that he could reach everything as he sat on his stool. And as he
finished toy after toy to delight the hearts of little children he
found himself growing so gay and happy that he could not refrain from
singing and laughing and whistling all the day long.

"It's because I live in the Laughing Valley, where everything else
laughs!" said Claus.

But that was not the reason.



5. How Bessie Blithesome Came to the Laughing Valley


One day, as Claus sat before his door to enjoy the sunshine while
he busily carved the head and horns of a toy deer, he looked up
and discovered a glittering cavalcade of horsemen approaching through
the Valley.

When they drew nearer he saw that the band consisted of a score of
men-at-arms, clad in bright armor and bearing in their hands spears
and battle-axes. In front of these rode little Bessie Blithesome, the
pretty daughter of that proud Lord of Lerd who had once driven Claus
from his palace. Her palfrey was pure white, its bridle was covered
with glittering gems, and its saddle draped with cloth of gold,
richly broidered. The soldiers were sent to protect her from harm
while she journeyed.

Claus was surprised, but he continued to whittle and to sing until the