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