowofClaushadbecomelinedwithdeepthought。Necilesighedatthechangeinherfoster—son，whountilnowhadbeeneverjoyousandsmiling，andthethoughtcametoherthatneveragainwouldthelifeoftheboybethesameasbeforethiseventfuljourneywiththeMaster。
7。ClausLeavestheForestWhengoodQueenZurlinehadtouchedthegoldenchalicewithherfairlipsandithadpassedaroundthecircleinhonorofthetravelers’
return，theMasterWoodsmanoftheWorld，whohadnotyetspoken，turnedhisgazefranklyuponClausandsaid：
"Well？"
Theboyunderstood，androseslowlytohisfeetbesideNecile。Onceonlyhiseyespassedaroundthefamiliarcircleofnymphs，everyoneofwhomherememberedasalovingcomrade；buttearscameunbiddentodimhissight，sohegazedthereaftersteadfastlyattheMaster。
"Ihavebeenignorant，"saidhe，simply，"untilthegreatAkinhiskindnesstaughtmewhoandwhatIam。You，wholivesosweetlyinyourforestbowers，everfairandyouthfulandinnocent，arenofitcomradesforasonofhumanity。ForIhavelookeduponman，findinghimdoomedtoliveforabriefspaceuponearth，totoilforthethingsheneeds，tofadeintooldage，andthentopassawayastheleavesinautumn。Yeteverymanhashismission，whichistoleavetheworldbetter，insomeway，thanhefoundit。Iamoftheraceofmen，andman’slotismylot。Foryourtendercareofthepoor，forsakenbabeyouadopted，aswellasforyourlovingcomradeshipduringmyboyhood，myheartwilleveroverflowwithgratitude。Myfoster—mother，"herehestoppedandkissedNecile’swhiteforehead，"I
shallloveandcherishwhilelifelasts。ButImustleaveyou，totakemypartintheendlessstruggletowhichhumanityisdoomed，andtolivemylifeinmyownway。"
"Whatwillyoudo？"askedtheQueen，gravely。
"Imustdevotemyselftothecareofthechildrenofmankind，andtrytomakethemhappy，"heanswered。"Sinceyourowntendercareofababebroughttomehappinessandstrength，itisjustandrightthatIdevotemylifetothepleasureofotherbabes。ThuswillthememoryofthelovingnymphNecilebeplantedwithintheheartsofthousandsofmyraceformanyyearstocome，andherkindlyactberecountedinsongandinstorywhiletheworldshalllast。HaveIspokenwell，OMaster？"
"Youhavespokenwell，"returnedAk，andrisingtohisfeethecontinued："Yetonethingmustnotbeforgotten。HavingbeenadoptedasthechildoftheForest，andtheplayfellowofthenymphs，youhavegainedadistinctionwhichforeverseparatesyoufromyourkind。
Therefore，whenyougoforthintotheworldofmenyoushallretaintheprotectionoftheForest，andthepowersyounowenjoywillremainwithyoutoassistyouinyourlabors。InanyneedyoumaycallupontheNymphs，theRyls，theKnooksandtheFairies，andtheywillserveyougladly。I，theMasterWoodsmanoftheWorld，havesaidit，andmyWordistheLaw!"
ClauslookeduponAkwithgratefuleyes。
"Thiswillmakememightyamongmen，"hereplied。"ProtectedbythesekindfriendsImaybeabletomakethousandsoflittlechildrenhappy。
Iwilltryveryhardtodomyduty，andIknowtheForestpeoplewillgivemetheirsympathyandhelp。"
"Wewill!"saidtheFairyQueen，earnestly。
"Wewill!"criedthemerryRyls，laughing。
"Wewill!"shoutedthecrookedKnooks，scowling。
"Wewill!"exclaimedthesweetnymphs，proudly。ButNecilesaidnothing。SheonlyfoldedClausinherarmsandkissedhimtenderly。
"Theworldisbig，"continuedtheboy，turningagaintohisloyalfriends，"butmenareeverywhere。Ishallbeginmyworknearmyfriends，sothatifImeetwithmisfortuneIcancometotheForestforcounselorhelp。"
Withthathegavethemallalovinglookandturnedaway。Therewasnoneedtosaygoodby，byforhimthesweet，wildlifeoftheForestwasover。Hewentforthbravelytomeethisdoom——thedoomoftheraceofman——thenecessitytoworryandwork。
ButAk，whoknewtheboy’sheart，wasmercifulandguidedhissteps。
ComingthroughBurzeetoitseasternedgeClausreachedtheLaughingValleyofHohaho。Oneachsidewererollinggreenhills，andabrookwanderedmidwaybetweenthemtowindafaroffbeyondthevalley。AthisbackwasthegrimForest；atthefarendofthevalleyabroadplain。Theeyesoftheyoungman，whichhaduntilnowreflectedhisgravethoughts，becamebrighterashestoodsilent，lookingoutupontheLaughingValley。Thenonasuddenhiseyestwinkled，asstarsdoonastillnight，andgrewmerryandwide。
Forathisfeetthecowslipsanddaisiessmiledonhiminfriendlyregard；thebreezewhistledgailyasitpassedbyandflutteredthelocksonhisforehead；thebrooklaughedjoyouslyasitleapedoverthepebblesandsweptaroundthegreencurvesofitsbanks；thebeessangsweetsongsastheyflewfromdandeliontodaffodil；thebeetleschirrupedhappilyinthelonggrass，andthesunbeamsglintedpleasantlyoverallthescene。
"Here，"criedClaus，stretchingouthisarmsasiftoembracetheValley，"willImakemyhome!"
Thatwasmany，manyyearsago。Ithasbeenhishomeeversince。Itishishomenow。
MANHOOD
1。TheLaughingValleyWhenClauscametheValleywasemptysaveforthegrass，thebrook，thewildflowers，thebeesandthebutterflies。Ifhewouldmakehishomehereandliveafterthefashionofmenhemusthaveahouse。
Thispuzzledhimatfirst，butwhilehestoodsmilinginthesunshinehesuddenlyfoundbesidehimoldNelko，theservantoftheMasterWoodsman。Nelkoboreanax，strongandbroad，withbladethatgleamedlikeburnishedsilver。Thisheplacedintheyoungman’shand，thendisappearedwithoutaword。
Clausunderstood，andturningtotheForest’sedgeheselectedanumberoffallentree—trunks，whichhebegantoclearoftheirdeadbranches。Hewouldnotcutintoalivingtree。HislifeamongthenymphswhoguardedtheForesthadtaughthimthatalivetreeissacred，beingacreatedthingendowedwithfeeling。Butwiththedeadandfallentreesitwasdifferent。Theyhadfulfilledtheirdestiny，asactivemembersoftheForestcommunity，andnowitwasfittingthattheirremainsshouldministertotheneedsofman。
Theaxbitdeepintothelogsateverystroke。Itseemedtohaveaforceofitsown，andClaushadbuttoswingandguideit。
WhenshadowsbegancreepingoverthegreenhillstolieintheValleyovernight，theyoungmanhadchoppedmanylogsintoequallengthsandpropershapesforbuildingahousesuchashehadseenthepoorerclassesofmeninhabit。Then，resolvingtoawaitanotherdaybeforehetriedtofitthelogstogether，Clausatesomeofthesweetrootshewellknewhowtofind，drankdeeplyfromthelaughingbrook，andlaydowntosleeponthegrass，firstseekingaspotwherenoflowersgrew，lesttheweightofhisbodyshouldcrushthem。
AndwhileheslumberedandbreathedintheperfumeofthewondrousValleytheSpiritofHappinesscreptintohisheartanddroveoutallterrorandcareandmisgivings。NevermorewouldthefaceofClausbecloudedwithanxieties；nevermorewouldthetrialsoflifeweighhimdownaswithaburden。TheLaughingValleyhadclaimedhimforitsown。
Wouldthatweallmightliveinthatdelightfulplace!——butthen，maybe，itwouldbecomeovercrowded。Foragesithadawaitedatenant。
WasitchancethatledyoungClaustomakehishomeinthishappyvale？Ormayweguessthathisthoughtfulfriends，theimmortals，haddirectedhisstepswhenhewanderedawayfromBurzeetoseekahomeinthegreatworld？
Certainitisthatwhilethemoonpeeredoverthehilltopandfloodedwithitssoftbeamsthebodyofthesleepingstranger，theLaughingValleywasfilledwiththequeer，crookedshapesofthefriendlyKnooks。Thesepeoplespokenowords，butworkedwithskillandswiftness。ThelogsClaushadtrimmedwithhisbrightaxwerecarriedtoaspotbesidethebrookandfittedoneuponanother，andduringthenightastrongandroomydwellingwasbuilt。
ThebirdscamesweepingintotheValleyatdaybreak，andtheirsongs，soseldomheardinthedeepwood，arousedthestranger。Herubbedthewebofsleepfromhiseyelidsandlookedaround。Thehousemethisgaze。
"ImustthanktheKnooksforthis，"saidhe，gratefully。Thenhewalkedtohisdwellingandenteredatthedoorway。Alargeroomfacedhim，havingafireplaceattheendandatableandbenchinthemiddle。Besidethefireplacewasacupboard。Anotherdoorwaywasbeyond。Clausenteredhere，also，andsawasmallerroomwithabedagainstthewallandastoolsetnearasmallstand。OnthebedweremanylayersofdriedmossbroughtfromtheForest。
"Indeed，itisapalace!"exclaimedthesmilingClaus。"ImustthankthegoodKnooksagain，fortheirknowledgeofman’sneedsaswellasfortheirlaborsinmybehalf。"
Helefthisnewhomewithagladfeelingthathewasnotquitealoneintheworld，althoughhehadchosentoabandonhisForestlife。
Friendshipsarenoteasilybroken，andtheimmortalsareeverywhere。
Uponreachingthebrookhedrankofthepurewater，andthensatdownonthebanktolaughatthemischievousgambolsoftheripplesastheypushedoneanotheragainstrocksorcrowdeddesperatelytoseewhichshouldfirstreachtheturnbeyond。Andastheyracedawayhelistenedtothesongtheysang：
"Rushing，pushing，onwego!
Notawavemaygentlyflow——
Allaretooexcited。
Ev’rydrop，delighted，TurnstosprayinmerryplayAswetumbleonourway!"
NextClaussearchedforrootstoeat，whilethedaffodilsturnedtheirlittleeyesuptohimlaughinglyandlispedtheirdaintysong：
"Bloomingfairly，growingrarely，Neverfloweretsweresogay!
Perfumebreathing，joybequeathing，Asourcolorswedisplay。"
ItmadeClauslaughtohearthelittlethingsvoicetheirhappinessastheynoddedgracefullyontheirstems。Butanotherstraincaughthisearasthesunbeamsfellgentlyacrosshisfaceandwhispered：
"Hereisgladness，thatourraysWarmthevalleythroughthedays；
Hereishappiness，togiveComfortuntoallwholive!"
"Yes!"criedClausinanswer，"thereishappinessandjoyinallthingshere。TheLaughingValleyisavalleyofpeaceandgood—will。"
Hepassedthedaytalkingwiththeantsandbeetlesandexchangingjokeswiththelight—heartedbutterflies。Andatnighthelayonhisbedofsoftmossandsleptsoundly。
ThencametheFairies，merrybutnoiseless，bringingskilletsandpotsanddishesandpansandallthetoolsnecessarytopreparefoodandtocomfortamortal。Withthesetheyfilledcupboardandfireplace，finallyplacingastoutsuitofwoolclothingonthestoolbythebedside。
WhenClausawokeherubbedhiseyesagain，andlaughed，andspokealoudhisthankstotheFairiesandtheMasterWoodsmanwhohadsentthem。Witheagerjoyheexaminedallhisnewpossessions，wonderingwhatsomemightbeusedfor。But，inthedayswhenhehadclungtothegirdleofthegreatAkandvisitedthecitiesofmen，hiseyeshadbeenquicktonoteallthemannersandcustomsoftheracetowhichhebelonged；soheguessedfromthegiftsbroughtbytheFairiesthattheMasterexpectedhimhereaftertoliveinthefashionofhisfellow—creatures。
"WhichmeansthatImustplowtheearthandplantcorn，"hereflected；
"sothatwhenwintercomesIshallhavegarneredfoodinplenty。"
But，ashestoodinthegrassyValley，hesawthattoturnuptheearthinfurrowswouldbetodestroyhundredsofpretty，helplessflowers，aswellasthousandsofthetenderbladesofgrass。Andthishecouldnotbeartodo。
ThereforehestretchedouthisarmsandutteredapeculiarwhistlehehadlearnedintheForest，afterwardcrying：
"RylsoftheFieldFlowers——cometome!"
InstantlyadozenofthequeerlittleRylsweresquattinguponthegroundbeforehim，andtheynoddedtohimincheerfulgreeting。
Clausgazeduponthemearnestly。
"YourbrothersoftheForest，"hesaid，"Ihaveknownandlovedmanyyears。Ishallloveyou，also，whenwehavebecomefriends。TomethelawsoftheRyls，whetherthoseoftheForestorofthefield，aresacred。Ihaveneverwilfullydestroyedoneoftheflowersyoutendsocarefully；butImustplantgraintouseforfoodduringthecoldwinter，andhowamItodothiswithoutkillingthelittlecreaturesthatsingtomesoprettilyoftheirfragrantblossoms？"
TheYellowRyl，hewhotendsthebuttercups，madeanswer：
"Fretnot，friendClaus。ThegreatAkhasspokentousofyou。Thereisbetterworkforyouinlifethantolaborforfood，andthough，notbeingoftheForest，Akhasnocommandoverus，neverthelessarewegladtofavoroneheloves。Live，therefore，todothegoodworkyouareresolvedtoundertake。We，theFieldRyls，willattendtoyourfoodsupplies。"
AfterthisspeechtheRylswerenolongertobeseen，andClausdrovefromhismindthethoughtoftillingtheearth。
Whennexthewanderedbacktohisdwellingabowloffreshmilkstooduponthetable；breadwasinthecupboardandsweethoneyfilledadishbesideit。Aprettybasketofrosyapplesandnew—pluckedgrapeswasalsoawaitinghim。Hecalledout"Thanks，myfriends!"totheinvisibleRyls，andstraightwaybegantoeatofthefood。
Thereafter，whenhungry，hehadbuttolookintothecupboardtofindgoodlysuppliesbroughtbythekindlyRyls。AndtheKnookscutandstackedmuchwoodforhisfireplace。AndtheFairiesbroughthimwarmblanketsandclothing。
SobeganhislifeintheLaughingValley，withthefavorandfriendshipoftheimmortalstoministertohiseverywant。
2。HowClausMadetheFirstToyTrulyourClaushadwisdom，forhisgoodfortunebutstrengthenedhisresolvetobefriendthelittleonesofhisownrace。Heknewhisplanwasapprovedbytheimmortals，elsetheywouldnothavefavoredhimsogreatly。
Sohebeganatoncetomakeacquaintancewithmankind。HewalkedthroughtheValleytotheplainbeyond，andcrossedtheplaininmanydirectionstoreachtheabodesofmen。Thesestoodsinglyoringroupsofdwellingscalledvillages，andinnearlyallthehouses，whetherbigorlittle，Clausfoundchildren。
Theyoungsterssooncametoknowhismerry，laughingfaceandthekindglanceofhisbrighteyes；andtheparents，whiletheyregardedtheyoungmanwithsomescornforlovingchildrenmorethantheirelders，werecontentthatthegirlsandboyshadfoundaplayfellowwhoseemedwillingtoamusethem。
SothechildrenrompedandplayedgameswithClaus，andtheboysrodeuponhisshoulders，andthegirlsnestledinhisstrongarms，andthebabiesclungfondlytohisknees。Wherevertheyoungmanchancedtobe，thesoundofchildishlaughterfollowedhim；andtounderstandthisbetteryoumustknowthatchildrenweremuchneglectedinthosedaysandreceivedlittleattentionfromtheirparents，sothatitbecametothemamarvelthatsogoodlyamanasClausdevotedhistimetomakingthemhappy。Andthosewhoknewhimwere，youmaybesure，veryhappyindeed。Thesadfacesofthepoorandabusedgrewbrightforonce；thecripplesmileddespitehismisfortune；theailingoneshushedtheirmoansandthegrievedonestheircrieswhentheirmerryfriendcamenightocomfortthem。
OnlyatthebeautifulpalaceoftheLordofLerdandatthefrowningcastleoftheBaronBraunwasClausrefusedadmittance。Therewerechildrenatbothplaces；buttheservantsatthepalaceshutthedoorintheyoungstranger’sface，andthefierceBaronthreatenedtohanghimfromanironhookonthecastlewalls。WhereuponClaussighedandwentbacktothepoorerdwellingswherehewaswelcome。
Afteratimethewinterdrewnear。
Theflowerslivedouttheirlivesandfadedanddisappeared；thebeetlesburrowedfarintothewarmearth；thebutterfliesdesertedthemeadows；andthevoiceofthebrookgrewhoarse，asifithadtakencold。
OnedaysnowflakesfilledalltheairintheLaughingValley，dancingboisterouslytowardtheearthandclothinginpurewhiteraimenttheroofofClaus’sdwelling。
AtnightJackFrostrappedatthedoor。
"Comein!"criedClaus。
"Comeout!"answeredJack，"foryouhaveafireinside。"
SoClauscameout。HehadknownJackFrostintheForest，andlikedthejollyrogue，evenwhilehemistrustedhim。
"Therewillberaresportformeto—night，Claus!"shoutedthesprite。
"Isn’tthisgloriousweather？Ishallnipscoresofnosesandearsandtoesbeforedaybreak。"
"Ifyouloveme，Jack，sparethechildren，"beggedClaus。
"Andwhy？"askedtheother，insurprise。
"Theyaretenderandhelpless，"answeredClaus。
"ButIlovetonipthetenderones!"declaredJack。"Theolderonesaretough，andtiremyfingers。"
"Theyoungonesareweak，andcannotfightyou，"saidClaus。
"True，"agreedJack，thoughtfully。"Well，Iwillnotpinchachildthisnight——ifIcanresistthetemptation，"hepromised。"Goodnight，Claus!"
"Goodnight。"
Theyoungmanwentinandclosedthedoor，andJackFrostranontothenearestvillage。
Clausthrewalogonthefire，whichburnedupbrightly。BesidethehearthsatBlinkie，abigcatgivehimbyPetertheKnook。Herfurwassoftandglossy，andshepurrednever—endingsongsofcontentment。
"Ishallnotseethechildrenagainsoon，"saidClaustothecat，whokindlypausedinhersongtolisten。"Thewinterisuponus，thesnowwillbedeepformanydays，andIshallbeunabletoplaywithmylittlefriends。"
Thecatraisedapawandstrokedhernosethoughtfully，butmadenoreply。SolongasthefireburnedandClaussatinhiseasychairbythehearthshedidnotmindtheweather。
Sopassedmanydaysandmanylongevenings。Thecupboardwasalwaysfull，butClausbecamewearywithhavingnothingtodomorethantofeedthefirefromthebigwood—piletheKnookshadbroughthim。
Oneeveninghepickedupastickofwoodandbegantocutitwithhissharpknife。Hehadnothought，atfirst，excepttooccupyhistime，andhewhistledandsangtothecatashecarvedawayportionsofthestick。Pusssatuponherhaunchesandwatchedhim，listeningatthesametimetohermaster’smerrywhistle，whichshelovedtohearevenmorethanherownpurringsongs。
Clausglancedatpussandthenatthestickhewaswhittling，untilpresentlythewoodbegantohaveashape，andtheshapewasliketheheadofacat，withtwoearsstickingupward。
Clausstoppedwhistlingtolaugh，andthenbothheandthecatlookedatthewoodenimageinsomesurprise。Thenhecarvedouttheeyesandthenose，androundedthelowerpartoftheheadsothatitresteduponaneck。
Pusshardlyknewwhattomakeofitnow，andsatupstiffly，asifwatchingwithsomesuspicionwhatwouldcomenext。
Clausknew。Theheadgavehimanidea。Hepliedhisknifecarefullyandwithskill，formingslowlythebodyofthecat，whichhemadetosituponitshaunchesastherealcatdid，withhertailwoundaroundhertwofrontlegs。
Theworkcosthimmuchtime，buttheeveningwaslongandhehadnothingbettertodo。Finallyhegavealoudanddelightedlaughattheresultofhislaborsandplacedthewoodencat，nowcompleted，uponthehearthoppositetherealone。
Pussthereuponglaredatherimage，raisedherhairinanger，andutteredadefiantmew。Thewoodencatpaidnoattention，andClaus，muchamused，laughedagain。
ThenBlinkieadvancedtowardthewoodenimagetoeyeitcloselyandsmellofitintelligently：Eyesandnosetoldherthecreaturewaswood，inspiteofitsnaturalappearance；sopussresumedherseatandherpurring，butassheneatlywashedherfacewithherpaddedpawshecastmorethanoneadmiringglanceatherclevermaster。Perhapsshefeltthesamesatisfactionwefeelwhenwelookupongoodphotographsofourselves。
Thecat’smasterwashimselfpleasedwithhishandiwork，withoutknowingexactlywhy。Indeed，hehadgreatcausetocongratulatehimselfthatnight，andallthechildrenthroughouttheworldshouldhavejoinedhimrejoicing。ForClaushadmadehisfirsttoy。
3。HowtheRylsColoredtheToysAhushlayontheLaughingValleynow。SnowcovereditlikeawhitespreadandpillowsofdownyflakesdriftedbeforethedwellingwhereClaussatfeedingtheblazeofthefire。ThebrookgurgledonbeneathaheavysheetoficeandalllivingplantsandinsectsnestledclosetoMotherEarthtokeepwarm。Thefaceofthemoonwashidbydarkclouds，andthewind，delightinginthewintrysport，pushedandwhirledthesnowflakesinsomanydirectionsthattheycouldgetnochancetofalltotheground。
ClausheardthewindwhistlingandshriekinginitsplayandthankedthegoodKnooksagainforhiscomfortableshelter。Blinkiewashedherfacelazilyandstaredatthecoalswithalookofperfectcontent。
Thetoycatsatoppositetherealoneandgazedstraightahead，astoycatsshould。
SuddenlyClausheardanoisethatsoundeddifferentfromthevoiceofthewind。Itwasmorelikeawailofsufferinganddespair。
Hestoodupandlistened，butthewind，growingboisterous，shookthedoorandrattledthewindowstodistracthisattention。Hewaiteduntilthewindwastiredandthen，stilllistening，heheardoncemoretheshrillcryofdistress。
Quicklyhedrewonhiscoat，pulledhiscapoverhiseyesandopenedthedoor。Thewinddashedinandscatteredtheembersoverthehearth，atthesametimeblowingBlinkie’sfursofuriouslythatshecreptunderthetabletoescape。ThenthedoorwasclosedandClauswasoutside，peeringanxiouslyintothedarkness。
Thewindlaughedandscoldedandtriedtopushhimover，buthestoodfirm。Thehelplessflakesstumbledagainsthiseyesanddimmedhissight，butherubbedthemawayandlookedagain。Snowwaseverywhere，whiteandglittering。Itcoveredtheearthandfilledtheair。
Thecrywasnotrepeated。
Clausturnedtogobackintothehouse，butthewindcaughthimunawaresandhestumbledandfellacrossasnowdrift。Hishandplungedintothedriftandtouchedsomethingthatwasnotsnow。
Thisheseizedand，pullingitgentlytowardhim，foundittobeachild。Thenextmomenthehadlifteditinhisarmsandcarrieditintothehouse。
Thewindfollowedhimthroughthedoor，butClausshutitoutquickly。
Helaidtherescuedchildonthehearth，andbrushingawaythesnowhediscoveredittobeWeekum，alittleboywholivedinahousebeyondtheValley。
Clauswrappedawarmblanketaroundthelittleoneandrubbedthefrostfromitslimbs。Beforelongthechildopenedhiseyesand，seeingwherehewas，smiledhappily。ThenClauswarmedmilkandfedittotheboyslowly，whilethecatlookedonwithsobercuriosity。
Finallythelittleonecurledupinhisfriend’sarmsandsighedandfellasleep，andClaus，filledwithgladnessthathehadfoundthewanderer，heldhimcloselywhileheslumbered。
Thewind，findingnomoremischieftodo，climbedthehillandsweptontowardthenorth。Thisgavethewearysnowflakestimetosettledowntoearth，andtheValleybecamestillagain。
Theboy，havingsleptwellinthearmsofhisfriend，openedhiseyesandsatup。Then，asachildwill，helookedaroundtheroomandsawallthatitcontained。
"Yourcatisanicecat，Claus，"hesaid，atlast。"Letmeholdit。"
Butpussobjectedandranaway。
"Theothercatwon’trun，Claus，"continuedtheboy。"Letmeholdthatone。"Clausplacedthetoyinhisarms，andtheboyhelditlovinglyandkissedthetipofitswoodenear。
"Howdidyougetlostinthestorm，Weekum？"askedClaus。
"Istartedtowalktomyauntie’shouseandlostmyway，"answeredWeekum。
"Wereyoufrightened？"
"Itwascold，"saidWeekum，"andthesnowgotinmyeyes，soIcouldnotsee。ThenIkeptontillIfellinthesnow，withoutknowingwhereIwas，andthewindblewtheflakesovermeandcoveredmeup。"
Clausgentlystrokedhishead，andtheboylookedupathimandsmiled。
"I’mallrightnow，"saidWeekum。
"Yes，"repliedClaus，happily。"NowIwillputyouinmywarmbed，andyoumustsleepuntilmorning，whenIwillcarryyoubacktoyourmother。"
"Maythecatsleepwithme？"askedtheboy。
"Yes，ifyouwishitto，"answeredClaus。
"It’sanicecat!"Weekumsaid，smiling，asClaustuckedtheblanketsaroundhim；andpresentlythelittleonefellasleepwiththewoodentoyinhisarms。
WhenmorningcamethesunclaimedtheLaughingValleyandfloodeditwithhisrays；soClauspreparedtotakethelostchildbacktoitsmother。
"MayIkeepthecat，Claus？"askedWeekum。"It’snicerthanrealcats。Itdoesn’trunaway，orscratchorbite。MayIkeepit？"
"Yes，indeed，"answeredClaus，pleasedthatthetoyhehadmadecouldgivepleasuretothechild。Sohewrappedtheboyandthewoodencatinawarmcloak，perchingthebundleuponhisownbroadshoulders，andthenhetrampedthroughthesnowandthedriftsoftheValleyandacrosstheplainbeyondtothepoorcottagewhereWeekum’smotherlived。
"See，mama!"criedtheboy，assoonastheyentered，"I’vegotacat!"
ThegoodwomanwepttearsofjoyovertherescueofherdarlingandthankedClausmanytimesforhiskindact。SohecarriedawarmandhappyheartbacktohishomeintheValley。
Thatnighthesaidtopuss："Ibelievethechildrenwilllovethewoodencatsalmostaswellastherealones，andtheycan’thurtthembypullingtheirtailsandears。I’llmakeanother。"
Sothiswasthebeginningofhisgreatwork。
Thenextcatwasbettermadethanthefirst。WhileClaussatwhittlingitouttheYellowRylcameintomakehimavisit，andsopleasedwashewiththeman’sskillthatheranawayandbroughtseveralofhisfellows。
TheresattheRedRyl，theBlackRyl，theGreenRyl，theBlueRylandtheYellowRylinacircleonthefloor，whileClauswhittledandwhistledandthewoodencatgrewintoshape。
"Ifitcouldbemadethesamecolorastherealcat，noonewouldknowthedifference，"saidtheYellowRyl，thoughtfully。
"Thelittleones，maybe，wouldnotknowthedifference，"repliedClaus，pleasedwiththeidea。
"IwillbringyousomeoftheredthatIcolormyrosesandtulipswith，"criedtheRedRyl；"andthenyoucanmakethecat’slipsandtonguered。"
"IwillbringsomeofthegreenthatIcolormygrassesandleaveswith，"
saidtheGreenRyl；"andthenyoucancolorthecat’seyesgreen。"
"Theywillneedabitofyellow，also，"remarkedtheYellowRyl；"I
mustfetchsomeoftheyellowthatIusetocolormybuttercupsandgoldenrodswith。"
"Therealcatisblack，"saidtheBlackRyl；"IwillbringsomeoftheblackthatIusetocolortheeyesofmypansieswith，andthenyoucanpaintyourwoodencatblack。"
"IseeyouhaveablueribbonaroundBlinkie’sneck，"addedtheBlueRyl。"IwillgetsomeofthecolorthatIusetopaintthebluebellsandforget—me—notswith，andthenyoucancarveawoodenribbononthetoycat’sneckandpaintitblue。"
SotheRylsdisappeared，andbythetimeClaushadfinishedcarvingouttheformofthecattheywereallbackwiththepaintsandbrushes。
TheymadeBlinkiesituponthetable，thatClausmightpaintthetoycatjusttherightcolor，andwhentheworkwasdonetheRylsdeclareditwasexactlyasgoodasalivecat。
"Thatis，toallappearances，"addedtheRedRyl。