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They were silent, still looking upon one another questioningly.
"
"
Of what use is the Mantle of Immortality unless it is worn?" demanded Ak.
What will it profit any one of us to allow it to remain in its lonely shrine for all
time to come?"
"
Enough!" cried the Gnome King, abruptly. "We will vote on the matter, yes or
no. For my part, I say yes!"
"
"
And I!" said the Fairy Queen, promptly, and Ak rewarded her with a smile.
My people in Burzee tell me they have learned to love him; therefore I vote to
give Claus the Mantle," said the King of the Ryls.
"
He is already a comrade of the Knooks," announced the ancient King of that
band. "Let him have immortality!"
"
"
Let him have it--let him have it!" sighed the King of the Wind Demons.
Why not?" asked the King of the Sleep Fays. "He never disturbs the slumbers
my people allow humanity. Let the good Claus be immortal!"
"
"
"
I do not object," said the King of the Sound Imps.
Nor I," murmured the Queen of the Water Sprites.
If Claus does not receive the Mantle it is clear none other can ever claim it,"
remarked the King of the Light Elves, "so let us have done with the thing for
all time."
"
The Wood-Nymphs were first to adopt him," said Queen Zurline. "Of course I
shall vote to make him immortal."
Ak now turned to the Master Husbandman of the World, who held up his right
arm and said "Yes!"
And the Master Mariner of the World did likewise, after which Ak, with
sparkling eyes and smiling face, cried out:
"
I thank you, fellow immortals! For all have voted 'yes,' and so to our dear
Claus shall fall the one Mantle of Immortality that it is in our power to
bestow!"
"
Let us fetch it at once," said the Fay King; "I'm in a hurry."
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