5. The Master Woodsman


Years pass swiftly in Burzee, for the nymphs have no need to regard
time in any way. Even centuries make no change in the dainty creatures;
ever and ever they remain the same, immortal and unchanging.

Claus, however, being mortal, grew to manhood day by day. Necile was
disturbed, presently, to find him too big to lie in her lap, and he
had a desire for other food than milk. His stout legs carried him far
into Burzee's heart, where he gathered supplies of nuts and berries,
as well as several sweet and wholesome roots, which suited his stomach
better than the belludders. He sought Necile's bower less frequently,
till finally it became his custom to return thither only to sleep.

The nymph, who had come to love him dearly, was puzzled to comprehend
the changed nature of her charge, and unconsciously altered her own
mode of life to conform to his whims. She followed him readily
through the forest paths, as did many of her sister nymphs, explaining
as they walked all the mysteries of the gigantic wood and the habits
and nature of the living things which dwelt beneath its shade.

The language of the beasts became clear to little Claus; but he
never could understand their sulky and morose tempers. Only the
squirrels, the mice and the rabbits seemed to possess cheerful and
merry natures; yet would the boy laugh when the panther growled, and
stroke the bear's glossy coat while the creature snarled and bared its
teeth menacingly. The growls and snarls were not for Claus, he well
knew, so what did they matter?