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Page 18
Claus found her lying on his hearth, and he put his arms around the
neck of the lioness and hugged her lovingly. The cat had retired into
a far corner. She did not care to associate with Shiegra.
Claus told his old friend about the cats he had made, and how much
pleasure they had given Weekum and the sick girl. Shiegra did not
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
colored the image to resemble the real Shiegra.
The lioness placed her big, padded paws upon the edge of the table
and raised herself while she carefully examined the toy that was
her likeness.
"You are indeed skillful!" she said, proudly. "The children will like
that better than cats, I'm sure."
Then snarling at Blinkie, who arched her back in terror and whined
fearfully, she walked away toward her forest home with stately strides.
4. How Little Mayrie Became Frightened
The winter was over now, and all the Laughing Valley was filled with
joyous excitement. The brook was so happy at being free once again
that it gurgled more boisterously than ever and dashed so recklessly
against the rocks that it sent showers of spray high in the air. The
grass thrust its sharp little blades upward through the mat of dead
stalks where it had hidden from the snow, but the flowers were yet too
timid to show themselves, although the Ryls were busy feeding their
roots. The sun was in remarkably good humor, and sent his rays
dancing merrily throughout the Valley.
Claus was eating his dinner one day when he heard a timid knock
on his door.
"Come in!" he called.
No one entered, but after a pause came another rapping.
Claus jumped up and threw open the door. Before him stood a small
girl holding a smaller brother fast by the hand.
"Is you Tlaus?" she asked, shyly.
"Indeed I am, my dear!" he answered, with a laugh, as he caught both
children in his arms and kissed them. "You are very welcome, and you
have come just in time to share my dinner."
He took them to the table and fed them with fresh milk and nut-cakes.
When they had eaten enough he asked:
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