A Kidnapped Santa Claus

"

"So I understand," said Santa Claus. "Those who avoid evil need never

visit your cave."

"As a rule, that is true," replied the Daemon; "yet you, who have done

no evil, are about to visit my cave at once; for to prove that I sincerely

regret my share in your capture I am going to permit you to escape."

This speech greatly surprised the prisoner, until he reflected that it

was just what might be expected of the Daemon of Repentance. The

fellow at once busied himself untying the knots that bound Santa Claus

and unlocking the chains that fastened him to the wall. Then he

led the way through a long tunnel until they both emerged in the

Cave of Repentance.

"I hope you will forgive me," said the Daemon pleadingly. "I am not

really a bad person, you know; and I believe I accomplish a great deal

of good in the world."

With this he opened a back door that let in a flood of sunshine, and

Santa Claus sniffed the fresh air gratefully.

"I bear no malice," said he to the Daemon, in a gentle voice; "and I

am sure the world would be a dreary place without you. So, good

morning, and a Merry Christmas to you!"

With these words he stepped out to greet the bright morning, and a

moment later he was trudging along, whistling softly to himself, on

his way to his home in the Laughing Valley.

Marching over the snow toward the mountain was a vast army, made up of

the most curious creatures imaginable. There were numberless knooks

from the forest, as rough and crooked in appearance as the gnarled

branches of the trees they ministered to. And there were dainty ryls

from the fields, each one bearing the emblem of the flower or plant it

guarded. Behind these were many ranks of pixies, gnomes and nymphs, and

in the rear a thousand beautiful fairies floated along in gorgeous array.

This wonderful army was led by Wisk, Peter, Nuter, and Kilter, who had

assembled it to rescue Santa Claus from captivity and to punish the

Daemons who had dared to take him away from his beloved children.