and while he dwelt in the
Forest she had often come to visit him at Necile's bower. After Claus
had gone to live in the Laughing Valley Shiegra became lonely and ill
at ease, and now she had braved the snow-drifts, which all lions abhor,
to see him once more. Shiegra was getting old and her teeth were
beginning to fall out, while the hairs that tipped her ears and tail
had changed from tawny-yellow to white.

Claus found her lying on his hearth, and he put his arms around the
neck of the lioness and hugged her lovingly. The cat had retired into
a far corner. She did not care to associate with Shiegra.

Claus told his old friend about the cats he had made, and how much
pleasure they had given Weekum and the sick girl. Shiegra did not know
much about children; indeed, if she met a child she could scarcely be
trusted not to devour it. But she was interested in Claus' new labors,
and said:

"These images seem to me very attractive. Yet I can not see why you
should make cats, which are very unimportant animals. Suppose, now
that I am here, you make the image of a lioness, the Queen of all
beasts. Then, indeed, your children will be happy--and safe at the
same time!"

Claus thought this was a good suggestion. So he got a piece of wood
and sharpened his knife, while Shiegra crouched upon the hearth at his
feet. With much care he carved the head in the likeness of the
lioness, even to the two fierce teeth that curved over her lower lip
and the deep, frowning lines above her wide-open eyes.

When it was finished he said:

"You have a terrible look, Shiegra."

"Then the image is like me," she answered; "for I am indeed terrible to
all who are not my friends."

Claus now carved out the body, with Shiegra's long tail trailing behind
it. The image of the crouching lioness was very life-like.

"It pleases me," said Shiegra, yawning and stretching her body
gracefully. "Now I will watch while you paint."

He brought the paints the Ryls had given him from the cupboard and
colored the image to resemble the real Shiegra.

The lioness placed her big, padded paws upon the edge of the table and
raised herself while she carefully examined the toy that was her
likeness.

"You are indeed skillful!" she said, proudly. "The children will like
that better than cats, I'm sure."

Then snarling at Blinkie, who arched her back in terror and whined
fearfully, she walked away toward her forest home with stately strides.