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