CanÌƒon City record. [volume] (CanÌƒon City, Colo.) 1883-192?, 1904-12-22

rrs own. anu Oraus uut sr...e
and guide il.
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 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. CLAUS ate some of Il 9
sweet roots he well knew how to find,
drank deeply from the laughing brook
and lay down to sleep on the grass,
nrst 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. Nevermore would
the face of Claus be clouded with anx-
iety; nevermore 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 placei But then. maybe. 1t
would become oyercrowded. For ages
1t had awaited a tenant. Was 1t chance
that led young Claus to make his home
in this happy vals7 Or may we guess
that his thoughtful friends, the I'M
mortals, had directed his steps when
he wandered away from Burzee to
seek home in the great world7
Certain it u that while the moon
peered over the hilltop and flooded with
Its soft beams the body of the slesping
stranger the Laughing Valley was
filled with the queer, crooked shapes
Of the friendly KNOCKS. These people
spoke no words, but worked with skill
and swiftness. The logs Claus had
trimmed with his bright Ak were car
ried to spot beside the brook and
fitted one upon another and during the
night strong and roomy dwelling was
built.
The birds came sweeping into the
Valley at deybreak. 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.
II must thank the KNOCKS for this"
saiG he gratefully. Then he walked to
his dwelling and entered at the door
way. A large room faced him, having
a fireplace at the end and table and
bench in the middle. Beside the FIRE
place was cupboard. Another door
way was beyond. Claus entered here
also and saw smaller room with a
bed against the wall and stool set
near a small stand. On the bed were
many layers Of dried moss brought
from the Forest.
"Indeed, it sa palaceT' exclaimed
the smiling Claus. II must thank the
good KNOCKS again for their knowledge
Of mans needs as well AZ for their
labors in my behalf"
He left his new home with 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 i'm
nlnrtals are everywhere.
Upon reaching the brook he drank
Of the pure water and then sat down
on the bank to laugh mt the mischie-
vous 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 goi
Not wave may e%ntly flow
All are too excited.
Ev'ry drop. delighted,
Turns to spray in merry play
As we tumble on our wayW
Next Claus searched for roots to eat,
while the daffodlls turned their little
syes up to him laughingly and lisped
thsir dainty song:
Blooming fairly. growing rarely.
Never fowerets were 20 gay!
Perfume brea thing. Joy bequeathing.
AZ our colors We display"
II made Claus laugh to hear the little
things voice their happiness as they
nodded gracefully on their stems. But
another strain caught his ear AZ the
sunbeams fell gently across his face
and whispered:
Here IL gladness, that our rays
Warm the Valley through the days;
Hero u happiness. to give
Comfort unto all who livei'
sYes." cried Claus in answer, there
are happiness and JOY In all things
hare. The Laughing Valley IL q valley
q peace and good will"
He passed the day talking with the
ants and beetles and exchanging jokes
With the light hearted butteriiiss. And
q night hs lay on his bed Of soft noss
and sIept soundly.
rbas came the Fairies. merry. but