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Much of this Claus failed to understand fully, but a longing seized him to
become helpful to his fellows, and he remained grave and thoughtful while
they resumed their journey.
They visited many dwellings of men in many parts of the world, watching
farmers toil in the fields, warriors dash into cruel fray, and merchants
exchange their goods for bits of white and yellow metal. And everywhere the
eyes of Claus sought out the children in love and pity, for the thought of his
own helpless babyhood was strong within him and he yearned to give help to
the innocent little ones of his race even as he had been succored by the kindly
nymph.
Day by day the Master Woodsman and his pupil traversed the earth, Ak
speaking but seldom to the youth who clung steadfastly to his girdle, but
guiding him into all places where he might become familiar with the lives of
human beings.
And at last they returned to the grand old Forest of Burzee, where the Master
set Claus down within the circle of nymphs, among whom the pretty Necile
anxiously awaited him.
The brow of the great Ak was now calm and peaceful; but the brow of Claus
had become lined with deep thought. Necile sighed at the change in her
foster-son, who until now had been ever joyous and smiling, and the thought
came to her that never again would the life of the boy be the same as before
this eventful journey with the Master.
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