Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-15
Copyright, 1902, by Bowen-Merrin Co.,

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 1t
would become overcrowded. For ages 1t
had awaited tenant Was it chance that
led young Claus to make his home In TINS
thoughtful friends, the immortals. had
directed his steps when he wandered away
from Burzee 20 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
worked with skill and swiftness. The logs
Claus had trimmed with his bright ak
were carried to spot beside the brook
and fitted one upon another, and during
the night a strong and roomy dwelling
vas built.
The birds came sweeping into the VAL
ley at daybreak, and their songs, so sell
dom 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.
Il must thank the Knocks for this" said
he. gratefully. Then he walked to his
dwelling and entered at the doorway. A
large room faced him, having fireplace
at the end and a table and bench in the
middle. Beside the fireplace was cup
board. Another doorway was beyond.
ClduS SHleTeQ mere, diSU, anu saw d SIldil-
er room with a bed against the wall and
a stool set near small stand. On the
bed were many layers Of dried moss
brought from the Forest.
Indeed, it is a palace!' exclaimed the
smiling Claus. II must thank the good
KNOCKS again. for their knowledge Of
mans needs as well as for their labors
in my behalf
He left his new home with a glad feel
ing that he was not quite alone in the
world, although he had chosen to abandon
his Forest life. Friendships 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 be-
yond. And as they raced away he listened
to the song they sang:
Rushing, pushing, on we go,
Not may gently flow
All are too excited
Every drop, delighted,
Turns to spray In merry play
As we tumble on our way
Next Claus searched for roots to eat
while the daffodils turned their little eyes
up to him laughngly and lisped their
dainty song:
Blooming fairly, growing rarely.
Never fowerets gay
Perfume breathing joy bequeathing,
As our colors we display"
1t made Claus laugh to hear the little
things voice their happiness as they nod
ded gracefully on their stems. But an
other strain caught his ear as the sun
beams fell gently across his face and
whispered:
Here is gadness, that rays
Warm the Valley through 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 valley of peace and
good will"
He passed the day talking with the ants
and beetles and exchanging jokes with the
Law on his he'd Of soft moss and SLIT
soundly.
Then came the Fairies, merry but noise
less 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 fire.