Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-13
Copyright, 1892, by Bowen-Merrill Coz


mighty kings and clever scholars of that
day were often spoken of by the people;
but no one of them was so greatly peioVeo
as Santa Claus because none other was 50
unselfsh as to devote himself to making
others happy. For a generous deed lives
longer than a great battle or kings de-
cree or scholars essay, because 1t spreads
and leaves it's mark on all nature and en-
dures through many generations
The bargain made with the KNOCK Prince
changed the plans of Claus for all future
time; for, being able to use the reindeer on
but one night of each year, he decided 10
devote all the other days to the manufac-
ture of playthings, and on Christmas eve
to carry them to the children OF the world.
But a years work would, he knew, result
in vast accumulation of toys, SO ne re
solved to build a new sleGge that would pc
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 bargain to
exchange three drums, trumpet and
two dolls for a pair of fine steel run
ners, 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 cayerns, needed some
thing to amuSe them.
In three days the steel runners were
ready and when Claus brought the play
things to the Gnome King. his majesty was
so greatly pleased with them that he pre-
scented Claus with a string of sweet-toned
sleigh bells in addition to the runners.
These will please Glossie and Flossie,'
said Claus, as he jingled the bells and list
ened to their merry sound. But L Shouiu
have two strings of. bells, one for each
deer
Bring me another trumpet and toy
cat" replied the king. land you shall have
a second string of bells like the first"
ut is bargainr' cried Claus, and he
went home again for the toys.
The new sledge was carefully built, the
Knocks bringing plenty of strong but thin
boards to use in it's construction. Claus
made a high, rounding dashboard to keep
off the snow cast behind by the fleet hoofS
OF the deer; and he made high sides to the
platform that many toys could be car
ried, and finally he mounted the sledge upon
the slender steel runners made by the
Gnome King.
1t 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 'Glossie and
Fiossie to come and look at it.
The deer admired the sedge, but gravely
declared it was too big and heavy for them
to draw.
I'VE might pull it over the snow, to be
sure said Glossie, but we could not pull
it fast enough to enable Us to visit the far
away cities and villages and return to the
forest by daybreak.'
Then 1 must add two more deer to my
team declared Claus, after a moments
thought.
THE Knock Prince allowed you as many
ten. Why not use them ALP asked
Flossie. Then we could speed like the light
ming and leap to the highest roofs with
ease
"A team of ten reindeer!'' cried Claus. de-
lightedly. 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 grawle plant, to
become
plant, that you may live long to accompany
me on my journeys. Likewise it will be
well for you to battle in the Pool of Mares,
which the lovely Queen Zurline 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 SEEM
So GloSsie and F1ossie went to the forest
to choose their mates. and Claus began to
consider the question of a harness for them
all.
In the end he called upon Peter KNOCK, for
assistance. for Peters heart is as kind as