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Instantly a dozen of the queer little Ryls were squatting upon the ground
before him, and they nodded to him in cheerful greeting.
Claus gazed upon them earnestly.
"
Your brothers of the Forest," he said, "I have known and loved many years. I
shall love you, also, when we have become friends. To me the laws of the
Ryls, whether those of the Forest or of the field, are sacred. I have never
wilfully destroyed one of the flowers you tend so carefully; but I must plant
grain to use for food during the cold winter, and how am I to do this without
killing the little creatures that sing to me so prettily of their fragrant
blossoms?"
The Yellow Ryl, he who tends the buttercups, made answer:
"
Fret not, friend Claus. The great Ak has spoken to us of you. There is better
work for you in life than to labor for food, and though, not being of the Forest,
Ak has no command over us, nevertheless are we glad to favor one he loves.
Live, therefore, to do the good work you are resolved to undertake. We, the
Field Ryls, will attend to your food supplies."
After this speech the Ryls were no longer to be seen, and Claus drove from his
mind the thought of tilling the earth.
When next he wandered back to his dwelling a bowl of fresh milk stood upon
the table; bread was in the cupboard and sweet honey filled a dish beside it.
A pretty basket of rosy apples and new-plucked grapes was also awaiting him.
He called out "Thanks, my friends!" to the invisible Ryls, and straightway
began to eat of the food.
Thereafter, when hungry, he had but to look into the cupboard to find goodly
supplies brought by the kindly Ryls. And the Knooks cut and stacked much
wood for his fireplace. And the Fairies brought him warm blankets and
clothing.
So began his life in the Laughing Valley, with the favor and friendship of the
immortals to minister to his every want.
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