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6. Claus Discovers Humanity
Taking Claus to a small clearing in the forest, the Master said: "Place your
hand upon my girdle and hold fast while we journey through the air; for now
shall we encircle the world and look upon many of the haunts of those men
from whom you are descended."
These words caused Claus to marvel, for until now he had thought himself the
only one of his kind upon the earth; yet in silence he grasped firmly the girdle
of the great Ak, his astonishment forbidding speech.
Then the vast forest of Burzee seemed to fall away from their feet, and the
youth found himself passing swiftly through the air at a great height.
Ere long there were spires beneath them, while buildings of many shapes and
colors met their downward view. It was a city of men, and Ak, pausing to
descend, led Claus to its inclosure. Said the Master:
"
So long as you hold fast to my girdle you will remain unseen by all mankind,
though seeing clearly yourself. To release your grasp will be to separate
yourself forever from me and your home in Burzee."
One of the first laws of the Forest is obedience, and Claus had no thought of
disobeying the Master's wish. He clung fast to the girdle and remained
invisible.
Thereafter with each moment passed in the city the youth's wonder grew. He,
who had supposed himself created differently from all others, now found the
earth swarming with creatures of his own kind.
"
Indeed," said Ak, "the immortals are few; but the mortals are many."
Claus looked earnestly upon his fellows. There were sad faces, gay and
reckless faces, pleasant faces, anxious faces and kindly faces, all mingled in
puzzling disorder. Some worked at tedious tasks; some strutted in impudent
conceit; some were thoughtful and grave while others seemed happy and
content. Men of many natures were there, as everywhere, and Claus found
much to please him and much to make him sad.
But especially he noted the children--first curiously, then eagerly, then
lovingly. Ragged little ones rolled in the dust of the streets, playing with
scraps and pebbles. Other children, gaily dressed, were propped upon
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