The Cairo bulletin., 1905-01-07
Chapter Cwentietb
Che Mantle Of immortality

Nj now we come to a turnln
point in the career of SAINT
Claus, and it is my duty TO re
late the most remarkable Circumstance
that has happened since the world be
gan or mankind was created.
We have followed the life of Clau
from the time he was found helpless
infant by the Wood Nymph Necil,
and reared to manhood in the grea
Forest of BurZee. and we know how
he began to make toys for children anC
how, with the assistance and good vii
OF the immortals he was able to dis
tribute them to the little ones through.
out tie world.
For many years he carried on this
noble work. for the simple, hardwork
ing life he led gave him perfect health
and strength. And doubtless a man
can live longer in the beautiful Laugh.
ing Valley. where there are no cares
and everything is peaceful and merry,
than in any other part of the world.
hut when many years had rolled
away Santa Claus grew old The
long beard of golden brown that once
covered his cheeks and chin gradually
became gray and finally turned TO pure
white, His hair was white. too. and
there We're wrinkles at the corners of
his eyes which showed plainly when
lie laughed. lie had never been n very
tail man. and now he became fat and
waddled very much like q duck when
he walked. But in spite of these
things he remained as lively as ever
and was just as jolly and gay, and his
kind eyes spanked as brightly ms they
did that first day when he came TO the
Laughing Valley
Yet n time Is sure to come when
every mortal who has grown old and
lived his life is required TO leave this
world for another, so it is no wonder
that, after Santa Claus had driven his
reindeer on many ana many a Christ.
mas Eve, those stanch friends finally
whispered among themselves that they
had probably drawn his sledge for the
last time
Then all the Forest of Burzee be-
came sad. and all the Laughing Valley
was hushed, for every living thing that
had known Clans had used TO loved
him and TO brighten at the sound of
his footsteps or the notes of his merry
whistle.
No doubt the old mans strength was
at last exhausted, for he made no more
toys. but lay on his bed as in a dream
The Nymph Necile. she who had
reared him and been his foster mother,
was still youthful and strong and
beautiful. and 1t seemed to her but a
short time since this aged. gray beard
ed man had lain in her arms and smil-
ed on her with his innocent baby lips.
In this is shown the difference be-
tween mortals and immortals.
II was fortunate that the great AK
came TO the Forest at that time. Necile
sought him with troubled eyes and
told him of the fate that threatened
their friend Claus.
AT once the Master became grave;
and he leaned upon his ak and stroked
bis grizzled beard thoughtfully for
many minutes. Then suddenly he stood
mp straight and poised his powerful
head with firm resolve and stretched
out his great right arm as II determin
ed on doing some mighty deed. for a
thought had come to him so grand In
its conception that all the world might
well bow before the Master Woods
man and honor his name forever,
II is well known that when the great
Ak once undertakes to do a thing be
never hesitates an instant Now he
summoned his feetcst messengers and
sent them in fash to many parts OF
the earth. And when tkey were gone
nc turned to the anxious Necile and
comforted her. saying:
BE of good heart. my child; our
friend still lives. And now run 10
your Queen and tell her that | have !
summoned a council of all the immor- !
tails oS the world to meet with me |
here I'm BurZee this night. II they |
obey and harken unto my words, Claus |
will drive his reindeer for countless |
ages yet to come"
At midnight there was a wondrOus !
scene in the ancient Forest of Bur
zee. where for the first time in many !
centuries the rulers of the immortals !
who inhabit the earth were gathered
together.
There was the Queen Of the Water /
Spritcs. whose beautiful form was as
clear as crystal. but continually drip 1
ped water on the bank of moss where I
She sat And beside her was the King /
of the Sleep Fays. who carried n wand /
from the end of which fine dust fell t
all around. so that no mortal could 1
keep awake long enough to see him, !
as mortal eyes were sure to close in 1
sleep as soon as the dust flied them.
And next TO him sat the Gnome King.
whose people inhabit all that region
under the earth's surface. where they I
guard the precious metals and the
Jewel stones that lie buried in rock ard
Bre. Al his right hand stood the King
q thd Sound Inns who had wings On