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。