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8. The First Journey with the Reindeer
Those were happy days for Claus when he carried his accumulation of toys to
the children who had awaited them so long. During his imprisonment in the
Valley he had been so industrious that all his shelves were filled with
playthings, and after quickly supplying the little ones living near by he saw he
must now extend his travels to wider fields.
Remembering the time when he had journeyed with Ak through all the world,
he know children were everywhere, and he longed to make as many as
possible happy with his gifts.
So he loaded a great sack with all kinds of toys, slung it upon his back that he
might carry it more easily, and started off on a longer trip than he had yet
undertaken.
Wherever he showed his merry face, in hamlet or in farmhouse, he received a
cordial welcome, for his fame had spread into far lands. At each village the
children swarmed about him, following his footsteps wherever he went; and
the women thanked him gratefully for the joy he brought their little ones; and
the men looked upon him curiously that he should devote his time to such a
queer occupation as toy-making. But every one smiled on him and gave him
kindly words, and Claus felt amply repaid for his long journey.
When the sack was empty he went back again to the Laughing Valley and
once more filled it to the brim. This time he followed another road, into a
different part of the country, and carried happiness to many children who
never before had owned a toy or guessed that such a delightful plaything
existed.
After a third journey, so far away that Claus was many days walking the
distance, the store of toys became exhausted and without delay he set about
making a fresh supply.
From seeing so many children and studying their tastes he had acquired
several new ideas about toys.
The dollies were, he had found, the most delightful of all playthings for babies
and little girls, and often those who could not say "dolly" would call for a "doll"
in their sweet baby talk. So Claus resolved to make many dolls, of all sizes,
and to dress them in bright-colored clothing. The older boys--and even some
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