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broad-shouldered, stalwart youth, who, when erect, stood fully as high as the
shoulder of the Master himself.
Ak paused, silent and frowning, to bend his piercing gaze upon Claus. The
clear eyes met his own steadfastly, and the Woodsman gave a sigh of relief as
he marked their placid depths and read the youth's brave and innocent heart.
Nevertheless, as Ak sat beside the fair Queen, and the golden chalice, filled
with rare nectar, passed from lip to lip, the Master Woodsman was strangely
silent and reserved, and stroked his beard many times with a thoughtful
motion.
With morning he called Claus aside, in kindly fashion, saying:
"
Bid good by, for a time, to Necile and her sisters; for you shall accompany me
on my journey through the world."
The venture pleased Claus, who knew well the honor of being companion of
the Master Woodsman of the world. But Necile wept for the first time in her
life, and clung to the boy's neck as if she could not bear to let him go. The
nymph who had mothered this sturdy youth was still as dainty, as charming
and beautiful as when she had dared to face Ak with the babe clasped to her
breast; nor was her love less great. Ak beheld the two clinging together,
seemingly as brother and sister to one another, and again he wore his
thoughtful look.
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