Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-29

swayed a huge python, one of those rep
tiles that are able to crush mans bones
in their coils. A few yards away crouched
a savage panther, its glazing red eyes
fixed full on the helpless Claus. one OF
those monstrous spotted spiders whose
sting is death crept stealthily toward MN
over the matted leaves, which shriveied
and turned black at its very touch
But Claus had been reared in Burzee ana
was not afraid.
Come to me. We Knocks of the Forest!'
! he cried. and gave the low, peculiar whistle
! that the Knocks know.
The panther which was about to spring
upon its victim, turned and skunk away.
| The python swung itself into the tree and
disappeared among the leaves. The spider
stopped short in its advance and hid be-
meath a rOtting log.
| Claus had no time to notice them, for he
| was surrounded by band of harshfea-
tured Knocks, more crooked and deformed
| in appearance than any he had ever seen.
who are you that call on uS?' demanded
( one, in gruff voice.
The friend of your brothers in BurZee.' -
| answered Claus. Il have been brought
| here by my enemies the Awgwas, and left
to perish miserably. Yet now 1 implore
! your help to release me and to send me
| home again"
| Have you the sign?' asked another.
Yes said Claus.
They cut his bonds and with his free
arms he made the secret sign of the
Knocks.
| Instantly they assisted him to stand upon
! his feet and they brought him food and
| drink to strengthen him.
Our brothers of Burzee make queer
! friends" grumbled an ancient Knock,
| whose flowing beard was pure white. But
! he who knows our secret sign and signal Is
! entitled to our help, whoever he may be.
| Close your eyes, stranger, and we will con-
| duct you TO your home. Where shall we
seek it?"
.'''T tbs in the Laughing Valley answered
| Claus shutting his eyes.
| There is but one Laughing Valley in the
| known world, cannot go astray,' re
i marked the Knock.
! AS he spoke the sound of his voice seemed
! to die away. so Claus opered his eyes to
| see what caused the change. To his aston
| ishment he found himself seated 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 Zurlire and Necle.
! The Awgwas have become your enc
mics" said the lovely queen, thoushtfully:
$50 we must do all we can to protect you
| from their power
1T was cowardly to bind him while he
slept" remarked Necile, with Indignation.
The evil ones are ever cowardly," an
swered Zurlfne. but our friends sumber
shall not be disturbed again.
The queen herself came to the dwelling of
/ Claus that evening and placed her seal on
every door and window to keep out the
Awgwas. And under the seal of Queen
Zurllne was pldceu the seal OF the tdlfltS
and the seal of the Ryls and the seal of
the Knocks. that the charm might become
more powerful.
And Claus carried his toys to the chill
dren again and made many more of the
little ones happy.
You NAV guess how angry the King
Awgwa and his fierce band were when 1t
was known to them that Claus had escaped
from the forest of E.hop.
They ragged madly for a whole week, and
then held another meeting among the
rocks.
1T is useless to carry him where the
Knocks 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 tho
wicked band set out that night to seize
Claus. But they found his dwelling guard
ed bv the seals of the immOrtals and were
! obliged to go away baff1ed and disappoint-
ed.
Never mind said the King; The does
not sleep always
Next day. as Claus travelled to the vii