Blinkieseemedalittleoffendedbytheattentionbestoweduponthetoy，andthatshemightnotseemtoapprovetheimitationcatshewalkedtothecornerofthehearthandsatdownwithadignifiedair。
　　ButClauswasdelighted，andassoonasmorningcamehestartedoutandtrampedthroughthesnow，acrosstheValleyandtheplain，untilhecametoavillage。There，inapoorhutnearthewallsofthebeautifulpalaceoftheLordofLerd，alittlegirllayuponawretchedcot，moaningwithpain。
　　Clausapproachedthechildandkissedherandcomfortedher，andthenhedrewthetoycatfrombeneathhiscoat，wherehehadhiddenit，andplaceditinherarms。
　　Ah，howwellhefelthimselfrepaidforhislaborandhislongwalkwhenhesawthelittleone’seyesgrowbrightwithpleasure!Shehuggedthekittytighttoherbreast，asifithadbeenapreciousgem，andwouldnotletitgoforasinglemoment。Thefeverwasquieted，thepaingrewless，andshefellintoasweetandrefreshingsleep。
　　Clauslaughedandwhistledandsangallthewayhome。Neverhadhebeensohappyasonthatday。
　　WhenheenteredhishousehefoundShiegra，thelioness，awaitinghim。
　　SincehisbabyhoodShiegrahadlovedClaus，andwhilehedweltintheForestshehadoftencometovisithimatNecile’sbower。AfterClaushadgonetoliveintheLaughingValleyShiegrabecamelonelyandillatease，andnowshehadbravedthesnow—drifts，whichalllionsabhor，toseehimoncemore。Shiegrawasgettingoldandherteethwerebeginningtofallout，whilethehairsthattippedherearsandtailhadchangedfromtawny—yellowtowhite。
　　Clausfoundherlyingonhishearth，andheputhisarmsaroundtheneckofthelionessandhuggedherlovingly。Thecathadretiredintoafarcorner。ShedidnotcaretoassociatewithShiegra。
　　Claustoldhisoldfriendaboutthecatshehadmade，andhowmuchpleasuretheyhadgivenWeekumandthesickgirl。Shiegradidnotknowmuchaboutchildren；indeed，ifshemetachildshecouldscarcelybetrustednottodevourit。ButshewasinterestedinClaus’newlabors，andsaid：
　　"Theseimagesseemtomeveryattractive。YetIcannotseewhyyoushouldmakecats，whichareveryunimportantanimals。Suppose，nowthatIamhere，youmaketheimageofalioness，theQueenofallbeasts。Then，indeed，yourchildrenwillbehappy——andsafeatthesametime!"
　　Clausthoughtthiswasagoodsuggestion。Sohegotapieceofwoodandsharpenedhisknife，whileShiegracroucheduponthehearthathisfeet。Withmuchcarehecarvedtheheadinthelikenessofthelioness，eventothetwofierceteeththatcurvedoverherlowerlipandthedeep，frowninglinesaboveherwide—openeyes。
　　Whenitwasfinishedhesaid：
　　"Youhaveaterriblelook，Shiegra。"
　　"Thentheimageislikeme，"sheanswered；"forIamindeedterribletoallwhoarenotmyfriends。"
　　Clausnowcarvedoutthebody，withShiegra’slongtailtrailingbehindit。Theimageofthecrouchinglionesswasverylife—like。
　　"Itpleasesme，"saidShiegra，yawningandstretchingherbodygracefully。"NowIwillwatchwhileyoupaint。"
　　HebroughtthepaintstheRylshadgivenhimfromthecupboardandcoloredtheimagetoresembletherealShiegra。
　　Thelionessplacedherbig，paddedpawsupontheedgeofthetableandraisedherselfwhileshecarefullyexaminedthetoythatwasherlikeness。
　　"Youareindeedskillful!"shesaid，proudly。"Thechildrenwilllikethatbetterthancats，I’msure。"
　　ThensnarlingatBlinkie，whoarchedherbackinterrorandwhinedfearfully，shewalkedawaytowardherforesthomewithstatelystrides。
　　4。HowLittleMayrieBecameFrightenedThewinterwasovernow，andalltheLaughingValleywasfilledwithjoyousexcitement。Thebrookwassohappyatbeingfreeonceagainthatitgurgledmoreboisterouslythaneveranddashedsorecklesslyagainsttherocksthatitsentshowersofsprayhighintheair。Thegrassthrustitssharplittlebladesupwardthroughthematofdeadstalkswhereithadhiddenfromthesnow，buttheflowerswereyettootimidtoshowthemselves，althoughtheRylswerebusyfeedingtheirroots。Thesunwasinremarkablygoodhumor，andsenthisraysdancingmerrilythroughouttheValley。
　　Clauswaseatinghisdinneronedaywhenheheardatimidknockonhisdoor。
　　"Comein!"hecalled。
　　Nooneentered，butafterapausecameanotherrapping。
　　Clausjumpedupandthrewopenthedoor。Beforehimstoodasmallgirlholdingasmallerbrotherfastbythehand。
　　"IsyouTlaus？"sheasked，shyly。
　　"IndeedIam，mydear!"heanswered，withalaugh，ashecaughtbothchildreninhisarmsandkissedthem。"Youareverywelcome，andyouhavecomejustintimetosharemydinner。"
　　Hetookthemtothetableandfedthemwithfreshmilkandnut—cakes。
　　Whentheyhadeatenenoughheasked：
　　"Whyhaveyoumadethislongjourneytoseeme？"
　　"Iwantsatat!"repliedlittleMayrie；andherbrother，whohadnotyetlearnedtospeakmanywords，noddedhisheadandexclaimedlikeanecho："Tat!"
　　"Oh，youwantmytoycats，doyou？"returnedClaus，greatlypleasedtodiscoverthathiscreationsweresopopularwithchildren。
　　Thelittlevisitorsnoddedeagerly。
　　"Unfortunately，"hecontinued，"Ihavebutonecatnowready，forI
　　carriedtwotochildreninthetownyesterday。AndtheoneIhaveshallbegiventoyourbrother，Mayrie，becauseheisthesmaller；andthenextoneImakeshallbeforyou。"
　　Theboy’sfacewasbrightwithsmilesashetooktheprecioustoyClausheldouttohim；butlittleMayriecoveredherfacewithherarmandbegantosobgrievously。
　　"I——I——Iwantsat——t——tatnow!"shewailed。
　　HerdisappointmentmadeClausfeelmiserableforamoment。ThenhesuddenlyrememberedShiegra。
　　"Don’tcry，darling!"hesaid，soothingly；"Ihaveatoymuchnicerthanacat，andyoushallhavethat。"
　　Hewenttothecupboardanddrewouttheimageofthelioness，whichheplacedonthetablebeforeMayrie。
　　Thegirlraisedherarmandgaveoneglanceatthefierceteethandglaringeyesofthebeast，andthen，utteringaterrifiedscream，sherushedfromthehouse。Theboyfollowedher，alsoscreaminglustily，andevendroppinghispreciouscatinhisfear。
　　ForamomentClausstoodmotionless，beingpuzzledandastonished。
　　ThenhethrewShiegra’simageintothecupboardandranafterthechildren，callingtothemnottobefrightened。
　　LittleMayriestoppedinherflightandherbrotherclungtoherskirt；buttheybothcastfearfulglancesatthehouseuntilClaushadassuredthemmanytimesthatthebeasthadbeenlockedinthecupboard。
　　"Yetwhywereyoufrightenedatseeingit？"heasked。"Itisonlyatoytoplaywith!"
　　"It’sbad!"saidMayrie，decidedly，"an’——an’——justhorrid，an’notabitnice，liketats!"
　　"Perhapsyouareright，"returnedClaus，thoughtfully。"ButifyouwillreturnwithmetothehouseIwillsoonmakeyouaprettycat。"
　　Sotheytimidlyenteredthehouseagain，havingfaithintheirfriend’swords；andafterwardtheyhadthejoyofwatchingClauscarveoutacatfromabitofwoodandpaintitinnaturalcolors。Itdidnottakehimlongtodothis，forhehadbecomeskillfulwithhisknifebythistime，andMayrielovedhertoythemoredearlybecauseshehadseenitmade。
　　AfterhislittlevisitorshadtrottedawayontheirjourneyhomewardClaussatlongindeepthought。Andhethendecidedthatsuchfiercecreaturesashisfriendthelionesswouldneverdoasmodelsfromwhichtofashionhistoys。
　　"Theremustbenothingtofrightenthedearbabies，"hereflected；
　　"andwhileIknowShiegrawell，andamnotafraidofher，itisbutnaturalthatchildrenshouldlookuponherimagewithterror。
　　HereafterIwillchoosesuchmild—manneredanimalsassquirrelsandrabbitsanddeerandlambkinsfromwhichtocarvemytoys，forthenthelittleoneswillloveratherthanfearthem。"
　　Hebeganhisworkthatveryday，andbeforebedtimehadmadeawoodenrabbitandalamb。Theywerenotquitesolifelikeasthecatshadbeen，becausetheywereformedfrommemory，whileBlinkiehadsatverystillforClaustolookatwhileheworked。
　　Butthenewtoyspleasedthechildrennevertheless，andthefameofClaus’playthingsquicklyspreadtoeverycottageonplainandinvillage。Healwayscarriedhisgiftstothesickorcrippledchildren，butthosewhowerestrongenoughwalkedtothehouseintheValleytoaskforthem，soalittlepathwassoonwornfromtheplaintothedoorofthetoy—maker’scottage。
　　FirstcamethechildrenwhohadbeenplaymatesofClaus，beforehebegantomaketoys。These，youmaybesure，werewellsupplied。ThenchildrenwholivedfartherawayheardofthewonderfulimagesandmadejourneystotheValleytosecurethem。Alllittleoneswerewelcome，andneveraonewentawayempty—handed。
　　ThisdemandforhishandiworkkeptClausbusilyoccupied，buthewasquitehappyinknowingthepleasurehegavetosomanyofthedearchildren。Hisfriendstheimmortalswerepleasedwithhissuccessandsupportedhimbravely。
　　TheKnooksselectedforhimclearpiecesofsoftwood，thathisknifemightnotbebluntedincuttingthem；theRylskepthimsuppliedwithpaintsofallcolorsandbrushesfashionedfromthetipsoftimothygrasses；theFairiesdiscoveredthattheworkmanneededsawsandchiselsandhammersandnails，aswellasknives，andbroughthimagoodlyarrayofsuchtools。
　　Claussoonturnedhislivingroomintoamostwonderfulworkshop。Hebuiltabenchbeforethewindow，andarrangedhistoolsandpaintssothathecouldreacheverythingashesatonhisstool。Andashefinishedtoyaftertoytodelighttheheartsoflittlechildrenhefoundhimselfgrowingsogayandhappythathecouldnotrefrainfromsingingandlaughingandwhistlingallthedaylong。
　　"It’sbecauseIliveintheLaughingValley，whereeverythingelselaughs!"saidClaus。
　　Butthatwasnotthereason。
　　5。HowBessieBlithesomeCametotheLaughingValleyOneday，asClaussatbeforehisdoortoenjoythesunshinewhilehebusilycarvedtheheadandhornsofatoydeer，helookedupanddiscoveredaglitteringcavalcadeofhorsemenapproachingthroughtheValley。
　　Whentheydrewnearerhesawthatthebandconsistedofascoreofmen—at—arms，cladinbrightarmorandbearingintheirhandsspearsandbattle—axes。InfrontoftheserodelittleBessieBlithesome，theprettydaughterofthatproudLordofLerdwhohadoncedrivenClausfromhispalace。Herpalfreywaspurewhite，itsbridlewascoveredwithglitteringgems，anditssaddledrapedwithclothofgold，richlybroidered。Thesoldiersweresenttoprotectherfromharmwhileshejourneyed。
　　Clauswassurprised，buthecontinuedtowhittleandtosinguntilthecavalcadedrewupbeforehim。Thenthelittlegirlleanedovertheneckofherpalfreyandsaid：
　　"Please，Mr。Claus，Iwantatoy!"
　　HervoicewassopleadingthatClausjumpedupatonceandstoodbesideher。Buthewaspuzzledhowtoanswerherrequest。
　　"Youarearichlord’sdaughter，"saidhe，"andhaveallthatyoudesire。"
　　"Excepttoys，"addedBessie。"Therearenotoysinalltheworldbutyours。"
　　"AndImakethemforthepoorchildren，whohavenothingelsetoamusethem，"continuedClaus。
　　"Dopoorchildrenlovetoplaywithtoysmorethanrichones？"
　　askedBessie。
　　"Isupposenot，"saidClaus，thoughtfully。
　　"AmItoblamebecausemyfatherisalord？MustIbedeniedtheprettytoysIlongforbecauseotherchildrenarepoorerthanI？"sheinquiredearnestly。
　　"I’mafraidyoumust，dear，"heanswered；"forthepoorhavenothingelsewithwhichtoamusethemselves。Youhaveyourponytoride，yourservantstowaitonyou，andeverycomfortthatmoneycanprocure。"
　　"ButIwanttoys!"criedBessie，wipingawaythetearsthatforcedthemselvesintohereyes。"IfIcannothavethem，Ishallbeveryunhappy。"
　　Clauswastroubled，forhergriefrecalledtohimthethoughtthathisdesirewastomakeallchildrenhappy，withoutregardtotheirconditioninlife。Yet，whilesomanypoorchildrenwereclamoringforhistoyshecouldnotbeartogiveonetothemtoBessieBlithesome，whohadsomuchalreadytomakeherhappy。
　　"Listen，mychild，"saidhe，gently；"allthetoysIamnowmakingarepromisedtoothers。Butthenextshallbeyours，sinceyourheartsolongsforit。Cometomeagainintwodaysanditshallbereadyforyou。"
　　Bessiegaveacryofdelight，andleaningoverherpony’sneckshekissedClausprettilyuponhisforehead。Then，callingtohermen—at—arms，sherodegailyaway，leavingClaustoresumehiswork。
　　"IfIamtosupplytherichchildrenaswellasthepoorones，"hethought，"Ishallnothaveasparemomentinthewholeyear!ButisitrightIshouldgivetotherich？SurelyImustgotoNecileandtalkwithheraboutthismatter。"
　　Sowhenhehadfinishedthetoydeer，whichwasverylikeadeerhehadknownintheForestglades，hewalkedintoBurzeeandmadehiswaytothebowerofthebeautifulNymphNecile，whohadbeenhisfostermother。
　　Shegreetedhimtenderlyandlovingly，listeningwithinteresttohisstoryofthevisitofBessieBlithesome。
　　"Andnowtellme，"saidhe，"shallIgivetoystorichchildren？"
　　"WeoftheForestknownothingofriches，"shereplied。"Itseemstomethatonechildislikeanotherchild，sincetheyareallmadeofthesameclay，andthatrichesarelikeagown，whichmaybeputonortakenaway，leavingthechildunchanged。ButtheFairiesareguardiansofmankind，andknowmortalchildrenbetterthanI。LetuscalltheFairyQueen。"
　　Thiswasdone，andtheQueenoftheFairiessatbesidethemandheardClausrelatehisreasonsforthinkingtherichchildrencouldgetalongwithouthistoys，andalsowhattheNymphhadsaid。
　　"Necileisright，"declaredtheQueen；"for，whetheritberichorpoor，achild’slongingsforprettyplaythingsarebutnatural。RichBessie’sheartmaysufferasmuchgriefaspoorMayrie’s；shecanbejustaslonelyanddiscontented，andjustasgayandhappy。Ithink，friendClaus，itisyourdutytomakealllittleonesglad，whethertheychancetoliveinpalacesorincottages。"
　　"Yourwordsarewise，fairQueen，"repliedClaus，"andmyhearttellsmetheyareasjustastheyarewise。Hereafterallchildrenmayclaimmyservices。"
　　ThenhebowedbeforethegraciousFairyand，kissingNecile’sredlips，wentbackintohisValley。
　　Atthebrookhestoppedtodrink，andafterwardhesatonthebankandtookapieceofmoistclayinhishandswhilehethoughtwhatsortoftoyheshouldmakeforBessieBlithesome。Hedidnotnoticethathisfingerswereworkingtheclayintoshapeuntil，glancingdownward，hefoundhehadunconsciouslyformedaheadthatboreaslightresemblancetotheNymphNecile!
　　Atoncehebecameinterested。Gatheringmoreoftheclayfromthebankhecarriedittohishouse。Then，withtheaidofhisknifeandabitofwoodhesucceededinworkingtheclayintotheimageofatoynymph。Withskillfulstrokesheformedlong，wavinghairontheheadandcoveredthebodywithagownofoakleaves，whilethetwofeetstickingoutatthebottomofthegownwerecladinsandals。
　　Buttheclaywassoft，andClausfoundhemusthandleitgentlytoavoidruininghisprettywork。
　　"Perhapstheraysofthesunwilldrawoutthemoistureandcausetheclaytobecomehard，"hethought。Sohelaidtheimageonaflatboardandplaceditintheglareofthesun。
　　Thisdone，hewenttohisbenchandbeganpaintingthetoydeer，andsoonhebecamesointerestedintheworkthatheforgotallabouttheclaynymph。Butnextmorning，happeningtonoticeitasitlayontheboard，hefoundthesunhadbakedittothehardnessofstone，anditwasstrongenoughtobesafelyhandled。
　　ClausnowpaintedthenymphwithgreatcareinthelikenessofNecile，givingitdeep—blueeyes，whiteteeth，rosylipsandruddy—brownhair。
　　Thegownhecoloredoak—leafgreen，andwhenthepaintwasdryClaushimselfwascharmedwiththenewtoy。OfcourseitwasnotnearlysolovelyastherealNecile；but，consideringthematerialofwhichitwasmade，Clausthoughtitwasverybeautiful。
　　WhenBessie，ridinguponherwhitepalfrey，cametohisdwellingnextday，Clauspresentedherwiththenewtoy。Thelittlegirl’seyeswerebrighterthaneverassheexaminedtheprettyimage，andsheloveditatonce，andhelditclosetoherbreast，asamotherdoestoherchild。
　　"Whatisitcalled，Claus？"sheasked。
　　NowClausknewthatNymphsdonotliketobespokenofbymortals，sohecouldnottellBessieitwasanimageofNecilehehadgivenher。
　　Butasitwasanewtoyhesearchedhismindforanewnametocallitby，andthefirstwordhethoughtofhedecidedwoulddoverywell。
　　"Itiscalledadolly，mydear，"hesaidtoBessie。
　　"Ishallcallthedollymybaby，"returnedBessie，kissingitfondly；
　　"andIshalltenditandcareforitjustasNursecaresforme。
　　Thankyouverymuch，Claus；yourgifthasmademehappierthanIhaveeverbeenbefore!"
　　Thensherodeaway，huggingthetoyinherarms，andClaus，seeingherdelight，thoughthewouldmakeanotherdolly，betterandmorenaturalthanthefirst。
　　Hebroughtmoreclayfromthebrook，andrememberingthatBessiehadcalledthedollyherbabyheresolvedtoformthisoneintoababy’simage。Thatwasnodifficulttasktothecleverworkman，andsoonthebabydollywaslyingontheboardandplacedinthesuntodry。Then，withtheclaythatwasleft，hebegantomakeanimageofBessieBlithesomeherself。
　　Thiswasnotsoeasy，forhefoundhecouldnotmakethesilkenrobeofthelord’sdaughteroutofthecommonclay。SohecalledtheFairiestohisaid，andaskedthemtobringhimcoloredsilkswithwhichtomakearealdressfortheclayimage。TheFairiessetoffatonceontheirerrand，andbeforenightfalltheyreturnedwithageneroussupplyofsilksandlacesandgoldenthreads。
　　Clausnowbecameimpatienttocompletehisnewdolly，andinsteadofwaitingforthenextday’ssunheplacedtheclayimageuponhishearthandcovereditoverwithglowingcoals。Bymorning，whenhedrewthedollyfromtheashes，ithadbakedashardasifithadlainafulldayinthehotsun。
　　NowourClausbecameadressmakeraswellasatoymaker。Hecutthelavendersilk，andnearlyseweditintoabeautifulgownthatjustfittedthenewdolly。Andheputalacecollararounditsneckandpinksilkshoesonitsfeet。Thenaturalcolorofbakedclayisalightgray，butClauspaintedthefacetoresemblethecolorofflesh，andhegavethedollyBessie’sbrowneyesandgoldenhairandrosycheeks。
　　Itwasreallyabeautifulthingtolookupon，andsuretobringjoytosomechildishheart。WhileClauswasadmiringitheheardaknockathisdoor，andlittleMayrieentered。Herfacewassadandhereyesredwithcontinuedweeping。
　　"Why，whathasgrievedyou，mydear？"askedClaus，takingthechildinhisarms。
　　"I’ve——I’ve——bwokemytat!"sobbedMayrie。
　　"How？"heinquired，hiseyestwinkling。
　　"I——Idwoppedhim，an’bwokeoffhim’stail；an’——an’——thenIdwoppedhiman’bwokeoffhim’sear!An’——an’nowhim’sallspoilt!"
　　Clauslaughed。
　　"Nevermind，Mayriedear，"hesaid。"Howwouldyoulikethisnewdolly，insteadofacat？"
　　Mayrielookedatthesilk—robeddollyandhereyesgrewbigwithastonishment。
　　"Oh，Tlaus!"shecried，clappinghersmallhandstogetherwithrapture；"tanIhave’atboo’fullady？"
　　"Doyoulikeit？"heasked。
　　"Iloveit!"saidshe。"It’sbetter’antats!"
　　"Thentakeit，dear，andbecarefulnottobreakit。"
　　Mayrietookthedollywithajoythatwasalmostreverent，andherfacedimpledwithsmilesasshestartedalongthepathtowardhome。
　　6。TheWickednessoftheAwgwasImustnowtellyousomethingabouttheAwgwas，thatterribleraceofcreatureswhichcausedourgoodClaussomuchtroubleandnearlysucceededinrobbingthechildrenoftheworldoftheirearliestandbestfriend。
　　IdonotliketomentiontheAwgwas，buttheyareapartofthishistory，andcannotbeignored。Theywereneithermortalsnorimmortals，butstoodmidwaybetweenthoseclassesofbeings。TheAwgwaswereinvisibletoordinarypeople，butnottoimmortals。Theycouldpassswiftlythroughtheairfromonepartoftheworldtoanother，andhadthepowerofinfluencingthemindsofhumanbeingstodotheirwickedwill。
　　Theywereofgiganticstatureandhadcoarse，scowlingcountenanceswhichshowedplainlytheirhatredofallmankind。Theypossessednoconscienceswhateveranddelightedonlyinevildeeds。
　　Theirhomeswereinrocky，mountainousplaces，fromwhencetheysalliedforthtoaccomplishtheirwickedpurposes。
　　TheoneoftheirnumberthatcouldthinkofthemosthorribledeedforthemtodowasalwayselectedtheKingAwgwa，andalltheraceobeyedhisorders。Sometimesthesecreatureslivedtobecomeahundredyearsold，butusuallytheyfoughtsofiercelyamongthemselvesthatmanyweredestroyedincombat，andwhentheydiedthatwastheendofthem。MortalswerepowerlesstoharmthemandtheimmortalsshudderedwhentheAwgwaswerementioned，andalwaysavoidedthem。Sotheyflourishedformanyyearsunopposedandaccomplishedmuchevil。
　　Iamgladtoassureyouthatthesevilecreatureshavelongsinceperishedandpassedfromearth；butinthedayswhenClauswasmakinghisfirsttoystheywereanumerousandpowerfultribe。
　　OneoftheprincipalsportsoftheAwgwaswastoinspireangrypassionsintheheartsoflittlechildren，sothattheyquarreledandfoughtwithoneanother。Theywouldtemptboystoeatofunripefruit，andthendelightinthepaintheysuffered；theyurgedlittlegirlstodisobeytheirparents，andthenwouldlaughwhenthechildrenwerepunished。Idonotknowwhatcausesachildtobenaughtyinthesedays，butwhentheAwgwaswereonearthnaughtychildrenwereusuallyundertheirinfluence。
　　Now，whenClausbegantomakechildrenhappyhekeptthemoutofthepoweroftheAwgwas；forchildrenpossessingsuchlovelyplaythingsashegavethemhadnowishtoobeytheevilthoughtstheAwgwastriedtothrustintotheirminds。
　　Therefore，oneyearwhenthewickedtribewastoelectanewKing，theychoseanAwgwawhoproposedtodestroyClausandtakehimawayfromthechildren。
　　"Thereare，asyouknow，fewernaughtychildrenintheworldsinceClauscametotheLaughingValleyandbegantomakehistoys，"saidthenewKing，ashesquatteduponarockandlookedaroundatthescowlingfacesofhispeople。"Why，BessieBlithesomehasnotstampedherfootoncethismonth，norhasMayrie’sbrotherslappedhissister’sfaceorthrownthepuppyintotherain—barrel。LittleWeekumtookhisbathlastnightwithoutscreamingorstruggling，becausehismotherhadpromisedheshouldtakehistoycattobedwithhim!SuchaconditionofaffairsisawfulforanyAwgwatothinkof，andtheonlywaywecandirectthenaughtyactionsofchildrenistotakethispersonClausawayfromthem。"
　　"Good!good!"criedthebigAwgwas，inachorus，andtheyclappedtheirhandstoapplaudthespeechoftheKing。
　　"Butwhatshallwedowithhim？"askedoneofthecreatures。
　　"Ihaveaplan，"repliedthewickedKing；andwhathisplanwasyouwillsoondiscover。
　　ThatnightClauswenttobedfeelingveryhappy，forhehadcompletednolessthanfourprettytoysduringtheday，andtheyweresure，hethought，tomakefourlittlechildrenhappy。ButwhilehesleptthebandofinvisibleAwgwassurroundedhisbed，boundhimwithstoutcords，andthenflewawaywithhimtothemiddleofadarkforestinfaroffEthop，wheretheylaidhimdownandlefthim。
　　WhenmorningcameClausfoundhimselfthousandsofmilesfromanyhumanbeing，aprisonerinthewildjungleofanunknownland。
　　Fromthelimbofatreeabovehisheadswayedahugepython，oneofthosereptilesthatareabletocrushaman’sbonesintheircoils。A
　　fewyardsawaycrouchedasavagepanther，itsglaringredeyesfixedfullonthehelplessClaus。Oneofthosemonstrousspottedspiderswhosestingisdeathcreptstealthilytowardhimoverthemattedleaves，whichshriveledandturnedblackatitsverytouch。
　　ButClaushadbeenrearedinBurzee，andwasnotafraid。
　　"Cometome，yeKnooksoftheForest!"hecried，andgavethelow，peculiarwhistlethattheKnooksknow。
　　Thepanther，whichwasabouttospringuponitsvictim，turnedandslunkaway。Thepythonswungitselfintothetreeanddisappearedamongtheleaves。Thespiderstoppedshortinitsadvanceandhidbeneatharottinglog。
　　Claushadnotimetonoticethem，forhewassurroundedbyabandofharsh—featuredKnooks，morecrookedanddeformedinappearancethananyhehadeverseen。
　　"Whoareyouthatcallonus？"demandedone，inagruffvoice。
　　"ThefriendofyourbrothersinBurzee，"answeredClaus。"Ihavebeenbroughtherebymyenemies，theAwgwas，andlefttoperishmiserably。
　　YetnowIimploreyourhelptoreleasemeandtosendmehomeagain。"
　　"Haveyouthesign？"askedanother。
　　"Yes，"saidClaus。
　　Theycuthisbonds，andwithhisfreearmshemadethesecretsignoftheKnooks。
　　Instantlytheyassistedhimtostanduponhisfeet，andtheybroughthimfoodanddrinktostrengthenhim。
　　"OurbrothersofBurzeemakequeerfriends，"grumbledanancientKnookwhoseflowingbeardwaspurewhite。"Buthewhoknowsoursecretsignandsignalisentitledtoourhelp，whoeverhemaybe。Closeyoureyes，stranger，andwewillconductyoutoyourhome。Whereshallweseekit？"
　　"’TisintheLaughingValley，"answeredClaus，shuttinghiseyes。
　　"ThereisbutoneLaughingValleyintheknownworld，sowecannotgoastray，"remarkedtheKnook。
　　Ashespokethesoundofhisvoiceseemedtodieaway，soClausopenedhiseyestoseewhatcausedthechange。Tohisastonishmenthefoundhimselfseatedonthebenchbyhisowndoor，withtheLaughingValleyspreadoutbeforehim。ThatdayhevisitedtheWood—NymphsandrelatedhisadventuretoQueenZurlineandNecile。
　　"TheAwgwashavebecomeyourenemies，"saidthelovelyQueen，thoughtfully；"sowemustdoallwecantoprotectyoufromtheirpower。"
　　"Itwascowardlytobindhimwhileheslept，"remarkedNecile，withindignation。
　　"Theevilonesareevercowardly，"answeredZurline，"butourfriend’sslumbershallnotbedisturbedagain。"
　　TheQueenherselfcametothedwellingofClausthateveningandplacedherSealoneverydoorandwindow，tokeepouttheAwgwas。AndundertheSealofQueenZurlinewasplacedtheSealoftheFairiesandtheSealoftheRylsandtheSealsoftheKnooks，thatthecharmmightbecomemorepowerful。
　　AndClauscarriedhistoystothechildrenagain，andmademanymoreofthelittleoneshappy。
　　YoumayguesshowangrytheKingAwgwaandhisfiercebandwerewhenitwasknowntothemthatClaushadescapedfromtheForestofEthop。
　　Theyragedmadlyforawholeweek，andthenheldanothermeetingamongtherocks。
　　"ItisuselesstocarryhimwheretheKnooksreign，"saidtheKing，"forhehastheirprotection。Soletuscasthimintoacaveofourownmountains，wherehewillsurelyperish。"
　　Thiswaspromptlyagreedto，andthewickedbandsetoutthatnighttoseizeClaus。ButtheyfoundhisdwellingguardedbytheSealsoftheImmortalsandwereobligedtogoawaybaffledanddisappointed。
　　"Nevermind，"saidtheKing；"hedoesnotsleepalways!"
　　Nextday，asClaustraveledtothevillageacrosstheplain，whereheintendedtopresentatoysquirreltoalameboy，hewassuddenlysetuponbytheAwgwas，whoseizedhimandcarriedhimawaytothemountains。
　　Theretheythrusthimwithinadeepcavernandrolledmanyhugerocksagainsttheentrancetopreventhisescape。
　　Deprivedthusoflightandfood，andwithlittleairtobreathe，ourClauswas，indeed，inapitifulplight。ButhespokethemysticwordsoftheFairies，whichalwayscommandtheirfriendlyaid，andtheycametohisrescueandtransportedhimtotheLaughingValleyinthetwinklingofaneye。
　　ThustheAwgwasdiscoveredtheymightnotdestroyonewhohadearnedthefriendshipoftheimmortals；sotheevilbandsoughtothermeansofkeepingClausfrombringinghappinesstochildrenandsomakingthemobedient。
　　WheneverClaussetouttocarryhistoystothelittleonesanAwgwa，whohadbeensettowatchhismovements，spranguponhimandsnatchedthetoysfromhisgrasp。AndthechildrenwerenomoredisappointedthanwasClauswhenhewasobligedtoreturnhomedisconsolate。Stillhepersevered，andmademanytoysforhislittlefriendsandstartedwiththemforthevillages。AndalwaystheAwgwasrobbedhimassoonashehadlefttheValley。
　　Theythrewthestolenplaythingsintooneoftheirlonelycaverns，andquiteaheapoftoysaccumulatedbeforeClausbecamediscouragedandgaveupallattemptstoleavetheValley。Thenchildrenbegancomingtohim，sincetheyfoundhedidnotgotothem；butthewickedAwgwasflewaroundthemandcausedtheirstepstostrayandthepathstobecomecrooked，soneveralittleonecouldfindawayintotheLaughingValley。
　　LonelydaysnowfelluponClaus，forhewasdeniedthepleasureofbringinghappinesstothechildrenwhomhehadlearnedtolove。Yetheboreupbravely，forhethoughtsurelythetimewouldcomewhentheAwgwaswouldabandontheirevildesignstoinjurehim。
　　Hedevotedallhishourstotoy—making，andwhenoneplaythinghadbeencompletedhestooditonashelfhehadbuiltforthatpurpose。
　　Whentheshelfbecamefilledwithrowsoftoyshemadeanotherone，andfilledthatalso。Sothatintimehehadmanyshelvesfilledwithgayandbeautifultoysrepresentinghorses，dogs，cats，elephants，lambs，rabbitsanddeer，aswellasprettydollsofallsizesandballsandmarblesofbakedclaypaintedingaycolors。
　　Often，asheglancedatthisarrayofchildishtreasures，theheartofgoodoldClausbecamesad，sogreatlydidhelongtocarrythetoystohischildren。Andatlast，becausehecouldbearitnolonger，heventuredtogotothegreatAk，towhomhetoldthestoryofhispersecutionbytheAwgwas，andbeggedtheMasterWoodsmantoassisthim。
　　7。TheGreatBattleBetweenGoodandEvilAklistenedgravelytotherecitalofClaus，strokinghisbeardthewhilewiththeslow，gracefulmotionthatbetokeneddeepthought。HenoddedapprovinglywhenClaustoldhowtheKnooksandFairieshadsavedhimfromdeath，andfrownedwhenheheardhowtheAwgwashadstolenthechildren’stoys。Atlasthesaid：
　　"FromthebeginningIhaveapprovedtheworkyouaredoingamongthechildrenofmen，anditannoysmethatyourgooddeedsshouldbethwartedbytheAwgwas。Weimmortalshavenoconnectionwhateverwiththeevilcreatureswhohaveattackedyou。Alwayshaveweavoidedthem，andthey，inturn，havehithertotakencarenottocrossourpathway。ButinthismatterIfindtheyhaveinterferedwithoneofourfriends，andIwillaskthemtoabandontheirpersecutions，asyouareunderourprotection。"
　　ClausthankedtheMasterWoodsmanmostgratefullyandreturnedtohisValley，whileAk，whoneverdelayedcarryingouthispromises，atoncetraveledtothemountainsoftheAwgwas。
　　There，standingonthebarerocks，hecalledontheKingandhispeopletoappear。
　　InstantlytheplacewasfilledwiththrongsofthescowlingAwgwas，andtheirKing，perchinghimselfonapointofrock，demandedfiercely：
　　"Whodarescallonus？"
　　"ItisI，theMasterWoodsmanoftheWorld，"respondedAk。
　　"Herearenoforestsforyoutoclaim，"criedtheKing，angrily。
　　"Weowenoallegiancetoyou，nortoanyimmortal!"
　　"Thatistrue，"repliedAk，calmly。"YetyouhaveventuredtointerferewiththeactionsofClaus，whodwellsintheLaughingValley，andisunderourprotection。"
　　ManyoftheAwgwasbeganmutteringatthisspeech，andtheirKingturnedthreateninglyontheMasterWoodsman。
　　"Youaresettoruletheforests，buttheplainsandthevalleysareours!"heshouted。"Keeptoyourowndarkwoods!WewilldoaswepleasewithClaus。"
　　"Youshallnotharmourfriendinanyway!"repliedAk。
　　"Shallwenot？"askedtheKing，impudently。"Youwillsee!Ourpowersarevastlysuperiortothoseofmortals，andfullyasgreatasthoseofimmortals。"
　　"Itisyourconceitthatmisleadsyou!"saidAk，sternly。"Youareatransientrace，passingfromlifeintonothingness。We，wholiveforever，pitybutdespiseyou。Onearthyouarescornedbyall，andinHeavenyouhavenoplace!Eventhemortals，aftertheirearthlife，enteranotherexistenceforalltime，andsoareyoursuperiors。
　　Howthendareyou，whoareneithermortalnorimmortal，refusetoobeymywish？"
　　TheAwgwassprangtotheirfeetwithmenacinggestures，buttheirKingmotionedthemback。
　　"Neverbefore，"hecriedtoAk，whilehisvoicetrembledwithrage，"hasanimmortaldeclaredhimselfthemasteroftheAwgwas!Nevershallanimmortalventuretointerferewithouractionsagain!ForwewillavengeyourscornfulwordsbykillingyourfriendClauswithinthreedays。Noryou，noralltheimmortalscansavehimfromourwrath。Wedefyyourpowers!Begone，MasterWoodsmanoftheWorld!
　　InthecountryoftheAwgwasyouhavenoplace。"
　　"Itiswar!"declaredAk，withflashingeyes。
　　"Itiswar!"returnedtheKing，savagely。"Inthreedaysyourfriendwillbedead。"
　　TheMasterturnedawayandcametohisForestofBurzee，wherehecalledameetingoftheimmortalsandtoldthemofthedefianceoftheAwgwasandtheirpurposetokillClauswithinthreedays。
　　Thelittlefolklistenedtohimquietly。
　　"Whatshallwedo？"askedAk。
　　"Thesecreaturesareofnobenefittotheworld，"saidthePrinceoftheKnooks；"wemustdestroythem。"
　　"Theirlivesaredevotedonlytoevildeeds，"saidthePrinceoftheRyls。"Wemustdestroythem。"
　　"Theyhavenoconscience，andendeavortomakeallmortalsasbadasthemselves，"saidtheQueenoftheFairies。"Wemustdestroythem。"
　　"TheyhavedefiedthegreatAk，andthreatenthelifeofouradoptedson，"saidbeautifulQueenZurline。"Wemustdestroythem。"
　　TheMasterWoodsmansmiled。
　　"Youspeakwell，"saidhe。"TheseAwgwasweknowtobeapowerfulrace，andtheywillfightdesperately；yettheoutcomeiscertain。
　　Forwewholivecanneverdie，eventhoughconqueredbyourenemies，whileeveryAwgwawhoisstruckdownisonefoethelesstoopposeus。
　　Prepare，then，forbattle，andletusresolvetoshownomercytothewicked!"
　　ThusarosethatterriblewarbetweentheimmortalsandthespiritsofevilwhichissungofinFairylandtothisveryday。
　　TheKingAwgwaandhisbanddeterminedtocarryoutthethreattodestroyClaus。Theynowhatedhimfortworeasons：hemadechildrenhappyandwasafriendoftheMasterWoodsman。ButsinceAk’svisittheyhadreasontofeartheoppositionoftheimmortals，andtheydreadeddefeat。SotheKingsentswiftmessengerstoallpartsoftheworldtosummoneveryevilcreaturetohisaid。
　　AndonthethirddayafterthedeclarationofwaramightyarmywasatthecommandoftheKingAwgwa。TherewerethreehundredAsiaticDragons，breathingfirethatconsumedeverythingittouched。Thesehatedmankindandallgoodspirits。Andtherewerethethree—eyedGiantsofTatary，ahostinthemselves，wholikednothingbetterthantofight。AndnextcametheBlackDemonsfromPatalonia，withgreatspreadingwingslikethoseofabat，whichsweptterrorandmiserythroughtheworldastheybeatupontheair。AndjoinedtotheseweretheGoozzle—Goblins，withlongtalonsassharpasswords，withwhichtheyclawedthefleshfromtheirfoes。Finally，everymountainAwgwaintheworldhadcometoparticipateinthegreatbattlewiththeimmortals。
　　TheKingAwgwalookedarounduponthisvastarmyandhisheartbeathighwithwickedpride，forhebelievedhewouldsurelytriumphoverhisgentleenemies，whohadneverbeforebeenknowntofight。ButtheMasterWoodsmanhadnotbeenidle。Noneofhispeoplewasusedtowarfare，yetnowthattheywerecalledupontofacethehostsofeviltheywillinglypreparedforthefray。
　　AkhadcommandedthemtoassembleintheLaughingValley，whereClaus，ignorantoftheterriblebattlethatwastobewagedonhisaccount，wasquietlymakinghistoys。
　　SoontheentireValley，fromhilltohill，wasfilledwiththelittleimmortals。TheMasterWoodsmanstoodfirst，bearingagleamingaxthatshonelikeburnishedsilver。NextcametheRyls，armedwithsharpthornsfrombramblebushes。ThentheKnooks，bearingthespearstheyusedwhentheywereforcedtoprodtheirsavagebeastsintosubmission。TheFairies，dressedinwhitegauzewithrainbow—huedwings，boregoldenwands，andtheWood—nymphs，intheiruniformsofoak—leafgreen，carriedswitchesfromashtreesasweapons。
　　LoudlaughedtheAwgwaKingwhenhebeheldthesizeandthearmsofhisfoes。TobesurethemightyaxoftheWoodsmanwastobedreaded，butthesweet—facedNymphsandprettyFairies，thegentleRylsandcrookedKnooksweresuchharmlessfolkthathealmostfeltshameathavingcalledsuchaterriblehosttoopposethem。
　　"Sincethesefoolsdarefight，"hesaidtotheleaderoftheTataryGiants，"Iwilloverwhelmthemwithourevilpowers!"
　　TobeginthebattlehepoisedagreatstoneinhislefthandandcastitfullagainstthesturdyformoftheMasterWoodsman，whoturneditasidewithhisax。Thenrushedthethree—eyedGiantsofTataryupontheKnooks，andtheGoozzle—GoblinsupontheRyls，andthefirebreathingDragonsuponthesweetFairies。BecausetheNymphswereAk’sownpeoplethebandofAwgwassoughtthemout，thinkingtoovercomethemwithease。
　　ButitistheLawthatwhileEvil，unopposed，mayaccomplishterribledeeds，thepowersofGoodcanneverbeoverthrownwhenopposedtoEvil。WellhaditbeenfortheKingAwgwahadheknowntheLaw!
　　Hisignorancecosthimhisexistence，foroneflashoftheaxbornebytheMasterWoodsmanoftheWorldcleftthewickedKingintwainandridtheearthofthevilestcreatureitcontained。
　　GreatlymarveledtheTataryGiantswhenthespearsofthelittleKnookspiercedtheirthickwallsoffleshandsentthemreelingtothegroundwithhowlsofagony。
　　Woecameuponthesharp—talonedGoblinswhenthethornsoftheRylsreachedtheirsavageheartsandlettheirlife—bloodsprinklealltheplain。Andafterwardfromeverydropathistlegrew。
　　TheDragonspausedastonishedbeforetheFairywands，fromwhencerushedapowerthatcausedtheirfierybreathstoflowbackonthemselvessothattheyshriveledawayanddied。
　　AsfortheAwgwas，theyhadscanttimetorealizehowtheyweredestroyed，fortheashswitchesoftheNymphsboreacharmunknowntoanyAwgwa，andturnedtheirfoesintoclodsofearthattheslightesttouch!
　　WhenAkleaneduponhisgleamingaxandturnedtolookoverthefieldofbattlehesawthefewGiantswhowereabletorundisappearingoverthedistanthillsontheirreturntoTatary。TheGoblinshadperishedeveryone，ashadtheterribleDragons，whileallthatremainedofthewickedAwgwaswasagreatnumberofearthenhillocksdottingtheplain。
　　AndnowtheimmortalsmeltedfromtheValleylikedewatsunrise，toresumetheirdutiesintheForest，whileAkwalkedslowlyandthoughtfullytothehouseofClausandentered。
　　"Youhavemanytoysreadyforthechildren，"saidtheWoodsman，"andnowyoumaycarrythemacrosstheplaintothedwellingsandthevillageswithoutfear。"
　　"WillnottheAwgwasharmme？"askedClaus，eagerly。
　　"TheAwgwas，"saidAk，"haveperished!"
　　NowIwillgladlyhavedonewithwickedspiritsandwithfightingandbloodshed。ItwasnotfromchoicethatItoldoftheAwgwasandtheirallies，andoftheirgreatbattlewiththeimmortals。Theywerepartofthishistory，andcouldnotbeavoided。
　　8。TheFirstJourneywiththeReindeerThosewerehappydaysforClauswhenhecarriedhisaccumulationoftoystothechildrenwhohadawaitedthemsolong。DuringhisimprisonmentintheValleyhehadbeensoindustriousthatallhisshelveswerefilledwithplaythings，andafterquicklysupplyingthelittleoneslivingnearbyhesawhemustnowextendhistravelstowiderfields。
　　RememberingthetimewhenhehadjourneyedwithAkthroughalltheworld，heknowchildrenwereeverywhere，andhelongedtomakeasmanyaspossiblehappywithhisgifts。
　　Soheloadedagreatsackwithallkindsoftoys，slungituponhisbackthathemightcarryitmoreeasily，andstartedoffonalongertripthanhehadyetundertaken。
　　Whereverheshowedhismerryface，inhamletorinfarmhouse，hereceivedacordialwelcome，forhisfamehadspreadintofarlands。
　　Ateachvillagethechildrenswarmedabouthim，followinghisfootstepswhereverhewent；andthewomenthankedhimgratefullyforthejoyhebroughttheirlittleones；andthemenlookeduponhimcuriouslythatheshoulddevotehistimetosuchaqueeroccupationastoy—making。Buteveryonesmiledonhimandgavehimkindlywords，andClausfeltamplyrepaidforhislongjourney。
　　WhenthesackwasemptyhewentbackagaintotheLaughingValleyandoncemorefilledittothebrim。Thistimehefollowedanotherroad，intoadifferentpartofthecountry，andcarriedhappinesstomanychildrenwhoneverbeforehadownedatoyorguessedthatsuchadelightfulplaythingexisted。
　　Afterathirdjourney，sofarawaythatClauswasmanydayswalkingthedistance，thestoreoftoysbecameexhaustedandwithoutdelayhesetaboutmakingafreshsupply。
　　Fromseeingsomanychildrenandstudyingtheirtasteshehadacquiredseveralnewideasabouttoys。
　　Thedollieswere，hehadfound，themostdelightfulofallplaythingsforbabiesandlittlegirls，andoftenthosewhocouldnotsay"dolly"
　　wouldcallfora"doll"intheirsweetbabytalk。SoClausresolvedtomakemanydolls，ofallsizes，andtodresstheminbright—coloredclothing。Theolderboys——andevensomeofthegirls——lovedtheimagesofanimals，sohestillmadecatsandelephantsandhorses。
　　Andmanyofthelittlefellowshadmusicalnatures，andlongedfordrumsandcymbalsandwhistlesandhorns。Sohemadeanumberoftoydrums，withtinystickstobeatthemwith；andhemadewhistlesfromthewillowtrees，andhornsfromthebog—reeds，andcymbalsfrombitsofbeatenmetal。
　　Allthiskepthimbusilyatwork，andbeforeherealizeditthewinterseasoncame，withdeepersnowsthanusual，andheknewhecouldnotleavetheValleywithhisheavypack。Moreover，thenexttripwouldtakehimfartherfromhomethaneverybefore，andJackFrostwasmischievousenoughtoniphisnoseandearsifheundertookthelongjourneywhiletheFrostKingreigned。TheFrostKingwasJack’sfatherandneverreprovedhimforhispranks。
　　SoClausremainedathiswork—bench；buthewhistledandsangasmerrilyasever，forhewouldallownodisappointmenttosourhistemperormakehimunhappy。
　　OnebrightmorninghelookedfromhiswindowandsawtwoofthedeerhehadknownintheForestwalkingtowardhishouse。
　　Clauswassurprised；notthatthefriendlydeershouldvisithim，butthattheywalkedonthesurfaceofthesnowaseasilyasifitweresolidground，notwithstandingthefactthatthroughouttheValleythesnowlaymanyfeetdeep。Hehadwalkedoutofhishouseadayortwobeforeandhadsunktohisarmpitsinadrift。
　　Sowhenthedeercamenearheopenedthedoorandcalledtothem：
　　"Goodmorning，Flossie!Tellmehowyouareabletowalkonthesnowsoeasily。"
　　"Itisfrozenhard，"answeredFlossie。
　　"TheFrostKinghasbreathedonit，"saidGlossie，comingup，"andthesurfaceisnowassolidasice。"
　　"Perhaps，"remarkedClaus，thoughtfully，"Imightnowcarrymypackoftoystothechildren。"
　　"Isitalongjourney？"askedFlossie。
　　"Yes；itwilltakememanydays，forthepackisheavy，"answeredClaus。
　　"Thenthesnowwouldmeltbeforeyoucouldgetback，"saidthedeer。
　　"Youmustwaituntilspring，Claus。"
　　Claussighed。"HadIyourfleetfeet，"saidhe，"Icouldmakethejourneyinaday。"
　　"Butyouhavenot，"returnedGlossie，lookingathisownslenderlegswithpride。
　　"PerhapsIcouldrideuponyourback，"Clausventuredtoremark，afterapause。
　　"Ohno；ourbacksarenotstrongenoughtobearyourweight，"saidFlossie，decidedly。"Butifyouhadasledge，andcouldharnessustoit，wemightdrawyoueasily，andyourpackaswell。"
　　"I’llmakeasledge!"exclaimedClaus。"WillyouagreetodrawmeifIdo？"
　　"Well，"repliedFlossie，"wemustfirstgoandasktheKnooks，whoareourguardians，forpermission；butiftheyconsent，andyoucanmakeasledgeandharness，wewillgladlyassistyou。"
　　"Thengoatonce!"criedClaus，eagerly。"IamsurethefriendlyKnookswillgivetheirconsent，andbythetimeyouarebackIshallbereadytoharnessyoutomysledge。"
　　FlossieandGlossie，beingdeerofmuchintelligence，hadlongwishedtoseethegreatworld，sotheygladlyranoverthefrozensnowtoasktheKnooksiftheymightcarryClausonhisjourney。
　　Meantimethetoy—makerhurriedlybegantheconstructionofasledge，usingmaterialfromhiswood—pile。Hemadetwolongrunnersthatturnedupwardatthefrontends，andacrossthesenailedshortboards，tomakeaplatform。Itwassooncompleted，butwasasrudeinappearanceasitispossibleforasledgetobe。
　　Theharnesswasmoredifficulttoprepare，butClaustwistedstrongcordstogetherandknottedthemsotheywouldfitaroundthenecksofthedeer，intheshapeofacollar。Fromtheseranothercordstofastenthedeertothefrontofthesledge。
　　BeforetheworkwascompletedGlossieandFlossiewerebackfromtheForest，havingbeengrantedpermissionbyWillKnooktomakethejourneywithClausprovidedtheywouldtoBurzeebydaybreakthenextmorning。
　　"Thatisnotaverylongtime，"saidFlossie；"butweareswiftandstrong，andifwegetstartedbythiseveningwecantravelmanymilesduringthenight。"
　　Clausdecidedtomaketheattempt，sohehurriedonhispreparationsasfastaspossible。Afteratimehefastenedthecollarsaroundthenecksofhissteedsandharnessedthemtohisrudesledge。Thenheplacedastoolonthelittleplatform，toserveasaseat，andfilledasackwithhisprettiesttoys。
　　"Howdoyouintendtoguideus？"askedGlossie。"WehaveneverbeenoutoftheForestbefore，excepttovisityourhouse，soweshallnotknowtheway。"
　　Clausthoughtaboutthatforamoment。Thenhebroughtmorecordsandfastenedtwoofthemtothespreadingantlersofeachdeer，oneontherightandtheotherontheleft。
　　"Thosewillbemyreins，"saidClaus，"andwhenIpullthemtotherightortotheleftyoumustgointhatdirection。IfIdonotpullthereinsatallyoumaygostraightahead。"
　　"Verywell，"answeredGlossieandFlossie；andthentheyasked："Areyouready？"
　　Clausseatedhimselfuponthestool，placedthesackoftoysathisfeet，andthengatheredupthereins。
　　"Allready!"heshouted；"awaywego!"
　　Thedeerleanedforward，liftedtheirslenderlimbs，andthenextmomentawayflewthesledgeoverthefrozensnow。TheswiftnessofthemotionsurprisedClaus，forinafewstridestheywereacrosstheValleyandglidingoverthebroadplainbeyond。
　　Thedayhadmeltedintoeveningbythetimetheystarted；for，swiftlyasClaushadworked，manyhourshadbeenconsumedinmakinghispreparations。Butthemoonshonebrightlytolighttheirway，andClaussoondecideditwasjustaspleasanttotravelbynightasbyday。
　　Thedeerlikeditbetter；for，althoughtheywishedtoseesomethingoftheworld，theyweretimidaboutmeetingmen，andnowallthedwellersinthetownsandfarmhousesweresoundasleepandcouldnotseethem。
　　Awayandawaytheysped，onandonoverthehillsandthroughthevalleysandacrosstheplainsuntiltheyreachedavillagewhereClaushadneverbeenbefore。
　　Herehecalledonthemtostop，andtheyimmediatelyobeyed。Butanewdifficultynowpresenteditself，forthepeoplehadlockedtheirdoorswhentheywenttobed，andClausfoundhecouldnotenterthehousestoleavehistoys。
　　"Iamafraid，myfriends，wehavemadeourjourneyfornothing，"saidhe，"forIshallbeobligedtocarrymyplaythingsbackhomeagainwithoutgivingthemtothechildrenofthisvillage。"
　　"What’sthematter？"askedFlossie。
　　"Thedoorsarelocked，"answeredClaus，"andIcannotgetin。"
　　Glossielookedaroundatthehouses。Thesnowwasquitedeepinthatvillage，andjustbeforethemwasaroofonlyafewfeetabovethesledge。Abroadchimney，whichseemedtoGlossiebigenoughtoadmitClaus，wasatthepeakoftheroof。
　　"Whydon’tyouclimbdownthatchimney？"askedGlossie。
　　Clauslookedatit。
　　"ThatwouldbeeasyenoughifIwereontopoftheroof，"heanswered。
　　"Thenholdfastandwewilltakeyouthere，"saidthedeer，andtheygaveoneboundtotheroofandlandedbesidethebigchimney。
　　"Good!"criedClaus，wellpleased，andheslungthepackoftoysoverhisshoulderandgotintothechimney。
　　Therewasplentyofsootonthebricks，buthedidnotmindthat，andbyplacinghishandsandkneesagainstthesideshecreptdownwarduntilhehadreachedthefireplace。Leapinglightlyoverthesmolderingcoalshefoundhimselfinalargesitting—room，whereadimlightwasburning。
　　Fromthisroomtwodoorwaysledintosmallerchambers。Inoneawomanlayasleep，withababybesideherinacrib。
　　Clauslaughed，buthedidnotlaughaloudforfearofwakingthebaby。
　　Thenheslippedabigdollfromhispackandlaiditinthecrib。Thelittleonesmiled，asifitdreamedoftheprettyplaythingitwastofindonthemorrow，andClauscreptsoftlyfromtheroomandenteredattheotherdoorway。
　　Hereweretwoboys，fastasleepwiththeirarmsaroundeachother’sneck。Clausgazedatthemlovinglyamomentandthenplaceduponthebedadrum，twohornsandawoodenelephant。
　　Hedidnotlinger，nowthathisworkinthishousewasdone，butclimbedthechimneyagainandseatedhimselfonhissledge。
　　"Canyoufindanotherchimney？"heaskedthereindeer。
　　"Easilyenough，"repliedGlossieandFlossie。
　　Downtotheedgeoftherooftheyraced，andthen，withoutpausing，leapedthroughtheairtothetopofthenextbuilding，whereahuge，old—fashionedchimneystood。
　　"Don’tbesolong，thistime，"calledFlossie，"orweshallnevergetbacktotheForestbydaybreak。"
　　Clausmadeatripdownthischimneyalsoandfoundfivechildrensleepinginthehouse，allofwhomwerequicklysuppliedwithtoys。
　　Whenhereturnedthedeersprangtothenextroof，butondescendingthechimneyClausfoundnochildrenthereatall。Thatwasnotoftenthecaseinthisvillage，however，sohelostlesstimethanyoumightsupposeinvisitingthedrearyhomeswheretherewerenolittleones。
　　Whenhehadclimbeddownthechimneysofallthehousesinthatvillage，andhadleftatoyforeverysleepingchild，Clausfoundthathisgreatsackwasnotyethalfemptied。
　　"Onward，friends!"hecalledtothedeer；"wemustseekanothervillage。"
　　Soawaytheydashed，althoughitwaslongpastmidnight，andinasurprisinglyshorttimetheycametoalargecity，thelargestClaushadevervisitedsincehebegantomaketoys。But，nothingdauntedbythethrongofhouses，hesettoworkatonceandhisbeautifulsteedscarriedhimrapidlyfromonerooftoanother，onlythehighestbeingbeyondtheleapsoftheagiledeer。
　　AtlastthesupplyoftoyswasexhaustedandClausseatedhimselfinthesledge，withtheemptysackathisfeet，andturnedtheheadsofGlossieandFlossietowardhome。
　　PresentlyFlossieasked：
　　"Whatisthatgraystreakinthesky？"
　　"Itisthecomingdawnofday，"answeredClaus，surprisedtofindthatitwassolate。
　　"Goodgracious!"exclaimedGlossie；"thenweshallnotbehomebydaybreak，andtheKnookswillpunishusandneverletuscomeagain。"
　　"WemustracefortheLaughingValleyandmakeourbestspeed，"
　　returnedFlossie；"soholdfast，friendClaus!"
　　Clausheldfastandthenextmomentwasflyingsoswiftlyoverthesnowthathecouldnotseethetreesastheywhirledpast。Uphillanddowndale，swiftasanarrowshotfromabowtheydashed，andClausshuthiseyestokeepthewindoutofthemandleftthedeertofindtheirownway。
　　Itseemedtohimtheywereplungingthroughspace，buthewasnotatallafraid。TheKnookswereseveremasters，andmustbeobeyedatallhazards，andthegraystreakintheskywasgrowingbrightereverymoment。
　　FinallythesledgecametoasuddenstopandClaus，whowastakenunawares，tumbledfromhisseatintoasnowdrift。Ashepickedhimselfupheheardthedeercrying：
　　"Quick，friend，quick!Cutawayourharness!"
　　Hedrewhisknifeandrapidlyseveredthecords，andthenhewipedthemoisturefromhiseyesandlookedaroundhim。
　　ThesledgehadcometoastopintheLaughingValley，onlyafewfeet，hefound，fromhisowndoor。IntheEastthedaywasbreaking，andturningtotheedgeofBurzeehesawGlossieandFlossiejustdisappearingintheForest。
　　9。"SantaClaus!"
　　Clausthoughtthatnoneofthechildrenwouldeverknowwherethetoyscamefromwhichtheyfoundbytheirbedsideswhentheywakenedthefollowingmorning。Butkindlydeedsaresuretobringfame，andfamehasmanywingstocarryitstidingsintofarlands；soformilesandmilesineverydirectionpeopleweretalkingofClausandhiswonderfulgiftstochildren。Thesweetgenerousnessofhisworkcausedafewselfishfolktosneer，buteventhesewereforcedtoadmittheirrespectforamansogentle—naturedthathelovedtodevotehislifetopleasingthehelplesslittleonesofhisrace。
　　ThereforetheinhabitantsofeverycityandvillagehadbeeneagerlywatchingthecomingofClaus，andremarkablestoriesofhisbeautifulplaythingsweretoldthechildrentokeepthempatientandcontented。
　　When，onthemorningfollowingthefirsttripofClauswithhisdeer，thelittleonescamerunningtotheirparentswiththeprettytoystheyhadfound，andaskedfromwhencetheycame，theywasbutonereplytothequestion。
　　"ThegoodClausmusthavebeenhere，mydarlings；forhisaretheonlytoysinalltheworld!"
　　"Buthowdidhegetin？"askedthechildren。
　　Atthisthefathersshooktheirheads，beingthemselvesunabletounderstandhowClaushadgainedadmittancetotheirhomes；butthemothers，watchingthegladfacesoftheirdearones，whisperedthatthegoodClauswasnomortalmanbutassuredlyaSaint，andtheypiouslyblessedhisnameforthehappinesshehadbestowedupontheirchildren。
　　"ASaint，"saidone，withbowedhead，"hasnoneedtounlockdoorsifitpleaseshimtoenterourhomes。"
　　And，afterward，whenachildwasnaughtyordisobedient，itsmotherwouldsay：
　　"YoumustpraytothegoodSantaClausforforgiveness。Hedoesnotlikenaughtychildren，and，unlessyourepent，hewillbringyounomoreprettytoys。"
　　ButSantaClaushimselfwouldnothaveapprovedthisspeech。Hebroughttoystothechildrenbecausetheywerelittleandhelpless，andbecausehelovedthem。Heknewthatthebestofchildrenweresometimesnaughty，andthatthenaughtyoneswereoftengood。Itisthewaywithchildren，theworldover，andhewouldnothavechangedtheirnatureshadhepossessedthepowertodoso。
　　AndthatishowourClausbecameSantaClaus。Itispossibleforanyman，bygooddeeds，toenshrinehimselfasaSaintintheheartsofthepeople。
　　10。ChristmasEveThedaythatbrokeasClausreturnedfromhisnightridewithGlossieandFlossiebroughttohimanewtrouble。WillKnook，thechiefguardianofthedeer，cametohim，surlyandill—tempered，tocomplainthathehadkeptGlossieandFlossiebeyonddaybreak，inoppositiontohisorders。
　　"Yetitcouldnothavebeenverylongafterdaybreak，"saidClaus。
　　"Itwasoneminuteafter，"answeredWillKnook，"andthatisasbadasonehour。IshallsetthestinginggnatsonGlossieandFlossie，andtheywillthussufferterriblyfortheirdisobedience。"
　　"Don’tdothat!"beggedClaus。"Itwasmyfault。"
　　ButWillKnookwouldlistentonoexcuses，andwentawaygrumblingandgrowlinginhisill—naturedway。
　　ForthisreasonClausenteredtheForesttoconsultNecileaboutrescuingthegooddeerfrompunishment。Tohisdelighthefoundhisoldfriend，theMasterWoodsman，seatedinthecircleofNymphs。
　　AklistenedtothestoryofthenightjourneytothechildrenandofthegreatassistancethedeerhadbeentoClausbydrawinghissledgeoverthefrozensnow。
　　"IdonotwishmyfriendstobepunishedifIcansavethem，"saidthetoy—maker，whenhehadfinishedtherelation。"Theywereonlyoneminutelate，andtheyranswifterthanabirdfliestogethomebeforedaybreak。"
　　Akstrokedhisbeardthoughtfullyamoment，andthensentforthePrinceoftheKnooks，whorulesallhispeopleinBurzee，andalsofortheQueenoftheFairiesandthePrinceoftheRyls。
　　WhenallhadassembledClaustoldhisstoryagain，atAk’scommand，andthentheMasteraddressedthePrinceoftheKnooks，saying：
　　"ThegoodworkthatClausisdoingamongmankinddeservesthesupportofeveryhonestimmortal。AlreadyheiscalledaSaintinsomeofthetowns，andbeforelongthenameofSantaClauswillbelovinglyknownineveryhomethatisblessedwithchildren。Moreover，heisasonofourForest，soweowehimourencouragement。You，RuleroftheKnooks，haveknownhimthesemanyyears；amInotrightinsayinghedeservesourfriendship？"
　　ThePrince，crookedandsourofvisageasallKnooksare，lookedonlyuponthedeadleavesathisfeetandmuttered："YouaretheMasterWoodsmanoftheWorld!"
　　Aksmiled，butcontinued，insofttones："ItseemsthatthedeerwhichareguardedbyyourpeoplecanbeofgreatassistancetoClaus，andastheyseemwillingtodrawhissledgeIbegthatyouwillpermithimtousetheirserviceswheneverhepleases。"
　　ThePrincedidnotreply，buttappedthecurledpointofhissandalwiththetipofhisspear，asifinthought。
　　ThentheFairyQueenspoketohiminthisway："IfyouconsenttoAk’srequestIwillseethatnoharmcomestoyourdeerwhiletheyareawayfromtheForest。"
　　AndthePrinceoftheRylsadded："FormypartIwillallowtoeverydeerthatassistsClaustheprivilegeofeatingmycasaplants，whichgivestrength，andmygrawleplants，whichgivefleetnessoffoot，andmymarbonplants，whichgivelonglife。"
　　AndtheQueenoftheNymphssaid："ThedeerwhichdrawthesledgeofClauswillbepermittedtobatheintheForestpoolofNares，whichwillgivethemsleekcoatsandwonderfulbeauty。"
　　ThePrinceoftheKnooks，hearingthesepromises，shifteduneasilyonhisseat，forinhishearthehatedtorefusearequestofhisfellowimmortals，althoughtheywereaskinganunusualfavorathishands，andtheKnooksareunaccustomedtograntingfavorsofanykind。
　　Finallyheturnedtohisservantsandsaid：
　　"CallWillKnook。"
　　WhensurlyWillcameandheardthedemandsoftheimmortalsheprotestedloudlyagainstgrantingthem。