So began his life in the Laughing Valley, with the favor and
friendship of the immortals to minister to his every want.



2. How Claus Made the First Toy


Truly our Claus had wisdom, for his good fortune but strengthened his
resolve to befriend the little ones of his own race. He knew his plan
was approved by the immortals, else they would not have favored him
so greatly.

So he began at once to make acquaintance with mankind. He walked
through the Valley to the plain beyond, and crossed the plain in many
directions to reach the abodes of men. These stood singly or in
groups of dwellings called villages, and in nearly all the houses,
whether big or little, Claus found children.

The youngsters soon came to know his merry, laughing face and the kind
glance of his bright eyes; and the parents, while they regarded the
young man with some scorn for loving children more than their elders,
were content that the girls and boys had found a playfellow who seemed
willing to amuse them.

So the children romped and played games with Claus, and the boys rode
upon his shoulders, and the girls nestled in his strong arms, and the
babies clung fondly to his knees. Wherever the young man chanced to
be, the sound of childish laughter followed him; and to understand