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One day snowflakes filled all the air in the Laughing Valley, dancing
boisterously toward the earth and clothing in pure white raiment the roof of
Claus's dwelling.
At night Jack Frost rapped at the door.
"
"
Come in!" cried Claus.
Come out!" answered Jack, "for you have a fire inside."
So Claus came out. He had known Jack Frost in the Forest, and liked the
jolly rogue, even while he mistrusted him.
"
There will be rare sport for me to-night, Claus!" shouted the sprite. "Isn't this
glorious weather? I shall nip scores of noses and ears and toes before
daybreak."
"
"
"
"
If you love me, Jack, spare the children," begged Claus.
And why?" asked the other, in surprise.
They are tender and helpless," answered Claus.
But I love to nip the tender ones!" declared Jack. "The older ones are tough,
and tire my fingers."
"
The young ones are weak, and can not fight you," said Claus.
"
True," agreed Jack, thoughtfully. "Well, I will not pinch a child this night--if I
can resist the temptation," he promised. "Good night, Claus!"
"
Good night."
The young man went in and closed the door, and Jack Frost ran on to the
nearest village.
Claus threw a log on the fire, which burned up brightly. Beside the hearth sat
Blinkie, a big cat give him by Peter the Knook. Her fur was soft and glossy,
and she purred never-ending songs of contentment.
"
I shall not see the children again soon," said Claus to the cat, who kindly
paused in her song to listen. "The winter is upon us, the snow will be deep for
many days, and I shall be unable to play with my little friends."
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