" grumbled an ancient Knook
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 conduct you to your home. Where shall we
seek it?"

"'Tis in the Laughing Valley," answered Claus, shutting his eyes.

"There is but one Laughing Valley in the known world, so we can not go
astray," remarked the Knook.

As he spoke the sound of his voice seemed to die away, so Claus opened
his eyes to see what caused the change. To his astonishment he found
himself seated on 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 Zurline and Necile.

"The Awgwas have become your enemies," said the lovely Queen,
thoughtfully; "so we must do all we can to protect you from their
power."

"It was cowardly to bind him while he slept," remarked Necile, with
indignation.

"The evil ones are ever cowardly," answered Zurline, "but our friend's
slumber 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 Zurline was placed the Seal of the Fairies and the
Seal of the Ryls and the Seals of the Knooks, that the charm might
become more powerful.

And Claus carried his toys to the children again, and made many more of
the little ones happy.

You may guess how angry the King Awgwa and his fierce band were when it
was known to them that Claus had escaped from the Forest of Ethop.

They raged madly for a whole week, and then held another meeting among
the rocks.

"It is useless to carry him where the Knooks 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 the wicked band set out that night to
seize Claus. But they found his dwelling guarded by the Seals of the
Immortals and were obliged to go away baffled and disappointed.

"Never mind," said the King; "he does not sleep always!"

Next day, as Claus traveled to the village across the plain, where he
intended to present a toy squirrel to a lame boy, he was suddenly set
upon by the Awgwas, who seized him and carried him away to the
mountains.

There they thrust him within a deep cavern and rolled many huge rocks
against the entran