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。