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stealthily toward him over the matted leaves, which shriveled and turned
black at its very touch.
But Claus had been reared in Burzee, and was not afraid.
"
Come to me, ye Knooks of the Forest!" he cried, and gave the low, peculiar
whistle that the Knooks know.
The panther, which was about to spring upon its victim, turned and slunk
away. The python swung itself into the tree and disappeared among the
leaves. The spider stopped short in its advance and hid beneath a rotting log.
Claus had no time to notice them, for he was surrounded by a band of harsh-
featured Knooks, more crooked and deformed in appearance than any he had
ever seen.
"
"
Who are you that call on us?" demanded one, in a gruff voice.
The friend of your brothers in Burzee," answered Claus. "I have been brought
here by my enemies, the Awgwas, and left to perish miserably. Yet now I
implore your help to release me and to send me home again."
"
"
Have you the sign?" asked another.
Yes," said Claus.
They cut his bonds, and with his free arms he made the secret sign of the
Knooks.
Instantly they assisted him to stand upon his feet, and they brought him food
and drink to strengthen him.
"
Our brothers of Burzee make queer friends," grumbled an ancient Knook
whose flowing beard was pure white. "But he who knows our secret sign and
signal is entitled to our help, whoever he may be. Close your eyes, stranger,
and we will conduct you to your home. Where shall we seek it?"
"
'Tis in the Laughing Valley," answered Claus, shutting his eyes.
"
There is but one Laughing Valley in the known world, so we can not go
astray," remarked the Knook.
As he spoke the sound of his voice seemed to die away, so Claus opened his
eyes to see what caused the change. To his astonishment he found himself
seated on the bench by his own door, with the Laughing Valley spread out
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