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cushions and fed with sugar-plums. Yet the children of the rich were not

happier than those playing with the dust and pebbles, it seemed to Claus.

Childhood is the time of man's greatest content," said Ak, following the

youth's thoughts. "'Tis during these years of innocent pleasure that the little

ones are most free from care."

Tell me," said Claus, "why do not all these babies fare alike?"

Because they are born in both cottage and palace," returned the Master.

The difference in the wealth of the parents determines the lot of the child.

Some are carefully tended and clothed in silks and dainty linen; others are

neglected and covered with rags."

Yet all seem equally fair and sweet," said Claus, thoughtfully.

While they are babes--yes;" agreed Ak. "Their joy is in being alive, and they

do not stop to think. In after years the doom of mankind overtakes them, and

they find they must struggle and worry, work and fret, to gain the wealth that

is so dear to the hearts of men. Such things are unknown in the Forest where

you were reared." Claus was silent a moment. Then he asked:

Why was I reared in the forest, among those who are not of my race?"

Then Ak, in gentle voice, told him the story of his babyhood: how he had been

abandoned at the forest's edge and left a prey to wild beasts, and how the

loving nymph Necile had rescued him and brought him to manhood under the

protection of the immortals.

Yet I am not of them," said Claus, musingly.

You are not of them," returned the Woodsman. "The nymph who cared for

you as a mother seems now like a sister to you; by and by, when you grow old

and gray, she will seem like a daughter. Yet another brief span and you will

be but a memory, while she remains Necile."

Then why, if man must perish, is he born?" demanded the boy.

Everything perishes except the world itself and its keepers," answered Ak.

But while life lasts everything on earth has its use. The wise seek ways to be

helpful to the world, for the helpful ones are sure to live again."

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus