Classic Audiobook Collection - The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum ~ Full Audiobook [fantasy]

Episode Date: November 14, 2022

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum audiobook. Genre: fantasy Long before Santa becomes a legend, a baby is found in the Forest of Burzee and raised under the watchful care of the wood nymph Necile and the powerful immortal Ak. As the boy, Claus, grows, he learns the ways of nature, the quiet wisdom of the forest folk, and the hard truths of the mortal world just beyond the trees. Drawn by compassion, he chooses to live among humans, where he meets poverty, loneliness, and the hardships of childhood. Determined to bring joy where there is little, Claus begins crafting simple toys and delivering them in secret, slowly shaping a new kind of generosity that spreads from house to house and village to village. But his growing mission does not go unnoticed. Ancient beings debate whether a mortal should wield such influence, and darker forces threaten the happiness he works to create. As Claus faces doubt, danger, and the limits of an ordinary human life, he must decide what he is willing to sacrifice to protect the wonder he has sparked. L. Frank Baum blends fairy-tale mythmaking with warmth and adventure, offering an imaginative origin story about kindness, courage, and the power of giving. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 01 (00:11:56) Chapter 02 (00:26:38) Chapter 03 (00:40:52) Chapter 04 (00:51:46) Chapter 05 (01:13:06) Chapter 06 (01:34:43) Chapter 07 (02:00:19) Chapter 08 (02:16:28) Chapter 09 (02:34:09) Chapter 10 (02:52:58) Chapter 11 (03:09:23) Chapter 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by El Frank Baum Chapter 1 Bursey Have you ever heard of the great forest of Bursey? Nurse used to sing of it when I was a child. She sang of the big tree trunks, standing close together, with their roots intertwining below the earth

and their branches intertwining above it. Of their rough coating of bark and queer gnarled limbs, of the bushy foliage that roofed the entire forest, save where the sunbeams found a path, through which to touch the ground in little spots, and to cast weird and curious shadows over the mosses, the lichens and the drifts of dried leaves. The forest of Bursey is mighty and grand,

and awesome to those who steal beneath its shade. Coming from the sunlit meadows into its mazes it seems at first gloomy, then pleasant, and afterwards, filled with, never-ending delights. For hundreds of years it has flourished in all its magnificence, the silence of its enclosure unbroken, saved by the chirp of busy chipmunks, the growl of wild beasts, and the songs of birds. Yet Bursey has its inhabitants for all this. Nature peopled it in the beginning with fairies, nooks, rills, and nymphs. As long as the forest stands, it will be a home,

a refuge and a playground to these sweet immortals who revel undisturbed in its depths civilization has never yet reached berzi will it ever i wonder end of chapter one chapter two the child of the forest once so long ago our great-grandfathers could scarcely have heard it mentioned there lived within the great forest of bursey a wood-nymph named nassil She was closely related to the mighty queen Zirline, and her home was beneath the shade of a widespread oak. Once every year, on budding day, when the trees put forth their new buds, Nassil held the golden chalice of Ava to the lips of the queen, who drank therefrom to the prosperity of the forest. So you see, she was a nymph of some importance, and, moreover, it is said she was highly regarded because of her beauty and grace. When she was created she could not have told. Queen Zerling could not have told. The great Act himself could not have told. It was long ago when the world was new

and nymphs were needed to guard the forests and to minister to the wants of the young trees. Then, on some day not remembered, Nassil sprang into being. Radiant, lovely, straight and slim as the sapling she was created to guard. Her hair was the color that lines a chestnut burr. Her eyes were blue in the sunlight and purple in the shade.

Her cheeks bloomed with the faint pink that edges the clouds at sunset. Her lips were full red, pouting, and sweet. For costume she adopted oak leaf green. All the wood nymphs dress in that color and know no other so desirable. Her dainty feet were sandal-clad, while her head, remained bare of covering other than her silken tresses. Nisiel's duties were few and simple. She kept hurtful weeds from growing beneath her trees

and sapping the earth food required by her charges. She frightened away the gadgels who took evil delight in flying against the tree trunks and wounding them so that they dropped and died from the poisonous contact. In dry season she carried water from the brooks and pools and moistened the roots of her thirsty dependents. That was in the beginning. The weeds had now learned to avoid the forests where the wood-nymphs dwelt.

The loathsome gaddles no longer dared to come nigh. The trees had become old and sturdy, and could bear the drought better than when fresh-sprouted. So Nassil's duties were lessened, and time grew laggard, while succeeding years became more tiresome and uneventful than the nymph's joyous spirit loved. Truly the forest-dwellers did not lack amusement. Each full moon they danced in the royal circle of the queen. There were also the feast of nuts, the jubilee of autumn tintings, the solemn ceremony of leaf-shedding and the revelry of budding day.

But these periods of enjoyment were far apart and left many wary hours between. That a wood-nymph should grow discontented was not thought of by Nassil's sisters. It came upon her only after many years of brooding. But when once she had settled in her mind that life was irksome, she had no patience with her condition, and longed to do something of real interest, and to pass her days in ways hitherto undreamed of by forest nymphs. The law of the forest alone restrained her from going

forth in search of adventure. While this mood lay heavy upon pretty Nassil, it chanced that the great act visited the forest of Burz-E, and allowed the wood-nymps, as was there want, to lie at his feet and listen to the words of wisdom that fell from his lips. Ack is the master woodsman of the world. He sees everything, and knows more than the sons of men. That night he held the queen's hand, for he loved the nymphs as a father loves his children, and Nassil lay at his feet with many of her sisters, and earnestly hearkened as he spoke. We live so happily, my fair ones, in our forest glades, said Ack stroking his grizzled beard thoughtfully, that we know nothing of the sorrow and misery

that fall to the lot of those poor mortals who inhabit the open spaces of the earth. They are not of our race, it is true, yet compassion well befits being so fairly favored as ourselves. Often as I pass by the dwelling of some suffering mortal, I am tempted to stop and banish the poor thing's misery. Yet suffering, in moderation, is the natural lot of mortals, and it is not our place to interfere with the laws of nature. Nevertheless, said the fair queen, nodding her golden head at the master woodsman. It would not be a vain guess that Ack has often assisted these hapless mortals. Ack smiled.

Sometimes, he replied, when they are very young, children the mortals call them. I have stopped to rescue them from misery. The men and women I dare not interfere with, they must bear the burdens nature has imposed upon them. But the helpless infants, the innocent children of men, have a right to be happy, until they become full-grown and able to bear the trials of humanity. So I feel I am justified in assisting them. Not long ago, a year maybe, I found four poor children huddled in a wooden hut, slowly freezing to death.

Their parents had gone to a neighboring village for food And had left a fire to warm their little ones while they were absent But a storm arose and drifted the snow in their path So they were long on the road Meantime the fire went out and the frost crept into the bones of the waiting children Poor things murmured the queen softly What did you do? I called Nelko bidding him fetch wood from my forests And breathe upon it until the fire blazed

again, and warmed the little room where the children lay. Then they ceased jivering and fell asleep until their parents came. "'I am glad you did thus,' said the good queen, beaming upon the master. And the seal, who had eagerly listened to every word, echoed in a whisper, "'I too am glad.' And this very night,' continued Ack, as I came to the edge of Burzie, I heard a feeble cry, which I judged came from a human, an infant. I looked about me and found, close to the forest, a helpless babe, lying quite naked upon the grasses and wailing piteously. Not far away, screened by the forest, crouched Chiegra the lioness, intent upon devouring the infant for her evening meal.

"'And what did you do, Ack?' asked the queen breathlessly. Not much, being in a hurry to greet my nymphs, but I commanded Chiegra to lie close to the babe. and to give it her milk and to quiet its hunger. And I told her to send word throughout the forest to all beasts and reptiles that the child should not be harmed. I am glad you did thus, said the good queen again in a tone of relief.

But this time Nassil did not echo her words, for the nymph, filled with a strange resolve, had suddenly stolen away from the group. Swiftly her lithe form darted through the forest paths, until she reached the edge of mighty burzee when she paused to gaze curiously about her never until now had she ventured so far for the law of the forest had placed the nymphs in its inmost depths nisil knew she was breaking the law but the thought did not give pause to her dainty feet she had decided to see with her own eyes this infant ak had told of for she had never yet beheld a child of man all the immortals are full grown there are no children among them peering through the trees nassil saw the child lying on the grass but now it was sweetly sleeping having been comforted by the milk drawn from chiegra it was not old enough to know what peril means if it did not feel hunger it was content softly the nymph stole to the side of the babe and knelt upon the sward her long roared

robe of rose-leaf color spreading about her like a gossamer cloud. Her lovely countenance expressed curiosity and surprise, but most of all a tender, womanly pity. The babe was newborn, chubby, and pink. It was entirely helpless. While the nymph gazed, the infant opened its eyes, smiled upon her, and stretched out two dimpled arms. In another instant, Nassie, had caught it to her breast and was hurrying with it through the forest paths. End of Chapter 2. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain, and for more information or to volunteer,

please visit Librevox.org. Recording by Kristen Luoma, greenkri.com The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, by L. Frank Baum Chapter 3 The adoption The Master Woodsman suddenly rose with knitted brows. There is a strange presence in the forest, he declared.

Then the queen and her nymphs turned and saw standing before them, Nassil, with the sleeping infant clasped tightly in her arms and a defiant look in her deep blue eyes. And thus for a moment they remained, the nymphs filled with surprise and consternation, but the brow of the master woodsman gradually clearing as he gazed intently upon the beautiful immortal who had willfully broken the law. Then the great act, to the wonder of all, laid his hand softly on Nassil's flowing locks, and kissed her on her fair forehead.

for the first time within my knowledge, said he gently, a nymph has defied me and my laws, yet in my heart I can find no word of chiding. What is your desire, Nassil? Let me keep the child, she answered, beginning to tremble and falling on her knees in supplication. Here in the forest of Burzee, where the human race has never yet penetrated,

questioned Ack. Here in the forest of Burzee, replied the nymph boldly. It is my home and I am weary for lack of occupation. Let me care for the babe. See how weak and helpless it is? Surely it cannot harm Berzy nor the master woodsman of the world. But the law, child, the law, cried Ack sternly. The law is made by the master woodsman,

returned Nassil. If he bids me care for the babe, he himself has saved from death, who in all the world dare oppose me? Queen Zirline, who had listened intently to this conversation, clapped her pretty hands gleefully at the nymph's answer. You are fairly trapped, O'ak! she exclaimed laughing.

Now I pray you, give heed to Nassil's petition. The woodsman, as was his habit when then thought, stroked his grizzled beard slowly. Then he said, She shall keep the babe, And I will give it my protection, But I warn you all that as this is the first time I have relaxed the law, So shall it be the last time.

Nevermore, to the end of the world, Shall a mortal be adopted by an immortal. Otherwise, would we abandon our happy existence For one of trouble and anxiety? Good night, my nymphs. Then Ak was gone from their midst, and Nassil hurried away to her bower to rejoice over her newfound treasure. End of Chapter 3. Chapter 4. Claws.

Another day found Nassil's bower the most popular place in the forest. The nymphs clustered around her and the child that lay asleep in her lap, with expressions of curiosity and delight. Nor were they wanting in praises for the great... act's kindness in allowing Nassil to keep the babe, and to care for it. Even the queen came to peer into the innocent childish face, and to hold a helpless chubby fist in her own fair hand. "'What shall we call him, Nassil?' she asked, smiling. He must have a name, you know. "'Let him be called claws,' answered Nassil, for that means a little one. Rather let him be called

Neclos. Begin footnote. Some people have spelled this name Niklaus, and others Nicholas, which is the reason that Santa Claus is still known in some lands as St. Nicholas. But of course, Neclos

is his right name, and Claus the nickname given him by his adopted mother, the fair nymph Nassil. End footnote. Rather let him be called Neclos, returned the queen. for that will mean Nassil's little one. The nymphs clapped their hands in delight,

and Nek-Klaas became the infant's name, although Nassil loved best to call him claws, and in after days many of her sisters followed her example. Nassil gathered the softest moss in all the forest for claws to lie upon, and she made his bed in her own bower. Of food the infant had no lack. The nymphs searched the forest for bell udders, which grow upon the go-tree,

and when opened are found to be filled with sweet milk, and the soft-eyed doze willingly gave a share of their milk to support the little stranger, while Chiegra, the lioness often crept stealthily into Nassiel's bower, and purred softly as she lay beside the babe and fed it. So the little one flourished and grew big and sturdy day by day, while Nassil taught him to speak and to walk and to play. his thoughts and words were sweet and gentle for the nymphs knew no evil and their hearts were pure and loving he became the pet of the forest for act's decree had forbidden beast or reptile to molest him and he walked fearlessly wherever his will guided him

presently the news reached the other immortals that the nymphs a burzee had adopted a human infant and that the act had been sanctioned by the great ac Therefore many of them came to visit the little stranger, looking upon him with much interest. First the rills, who are first cousins to the wood nymphs, although so differently formed. For the rills are required to watch over the flowers and plants, as the nymphs watch over the forest trees. They search the wide world for the food required by the roots of the flowering plants, while the brilliant colors possessed by the full-blown flowers are due to the dyes placed in the soil. by the rills, which are drawn through the little veins and the roots and the body of the plants as they reach maturity. The rills are a busy people, for their flowers bloom and fade continually,

but they are merry and light-hearted and are very popular with the other immortals. Next came the nooks, whose duty it is to watch over the beasts of the world, both gentle and wild. The nooks have a hard time of it since many of the beasts are ungovernable and rebel against restraint. But they know how to manage them after all, and you will find that certain laws of the nooks are obeyed by even the most ferocious animals. Their anxieties make the nooks look old and worn and crooked, and their natures are a bit rough from associating with wild creatures continually. Yet they are most useful to humanity and to the world in general, as their laws are the only laws the forest beasts recognize except those of the master woodsmen. Then there were the

fairies, the guardians of mankind, who were much interested in the adoption of claws, because their own laws forbade them to become familiar with their human charges. There are instances on record where the fairies have shown themselves to human beings, and have even conversed with them. But they are supposed to guard the lives of mankind, unseen and unknown. And if they favor some people more than others, it is because they have won such distinction fairly, as the fairies are very just and impartial. But the idea of adopting a child of men had never occurred to them because it was in every way opposed to their laws. So their curiosity was intense to behold the little stranger adopted by Nisiel and her sister nymphs.

Claus looked upon the immortals who thronged around him with fearless eyes and smiling lips. He rode laughingly upon the shoulders of the merry rills. He mischievously pulled the gray beards of the low-browed nooks. He rested his curly head confidently upon the dainty bosom of the fairy queen herself. And the rills loved the sound of his laughter. The nooks loved his courage. The fairies loved his innocence. the boy made friends of them all and learned to know their laws intimately no forest flower was trampled beneath his feet lest the friendly rill should be grieved he never interfered with the beasts of the forest lest his friends the nooks should become angry

the fairies he loved dearly but knowing nothing of mankind he could not understand that he was the only one of his race admitted to friendly intercourse with them indeed claus came to consider that he alone of all the forest people had no like nor fellow to him the forest was the world he had no idea that millions of toiling striving human creatures existed and he was happy and content end of chapter four chapter five the master woodsman years passed swiftly in burzee for the nymphs had no need to regard time in any way even centuries make no change in the dainty creatures ever and ever they remain the same immortal and unchanging claws however being mortal grew to manhood day by day nassil was disturbed presently to find him too big to lie in her lap and he had a desire for other food than milk his stout legs carried him far into bursey's heart where he gathered supplies of nuts and berries as well as several sweet and wholesome roots which suited his stomach better than the bell-udders he sought nassiel's bower less frequently till finally it became his custom to return thither only to sleep the nymph who had come to love him dearly was puzzled to comprehend the changed nature of her charge and unconsciously altered her own mode of life to conform to his whims she followed him readily through the forest paths as did many of her sister nymphs explaining as they walked all the mysteries of the gigantic wood and the habits and nature of the living things which dwelt beneath its shade

the language of the beasts became clear to little claws but he never could understand their sulky and morose tempers only the squirrels the mice and the rabbits seemed to possess cheerful and merry natures. Yet would the boy laugh when the panther growled, and stroke the bear's glossy coat while the creature snarled and bared its teeth menacingly. The growls and snarls were not for claws, he well knew, so what did they matter?

He could sing the songs of the bees, recite the poetry of the woodflowers, and relate the history of every blinking owl in Berzzi. He helped the rills to feed their plants, and the nooks to keep order among the animals. The little immortals regarded him as a privileged person, being especially protected by Queen Zerlien and her nymphs, and favoured by the great ac himself.

One day the master woodsman came back to the forest of Berzi. He had visited in turn all his forests throughout the world, and they were many and broad. Not until he entered the glade where the queen and her nymphs were assembled to greet him, did ac remember the child he had permitted nassil to adopt then he found sitting familiarly in the circle of lovely immortals a broad-shouldered stalwart youth who when erect stood fully as high as the shoulder of the master himself Ack paused, silent and frowning, to bend his piercing gaze upon claws. The clear eyes met his own steadfastly, and the woodsman gave a sigh of relief as he marked their placid depths and read the youth's brave and innocent heart. Nevertheless, as Ack sat beside the fair queen, and the golden chalice filled with rare nectar passed from lip to lip, the master woodman was strangely silent and reserved, and,

stroked his beard many times with a thoughtful motion. With mourning he called Claus aside, in kindly fashion, saying, Bit goodbye for a time to Nassil and her sisters, for you shall accompany me on my journey through the world. The venture pleased, Klaus, who knew well the honor of being companion of the master woodsman of the world. But Nassil wept for the first time in her life, and clung to the boy's neck as if she could not bear to let him go.

The nymph who had mothered this sturdy youth was still as dainty, as charming and beautiful as when she had dared to face Ack with the babe clasped to her breast. Nor was her love less great. Ack beheld the two clinging together, seemingly as brother and sister to one another, and again he wore his thoughtful look. End of Chapter 5.

This is a Librivox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain, and for more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Kristen Luoma, greenkri.com The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. Chapter 6 Clause discovers humanity. Taking Clause to a small clearing in the forest, the master said,

"'Place your hand upon my girdle, and hold fast while we journey through the air, for now we shall encircle the world and look upon many of the haunts of those men from whom you are descended.' These words caused Clause to marvel, for until now he had thought himself the only one of his kind upon the earth. Yet in his silence he grasped firmly the girdle of the great act, his astonishment forbidding speech.

Then the vast forest of Burzzi seemed to fall away from their feet, and the youth found himself passing swiftly through the air at a great height. Ere long there were spires beneath them, while buildings of many shapes and colors met their downward view. It was a city of men, and Ack, pausing to descend, led claws to its enclosure, said the master. So long as it was a city of men, and Ack, pausing to descend, led claws to its enclosure, said the master. you hold fast to my girdle you will remain unseen by all mankind, though seeing clearly yourself.

To release your grasp will be to separate yourself forever from me and your home in Burz-E. One of the first laws of the forest is obedience, and Clause had no thought of disobeying the master's wish. He clung fast to the girdle and remained invisible. Thereafter with each moment passed in the city the youth's wonder grew. He, who had supposed himself created differently from all others, now found the earth swarming with creatures of his own kind. Indeed, said Ack, the immortals are few, but the mortals are many. Claus looked earnestly upon his fellows.

There were sad faces, gay and reckless faces, pleasant faces, anxious faces and kindly faces, all mingled in puzzling disorder. Some worked at tedious tasks, some strutted in impudent conceit. Some were thoughtful and grave, while others seemed happy and content. Men of many natures there were, as everywhere and claws found much to please him

and much to make him sad. But especially, he noted the children, first curiously, then eagerly, then lovingly. Ragged little ones rolled in the dust of the streets, playing with scraps and pebbles. Other children gaily dressed were propped upon cushions and fed with sugar-plums. Yet the children of the rich were not happier than those playing with the dust and pebbles. It seemed to claws.

Childhood is the time of man's greatest content, said Ack, following the youth's thoughts. "'Tis during these years of innocent pleasure that the little ones are most. most free from care. Tell me, said Claus, why do not all these babies fare alike? Because they are born in both cottage and palace, returned the master. The difference in the wealth of the parents

determines the lot of the child. Some are carefully tended and clothed in silks and dainty linen. Others are neglected and covered with rags. Yet all seem equally fair and sweet, said Claus, thoughtfully. While they are babes, yes, agreed Ack, their joy is in being alive, and they do not stop to think. In after years the doom of mankind overtakes them,

and they find they must struggle and worry, work and fret, to gain the wealth that is so dear to the hearts of men. Such things are unknown in the forest where you were reared. Clause was silent a moment. Then he asked, Why was I reared in the forest among those who are not of my race? Then, Ack, in gentle voice, told him the story of his babyhood, how he had been abandoned at the forest's edge and left prey to wild beasts,

and how the loving nymph Nassil had rescued him and brought him to manhood under the protection of the immortals. Yet I am not of them, said Clause musingly. You are not of them, returned. the woodsman. The nymph who cared for you as a mother seems now like a sister to you. By and by, when you grow old and gray, she will seem like a daughter. Yet another brief span and you will be but a memory, while she remains Nassil. Then why, if man must perish, is he born? demanded the boy. Everything perishes except the world itself and its keepers, answered Ack. But while life lasts, everything on earth has its use. The wise seek ways to be helpful to the world, for the

helpful ones are sure to live again. Much of this clause failed to understand fully, but a longing seized him to become helpful to his fellows, and he remained grave and thoughtful while they resumed their journey. They visited many dwellings of men in many parts of the world, watching farmers toil in the fields. Warriors dash into cruiser. fray, and merchants exchanged their goods for bits of white and yellow metal. And everywhere the eyes of claws sought out the children in love and pity, for the thought of his own helpless babyhood was strong within him, and he yearned to give help to the innocent little ones of his race, even as he had been succored by the kindly nymph.

Day by day the master woodsman and his pupil traversed the earth. Ack speaking but seldom to the youth Who clung steadfastly to his girdle But guiding him into all places Where he might become familiar With the lives of human beings And at last they returned to the grand old forest of Berzzi Where the master set claws down

Within the circle of nymphs Among whom the pretty Nassil anxiously awaited him The brow of great Ack Was now calm and peaceful But the brow of claw of claws had become lined with deep thought. Nassil sighed at the change in her foster son, who until now had been ever joyous and smiling,

and the thought came to her, that never again would the life of the boy be the same as before this eventful journey with the master. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 Claus leaves the forest. When good Queen Zerline had touched the golden chalice with her fair lips, and it had passed around the circle in honor of the traveller's return,

the master woodsman of the world, who had not yet spoken, turned his gaze frankly upon claws and said, Well? The boy understood, and rose slowly to his feet beside Nassil. Once only his eyes passed around the familiar circle of nymphs, every one of whom he remembered as a loving comrade, but tears came unbidden to dim his sight, so he gazed thereafter steadfastly at the master i have been ignorant said he simply until the great act in his kindness taught me who and what i am

you who live so sweetly in your forest bowers ever fair and youthful and innocent are no fit comrades for a son of humanity for i have looked upon man finding him doomed to live for a brief space upon earth to toil for the things he needs, to fade into old age, and then to pass away as the leaves in autumn. Yet every man has his mission, which is to leave the world better in some way than he found it. I am of the race of men, and man's lot is my lot. For your tender care of the poor, forsaken babe you adopted, as well as for your loving comradeship during my boyhood, my heart will ever overflow with gratitude. my foster-mother. Here he stopped and kissed Nassil's white forehead.

I shall love and cherish while life lasts. But I must leave you to take my part in the endless struggle to which humanity is doomed, and to live my life in my own way. What will you do? asked the queen gravely. I must devote myself to the care of the children of mankind and try to make them happy, he answered, "'Since your own tender care of a babe brought me to happiness and strength, "'it is just and right that I devote my life to the pleasure of other babes. "'Thus will the memory of the loving nymph-nessil be planted within the hearts of thousands "'of my race for many years to come, and her kindly act be recounted in song and in story

"'while the world shall last. Have I spoken well, O master? You have spoken well, returned Ack, and rising to his feet he continued. Yet one thing must not be forgotten. Having been adopted as the child of the forest and the playfellow of the nymphs, you have gained a distinction which forever separates you from your kind. Therefore, when you go forth into the world of men, you shall retain the protection of the forest, and the powers you now enjoy

will remain with you to assist you in your labors. In any need you may call upon the nymphs, the rills, the nooks and the fairies, and they will serve you gladly. I, the master woodsman of the world, have said it, and my word is the law. Claws looked upon Ack with grateful eyes. This will make me mighty among men, he replied,

"'protected by these kind friends, "'I may be able to make thousands of little children happy. "'I will try very hard to do my duty, "'and I know the forest people will give me their sympathy and help.' "'We will,' said the fairy queen earnestly. "'We will,' cried the merry rills, laughing. "'We will!' shouted the crooked nooks scowling. "'We will!' exclaimed the sweet nymphs proudly.

but nassil said nothing she only folded claws in her arms and kissed him tenderly the world is big continued the boy turning again to his loyal friends but men are everywhere i shall begin my work near my friends so that if i meet with misfortune i can come to the forest for counsel or help with that he gave them all a loving look and turned away there was no need to say good-bye by for him the sweet wild life of the forest was over he went forth bravely to meet his doom the doom of the race of man the necessity to worry and work but ac who knew the boy's heart was merciful and guided his steps coming through bersey to its eastern edge claws reached the laughing valley of ho-ha-ho on each side were rolling down the rolling green hills, and a brook wandered midway between them, to wind afar off beyond the valley. At his back was the grim forest. At the far end of the valley a broad plain. The eyes of the young man, which had until now reflected his grave thoughts, became brighter as he stood silent, looking out upon the laughing valley. Then on a sudden his eyes twinkled, as stars do on a still

night, and grew merry and wide. For at his feet the cow slips and daisies smiled on him in friendly regard. The breeze whistled gaily as it passed by, and fluttered the locks on his forehead. The brook laughed joyously as it leapt over the pebbles, and swept around the green curves of its banks. The bees sang sweet songs as they flew from dandelion to daffodil. The beetles chirruped happily in the long grass, and the sunbeams glinted pleasantly over all the scene. Here, cried Claus, stretching out his arms as if to embrace the valley, I will make my home. That was many, many years ago. It has been his home ever since. It is his home now. End of Chapter 7. End of Claus' childhood. This is a Librevox

recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain and for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org recording by christin luoma green k r i dot com the life and adventures of santa claus by l frank bomb section two manhood chapter one the laughing valley when clause came the valley was empty, save for the grass, the brook, the wildflowers, the bees, and the butterflies. If he would make his home here and live after the fashion of men, he must have a house. This puzzled him at first, but while he stood smiling in the sunshine, he suddenly found beside him old Nelko the servant of the master woodsman. Nelko bore an axe, strong and broad, with a blade that gleamed like burnished silver. This he placed in the young man's hand,

then disappeared without a word. Clause understood, and turning to the forest's edge, he selected a number of fallen tree trunks, which he began to clear of their dead branches. He would not cut into a living tree. His life among the nymphs who guarded the forest had taught him that a live tree is sacred, being a created thing endowed with feeling.

But with the dead and fallen trees it was different. They had fulfilled their destiny as active members of the forest community, and now it was fitting that their remains should minister to the needs of man. The axe bit deep into the logs at every stroke. It seemed to have a force of its own, and claws had but to swing and guide it.

When shadows began creeping over the green hills to lie in the valley overnight, the young man had chopped many logs into equal lengths, and proper shapes for building a house, such as he had seen the poorer classes of men inhabit. Then, resolving to await another day, before he tried to fit the logs together, claws ate some of the sweet roots he well knew how to find, drank deeply from the laughing brook, and lay down to sleep on the grass, first seeking a spot where no flowers grew, lest the weight of his body should crush them. And while he slumbered and breathed in the perfume of the wondrous valley, the spirit of happiness, crept into his heart, and drove out all terror and care and misgivings,

never more would the face of claws be clouded with anxieties. Never more would the trials of life weigh him down as with a burden. The Laughing Valley had claimed him for its own. Would that we all might live in that delightful place. But then, maybe it would become overcrowded. For ages it had awaited a tenant. Was it chance that led Young Clause to make his home in this happy veil? Or may we guess that his thoughtful friends, the immortals, had directed his steps when he wandered away from Berzi to seek a home in the great world? Certain it is that while the moon peered over the hilltop and flooded with its soft beams the body of the sleeping stranger. The Laughing Valley was filled with the queer, crooked shapes of the friendly looks.

These people spoke no words, but worked with skill and swiftness. The logs' claws had trimmed with his bright axe were carried to a spot beside the brook, and fitted one upon another, and during the night a strong and roomy dwelling was built. The birds came sweeping into the valley at daybreak, and their songs, so seldom heard in the deep wood, aroused the stranger. He rubbed the web of sleep from his eyelids and looked around. The house met his gaze. I must thank the nooks for this, said he gratefully. Then he walked to his dwelling and entered at the doorway.

A large room faced him, having a fireplace at the end and a tape. and bench in the middle. Beside the fireplace was a cupboard. Another doorway was beyond. Clause entered here also, and saw a smaller room with a bed against the wall and a stool set near a small stand. On the bed were many layers of dried moss brought from the forest. Indeed it is a palace, exclaimed the smiling Clause. I must thank the good Nooks again for their knowledge of man's needs, as well as for their labors in my behalf. He left his new home with a glad feeling that he was not quite alone in the world, although he had chosen to abandon his forest life. Friendships are

not easily broken, and the immortals are everywhere. Upon reaching the brook, he drank of the pure water, and then sat down on the bank to laugh at the mischievous gambols of the ripples as they pushed one another against rocks, or crowded desperately to see. which should first reach the turn beyond. And as they raced away, he listened to the song they sang. Rushing, pushing, on we go, not a wave may gently flow, all are too excited, every drop delighted, turns to spray in merry play as we tumble on our way.

Next, Clause searched for roots to eat, while the daffodils turned their little eyes up to him laughingly and lisped their dainty song. blooming fairly, growing rarely, never flower-its were so gay, perfume breathing, joy bequeathing, as are colors we display. It made Claws laugh to hear the little things voice their happiness as they nodded gracefully on their stems. But another strain caught his ear, as the sunbeams fell gently across his face and whispered,

Here is gladness that our rays warm the valley through the sea. the days. Here is happiness to give. Comfort unto all who live. Yes, cried Claus in answer, there is happiness and joy in all things here. The laughing valley is a valley of peace and goodwill. He passed the day talking with the ants and beetles and exchanging jokes with the light-hearted butterflies, and at night he lay on his bed of soft moss and slept soundly. Then came the fairies, merry but noiseless, bringing skillets and pots and dishes and pans, and all the tools necessary to prepare food and to comfort a mortal.

With these they filled cupboard and fireplace, finally placing a stout suit of wool clothing on the stool by the bedside. When claws awoke he rubbed his eyes again and laughed, and spoke aloud his thanks to the fairies and the master woodsman who had sent them. With eager joy he examined all his new possessions, wondering what some might be used for. But in the days when he had clung to the girdle of the great act and visited the cities of men,

his eyes had been quick to note all the manners and customs of the race to which he belonged. So he guessed from the gifts brought by the fairies that the master had expected him hereafter to live in the fact that, of his fellow creatures. Which means that I must plow the earth and plant corn, he reflected, so that when winter comes I shall have garnered food in plenty. But as he stood in the grassy valley, he saw that to turn up the earth in furrows

would be to destroy hundreds of pretty helpless flowers, as well as thousands of the tender blades of grass, and this he could not bear to do. Therefore he stretched out his own. his arms and uttered a peculiar whistle he had learned in the forest, afterward crying, Rills of the field-flowers come to me. Instantly a dozen of the queer little rills were squatting upon the ground before him, and they nodded to him in cheerful greeting. Claus gazed upon them earnestly.

"'Your brothers of the forest,' he said, "'I have known and loved many years. I shall love you also when we have become friends. To me the laws of the rills, whether those of the forest or of the field, are sacred. I have never willfully destroyed one of the flowers you tend so carefully. But I must plant grain to use for food during the cold winter, and how am I to do this without killing the little creatures that sing to me so prettily of their fragrant blossoms? The yellow rill, he who tends the buttercups, made answer. Fret not, friend Clause, the great ac has spoken to us of you.

There is better work for you in life than to labor for food, and though not being of the forest, Ack has no command over us. Nevertheless we are glad to favor one he loves. Live, therefore, to do the good work you are resolved to undertake. We the field rills will attend to your food supplies. After this speech the rills were no longer to be seen, and Claws drove from his mind the thought of tilling the earth. The next he wandered back to his dwelling, a bowl of fresh milk stood upon the table.

Bread was in the cupboard, and sweet honey filled a dish beside it. A pretty basket of rosy apples and new-plugged grapes were also awaiting him. He called out, "'Thanks, my friends, to the invisible rills, and straight away began to eat of the food. Thereafter, when hungry, he had but look into the cupboard to find goodly supplies brought by the kindly rills, and the nooks cut and stacked much wood for his fireplace, and the fairies brought him warm blankets and clothing. So began his life in the Laughing Valley,

with the favor and friendship of the immortals to minister to his every want. End of Chapter 1. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.orgs. Recording by Kristen Luoma, greenkr.com The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum Chapter 2

How Claws made the first toy. Truly our claws had wisdom for his good fortune but strengthened his resolve to befriend the little ones of his own race. He knew his plan was approved. by the immortals, else they would not have favored him so greatly. So he began at once to make acquaintance with mankind. He walked through the valley to the plain beyond, and crossed the plain in many directions to reach the abodes of men. These stood singly, or in groups of dwellings called villages, and in nearly all the houses, whether big or little, claws found children. The youngster soon came to know his merry laughing face and the kind glance of his bright eyes, and the parents, while

they regarded the young man with some scorn for loving children more than their elders, were content that the girls and boys had found a playfellow who seemed willing to amuse them. So the children romped and played games with claws, and the boys rode upon his shoulders, and the girls nestled in his strong arms, and the babies clung fondly to his knees. wherever the young man chanced to be the sound of childish laughter followed him and to understand this better you must know that children were much neglected in those days and received little attention from their parents so that it became to them a marvel that so goodly a man as claus devoted his time to making them happy and those who knew him were you may be sure very happy indeed the sad faces of the poor and the poor and the sad faces of the poor and the poor and the sad faces of the poor and and abused grew bright for once. The cripple smiled despite his misfortune.

The ailing ones hushed their moans, and the grieved ones their cries when their merry friend came nigh to comfort them. Only at the beautiful palace of the Lord of Lurd, and at the frowning castle of the Baron Brown was Claw's refused admittance. There were children at both places, but the servants at the palace shut the door in the young stranger's face, and the fierce baron threatened to be. to hang him from an iron hook on the castle walls, whereupon Claw's side and went back to the poorer dwellings where he was welcome. After a time the winter drew near. The flowers

lived out their lives and faded and disappeared, the beetles burrowed far into the warm earth, and the butterflies deserted the meadows, and the voice of the brook grew hoarse as if it had taken cold. One day snowflakes filled all the air in the laughing valley, dancing boisterously toward the earth and clothing in pure white raiment the roof of Claus's dwelling. At night, Jack Frost rapped at the door. Come in, cried Claus. Come out, answered Jack, for you have fire inside. So Claus came out. He had known Jack Frost in the forest. and liked the jolly rogue, even while he mistrusted him. "'There will be rare sport for me to-night, Claus,' shouted the sprite.

"'Isn't this glorious weather? "'I shall nip scores of noses and ears and toes before daybreak. "'If you love me, Jack, spare the children,' begged Claus. "'And why?' asked the other in surprise. "'They are tender and helpless,' answered Claus. "'But I love to you. to nip the tender ones," declared Jack. The older ones are tough and tire my fingers."

The young ones are weak and cannot fight you," said Clause. True, agreed Jack thoughtfully. Well, I will not pinch a child this night if I can resist the temptation, he promised. Good night, Clause. Good night. The young man went in and closed the door, and Jack Frost ran on to the nearest village. Claus threw a log on the fire which burned up brightly.

Beside the hearth sat Blinky, a big cat given him by Peter the Nook. Her fur was soft and glossy, and she purred never-ending songs of contentment. I shall not see the children again soon, said Claus to the cat, who kindly paused in her song to listen. The winter is upon us. The snow will be deep for many days, and I shall be unable. to play with my little friends. The cat raised a paw and stroked her nose thoughtfully, but made no reply. So long as the fire burned and Claws sat in his easy chair by the hearth,

she did not mind the weather. So passed many days and many long evenings. The cupboard was always full, but Claws became wary with having nothing to do more than to feed the fire from the big woodpile the nooks had brought him. One evening he picked up a stick of wood and began to cut it with his sharp knife. He had no thought at first, except to occupy his time, and he whistled and sang to the cat as he carved away portions of the stick. Puss sat up on her haunches and watched him, listening at the same time to her master's merry whistle, which she loved to hear even more than her own purring songs. Clas glanced at Puss, and then at the stick he was whittling.

until presently the wood began to have a shape, and the shape was like the head of a cat, with two ears sticking upward. Clause stopped whistling to laugh, and then both he and the cat looked at the wooden image in some surprise. Then he carved out the eyes and the nose, and rounded the lower part of the head so that it rested upon a neck. Puss hardly knew what to make of it now,

and sat up stiffly, as if watching with some suspicion what would come Next. Clause knew. The head gave him an idea. He plied his knife carefully and with skill, forming slowly the body of the cat, which he made to sit upon its haunches as the real cat did, with her tail wound around her two front legs. The work cost him much time, but the evening was long and he had nothing better to do. Finally, he gave a loud and delighted laugh at the result of his labors, and placed the wooden cat, now completed, upon the hearth opposite the real one. Puss thereupon glared at her image, raised her hair in anger and uttered a defiant mew. The wooden cat paid no attention, and cloth, much amused, laughed again.

Then Blinky advanced toward the wooden image to eye it closely, and smell of it intelligently. Eyes and nose told her the creature was wood, in spite of its natural appearance. appearance. So Puss resumed her seat and her purring, but as she neatly washed her face with her padded paw she cast more than one admiring glance at her clever master. Perhaps she felt the same satisfaction we feel when we look upon good photographs of ourselves. The cat's master was himself pleased with his handiwork, without knowing exactly why. Indeed he had great cause to congratulate himself that night, and all the children throughout the world should have joined him rejoicing, for Claus had made his first toy.

End of Chapter 2. Chapter 3. How the Rills Coloured the Toys. A hush lay on the Laughing Valley now. Snow covered it like a white spread, and pillows of downy flakes drifted before the dwelling where Claws sat feeding the blaze of the fire. The brook gurgled on beneath a heavy sheet of ice, and all living plants and insects nestled close to Mother Earth to

keep warm. The face of the moon was hid by dark clouds, and the wind, delighting in the wintry sport, pushed and whirled the snowflakes, in so many directions that they could get no chance to fall to the ground. Claws heard the wind whistling and shrieking in its play, and thanked the good nooks again for his comfortable shelter. Blinky washed her face lazily and stared at the coals with a look of perfect content. The toy cat sat opposite the real one, and gazed straight ahead as toy cats should. Suddenly, claws heard a noise that sounded different from the voice of the wind. It was more like a wail of suffering and despair.

He stood up and listened, but the wind, growing boisterous, shook the door and rattled the windows to distract his attention. He waited until the wind was tired, and then, still listening, he heard once more the shrill cry of distress. Quickly he drew on his coat, pulled his cap over his eyes and opened the door. The wind dashed in and scattered the embers over the hearth,

at the same time blowing Blinky's fur so furiously that she crept under the table to escape. Then the door was closed, and Claws was outside peering anxiously into the darkness. The wind laughed and scolded and tried to push him over, but he stood firm. The helpless flake stumbled against his eyes and dimmed his sight. but he rubbed them away and looked again. Snow was everywhere, white and glittering. It covered the earth and filled the air. The cry was not repeated.

Claws turned to go back into the house, but the long wind caught him unawares and he stumbled and fell across a snowdrift. His hand plunged into the snowdrift and touched something that was not snow. This he seized and, pulling it gently toward him, found it to be a child. The next moment he had lifted it in his arms and carried it into the house. The wind followed him through the door, but Claw shut it out quickly. He laid the

rescue child on the hearth, and, brushing away the snow, he discovered it to be Wickham, the little boy who lived in a house beyond the valley. Claws wrapped a warm blanket around the little one and rubbed the frost from its limbs. Before long the child opened his eyes, and seeing where he was, smiled happily. Then Claus warmed milk and fed it to the boy slowly, while the cat looked on with sober curiosity. Finally, the little one curled up in his friend's arms and sighed and fell asleep, and claws, filled with gladness that he had found the wanderer, held him closely while he slumbered. The wind, finding no more mischief to do,

climbed the hill and swept on toward the north. This gave the wary snowflakes time to settle down to earth, and the valley became still again. The boy, having slept well in the arms of his friend, opened his eyes and sat up. Then, as a child will, he looked around the room and saw all that it contained. "'Your cat is a nice cat, Claus,' he said at last.

let me hold it but puss objected and ran away the other cat won't run claus continued the boy let me hold that one claus placed the toy in his arms and the boy held it lovingly and kissed the tip of its wooden ear how did you get lost in the storm weekam asked claus i started to walk to my auntie's house and lost my way answered weakam were you frightened "'It was cold,' said Weakam, and the snow got in my eyes so I could not see. Then I kept on till I fell in the snow, without knowing where I was, and the wind blew the flakes over me and covered me up. Claus gently stroked his head, and the boy looked up at him and smiled. "'I'm all right now,' said Weakam. "'Yes,' replied Claus happily. "'Now I will put you in my warm bed, and you must sleep until morning, when I will carry you back to your mother.'

may the cat sleep with me asked the boy yes if you wish it to answered claus it's a nice cat weakum said smiling as claus tucked the blankets around him and presently the little one fell asleep with a wooden toy in his arms when morning came the sun claimed the laughing valley and flooded it with its rays so claus prepared to take the lost child back to its mother I keep the cat, Clause?" asked Weakam. "'It's nicer than real cats. It doesn't run away or scratch or bite. May I keep it?' "'Yes, indeed,' answered Clause, pleased that the toy he had made could give pleasure to the child. So he wrapped the boy and the wooden cat in a warm cloak, perching the bundle upon his own broad shoulders, and then he tramped through the snow and the drifts of the valley,

and across the plain beyond to the poor cottage where Weakam's mother lived. See, Mama, cried the boy as soon as they entered. I've got a cat. The good woman wept tears of joy over the rescue of her darling and thanked Claus many times for his kind act. So he carried a warm and happy heart back to his home in the valley. That night he said to Puss. I believe the children will love the wooden cats,

almost as well as the real ones, and they can't hurt them by pulling their tails and ears. I'll make another. So this was the beginning of his great work. The next cat was made better than the first. While Claw sat whittling it out, the yellow rill came in to make him a visit, and so pleased was he with the man's skill

that he ran away and brought several of his fellows. There sat the red rill, the black rill, the green rill, the blue rill, and the yellow rill in a circle on the floor, while claws whittled and whistled, and the wooden cat grew into shape. If it could be made the same color as the real cat, no one would know the difference,

said the yellow rill, thoughtfully. The little ones maybe would not know the difference, replied Clause, pleased with the idea. I will bring you some of the red that I color my roses and tulips with, cried the red rill, and then you can make the cat, lips and tongue red. I will bring some of the green that I color my grasses and leaves with, said the green

rill, and then you can color the cat's eyes green. They will need a bit of yellow also, remarked the yellow rill. I must fetch some of the yellow that I used to color my buttercups and goldenrods with. The real cat is black, said the black rill. I will bring some of the black that I used to color the eyes of my pansies with, and then you can paint your wooden cat black. I see you have a blue ribbon around Blinky's neck, added the blue rill. I will get some of the color that I used to paint the bluebells and forget-me-nots with,

and then you can carve a wooden ribbon on the toy cat's neck and painted blue. So the rills disappeared, and by the time Clause had finished carving out the form of the cat, they were all back with the paints and brushes. They made Blinky sit upon the table. that Claus might paint the toy cat just the right color, and when the work was done, the rills declared it was exactly as good as a live cat. That is, to all appearances, added the red rill.

Blinky seemed a little offended by the attention bestowed upon the toy, and that she might not seem to approve the imitation cat, she walked to the corner of the hearth and sat down with a dignified air. But Claus was delighted, and as soon as morning came, he started out and tramped through the snow across the valley and the plain until he came to a village. There, in a poor hut near the walls of the beautiful palace of the Lord of Lurd, a little girl lay upon a wretched cot, moaning with pain. Claus approached the child and kissed her and comforted her,

and then he drew the toy cat from beneath his coat, where he had hidden it, and placed it in her arms. Ah, how well he felt himself repaid for his labour, and his long walk when he saw the little one's eyes grow bright with pleasure she hugged the kitty tight to her breast as if it had been a precious gem and would not let it go for a single moment the fever was quieted the pain grew less and she fell into a sweet and refreshing sleep claws laughed and whistled and sang all the way home never had he been so happy as on that day when he entered his house he found his house he found Siergra, the lioness, awaiting him. Since his babyhood, Chiegra had loved Clause, and while he dwelt in the forest, she had often come to visit him at Nassiel's bower. After Clause had gone to live in the Laughing Valley, Chiegra became lonely and ill at ease, and now she had braved the snow

drifts, which all lions abhor, to see him once more. Chiegras was getting old, and her teeth were beginning to fall out, while the hairs that tipped her ears and tail had changed from tawny yellow to white. Clause found her lying on his hearth, and he put his arms around the neck of the lioness, and hugged her lovingly. The cat had retired into a far corner. She did not care to associate with Chiegra. Clause told his friend about the cats he had made, and how much pleasure they had given Weakam and the sick girl. Chiegra did not know much about children, indeed if she met a child she could scarcely be trusted not to devour it but she was interested in claus's new labours and said these images seem to me very attractive yet i cannot see why you should make cats which are very unimportant animals suppose now that i am here you make the image of a lioness the queen of all beasts then indeed your children will be happy and safe at the same time

claus thought this was a good suggestion so he got a piece of wood and sharpened his knife while chiegra crouched upon the hearth at his feet with much care he carved the head in the likeness of the lioness even to the two fierce teeth that curved over her lower lip and the deep frowning lines above her wide-open eyes when it was finished he said you have a terrible look chiegre then the image is like me she answered for i am indeed terrible to all who are not my friends claws now carved out the body with chiegera's long tail trailing behind it the image of the crouching lioness was very life-like it pleases me said chiegra yawning and stretching her body gracefully now i will watch while you paint he brought the paints the rills had given him from the cupboard and coloured the image to resemble the real chiegra the lioness placed her big padded paws upon the edge of the table and raised herself while she carefully examined the toy that was her likeness you are indeed skilful she said proudly the children will like that Better than cats, I'm sure. Then, snarling at Blinky, who arched her back in terror and whined fearfully, she walked away toward her forest home with stately strides.

End of Chapter 3. This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. And for more information or to find out how to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. This recording is by Kristen Lemoine, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 4 of Santa Claus's adulthood

How Little Mary became frightened. The winter was over now, and all the Laughing Valley was filled with joyous excitement. The brook was so happy at being free once again that it gurgled more boisterously than ever, and dashed so recklessly against the rocks that it sent showers of spray high in the air. The grass thrust its sharp little blades upward through the mat of dead stalks, where it had hidden from the snow. But the flowers were yet too timid to show themselves, although the rills were busy feeding their roots. The sun was in remarkably good humor and sent his rays dancing merrily throughout the valley. Claus was eating his dinner one day when he heard a timid knock on his door.

Come in, he called. No one entered, but after a pause came another wrapping. Claus jumped up and threw open the door. Before him stood a small girl holding a smaller brother fast by the hand. Is you, Claus? she asked, shyly. "'Indeed I am, my dear,' he answered with a laugh as he caught both children in his arms and kissed them. "'You are very welcome, and you have come just in time to share my dinner.' He took them to the table and fed them with fresh milk and nutcakes.

When they had eaten enough, he asked, "'Why have you made this long journey to see me?' "'I want a tat,' replied little Mary, and her brother, who had had to be. had not yet learned to speak many words, nodded his head, and exclaimed like an echo, "'tat!' "'Oh, you want my toy cats, do you?' returned Clause, greatly pleased to discover that his creations were so popular with children. The little visitors nodded eagerly.

"'Unfortunately,' he continued, "'I have but one cat now ready, "'for I carried two to children in town yesterday.' and the one I have shall be given to your brother, Mary, because he is the smaller, and the next one I make shall be for you. The boy's face was bright with smiles as he took the precious toy claws held out to him. But little Mary covered her face with her arm, and began to sob grievously. I, I, I want to tat now, she wailed.

Her disappointment made claws feel miserable for, for a moment. Then he suddenly remembered Chiegra. "'Don't cry, darling,' he said soothingly. "'I have a toy much nicer than a cat, and you shall have that.' He went to the cupboard and drew out the image of the lioness, which he placed on the table before Mary. The girl raised her arm and gave one glance at the fierce teeth and glaring eyes of the beast, and then, uttering a terrified scream, she rushed from the house. The boy followed her, also screaming lustily, and even dropping his precious cat in his fear.

For a moment, claws stood motionless, being puzzled and astonished. Then he threw Chiegra's image into the cupboard and ran after the children, calling to them not to be frightened. Little Mary stopped in her flight, and her brother clung to her son. skirt, but they both cast fearful glances at the house until Clause had assured them many times that the beast had been locked in the cupboard. Yet why were you frightened at seeing it? he asked. It is only a toy to play with. It's bad, said Mary, decidedly, and just horrid and not a bit nice like tats.

Perhaps you are right, returned Clawful. thoughtfully but if you will return with me to the house I will soon make you a pretty cat so they timidly entered the house again having faith in their friends words and afterward they had the joy of watching claws carve out a cat from a bit of wood and painted in natural colors it did not take him long to do this for he had become skillful with his knife by this time and Mary loved her toy the more dearly because she had seen it made. After his little visitors had trotted away on their journey homeward, Claus sat long in deep thought, and he then decided that such fierce creatures as his friend the lioness would never do as models from which to fashion his toys. There must be nothing to frighten the dear babes, he reflected, and while I know Chiegro well and am not afraid of her, it is but natural that children should look upon her image with terror. Hereafter I will choose such mild-mannered animals as squirrels and rabbits and deer and lambkins

from which to carve my toys, for then the little ones will love rather than fear them. He began his work that very day, and before bedtime had made a wooden rabbit and lamb. They were not quite so lifelike as the cat had been, because they were formed from memory, while Blinky had sat very still for Claws to look at while he worked. But the new toys pleased the children nevertheless, and the fame of Clause's playthings quickly spread to every cottage on plain and in village. He always carried his gifts to the sick or crippled children, but those who were strong enough walked to the house in the valley to ask for them.

So a little path was soon worn from the plain to the door of the Toymaker's Cottage. first came the children who had been playmates of claws before he began to make toys these you may be sure were well supplied then children who lived farther away heard of the wonderful images and made journeys to the valley to secure them all the little ones were welcome and never a one went away empty-handed this demand for his handiwork kept claws busily occupied but he was quite happy in knowing the pleasure he gave to so many of the dear children his friends the immortals were pleased with his success and supported him bravely the nook selected for him clear pieces of soft wood that his knife might not be blunted in cutting them the rills kept him supplied with paints of all colors and brushes fashioned from the tips of timothy grasses the fairies discovered that the workmen needed saws and chisels and hammers and nails as well as knives and brought him a goodly array of such tools claus soon turned his living-room into a most wonderful workshop he built a bench before the window and arranged his tools and paints so that he could reach everything as he sat on his stool and as he finished toy after toy to delight the hearts of little children he found himself growing so gay and happy that he could not refrain from singing and laughing and whistling all day long it's because i live in the laughing valley where everything else laughs said claus but that was not the reason end of chapter chapter five of claus's adulthood

How Bessie Blythsome came to the Laughing Valley. One day as Claws sat before his door to enjoy the sunshine while he busily carved the head and horns of a toy deer, he looked up and discovered a glittering cavalcade of horsemen approaching through the valley. When they drew nearer he saw that the band consisted of a score of men at arms, clad in bright armor and bearing in their hands, spears and battle-axes. In front of these rode little Bessie Blythsome, the pretty daughter of that proud Lord of Lurd,

who had once driven claws from his palace. Her pelfry was pure white, its bridle was covered with glittering gems, and its saddle draped with cloth of gold, richly broidered. The soldiers were sent to protect her from harm while she journeyed. Claus was surprised, but he continued to whittle and to sing until the cavalcassie. drew up before him. Then the little girl leaned over the neck of her pelfrey and said, "'Please, Mr. Claus, I want a toy!' Her voice was so pleading that Claus jumped up at once and stood beside her. But he was puzzled how to answer her request. You are a rich lord's

daughter, said he, and have all that you desire. "'Except toys,' added Bessie. there are no toys in all the world but yours. And I make them for the poor children who have nothing else to amuse them, continued Claus. Do poor children love to play with toys more than rich ones? asked Bessie. I suppose not, said Claus thoughtfully. Am I to blame because my father is a lord? Must I be denied the pretty toys I long for

because other children are poorer than I? She inquired earnestly. I'm afraid you must, dear, he answered. For the poor have nothing else with which to amuse themselves. You have your pony to ride, your servants to wait on you, and every comfort that money can procure. But I want toys, cried Bessie, wiping away the tears that forced themselves into her eyes.

if i cannot have them i shall be very unhappy claus was troubled for her grief recalled to him the thought that his desire was to make all children happy without regard to their condition in life yet while so many poor children were clamoring for his toys he could not bear to give one of them to bessie blithsome who had so much already to make her happy listen my child he said gently all the toys i am now making are promised to others but the next shall be yours since your heart so longs for it come to me again in two days and it shall be ready for you bessie gave a cry of delight and leaning over her pony's neck she kissed claus prettily upon his forehead then calling to her men-at-arms she rode gaily away leaving claus to resume his work "'If I am to supply the rich children as well as the poor ones,' he thought, "'I shall not have a spare moment in the whole year. "'But is it right I should give to the rich? "'Surely I must go to Nisil and talk with her about this matter.'

"'So when he had finished the toy deer, "'which was very like a deer he had known in the forest glades, "'he walked into Burzee and made his way to the bower of the beautiful nymph Nassil, who had been his foster-mother. She greeted him tenderly and lovingly, listening with interest to his story of the visit of Bessie Blythsome. And now tell me, said he, Shall I give toys to rich children?

We of the forest know nothing of riches, she replied. It seems to me that one child is like another child, since they are all made of the same clay, and that riches are like a gown, which may be put on or taken away, leaving the child unchanged. But the fairies are guardians of mankind, and no mortal children better than I. Let us call the fairy queen. This was done, and the queen of the fairies sat beside them, and heard Clause relate his reasons for thinking the rich children could get along without his toys, and also what the nymph had. said. "'Nesil is right,' declared the queen. "'For whether it be rich or poor, a child's longings for pretty playthings are but natural.

Rich Bessie's heart may suffer as much grief as poor Mary's. She can be just as lonely and discontented, and just as gay and happy. "'I think, friend Clause, it is your duty to make all little ones glad, whether they chance to live in palaces or in cottages. Your words are wise, fair queen, replied Clause, and my heart tells me they are just as they are wise. Hereafter all children may claim my services. Then he bowed before the gracious fairy,

and kissing Nassil's red lips went back into his valley. At the brook he stopped to drink, and afterward he sat on the bank and took a piece of moist clay in his hands, while he thought what sort of toy he should make for Bessie Blythsome. He did not notice that his fingers were working the clay into shape, until glancing downward he found he had unconsciously formed a head that bore a slight resemblance to the nymph-noseel. At once he became interested, gathering more of the clay from the bank,

he carried it to his house. Then, with the aid of his knife and a bit of wood, he succeeded in working the clay into the image of a toy nymph. With skillful strokes he formed long, waving hair, on the head and covered the body with a gown of oak leaves, while the two feet sticking out at the bottom of the gown were clad in sandals. But the clay was soft, and claws found he must handle it gently to avoid ruining his pretty work.

perhaps the rays of the sun will draw out the moisture and cause the clay to become hard he thought so he laid the image on a flat board and placed it in the glare of the sun this done he went to his bench and began painting the toy deer and soon he became so interested in the work that he forgot all about the clay nymph but next morning happening to notice it as it lay on the board he found the sun had baked it to the hardness of stone, and it was strong enough to be safely handled. Claws now painted the nymph with great care in the likeness of Nassil, giving it deep blue eyes, white teeth, rosy lips and ruddy brown hair. The gown he coloured oak leaf green, and when the paint was dry, Claus himself was charmed with the new toy.

Of course it was not nearly so lovely as the real Nassil, but, considering the material of which it was made, Claus thought it was very beautiful. When Bessie, riding upon her white palfrey, came to his dwelling next day, Claus presented her with the new toy. The little girl's eyes were brighter than ever as she examined the pretty image,

and she loved it at once and held it close to her breast, as a mother does to her child. "'What is it called, Claus?' she asked. "'Now, Claus knew that nymphs do not like to be spoken of by mortals, "'so he could not tell Bessie it was an image of Nassil he had given her. "'But as it was a new toy he searched his mind for a new name to call it by, "'and the first word he thought of he decided would do very well. "'It is called a dolly, my dear,' he said to Bessie.

"'I shall call the dolly my baby,' returned Bessie, kissing it fondly, "'and I shall tend it and care for it, just as nurse cares for me. "'Thank you very much, Claus. Your gift has made me happier than I have ever been before.' Then she rode away, hugging the toy in her arms, and Claus, seeing her delight, thought he would make another dolly, better and more natural than the first. He brought more clay from the brook, and remembering that Bessie had called the dolly her baby, he resolved to form this one into a baby's image.

That was no difficult task to the clever workman, and soon the baby doll was lying on the board, and placed in the sun to dry. Then, with the clay that was left, he began to make an image of Bessie Blythe some herself. This was not so easy, for he found he could not make the same. silken robe of the Lord's daughter out of common clay. So he called the fairies to his aid, and asked them to bring him colored silks with which to make a real dress for the clay image. The fairy set off at once on their errand, and before nightfall they returned with a generous supply of silks and laces and golden threads. Claws now became impatient to complete his new dolly,

and instead of waiting for the next day's sun, he placed the clay image of the upon his hearth and covered it over with glowing coals. By morning, when he drew the dolly from the ashes, it had baked as hard as if it had lain a full day in the hot sun. Now our claws became a dressmaker as well as a toy maker. He cut the lavender silk and nearly sewed it into a beautiful gown that just fitted the new dolly. And he put a lace collar around its neck

and pink silk shoes on its feet. The natural color of bait clay is a light gray, but Claus painted the face to resemble the color of flesh, and he gave the dolly Bessie's brown eyes and golden hair and rosy cheeks. It was really a beautiful thing to look upon, and sure to bring joy to some childish heart. While Claus was admiring it, he heard a knock at his door, and little Mary entered. Her face was sad, and her eyes red with continued. weeping. Why, what has grieved you, my dear? asked Claus, taking the child in his arms.

I've broke my tat, sobbed Mary. How? He inquired, his eyes twinkling. I dropped him and broke him's tail off, and then I dropped him and broke off him's ear. And, and. Now hym's all spoilt!" Claus laughed.

Never mind, Mary, dear, he said. How would you like this new dolly instead of a cat? Mary looked at the silk-robed dolly, and her eyes grew big with astonishment. Oh, Claus, she cried, clapping her small hands together with rapture. "'Ten I have a booful lady?' "'Do you like it?' he asked.

i love it said she it's better in tats then take it dear and be careful not to break it mary took the dolly with a joy that was almost reverent and her face dimpled with smiles as she started along the path toward home end of chapter five This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Kristen Lemoyne, greenk r.com The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. Adulthood, Chapter 6.

The Wickedness of Santa Claus. the Aguas. I must now tell you something about the Aguas, that terrible race of creatures, which caused our good claws so much trouble and nearly succeeded in robbing the children of the world of their earliest and best friend. I do not like to mention the Aguas, but they are a part of this history and cannot be ignored. They were neither mortals nor immortals, but stood midway between those classes of beings. The aigwas were invisible to ordinary people, but not to immortals. They could pass swiftly through the air from one part of the world to another, and had the power of influencing the minds of human beings to do their wicked will.

They were of gigantic stature and had coarse, scowling countenances, which showed plainly their hatred of all mankind. They possessed no consciences whatever, and delighted only in evil deeds. Their homes were in rocky mountainous places, from whence they sallied forth to accomplish their wicked purposes. The one of their number that could think of the most horrible deed for them to do was always elected the king, Agua, and all the race obeyed his orders. Sometimes these creatures lived to become a hundred years old, but usually they fought so fiercely among themselves that many were destroyed in combat, and when they died, that was the end of them. Mortals were powerless to harm them, and the immortals shuddered when the aguas were mentioned, and always avoided them. So they flourished for many years unopposed,

and accomplished much evil. I am glad to assure you that these vile creatures have long since perished and passed from the earth, but in the days when Claws was making his first toys, They were a numerous and powerful tribe. One of the principal sports of the Aguas was to inspire angry passions in the hearts of little children, so that they quarreled and fought with one another. They would tempt boys to eat of unripe fruit, and then delight in the pain they suffered. They urged little girls to disobey their parents, and then would laugh when the children were punished. I do not know what causes a child to be naughty in these days.

but when the Aguas were on earth, naughty children were usually under their influence. Now, when Claws began to make children happy, he kept them out of the power of the Aguas. For children possessing such lovely playthings as he gave them had no wish to obey the evil thoughts the Aguas tried to thrust into their minds. Therefore, one year, when the wicked tribe was to elect a new king,

they chose an Agua who proposed to destroy. destroy Claus and take him away from the children. There are, as you know, fewer naughty children in the world since Claus came to the Laughing Valley and began to make his toys, said the new king, as he squatted upon a rock and looked around at the scowling faces of his people. Why, Bessie Blythsome has not stamped her foot once this month, nor has Mary's brother slapped his sister's face, or thrown the puppy into the rain barrel. Little Weakum took his bath last night without screaming or struggling because his mother had promised he should take his toy cat to bed with him. Such a condition of

affairs is awful for any Agua to think of. And the only way we can direct the naughty actions of children is to take this person claws away from them. Good, good, cried the big Aguas in a chorus and they clapped their hands to applaud the speech of the king. "'But what shall we do with him?' asked one of the creatures. "'I have a plan,' replied the wicked king, "'and what his plan was you will soon discover.' That night Claus went to bed feeling very happy, for he had completed no less than four pretty toys during the day,

and they were sure, he thought, to make four little children happy. but while he slept the band of invisible aguas surrounded his bed bound him with stout cords and then flew away with him to the middle of a dark forest in far-off itup where they had laid him down and left him when morning came claus found himself thousands of miles from any human being a prisoner in the wild jungle of an unknown land from the limb of a tree above his head swayed a huge huge python, one of those reptiles that are able to crush a man's bones in their coils. A few yards away crouched a savage panther, its glaring red eyes fixed full on the helpless claws. One of those monstrous spotted spiders whose sting is death crept stealthily toward him over the matted leaves, which shriveled and turned black at its very touch. But claws had been reared in Burzee, and was not afraid.

Come to me, ye nooks of the forest, he cried, and gave the low, peculiar whistle that the nooks know. The panther, which was about to spring upon its victim, turned and slunk away. The python swung itself into the tree and disappeared among the leaves. The spider stopped short in its advance and hid beneath a rotting log. claus had no time to notice them for he was surrounded by a band of harsh featured nooks more crooked and deformed in appearance than any he had ever seen who are you that call on us demanded one in a gruff voice the friend of your brothers in burzzi answered claus i have been brought here by my enemies the a guas and left to perish miserably yet now i implore your help to release me and to release me and to to send me home again. Have you the sign? asked another.

Yes, said Clause. They cut his bonds, and with his free arms he made the secret sign of the nooks. Instantly they assisted him to stand upon his feet, and they brought him food and drink to strengthen him. Our brothers of Burzie make queer friends, grumbled an ancient nook, whose flowing beard was pure white.

But he who knows him, our secret sign and signal is entitled to our help, whoever he may be. Close your eyes, stranger, and we will conduct you to your home. Where shall we seek it? Tis in the laughing valley, answered Claus, shutting his eyes. There is but one laughing valley in the known world, so we cannot go astray, remarked the nook. As he spoke, the sound of his voice seemed to die away, so Claus opened his eyes to see what caused the change. To his astonishment, he found himself seated on the bench by his own door, with the Laughing Valley spread out before him.

That day he visited the wood-nymphs and related his adventure to Queen Zerlien and Nassil. The Aguas have become your enemies, said the lovely queen thoughtfully, so we must do all we can to protect you from their power. it was cowardly to bind him while he slept remarked nassil with indignation the evil ones are ever cowardly answered zirline but our friend's slumber shall not be disturbed again the queen herself came to the dwelling of claws that evening and placed her seal on every door and window to keep out the aigwas and under the seal of queen zirlein was placed the seal of the fairies and the seal of the fairies and the seal of the fairies and the seal of the fairies and the seal of the rills, and the seals of the nooks, that the charm might become more powerful. And Claus carried his toys to the children again, and made many more of the little ones happy. You may guess how angry the King Agua and his fierce band were when it was known to them that Claus had escaped from the forest of Ethop.

They raged madly for a whole week, and then held another meeting among the rocks. It is useless to carry him where the nooks reign, said the king, for he has their protection, so let us cast him into a cave of our own mountains, where he will surely perish. This was promptly agreed to, and the wicked band set out that night to seize claws. But they found his dwelling guarded by the seals of the immortals, and were obliged to go away baffled and disappointed. "'Never mind,' said the king. "'He does not sleep always.'

Next day as Claus traveled to the village across the plain, where he intended to present a new toy squirrel to a lame boy, he was suddenly set upon by the Aguas, who seized him and carried him away to the mountains. There they thrust him within a deep cavern and rolled many huge rocks against the entrance to prevent his escape. Deprived thus of light and food, and with little air to breathe, our claws was indeed in a pitiful plight. But he spoke the mystic words of the fairies, which always command their friendly aid,

and they came to his rescue and transported him to the laughing valley in the twinkling of an eye. Thus the aguas discovered they might not destroy one who had earned the friendship of the immortals. So, the evil band sought other means of keeping Claws from bringing happiness to children, and so making them obedient. Whenever Claw set out to carry his toys to the little ones, an Agua, who had been set to watch his movements, sprang upon him and snatched the toys from his grasp, and the children were no more disappointed than was Claws when he was obliged to return home disconsolate.

Still, he persevered, and made many toys. for his little friends and started with them for the villages. And always the Aguas robbed him as soon as he had left the valley. They threw the stolen playthings into one of their lonely caverns, and quite a heap of toys accumulated before claws became discouraged and gave up all attempts to leave the valley. Then children began coming to him, since they found he did not go to them. But the wicked Aguas flew around them and caused their steps to stray. and the path to become crooked, so never a little one could find a way into the laughing valley.

Lonely days now fell upon claws, for he was denied the pleasure of bringing happiness to the children whom he had learned to love. Yet he bore up bravely, for he thought, surely the time would come when the aguas would abandon their evil designs to injure him. He devoted all his hours to toy-making, and when one plaything had been completed, he stood it on a shelf he had built for that purpose.

When the shelf became filled with rows of toys, he made another one and filled that also. So that in time he had many shelves filled with gay and beautiful toys, representing horses, dogs, cats, elephants, lambs, rabbits and deer, as well as pretty dolls of all sizes, and plighting. balls and marbles of baked clay painted in gay colors. Often as he glanced at this array of childish treasures, the heart of good old claws became sad. So greatly did he long to carry the toys to his children.

And at last, because he could bear it no longer, he ventured to go to the great act, to whom he told the story of his persecution by the Aguas, and begged the master woodsman to assist him. end of chapter six chapter seven the great battle between good and evil ak listened gravely to the recital of claus stroking his beard the while with the slow graceful motion that betokened deep thought he nodded approvingly when claus told how the nooks and fairies had saved him from death and frowned when he heard how the aug was had stolen the children's toys at last he said from the beginning i have approved the work you are doing among the children of men and it annoys me that your good deeds should be thwarted by the aigwas we immortals have no connection whatever with the evil creatures who have attacked you always have we avoided them and they in turn have hitherto taken care not to cross our pathway but in this matter i find that i find that

they have interfered with one of our friends, and I will ask them to abandon their persecutions, as you are under our protection. Claus thanked the master woodsman most gratefully and returned to his valley, while Ack, who never delayed carrying out his promises, at once traveled to the mountains of the Aguas. There, standing on the bare rocks, he called on the king and his people to appear. instantly the place was filled with throngs of the scowling aguas and their king perching himself on a point of a rock demanded fiercely who dares call on us it is i the master woodsman of the world responded ac here are no forests for you to claim cried the king angrily we owe no allegiance to you nor to any immortal

that is true replied act calmly yet you have ventured to interfere with the actions of claws who dwells in the laughing valley and is under our protection many of the aguas began muttering at this speech and their king turned threateningly on the master woodsman you are set to rule the forests but the plains and the valleys are ours he shouted keep to your own dark woods we will do as we please with claws. You shall not harm our friend in any way, replied Ack. Shall we not? asked the king impudently. You will see. Our powers are vastly superior to those of mortals, and fully as great as those of immortals.

It is your conceit that misleads you, said Ack sternly. You are a transient race. passing from life into nothingness. We, who live forever, pity, but despise you. On earth you are scorned by all, and in heaven you have no place. Even the mortals, after their earth life, enter another existence for all time,

and so are your superiors. How then dare you, who are neither mortal nor immortal, refuse to obey my wish? The Oghwas sprang to their feet with menacing gestures, but their king motioned them back. Never before, he cried to Ack, while his voice trembled with rage, Has an immortal declared himself the master of the Oghwas?

Never shall an immortal venture to interfere with our actions again, for we will avenge your scornful words by killing your friend Clause within three days. nor you nor all the immortals can save him from our wrath we defy your powers begone master woodsman of the world in the country of the aguas you have no place it is war declared ac with flashing eyes it is war returned the king savagely in three days your friend will be dead the master turned away and came to his forest of burzee where he called a meeting of the immortals and told them of the defiance of the aguas and their purpose to kill claws within three days the little folk listened to him quietly what shall we do asked ac these creatures are of no benefit to the world said the prince of the nooks we must destroy them their lives are devoted only to evil deeds said the prince of the rills we must destroy them they have no conscience and endeavor to make all mortals as bad as themselves said the queen of the fairies we must destroy them

they have defied the great act and threatened the life of our adopted son said beautiful queen zirlein we must destroy them the master woodsman smiled you speak well said he these a guas we know to be a powerful race and they will fight desperately yet the outcome is certain for we who live can never die even though conquered by our enemies while every Agua who is struck down is one foe the less to oppose us. Prepare then for battle, and let us resolve to show no mercy to the wicked. Thus arose that terrible war between the immortals and the spirits of evil which is sung of in fairyland to this very day. The King Agua and his band determined to carry out the threat to destroy claws. They now hated him for two reasons.

he made children happy and was a friend of the master woodsman but since acts visit they had reason to fear the opposition of the immortals and they dreaded defeat so the king sent swift messengers to all parts of the world to summon every evil creature to his aid and on the third day, after the declaration of war, a mighty army was at the command of the King Agua. There were three hundred Asiatic dragons, breathing fire that consumed everything it touched. These hated mankind and all good spirits. And there were the three-eyed giants of Tattery, a host in themselves, who liked nothing better than to fight.

And next came the black demons from Patelonia, with great spreading wings like those of a bat, which swept terror and misery through the world as they beat upon the air. And joined to these were the goosele-goblins, with long talons as sharp as swords, with which they clawed the flesh from their foes. Finally, every mountain Agua in the world had come to participate in the great battle with the immortals.

The King Agua looked around upon this vast army, and his heart beat high with wicked pride, for he believed he would surely triumph over his gentle enemies, who had never before been known to fight. But the master woodman had not been idle. None of his people was used to warfare, yet now that they were called upon to face the hosts of evil, they willingly prepared for the fray.

Ack had commanded them to assemble in the Laughing Valley, where Claws, ignorant of the terrible battle that was to be waged on his, account was quietly making toys soon the entire valley from hill to hill was filled with the little immortals the master woodsman stood first bearing a gleaming axe that shone like burnished silver next came the rills armed with sharp thorns from bramble bushes then the nooks bearing the spears they used when they were forced to prod their savage beasts into submission the fairies dressed in white gauze with rainbow-hued wings bore golden wands and the wood-nymphs in their uniforms of oak-leaf green carried switches from ash-trees as weapons loud laughed the agua king when he beheld the sighs and the arms of his foes to be sure the mighty axe of the woodsman was to be dreaded but the sweet-faced nymphs and pretty fairies

the gentle rills and crooked nooks were such harmless folk that he almost felt shame at having called such a terrible host to oppose them since these fools dare fight he said to the leader of the tattery giants i will overwhelm them with our evil powers to begin the battle he poised a great stone in his left hand and cast it full against the sturdy form of the master woodsman who turned it aside with his axe then rushed the three-eyed giant of tattery upon the nooks and the guzzle-goblins upon the rills and the fire-breathing dragons upon the sweet fairies because the nymphs were axe's own people the band of aguas sought them out seeking to overcount them with ease but it is the law that while evil unopposed may accomplish terrible deeds the powers of good can never be overthrown when opposed to evil well had it been for the king agua had he known the law his ignorance cost him his existence for one flash of the axe borne by the master woodsman of the world cleft the wicked king in twain and rid the earth of the vilest creature it contained greatly marvelled the tattery giants when the spears of the little nooks pierced their thick walls of flesh and sent them reeling to the ground with howls of agony woe came upon the sharp taloned goblins when the thorns of the rills reached their savage hearts, and let their life-blood sprinkle all the plain, and afterward from every drop a thistle grew. The dragons paused,

astonished before the fairy winds, from whence rushed a power that caused their fiery breaths to flow back on themselves so that they shriveled away and died. As for the og was, they had scant time to realize how they were destroyed, for the ash-switches of the nymphs bore a charm unknown to any Agua, and turned their foes into clods of earth at the slightest touch. When Ack leaned upon his gleaming axe and turned to look over the field of battle, he saw the few giants who were able to run, disappearing over the distant hills on their return to Tattery. The goblins had perished every one, as had the terrible dragons. while all that remained of the wicked aguas

was a great number of earthen hillocks dotting the plain. And now the immortals melted from the valley like dew at sunrise to resume their duties in the forest, while Ack walked slowly and thoughtfully to the house of Clause and entered. You have many toys ready for the children, said the woodsman, and now you may carry them across the plain

to the dwellings and the villages without fear. Will not the Aguas harm me? asked Plaws eagerly. The Aguas, said Ack, have perished. Now, I will gladly have done with wicked spirits, and with fighting and bloodshed. It was not from choice that I told you of the Aguas and their allies,

and of their great battle with the immortals. They were part of this history and could not be avoided. End of Chapter 7. This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org. Recording by Kristen Lemoine, greenkr.com Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

Manhood Chapter 8 the first journey with the reindeer. Those were happy days for claws when he carried his accumulation of toys to the children who had awaited them so long. During his imprisonment in the valley he had been so industrious that all his shelves were filled with playthings, and after quickly supplying the little ones living nearby,

he saw he must now extend his travels to wider fields. Remembering the time when he had journeyed with after, through all the world, he knew children were everywhere, and he longed to make as many as possible happy with his gifts. So he loaded a great sack with all kinds of toys, slung it upon his back that he might carry it more easily, and started off on a longer trip than he had yet undertaken. Wherever he showed his merry face, in Hamlet or in farmhouse, he received a cordial welcome, for his fame had spread into far lands. Each village the children swarmed about him, following his footsteps wherever he went,

and the women thanked him gratefully for the joy he brought their little ones. And the men looked upon him curiously that he should devote his time to such a queer occupation as toy-making. But everyone smiled on him and gave him kindly words, and Clause felt amply repaid for his long journey. When the sack was empty, he went back again to the Laughing Valley, and once more filled it to the brim. This time he followed another road,

into a different part of the country, and carried his happiness to many children who never before had owned a toy or guessed that such a delightful plaything existed. After a third journey, so far away that Claus was many days walking the distance, the store of toys became exhausted, and without delay he set about making a fresh supply.

From seeing so many children, and studying their tastes he had acquired several new ideas about toys. The dollies were, he had found, the most delightful of all playthings for babies and little girls, and often those who could not say dolly would call for a doll in their sweet baby talk. So Claws resolved to make many dolls, of all sizes, and to dress them in bright colored clothing. The older boys, and even some of the girls, loved the kids. images of animals, so he still made cats and elephants and horses. And many of the little fellows had musical natures, and longed for drums and cymbals and whistles, and horns. So he made a number

of toy drums with tiny sticks to beat them with. And he made whistles from the willow trees, and horns from the bog-reads, and symbols from bits of beaten metal. All this kept him busily at work, and before he realized it the winter season came, with deeper snows than usual, and he knew he could not leave the valley with his heavy pack. Moreover, the next trip would take him farther from home than ever before, and Jack Frost was mischievous enough to nip his nose and ears if he undertook the long journey while the Frost King reigned. The Frost King was Jack's father, and never reproved him for his pranks. So, Claus remained at his work. bench, but he whistled and sang as merrily as ever, for he would allow no disappointment

to sour his temper or make him unhappy. One bright morning he looked from his window, and saw two of the deer he had known in the forest, walking toward his house. Claus was surprised, not that the friendly deer should visit him, but that they should walk on the surface of the snow as easily as if it were solid ground, notwithstanding the fact that through a little, the valley the snow lay many feet deep he had walked out of his house a day or two before and had sunk to his armpits in a drift so when the deer came near he opened the door and called to them good morning flossie tell me how are you able to walk on the snow so easily it is frozen hard answered flossie the frost king has breathed on it said glossy coming up and the surface is now as solid as ice "'Perhaps,' remarked Claus thoughtfully, "'I might now carry my pack of toys to the children.'

"'Is it a long journey?' asked Flossie. "'Yes, it will take me many days for the pack is heavy,' answered Claus. "'Then the snow would melt before you could get back,' said the dear. "'You must wait until spring, Claus.' "'Claus sighed. "'Had I your feet?' said he. I could make the journey in a day. But you have not, returned Glossy,

looking at his own slender legs with pride. Perhaps I could ride upon your back, Claus ventured to remark after a pause. Oh, no, our backs are not strong enough to bear your weight, said Flossy decidedly. But if you had a sledge and could harness us to it, we might draw you easily and your patsy, pack as well.

I'll make a sledge, exclaimed Claus. Will you agree to draw me if I do? Well, replied Flossy, we must first go and ask the nooks, who are our guardians, for permission. But if they consent, and you can make a sledge and harness, we will gladly assist you.

Then at once, cried Claus eagerly, I am sure the friendly nooks will give their consent. and by the time you are back i shall be ready to harness you to my sledge flossy and glossy being dear of much intelligence had long wished to see the great world so they gladly ran over the frozen snow to ask the nooks if they might carry claws on his journey meantime the toy-maker hurriedly began the construction of a sledge using material from his wood-pile he made two long runners that turned upward at the front ends and across these nailed short boards to make a platform it was soon completed but was as rude in appearance as it is possible for a sledge to be the harness was more difficult to prepare but claws twisted strong cords together and nodded them so they were to be the harness was more difficult to prepare but claws twisted strong cords together and nodded them so they they would fit around the necks of the deer in the shape of a collar. From these ran other cords to fasten the deer to the front of the sledge. Before the work was complete, Glossie and Flossie were back from the forest, having been

granted permission by Will Nook to make the journey with claws, provided they would to Burzee by daybreak the next morning. That is not a very long time, said Flossie. But we are swift and strong, and if we get started by this evening. we can travel many miles during the night. Claus decided to make the attempt, so he hurried on his preparations as fast as possible. After a time, he fastened the collars around the necks of his steeds,

and harnessed them to his rude sledge. Then he placed a stool on the little platform to serve as a seat, and filled a sack with his prettiest toys. "'How do you intend to guide us?' asked Glossie. "'We have never been out of the forest, before, except to visit your house, so we shall not know the way. Claus thought about that for a moment. Then he brought more cords, and fastened two of them to the spreading antlers of each deer,

one on the right and the other on the left. "'Those will be my reins,' said Clause, "'and when I pull them to the right or to the left you must go in that direction. If I do not pull the reins at all, you may go straight ahead.' "'Very well.' answered glossy and flossy, and then they asked, Are you ready? Claus seated himself upon the stool,

placed to the sack of toys at his feet, and then gathered up the reins. All ready, he shouted, away we go! The deer leaned forward, lifted their slender limbs, and the next moment away flew the sledge over the frozen snow. The swiftness of the motion surprised Claus, for in a few strides they were across the valley and gliding over the broad plain beyond the day had melted into evening by the time they started for swiftly as claus had worked many hours had been consumed in making his preparations but the moon shone brightly to light their way and claus soon decided it was just as pleasant to travel by night as by day the deer liked it better for although they wished to see something of the day

the world, they were timid about meeting men, and now all the dwellers in the towns and farmhouses were sound asleep and could not see them. Away and away they sped, on and on, over the hills and through the valleys, and across the plains until they reached a village where Clause had never been before. Here he called on them to stop, and they immediately obeyed. But a new difficulty now presented itself, for the people had locked their doors when they went to bed, and Claus found he could not enter the houses to leave his toys. "'I am afraid, my friends, we have made our journey for nothing,' said he, "'for I shall be obliged to carry my playthings back home again, without giving them to the children of this village.' "'What's the matter?' asked Flossie.

"'The doors are locked,' answered Claus, and I cannot get in.' glossy looked around at the houses the snow was quite deep in that village and just before them was a roof only a few feet above the sledge a broad chimney which seemed to glossy big enough to admit claws was at the peak of the roof why don't you climb down that chimney asked glossy claws looked at it that would be easy enough if i were on top of the roof he answered then hold fast and we will take you there says the deer, and they gave one bound to the roof and landed beside the big chimney. Good, cried Claus, well pleased, and he slung the pack of toys over his shoulder and got into the chimney. There was plenty of soot on the bricks, but he did not mind that, and by placing his hands and knees against the sides he crept downward until he reached the fireplace. Leaping lightly over the smouldering coals, he found himself in a large sitting-room, where a dim light was burning.

From this room two doorways led into smaller chambers. In one a woman lay asleep, with a baby beside her, in a crib. Claus laughed, but he did not laugh aloud for fear of waking the baby. Then he slipped a big doll from his pack and laid it in the crib. The little one smiled, as if it dreamed of the present. pretty plaything it was to find on the morrow, and Claws crept softly from the room and entered at the other doorway. Here were two boys fast asleep with their arms around each other's necks. Claws gazed at them lovingly a moment, and then placed upon the bed a drum, two horns, and a wooden

elephant. He did not linger, now that his work in this house was done, but climbed the chimney again and seated himself on his sledge. "'Can you find another chimney?' he asked the reindeer. "'Easily enough,' replied Glossie and Flossie. "'Down to the edge of the roof they raced, "'and then, without pausing, leaped through the air to the top of the next building, "'where a huge, old-fashioned chimney stood. "'Don't be so long this time,' called Flossie,

"'or we shall never get back to the forest by daybreak.' "'Claws made a trip down this chimney also, and found five children sleeping in the house, all of whom were quickly supplied with toys. When he returned, the deer sprang to the next roof, but on descending the chimney, claws found no children there at all. That was not often the case in this village, however, so he lost less time than you might suppose in visiting the dreary homes, where there were no little ones. When he had climbed down the chimneys of all the houses in that village, and had left a toy for every sleeping child,

Claus found that his great sack was not yet half-emptied. "'Onward friends,' he called to the dear, "'we must seek another village.' So away they dashed, although it was long past midnight, and in a surprisingly short time they came to a large city. The largest Claus had ever visited since he began to make toys. But nothing daunted by the throng of houses, he set to work at once, and his beautiful steeds carried him rapidly, from one roof to another,

only the highest being beyond a leaps of the agile deer. At last the supply of toys was exhausted, and Claw seated himself in the sledge, with the empty sack at his feet, and turned the heads of glossy and flossie toward home. Presently Flossie asked, "'What is that streak of grey in the sky?' "'It is the coming dawn of day,' answered. Claws, surprised to find that it was so late. "'Good gracious!' exclaimed Glossie.

"'Then we shall not be home by daybreak, "'and the nooks will punish us and never let us come again.' "'We must race for the laughing belly and make our best speed,' returned Flossie. "'So hold fast, friend Clause.' "'Claws held fast, and the next moment was flying so swiftly over the snow "'that he could not see the trees as they whirled past. Up hill and down dale, swift as an arrow shot from a bow they dashed, And Claus shut his eyes to keep the wind out of them,

And left the deer to find their own way. It seemed to him they were plunging through space, But he was not at all afraid. The nooks were severe masters, And must be obeyed at all hazards, And the grey streak in the sky was growing brighter every moment. Finally the sledge came to a sudden stop, and claws, who was taken unawares,

tumbled from his seat into a snowdrift. As he picked himself up, he heard the deer crying. Quick, friend, quick! Cut away our harness! He drew his knife and rapidly severed the cords, and then he wiped the moisture from his eyes and looked around him. The sledge had come to a stop in the laughing valley, only a few feet he found from his own door. In the east day was breaking,

and turning to the edge of Burzzi he saw glossy and flossy just disappearing in the forest. End of chapter 8. This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrivox.org.

This recording is by Kristen Lemoyne. Greenkri.com The Life and Life and Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 9 of Santa Claus's manhood Santa Claus Claus Thought that none of the children would ever know where the toys came from which they found by their bedside when they awakened the following morning.

But kindly deeds are sure to bring fame, and fame has many wings to carry its tidings into far lands. So, for miles and miles in every direction, people were talking of Claws and his wonderful gifts to the children. The sweet generousness of his work caused a few selfish folk to sneer. But even these were forced to admit their respect for a man so gentle-natured that he loved to devote his life to pleasing the helpless little ones of his race. Therefore, the inhabitants of every city and village

had been eagerly watching the coming of Claws, and remarkable stories of his beautiful playthings were told the children to keep them patient and contented. When, on the morning following the first trip of claws with his dear, the little ones came running to their parents with the pretty toys they had found, and asked for whence they came, there was but one reply to the question, The good claws must have been here, my darlings, for his are the only toys in all the world. But how did he get in? asked the children.

At this the father shook their heads, being themselves unable to understand how Clause had gained admittance to their homes. But the mothers, watching the glad faces of their dear ones, whispered that the good Clause was no mortal man, but assuredly a saint, and they piously blessed his name for the happiness he had bestowed upon their children. A saint, said one with bowed head, has no need to unlawful. if it pleases him to enter our homes. And afterward, when a child was naughty or disobedient, its mother would say,

You must pray to the good Santa Claus for forgiveness. He does not like naughty children, and unless you repent, he will bring you no more pretty toys. But Santa Claus himself would not have approved this speech. He brought toys to the children because they were little and helpless, and because he loved them. He knew that the best of children were sometimes naughty, and that the naughty ones were often good. It is the way with children, the world over,

and he would not have changed their natures had he possessed the power to do so. And that is how our clause became Santa Claus. It is possible for any man, by good deeds, to enshrine himself as a saint in the hearts of the people. End of Chapter 9. Chapter 10 of Santa Claus' manhood Christmas Eve The day that broke as Claus returned from his night ride with Glossy and Flossy

brought him to a new trouble. Will Nook, the chief guardian of the deer, came to him, surly and ill-tempered, to complain that he had kept Glossy and Flossy beyond daybreak in opposition to his orders. Yet it could not have been very long after daybreak, said Claus. "'It was one minute after,' answered Wilnook. "'And that is as bad as one hour.

I shall set the stinging gnats on glossy and flussy, and they will thus suffer terribly for their disobedience.' "'Don't do that,' begged Claus. "'It was my fault.' But Wilnook would listen to no excuses, and went away grumbling and growling in his ill-natured way. For this reason, Claus entered the forest to consult Nassil about rescuing the good deer from punishment. To his delight, he found his old friend, the master woodsman, seated in the circle of nymphs.

Ack listened to the story of the night journey, to the children, and of the great assistance the deer had been to Claus by drawing his sledge over the frozen snow. I do not wish my friends to be punished if I can save them. said the toy-maker when he had finished the relation. They were only one minute late, and they ran swifter than a bird-flies to get home before daybreak. Ack stroked his beard thoughtfully a moment, and then sent for the Prince of the Nooks, who rules all his people in Burzee,

and also for the Queen of the Fairies, and the Prince of the Rills. When all had assembled, Clause told his story again, at Acts command, and then the master addressed the Prince of the Nooks, saying, The good work that Claus is doing, among mankind, deserves the support of every honest immortal. Already he is called a saint in some of the towns, and before long the name of Santa Claus will be lovingly known in every home that is blessed with children. "'Moreover, he is a son of our forest, "'so we owe him our encouragement.

"'You, ruler of the nooks, have known him these many years. "'Am I not right in saying he deserves our friendship?' "'The prince, crooked and sour a visage, as all nooks are, "'looked only upon the dead leaves at his feet and muttered, "'You are the master woodsman of the world.' "'Ax smiled but continued in soft tone. It seems that the deer which are guarded by your people can be of great assistance to claws, and as they seem willing to draw his sledge, I beg that you will permit him to use their services

whenever he pleases. The prince did not reply, but tapped the curled point of his sandal with the tip of his spear, as if in thought. Then the fairy queen spoke to him in this way. If you consent to axe request, I will see that no harm comes to your deer while they are away from the forest. And the Prince of the Rills added, For my part I will allow to every deer that assists claws the privilege of eating my casa plants, which will give strength, and my graula plants, which give fleetness of foot, and my marban plants which give long life, and the queen of the nymphs said,

The deer which draw the sledge of claws Will be permitted to bathe in the forest pool of Nars, Which will give them sleek coats and wonderful beauty. The prince of the nooks, hearing these promises, shifted uneasily on his seat, For in his heart he hated to refuse a request of his fellow immortals, Although they were asking an unusual favour at his hands, And the nooks are unaccustomed to,

granting favors of any kind. Finally he turned to his servants and said, Call Will Nook. When Sirly Will came and heard the demands of the immortals, he protested loudly against granting them. Dear are deer, said he, and nothing but dear, were they horses it would be right to harness them like horses. But no one harnesses deer because they are free, wild creatures,

owing no service of any sort to mankind, it would degrade my dear to labour for claws, who was only a man in spite of the friendship lavished on him by the immortals. You have heard, said the prince to Ack, there is truth in what will says. Called glossy and flossy, returned the master. The deer were brought to the conference, and Ack asked them if they objected to drawing the sledge for claws.

"'No, indeed,' replied Glossie. "'We enjoyed the trip very much.' "'And we tried to get home by daybreak,' said Flossie, "'but were unfortunately a minute too late. "'A minute lost at daybreak doesn't matter,' said Ack. "'You are forgiven for that delay.' "'Provited it does not happen again,' said the Prince of the Nooks sternly. "'And will you permit them to make another journey,

with me? asked Clause eagerly. The prince reflected while he gazed at Will, who was scowling, and at the master woodsman, who was smiling. Then he stood up and addressed the company as follows. Since you all urge me to grant the favor, I will permit the deer to go with Clause once every year, on Christmas Eve, provided they always return to the forest, by daybreak. He may select any number he pleases up to ten to draw his sledge and those shall be known among us as reindeer, to distinguish them from the others, and they shall bathe in the pool of Nairus, and eat the casa, and the grail, and marban plants, and shall be under the especial

protection of the fairy queen. And now see scowling, Will Nook, for my words shall be obeyed. He hobbled quickly away through the trees, to avoid the thanks of Clause and the approval of the other immortals, and Will, looking as cross as ever, followed him. But Ack was satisfied, knowing that he could rely on the promise of the prince, however grudgingly given, and Glossy and Flossy ran home, kicking up their heels delightedly at every step. "'When is Christmas Eve?' Claus asked the master.

"'In about ten days,' he replied. "'Then I cannot use the deer this year,' said Claus thoughtfully, "'for I shall not have time enough to make my sack full of toys.' "'The shrewd prince foresaw that,' responded Ack, "'and therefore named Christmas Eve as the day you might use the deer, "'knowing it would cause you to lose an entire year. "'If I only had the toys, the Aguas stole from me,' said Claus sadly, "'I could easily fill my sack for the children.'

"'Where are they?' asked the master. "'I do not know,' replied Claus, "'but the wicked Aguas probably hid them in the mountains.' "'Ack turned to the fairy queen. "'Can you find them?' he asked. "'I will try,' she replied brightly. "'Then Claus went back to the Laughing Valley "'to work as hard as he could,

"'and a band of fairies immediately, flew to the mountain that had been haunted by the a guas, and began a search for the stolen toys. The fairies, as we well know, possess wonderful powers. But the cunning Agwas had hidden the toys in a deep cave, and covered the opening with rocks so no one could look in. Therefore all search for the missing playthings proved in vain for several days, and Claws, who sat at home waiting for news from the fairies, almost despaired of getting the toys before Christmas Eve. He worked hard every moment, but it took considerable time to carve out and to shape each toy and to paint it properly, so that on the morning before Christmas Eve only half of one small shelf above the window

was filled with playthings ready for the children. But on this morning the fairies who were searching the mountains, had a new thought. They joined hands and moved in a straight line through the rocks that formed the mountain, beginning at the topmost peak, and working downward, so that no spot could be missed by their bright eyes, and at last they discovered the cave where the toys had been heaped up by the wicked Aguas. It did not take them long to burst open the mouth of the cave, and then each one seized as many toys as he could carry. and they all flew to claws and laid the treasure before him. The good man was rejoiced to receive, just in the nick of time,

such a store of playthings with which to load his sledge, and he sent word to Glossie and Flossy to be ready for the journey at nightfall. With all his other labors he had managed to find time since the last trip to repair the harness and to strengthen his sledge, so that when the deer came to him at twilight, he had no difficulty in harnessing them. We must go in another direction tonight, he told them. Where we shall find children I have never yet visited,

and we must travel fast and work quickly, for my sack is full of toys and running over the brim. So just as the moon arose they dashed out of the laughing valley, and across the plain and over the hills to the south. The air was sharp and frosty, and the starlight touched the laughing. snowflakes and made them glitter like countless diamonds. The reindeer leaped onward with strong, steady bounds,

and Claus's heart was so light and merry that he laughed and sang, while the wind whistled past his ears. With a ho-ho-ho and a ha-haha-ha-ha-ee, now away we go, or the frozen snow as merry as we can be. Jack Frost heard him and came racing up with his nippers, but when he saw it was Claws he laughed and turned away again. The mother owls heard him as he passed near a wood and stuck their heads out of the hollow places in the tree trunks.

But when they saw who it was, they whispered to the owlets nesting near them that it was only Santa Claus carrying toys to the children. It is strange how much those mother owls know. Clause stopped at some of the scattering farmhouses and climbed down the chimneys to leave presents for the babies. Soon after, he reached a village, and worked merrily for an hour distributing playthings among the sleeping little ones.

Then away again he went, singing his joyous carol. Now away we go o'er the gleaming snow while the deer runs swift and free, for to girls and boys we carry the toys that will fill their hearts with glee. The deer liked the sound of his deep bass voice, and kept time to the song with their hoofbeats on the hard snow. But soon they stopped at another chimney, and Santa Claus, with sparkling eyes and face brushed red by the wind, climbed down its smoky sides,

and left a present for every child the house contained. It was a merry, happy night. Swiftly the dear ran, and busily their driver worked to scatter his gifts among the sleeping children. But the sack was empty at last, and the sledge headed homeward. And now again the race with daybreak began. Glossy and Flossy had no mind to be rebuked a second time for tardiness,

so they fled with a swiftness that enabled them to pass the gale, on which the Frost King rode, and soon brought them to the Laughing Valley. It is true, when Claws released his steeds from their harness, the eastern sky was streaked with gray. But Glossy and Flossy were deep in the fourth. forest before day fairly broke. Clause was so wearied with his night's work that he threw himself upon his bed and fell into a deep slumber.

And while he slept, the Christmas sun appeared in the sky and shone upon hundreds of happy homes where the sound of childish laughter proclaimed that Santa Claus had made them a visit. God bless him. It was his first Christmas Eve, and for hundreds of years since then, he has nobly fulfilled his mission to bring happiness to the hearts of little children. End of Chapter 10. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain.

For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Kristen Lemoine Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 11 of Claus's adulthood How the first stockings were hung by the chimneys When you remember that no child until Santa Claus began his travels Had ever known the pleasure of possessing a toy You will understand how joy crept into the homes of those

Who had been favored with a visit from the good man And how they talked of him day by day In loving tones and were honestly grateful for his his kindly deeds. It is true that great warriors and mighty kings and clever scholars of that day were often spoken of by the people. But no one of them was so greatly beloved as Santa Claus, because none other was so unselfish as to devote himself to making others happy. For a generous deed lives longer than a great battle, or a king's decree of a scholar's essay, because it spreads and leaves its mark on all nature, and endures through many generations.

The bargain made with the nook-prints changed the plans of claws for all future time. For, being able to use the reindeer on but one night of each year, he decided to devote all the other days to the manufacture of playthings, and on Christmas Eve to carry them to the children of the world. But a year's work would, he knew, result in a vast, accumulation of toys. So he resolved to build a new sledge that would be larger and stronger and better fitted for swift travel than the old and clumsy one. His first act was to visit the Gnome King, with whom he made a bargain to exchange three drums, a trumpet and two dolls for a pair

of fine steel runners, curled beautifully at the ends. For the Gnome King had children of his own, who, living in the hollows under the earth in mines and caverns, needing something to amuse them. In three days the steel runners were ready, and when Clause brought the playthings to the Gnome King, his majesty was so greatly pleased with them that he presented Claws with a string of sweet-toned sleigh-bells, in addition to the runners. "'These will please glossy and flossy,' said Clause as he jingled the bells and listened to their merry sound. But I should have two strings of bells, one for each deer. Bring me another trumpet and a toy cat, replied the king, and you shall have a second string of bells

like the first. It is a bargain, cried Claus, and he went home again for the toys. The new sledge was carefully built, the nooks bringing plenty of strong but thin boards to use in its construction. claus made a high rounding dashboard to keep off the snow-cast behind the fleet hoofs of the deer and he made high sides to the platform so that many toys could be carried and finally he mounted the sledge upon the slender steel runners made by the gnome king it was certainly a handsome sledge and big and roomy claus painted it in bright colors although no one was likely to see it during his midnight journeys and when all was finished he sent for Glossy and Flossy to come and look at it. The deer admired the sledge, but gravely declared it was too big and heavy for them to draw. We might pull it over the snow to be sure, said Glossy, but we would not pull it fast enough to enable us to visit the faraway cities and villages,

and return to the forest by daybreak. Then I must add two more deer to my dear to my dear. team, declared Clause, after a moment's thought. The nook-prints allowed you as many as ten. Why not use them all? asked Flossie. Then we could speed like the lightning and leap to the highest roofs with ease. Team of ten reindeer, cried Clause delightedly. That will be splendid.

Please return to the forest at once and select eight other deer as like yourselves as possible. And you must all eat. of the Casa plant to become strong, and of the graala plant, to become fleet afoot, and of the Marbon plant, that you may live long to accompany me on my journeys. Likewise it will be well for you to bathe in the pool of Nairz, which the lovely Queen Zerline declares will render you rarely beautiful. Should you perform these duties faithfully, there is no doubt that on next Christmas Eve my ten reindeer will be the most powerful and beautiful steeds the world has ever seen. So, Glossy and Flossy went to the forest to choose their mates, and Claws began to

consider the question of a harness for them all. In the end he called upon Peter Nook for assistance, for Peter's heart is as kind as his body is crooked, and he is remarkably shrewd as well, and Peter agreed to furnish strips of tough leather for the harness. This leather was cut from the skins of lions that had reached such an advanced age that they died naturally, and on one side was tawny hair, while the other side was cured to the softness of velvet by the deft nooks. When Claus received these strips of leather, he sowed them neatly into a harness for the ten reindeer, and it proved strong and serviceable and lasted him for many years. The harness and sled were prepared at odd times, for claws devoted most of him.

his days to the making of toys. These were now much better than the first ones had been, for the immortals often came to his house to watch him work, and to offer suggestions. It was Nassil's idea to make some of the dolls say, Papa, and Mama. It was a thought of the nooks to put a squeak inside the lambs, so that when a child squeezed them, they would say bah-a-a-a-a. And the fairy queen advised Claus to put whistles in the birds, so they could be made to sing, and wheels on the horses so children could draw them around. Many animals perished in the forest, from one cause or another, and their fur was brought to claws that he might cover it with the small images of beasts he made for playthings. A merry-reel suggested that claws make a donkey,

with a nodding head, which he did, and afterward found that it amused the little ones immensely. And so the toys grew in beauty and attractiveness every day, until they were the wonder of even the immortals. When another Christmas Eve drew near, there was a monster load of beautiful gifts for the children ready to be loaded upon the big sledge. Claws filled three sacks to the brim, and tucked every corner of the sledge. ledge-box full of toys besides. Then at twilight, the ten reindeer appeared and Flossy introduced them all to Claws. They were racer and pacer, reckless and speckless, fearless and fearless, and ready and steady, who, with Glossy and Flossy, made up the ten who have traversed the world these hundreds

of years with their generous master. They were all exceedingly beautiful, with slithes. slender limbs, spreading antlers, velvety dark eyes, and smooth coats of fawn color spotted with white. Claws loved them at once, and has loved them ever since, for they are loyal friends and have rendered him priceless service. The new harness fitted them nicely, and soon they were all fastened to the sledge by twos, with glossy and flossy in the lead. These wore the strings of sleigh-bells, and were so delighted with the music they made that they kept prancing up and down to make the bells ring. Claus now seated himself in the sledge, drew a warm robe over his knees, and his fur cap over his ears, and cracked his long whip as a signal to start. Instantly the ten leaped forward and were away like the wind, while Jolly Claus laughed gleefully to see them run,

and shouted the song in his big hearty voice with ho ho ho and ha ha ha and ho ho ha he now away we go o o o'er the frozen snow as merry as we can be there are many joys in our load of toys as many a child will know we'll scatter them wide on our wild night ride or the crisp and sparkling snow now it was on this same christmas eve that little margot and her brother and her cousins Ned and Sarah, who were visiting at Margot's house, came in from making a snowman, with their clothes damp, their mittens stripping, and their shoes and stockings wet through and through. They were not scolded, for Margot's mother knew the snow was melting, but they were sent early to bed that their clothes might be hung over chairs to dry. The shoes were placed on the red tiles of the hearth, where the heat from the hot embers would strike them, and the stockings were carefully hung in a row by the chimney directly over the fireplace that was the reason santa claus noticed them when he came down the chimney that night and all the household were fast asleep

he was in a tremendous hurry and seeing the stockings all belonged to children he quickly stuffed his toys into them and dashed up the chimney again appearing on the roof so suddenly that the reindeer were astonished at his agility i wish they would all hang up their stockings he thought as he drove to the next chimney it would save me a lot of time and i could then visit more children before daybreak when margot and nick and ned and sarah jumped out of bed next morning and ran downstairs to get their stockings from the fireplace they were filled with delight to find the toys from santa claus inside them in face i think they found more presents in their stockings in their stockings than any other children of that city had received for santa claus was in a hurry and did not stop to count the toys of course they told all their little friends about it and of course every one of them decided to hang his own stockings by the fireplace the next christmas eve even bessie blythsome who made a visit to that city with her father the great lord of lured heard the story from the children and hung her own pretty stockings by the chimney when she was returned home at Christmas time. On his next trip, Santa Claus found so many stockings hung up in anticipation of his visit, that he could fill them in a jiffy and be away again in half the time required to hunt the children up and place the toys by their bedsides. The custom grew year after year,

and has always been a great help to Santa Claus. And with so many children to visit, he surely needs all the help we are able to give him. End of Chapter 11. Chapter 12 of Claus's Manhood The First Christmas Tree Clause had always kept his promise to the Nooks by returning to the Laughing Valley by daybreak, but only the swiftness of his reindeer has enabled him to do this,

for he travels over all the world. He loved his work, and he loved the brisk night ride on his sledge, and the gay tinkle of the sleigh-bells. On that first trip with the ten reindeer, only glossy and flossy wore bells, but each year thereafter, for eight years, Claws carried presents to the children of the Gnome King, and that good-natured monarch gave him in return

a string of bells at each visit, so that finally every one of the ten deer was supplied, and you may imagine what a merry tune the bells played as the sledge spread over the snow. The children's stockings were so long That it required a great many toys to fill them And soon Claus found there were other things Besides toys that children love

So he sent some of the fairies Who were always his good friends into the tropics From whence they returned with great bags Full of oranges and bananas Which they had plucked from the trees And other fairies flew to the wonderful valley of Funniland Where delicious candies and bonies and bonbons grew thickly on the bushes, and returned laden with many boxes of sweetmeats for the

little ones. These things Santa Claus, on each Christmas Eve, placed in the long stockings, together with his toys, and the children were glad to get them, you may be sure. There are also warm countries where there is no snow in winter, but Claus and his reindeer visited them as well as the colder climes, for there were little wheels inside the run-er of his sledge, which permitted it to run as smoothly over bare ground as on the snow. And the children who lived in the warm countries learned to know the name of Santa Claus, as well as those who lived nearer to the Laughing Valley. Once, just as the reindeer were ready to start on their yearly trip,

a fairy came to Claus and told him of three little children, who lived beneath a rude tent of skins on a broad plain where there were no trees whatever. These poor babies were miserable and unhappy, for their parents were ignorant people who neglected them sadly. Clause resolved to visit these children before he returned home, and during his ride he picked up the bushy top of a pine tree, which the wind had broken off and placed it in his sledge. It was nearly morning when the deer stopped before the lonely tent of skins where the poor children lay, asleep. claus at once planted the bit of pine-tree in the sand and stuck many candles on the branches then he hung some of his prettiest toys on the tree as well as several bags of candies

it did not take long to do all this for santa claus works quickly and when all was ready he lighted the candles and thrusting his head in at the opening of the tent he shouted merry christmas little ones with that he leaped on to his sledge and was out of sight before the children rubbing the sleep from their eyes could come out to see who had called them you can imagine the wonder and joy of those little ones who had never in their lives known a real pleasure before when they saw the tree sparkling with lights that shone brilliant in the gray dawn and hung with toys enough to make them happy for years to come they joined hands and danced around the tree shone and shone and hung with toys enough to make them happy for years to come they joined hands and danced around the tree shouting and laughing, until they were obliged to pause for breath. And their parents also came out to look and wonder, and thereafter had more respect and consideration for their children, since Santa Claus had honoured them with such beautiful gifts. The idea of the Christmas tree pleased Claus,

and so the following year he carried many of them in his sledge and set them up in the homes of poor people, who seldom saw trees, and placed candles and toys on the branches. Of course he could not carry enough trees in one load of all who wanted them, but in some homes the fathers were able to get trees and have them all ready for Santa Claus when he arrived. And these the good claws always decorated as prettily as possible, and hung with toys enough for all the children who came to see the tree lighted. These novel ideas, and the generous manner in which they were carried out,

made the children long for that one night in the year when their friend Santa Claus should visit them. And as such anticipation is very pleasant and comforting, the little ones gleaned much happiness by wondering what would happen when Santa Claus next arrived. Perhaps you remember that stern Baron Brown, who once drove Claus from his castle and forbade him to visit his children? Well, many years afterwards, when the old Baron was dead and his son, son ruled in his place, the new Baron Brown came to the house of Clause, with his train of knights and pages and henchmen, and dismounting from his charger, bared his head humbly before the

friend of children. My father did not know your goodness and worth, he said, and therefore threatened to hang you from the castle walls. But I have children of my own, who long for a visit from Santa Claus, and I have come to beg that you will favor them hereafter as you do other children. Claus was pleased with this speech, for Castle Brown was the only place he had never visited, and he gladly promised to bring presents to the Baron's children the next Christmas Eve. The Baron went away contented, and Claus kept his promise faithfully. Thus did this man, through very goodness, conquer the hearts of all. it is no wonder he was ever merry and gay, for there was no home in the wide world where he was

not welcomed more royally than any king. End of Chapter 12. End of Santa Claus' manhood. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. moin. Greenk-R-I.com The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum Old Age Chapter 1 The mantle of immortality

And now we come to a turning point in the career of Santa Claus, and it is my duty to relate the most remarkable that has happened since the world began or mankind was created. we have followed the life of claws from the time he was found a helpless infant by the wood-nymph nisiel and reared to manhood in the great forest of burzee and we know how he began to make toys for children and how with the assistance and good-will of the immortals he was able to distribute them to the little ones throughout the world for many years he carried on this noble work for the simple hard-working work for the simple hard-working life he led gave him perfect health and strength. And doubtless a man can live longer in the beautiful laughing valley, where there are no cares and everything is peaceful and merry, than in any other part of the world. But when many years had rolled away, Santa Claus grew old. The long beard of golden brown that once covered his cheeks and chin gradually became grey,

and finally turned to pure white. his hair was white too and there were wrinkles at the corners of his eyes which showed plainly when he laughed he had never been a very tall man and now he became fat and waddled very much like a duck when he walked but in spite of these things he remained as lively as ever and was just as jolly and gay and his kind eyes sparkled as brightly as they did that first day when he came to the laughing valley yet a time is sure to come when every mortal who has grown old and lived his life is required to leave this world for another so it is no wonder that after santa claus had driven his reindeer on many and many a christmas eve those staunch friends finally whispered among themselves that they had probably drawn his sledge for the last time then all the forest of bursey became sad and all the laughing valley was hushed for every living thing that had known claws had used to love him and to brighten at the sound of his footsteps or the notes of his merry whistle no doubt the old man's strength was at last exhausted for he made no more toys but lay on his bed as in a dream the nymph nassil she who had reared him and been his foster-mother was still youthful and strong and beautiful and it seemed to her but a short time since this aged gray-bearded man had lain in her arms and smiled on her with his innocent baby lips in this is shown the difference between mortals and immortals

it was fortunate that the great act came to the forest at this time nassil sought him with troubled eyes and told him of the fate that threatened their friend clause at once the master became grave and he leaned upon his axe and stroked his grizzled beard thoughtfully for many minutes then suddenly he stood up straight and poised his powerful head with firm resolve and stretched out his great right arm as if determined on doing some mighty deed for a thought had come to him so grand in its conception that all the world might well bow before the master woodsman and honour his name for ever It is well known that when the great act once undertakes to do a thing, he never hesitates in an instant. Now he summoned his fleetest messengers, and sent them in a flash to many parts of the earth, and when they were gone, he turned to the anxiousness seal and comforted her, saying,

Be of good heart, my child. Our friend still lives, and now run to your queen, and tell her that I have summoned a counsel of all the immortals of the world. to meet with me here in Burzis this night. If they obey and hearken unto my words, Claws will drive his reindeer for countless ages yet to come. At midnight there was a wondrous scene in the ancient forest of Burzzi, where, for the first time in many centuries, the rulers of the immortals, who inhabit the earth, were gathered together. There was the queen of the water-sprites, whose beautiful form was as clear as crystal,

but continually dripped water on the bank of moss where she sat. And beside her was the king of the sleep-phase, who carried a wand from the end of which a fine dust fell all around, so that no mortal could keep awake long enough to see him, as mortal eyes were sure to close in sleep as soon as the dust filled them. And next to him sat the gnome-king, whose people inhabit all that region under the earth's surface, where they guard the precious metals,

and the jewel stones that lie buried in rock and ore. At his right hand stood the king of the sound imps, who had wings on his feet, for his people are swift to carry all sounds that are made. When they are busy they carry the sounds but short distances, for there are many of them. But sometimes they speed with the sounds to places miles, and miles away from where they are made.

The king of the sound imps had an anxious and care-worn face, for most people have no consideration for his imps, and especially the boys and girls, make a great many unnecessary sounds, which the imps are obliged to carry when they might be better employed. The next in the circle of immortals was the king of the wind-demons, slender of frame, restless and uneasy at being confined to one place for even an hour. Once in a while he would leave his place and circle around the glade, and each time he did this the fairy queen was obliged to untangle the flowing locks of her golden hair and tuck them back of her pink ears.

But she did not complain, for it was not often that the king of the wind demons came into the heart of the forest. after the fairy queen, whose home you know was in old Burzzi, came the king of the light elves, with his two princes, Flash and Twilight, at his back. He never went anywhere without his princes, for they were so mischievous that he dared not let them wander alone. Prince Flash bore a lightning bolt in his right hand, and a horn of gunpowder in his left, and his bright eyes roved constantly around, as if he longed to use his blind. flashing flashes. Prince Twilight held a great snuffer in one hand and a big black cloak in the other, and it is well known that unless twilight is carefully watched, the snuffers or the cloak will throw

everything into darkness, and darkness is the greatest enemy the king of the light elves has. In addition to the immortals I have named were the king of the nooks, who had come from his home in the jungles of India, the king of the rills, who lived among the gay flowers and luscious fruits of Valencia. Sweet Queen Zyrrille of the wood-nymphs completed the circle of immortals. But in the centre of the circle sat three others who possessed powers so great that all the kings and queens showed them reverence. These were Ack, the master woodsman of the world, who rules the forests and the orchards and the orchards and the... the groves, and Kern, the master-husbandmen of the world, who rules the grain-fields and the meadows and

the gardens, and Bo, the master-mariner of the world, who rules the seas and all the craft that float thereon, and all other immortals are more or less subject to these three. When all had assembled, the master-woodsmen of the world stood up to address them, since he himself had summoned them to the council. Very clearly, he told them the story of Claws, beginning at the time when, as a babe, he had been adopted a child of the forest, and telling of his noble and generous nature,

and his lifelong labors to make children happy. And now, said Ack, when he had won the love of all the world, the spirit of death is hovering over him. of all men who have inhabited the earth none other so well deserves immortality for such a life cannot be spared so long as there are children of mankind to miss him and to grieve over his loss We immortals are the servants of the world, and to serve the world we were permitted in the beginning to exist. But what one of us is more worthy of immortality than this man-claws, who so sweetly ministers to the little children? He paused and glanced around the circle, to find every immortal listening to him eagerly and nodding approval.

Finally, the king of the wind-demons who had been whistling to him. softly to himself, cried out. What is your desire, O Ack? To bestow upon claws the mantle of immortality, said Ack boldly, that this demand was wholly unexpected was proved by the immortals, springing to their feet, and looking into each other's face with dismay, and then upon Ack with wonder, for it was a grave matter, this parting with the mantle of immortality.

The queen of the water-sprites spoke in her low, clear voice, and the word sounded like raindrops splashing upon a window-pane. In all the world there is but one mantle of immortality, she said. The king of the sound phase added, It has existed since the beginning, and no mortal has ever dared to claim it. And the master mariner of the world arose and stretched his limbs. saying, Only by vote of every immortal can it be bestowed upon immortal.

I know all this, answered at quietly. But the mantle exists, and if it was created, as you say, in the beginning, it was because the supreme master knew that some day it would be required. Until now no mortal has deserved it. But who among you dares deny that the good, clause deserves it. Will you not all vote to bestow it upon him?' They were silent, still looking upon one another questioningly. "'Of what use is the mantle of immortality unless it is worn?' demanded Ack.

What will it profit any one of us to allow it to remain in its lonely shrine for all time to come?' "'Enough!' cried the gnome king abruptly. we will vote on the matter, yes or no, for my part, I say yes. And I, said the fairy queen promptly, and Ack rewarded her with a smile. My people in Burzie tell me they have learned to love him. Therefore I vote to give Claus the mantle, said the king of the Rills. He is already a comrade of the Nooks, announced the ancient king of that band. let him have immortality.

Let him have it, let him have it, sighed the king of the wind demons. Why not? asked the king of the sleep phase. He never disturbs the slumbers my people allow humanity. Let the good clause be immortal. I do not object, said the king of the sound imps. Nor I, muttered the queen of the water sprites. If Clause did not receive the mantle, it is clear none other can ever claim it, remarked the king of the light elves.

So let us have done with the thing for all time. The wood-nymphs were first to adopt him, said Queen's Erlene. Of course I shall vote to make him immortal. Ack now turned to the master-husbandman of the world, who held up his right arm, and said, Yes, and the master-mast, mariner of the world did likewise, after which, Ach, with sparkling eyes and smiling face, cried out.

I thank you, fellow immortals, for all have voted yes, and so to our dear claws shall fall the one mantle of immortality that is in our power to bestow. Let us fetch it at once, said the Fay King. I'm in a hurry. They bowed assent, and instantly the Forest Glade was deserted. but in a place midway between the earth and the sky was suspended a gleaming crypt of gold and platinum a glow with soft lights shed from the facets of countless gems within a high dome hung the precious mantle of immortality and each immortal placed a hand on the hem of the splendid robe and said as with one voice we bestow this mantle upon claws who is called the patron saint of children. At this the mantle came away from its lofty crypt, and they carried

it to the house in the laughing valley. The spirit of death was crouching very near to the bedside of claws. And as the immortals approached, she sprang up and motioned them back with an angry gesture. But when her eyes fell upon the mantle they bore, she shrank away with a low moan of disappointment and quitted that house forever. Softly and silently, the immortal band dropped upon claws the precious mantle, and it closed about him and sank into the outlines of his body and disappearing from view. It became a part of his being, and neither mortal nor immortal might ever take it from him. Then the kings and queens who had wrought this deed dispersed.

to their various homes, and all were well contented that they had added another immortal to their band. And Claws slept on, the red blood of everlasting life coursing swiftly through his veins, and on his brow was a tiny drop of water that had fallen from the ever-melting gown of the queen of the water-sprites, and over his lips hovered a tender kiss that had been left by the sweet nymph Nassil. for she had stolen in when the others were gone, to gaze with rapture upon the immortal form of her foster son. End of Chapter 1.

This is a Librivox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org. Recording by Kristen Lemoyne, greenk-r-I-com. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. Old Age Chapter 2 When the World grew old The next morning when Santa Claus opened his eyes and gazed around the familiar room,

which he had feared he might never see again, he was astonished to find his old strength renewed and to feel the red blood of perfect health coursing through his veins. He sprang from his bed and stood where the bright sunshine came in through his window, and flooded him with its merry dancing rays. He did not then understand what had happened to restore him to the vigor of youth, but in spite of the fact that his beard remained the color of snow, and that wrinkle still lingered in the corners of his bright eyes, old Santa Claus felt as brisk and merry as a boy of sixteen,

and was soon whistling contentedly as he busied himself, fashioning new toys. Then, Act came to him, and told of the mantle of immortality, and how Claus had won it through his love for little children. It made Santa look grave for a moment, to think he had been so favored, but it also made him glad to realize that now he need never fear being parted from his dear ones. At once he began preparations for making a remarkable assortment of pretty and amusing playthings, and in larger quantities than ever before. For now that he might always devote himself to this work, he decided that no child in the world, poor or rich, should hereafter go without a Christmas gift if he could manage to supply it.

The world was new in the days when dear old Santa Claus first began toy-making, and won by his loving deeds the mantle of immortality. and the task of supplying cheering words, sympathy, and pretty playthings to all the young of his race did not seem a difficult undertaking at all. But every year more and more children were born into the world, and these, when they grew up, began spreading slowly over all the face of the earth, seeking new homes, so that Santa Claus found each year that his journeys must extend farther and farther from. the Laughing Valley, and that the packs of toys must be made larger and ever larger. So, at length, he took counsel with his fellow immortals, how his work might keep pace with the increasing number of children that none might be neglected.

And the immortals were so greatly interested in his labors that they gladly rendered him their assistance. Ack gave him his man, Kilter, the silent and swift. And the Nook Prince gave him Peter, who was more crooked and less surly than any of his brothers. And the Rill Prince gave him Nutter, the sweetest-tempered Rill ever known. And the fairy queen gave him whisk, that tiny, mischievous, but lovable fairy, who knows today almost as many children as does Santa Claus himself. With these people to help make the toys, and to keep his house in order,

and to look after the sledge and the harness, Santa Claus found it much easier to prepare his yearly load of gifts, and his days began to follow one another smoothly and pleasantly. Yet after a few generations his worries were renewed, for it was remarkable how the number of people continued to grow, and how many more children there were every year to be served. When the people filled all the cities and lands of one country, they wandered into another part of the world, and the men cut down the trees in many of the great forests that had been ruled by Ack,

and with the wood they built new cities, and where the forests had been were field of grain and herds of browsing cattle. You might think the master woodsman would rebel at the loss of his forests, but not so. The wisdom of Ack was mighty and far-seeing. The world was made for men, said he to Santa Claus. And I have but guarded the forests until men needed them for their use. I am glad my strong trees can furnish shelter for men's weak bodies, and warm them through the cold winters. But I hope they will not cut down all the trees,

for mankind needs the shelter of the woods in summer, as much as the warmth of blazing logs in winter. and however crowded the world may grow i do not think men will ever come to burzee nor to the great black forest nor to the wooded wilderness of brass unless they seek their shades for pleasure and not to destroy their giant trees by and by people made ships from the tree trunks and crossed over oceans and built cities in far lands but the oceans made little different to the journeys of Santa Claus, his reindeer sped over the waters as swiftly as over land, and his sledge headed from east to west

and followed in the wake of the sun, so that as the earth rolled slowly over, Santa Claus had all of 24 hours to encircle it each Christmas Eve, and the speedy reindeer enjoyed these wonderful journeys more and more. So, year after year, and generation after generation and century after century the world grew older and the people became more numerous and the labors of santa claus steadily increased the fame of his good deeds spread to every household where children dwelt and all the little ones loved him dearly and the fathers and mothers honoured him for the happiness he had given them when they too were young

and the aged grandsires and grand dams remembered him with tender gratitude and blessed his name chapter three the deputies of santa claus however there was one evil following in the path of civilization that caused santa claus a vast amount of trouble before he discovered a way to overcome it but fortunately it was the last trial he was forced to undergo One Christmas Eve, when his reindeer had leaped to the top of a new building, Santa Claus was surprised to find that the chimney had been built much smaller than usual. But he had no time to think about it just then, so he drew in his breath and made himself as small as possible and slid down the chimney. "'I ought to be at the bottom by this time,' he thought, as he continued to slip downward.

But no fireplace of any sort met his view, and by and by he reached the very end of the chimney, which was in the cellar. This is odd, he reflected, much puzzled by this experience. If there is no fireplace, what on earth is the chimney good for? Then he began to climb out again, and found it hard work, the space being so small,

and on his way up he noticed a thin round pipe sticking through the side of the chimney but could not guess what it was for finally he reached the roof and said to the reindeer there was no need of my going down that chimney for i could find no fireplace through which to enter the house i fear the children who live there must go without playthings this christmas then he drove on but soon came to another new house with a small small house with a small house small chimney. This caused Santa Claus to shake his head doubtfully, but he tried the chimney, nevertheless, and found it exactly like the other. Moreover, he nearly stuck fast in the narrow flu, and tore his jacket trying to get out again. So although he came to several such chimneys that night, he did not venture to descend any more of them. What in the world are people thinking of to build such useless chimneys? he exclaimed in all the years i have travelled with my reindeer i have never seen the like before true enough but santa claus had not then discovered that stoves had been invented and were fast coming into use

When he did find it out, he wondered how the builders of those houses could have so little consideration for him. When they knew very well it was his custom to climb down chimneys and enter houses by way of the fireplaces. Perhaps the men who built those houses had outgrown their own love for toys, and were indifferent whether Santa Claus called on their children or not. Whatever the explanation might be, the poor children were forced to bear the burden of grief and disappointment. The following year Santa Claus found more and more of the new-fashioned chimneys that had no fireplaces, and the next year still more. The third year, so numerous had the narrow chimneys become, he even had a few toys left in his sledge that he was unable to give

away because he could not get to the children. The matter had now become so serious that it worried the good man greatly, and he decided to talk it over with Kiltor and Peter, and Nutter, and Whisk. Kiltor already knew something about it, for it had been his duty to run around to all the houses, just before Christmas, and gather up the notes and letters to Santa Claus that the children had written, telling what they wished put in their stockings or hung on their Christmas trees. But Kiltor was a silent fellow, and seldom spoke of what he saw in the cities and villages. The others were very indignant. "'Those people act as if they do not wish their children to be made happy,' said sensible Peter in a vexed tone,

"'the idea of shutting out such a generous friend to their little ones. "'But it is my intention to make children happy whether their parents wish it or not,' returned Santa Claus. "' Years ago, when I first began making toys, children were even more neglected by their parents than they are now, so I have learned to pay no attention to thoughtless or selfish parents, but to consider only the longings of childhood. "'You are right, my master,' said Nutter, the Rill. Many children would lack a friend if you did not consider them, and try to make them happy. Then,' declared the laughing whisk,

"'we must abandon any thought of using these new-fashioned chimneys, but become burglars and break into the houses some other way. What way? asked Santa Claus. Why, walls of brick and wood and plaster are nothing to fairies. I can easily pass through them whenever I wish, and so can Peter, and nutter, and kilter. Is it not so, comrades? I often pass through the walls when I gather up the letters, said Kilter. And that was a long speech for him, and so surprised,

Peter and Nutter that their big round eyes nearly popped out of their heads. "'Therefore,' continued the fairy, "'you may as well take us with you on your next journey, and when we come to one of those houses with the stoves instead of the fireplaces, we will distribute the toys to the children without the need of using a chimney.' "'That seems to me a good plan,' replied Santa Claus, "'well pleased at having solved the problem.' We will try it next year.

That was how the fairy, the pixie, the nook, and the rill all rode in the sled with their master the following Christmas Eve, and they had no trouble at all in entering the new-fashioned houses and leaving toys for the children that lived in them. And their deft services not only relieved Santa Claus of much labor, but enabled him to complete his own work more quickly than usual, so that the merry party found themselves at home. with an empty sledge a full hour before daybreak. The only drawback to the journey was that the mischievous whisk persisted in tickling the reindeer with the long feather

to see them jump, and Santa Claus found it necessary to watch him every minute and to tweak his long ears once or twice to make him behave himself. But, taken altogether, the trip was a great success, and to this day the four little folk always accompany Santa Claus on his yearly ride and help him in the distribution of his gifts. But the indifference of parents which had so annoyed the good saint did not continue very long, and Santa Claus soon found they were really anxious he should visit their homes on Christmas Eve and leave presents for their children. So to lighten his task, which was fast becoming very difficult indeed, old Santa decided to ask the

parents to assist him. "'Get your Christmas trees all ready for my coming,' he said to them, "'and then I shall be able to leave the presents without loss of time, "'and you can put them on the trees when I am gone.' "'And to others,' he said, "'See that the children's stockings are hung up in readiness for my coming, "'and then I can fill them as quick as a wink. "'And often, when parents were kind and good-natured,

"'Santa Claus would simply fling down his package of gifts and leave the fathers and mothers to fill the stockings after he had darted away in his sledge. "'I will make all loving parents my deputies,' cried the jolly old fellow, "'and they shall help me to do my work, "'for in this way I shall save many precious minutes, "'and few children need be neglected for lack of time to visit them.' "'Besides carrying around the big packs in his swift-flying sledge, "'old Santa began to send great heaps of toys to the toys to the toy.

toy shops, so that if parents wanted larger supplies for their children, they could easily get them. And if any children were, by chance, missed by Santa Claus on his yearly rounds, they could go to the toy shops and get enough to make them happy and contented. For the loving friend of the little ones decided that, no child, if he could help it, should long for toys in vain. And the toy shops also proved convenient whenever a child fell ill, and need to be a child. And needed a new toy to amuse it. And sometimes, on birthdays, the fathers and mothers go to the toy shops and get pretty gifts for their children in honor of the happy event. Perhaps you will now understand how, in spite of the bigness of the world, Santa Claus is able to supply all the children

with beautiful gifts. To be sure, the old gentleman is rarely seen in these days. But it is not because he tries to keep out of sight, I assure you. Santa Claus is the same loving friend of children that in the old days used to play and romp with them by the hour. And I know he would love to do the same now, if he had the time. But you see, he is so busy all the year making toys, and is so hurried on that one night when he visits our homes with his packs, that he comes and goes among us like a flash.

It is almost impossible to catch a glimpse of him. And although there are millions and millions more children in the world than there used to be, Santa Claus has never been known to complain of their increasing numbers. The more the merrier, he cries, with his jolly laugh, and the only difference to him is the fact that his little workmen have to make their busy fingers fly faster every year to satisfy the demands of so many little ones. In all this world there is nothing so beautiful as a happy child,

says good old Santa Claus, and if he had his way, the children would all be beautiful, for all would be happy. End of Chapter 3. End of the Life and Adventures of Santa Claus.