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"
Call Glossie and Flossie," returned the Master.
The deer were brought to the conference and Ak asked them if they objected to
drawing the sledge for Claus.
"
No, indeed!" replied Glossie; "we enjoyed the trip very much."
"
And we tried to get home by daybreak," added Flossie, "but were
unfortunately a minute too late."
"
A minute lost at daybreak doesn't matter," said Ak. "You are forgiven for that
delay."
"
"
Provided it does not happen again," said the Prince of the Knooks, sternly.
And will you permit them to make another journey with me?" asked Claus,
eagerly.
The Prince reflected while he gazed at Will, who was scowling, and at the
Master Woodsman, who was smiling.
Then he stood up and addressed the company as follows:
"
Since you all urge me to grant the favor I will permit the deer to go with Claus
once every year, on Christmas Eve, provided they always return to the Forest
by daybreak. He may select any number he pleases, up to ten, to draw his
sledge, and those shall be known among us as Reindeer, to distinguish them
from the others. And they shall bathe in the Pool of Nares, and eat the casa
and grawle and marbon plants and shall be under the especial protection of
the Fairy Queen. And now cease scowling, Will Knook, for my words shall be
obeyed!"
He hobbled quickly away through the trees, to avoid the thanks of Claus and
the approval of the other immortals, and Will, looking as cross as ever,
followed him.
But Ak was satisfied, knowing that he could rely on the promise of the Prince,
however grudgingly given; and Glossie and Flossie ran home, kicking up their
heels delightedly at every step.
"
"
When is Christmas Eve?" Claus asked the Master.
In about ten days," he replied.
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