Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-15
CHAPTER VII.
Claus Leaves the Forest.

When good Queen Zurline had touched
the golden chalice with her fair lips and
II had passed around the circle In honor
of the travellers return, the Master Woods
man of the World, who had not yet spoken,
turned his gaze frankly upon Claus and
said:
'"Well?'
The boy understood, and rose slowly to
his feet beside Necie. Once only his eyes
passed around the familiar circle Oh
nymphs every one of whom he remember
ed as a loving comrade; but tears came
unbidden to dim his sight, so he gazed
thereafter steadfastly at the Master.
II have been ignorant" said he sim
piy. until the great Ak in his kindness
taught me who and what am. You, VINO
live so sweetly in your forest bowers
ever fair and youthful and innocent, are
no fit comrades for a son of humanity.
For have looked upon man, finding him
doomed to live for a brief space upon
earth, to toll 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.
1 am of the race of men, and mans lot Is
my lot. For your tender care OF the poor,
forsaken babe you adopted, as well as 1or
your loving comradeship during my boy
hood. my heart will ever overflow with
gratitude. My foster-mother," here he
STONED and kissed Nacile's white fore
head. II shall iove and cherish while life
lasts. But l must leave you, to take my
part in the endless struggle to which hu-
mainly is doomed, and to live my lie IN
my own way"
what will you do?" asked the Queen,
gravely.
81 must devote myself to the care of the
children of mankind, and try to make them
happy" he answered. Since your own
tended care of a babe brought to me happi-
ness and strength, it is just and right that
/ devote my life to the pleasure of other
loving nymph Necile be planted within the
hearts of thousands of my race for many
years to come. and her kindly act be re
counted In song and In story while the
world shall last. Have 1 spoken WELL y
MASTER"
''You have spoken WELL" returned AK,
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 For
est 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 Ryls, the Knocks and
the Fairies and they will serve you glad
ly. 1. the Master Woodsman of the World
have said it, and my Word is the Law"
Claus looked upon AK with grateful
eyes. -,
This will make me mighty among men,"
he replied. Protected by these kind
friends / may be able to make thousands
of little children happy, 1 will try very
hard to do my duty, and I know the For
est people will give me their sympathy
and help"
I'VE WIFI said the Fairy Queen, earn
estly.
we winr' cried the merry Ryls, laugh
Eve will" shouted the crooked KNOCKS,
scowling.
I'VE winr' exclaimed the sweet nymPhs,
proudly But Necile said nothing. She
only folded Claus in her arms and kissed
him tenderly.
'"The world is big" continued the boy,
turning again TO his loyal friends, but
men are everywhere. 1 shall begin my
work near my friends, so that II l meet
with misfortune I can come to the For
est for counsel or help"
With that he gave them all a loving look
and turned away. There was no need to
say goodbye, but for him the sweet, wild
life of the Forest was over. He went forth
bravely to meet his doom-the doom or the
race Of mantle necessity to worry ana
work
But Ak. who knew the boys heart, was
mercifuIl and guided his steps. .
Coming through Burzee to it's eastern
edge Claus reached the Laughing Valley Of
Hohaho. On each side were rolling green
hills, and a brook wandered midway be
tween them to wind afar off beyond the
valley At his back was the grim For
est; at the far end Of the valley broad
plain. The eyes Of the young man, which
had until now reflected his grave thoughts,
became brighter as he stood silent look
ing out upon the Laughing Valley. Then
on sudden his eyes twlnkled, as stars
do on still night, and grew merry and
wide.
For at his feet the cowslips and daisies
smiled on him in friendly regard; the
breeze whistled gaily as 1t passed by and
futtered the locks his forehead; the
brook laughed jOyously 1t leaped over
the pebbles and swept around the green
curves of it's banks; the bees sang sweet
songs as they few from dandelion to DAFT
fodil; the beetles chirruped happily IN the
long grass. and the sunbeams glinted pleas
antly over all the scene.
Here" cried Claus. stretching out his
arms as II to embrace the Valley, will
make my homer
That was many, many years ago. It
has been his home ever since. 1t is his
home now.