 CHAPTER XVII of THE SANTA CLAWS STORYBOOK This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Greg Giardano. THE SANTA CLAWS STORYBOOK by Unknown Hector, The Dog Man loves the dog, the dog loves man, the dog is trusty, strong and brave, and God has on the dog bestowed the power and will man's life to save, and often has the tale been told, how born a long and eager strife, while struggling hard to rescue man, the noble dog has lost his life. The little inn of Martinie had but few guests on Christmas Eve, for men at home made festive cheer and cared not household joys to leave, but near the door a traveller stood, who with his host had earnest talk, with napsackgirt and staff in hand, all ready for a mountain walk. Nay, stay to-night, the way is long, dark clouds are flitting o'er the sky, a storm is brewing, trust my word, I hear the ravens' warning cry. Come, friend, give up thy toilsome walk, and spend thy Christmas with us here. The landlord spoke with kindly voice, himself a well-trained mountaineer. Nay, press me not, the man replied, I must get home by Christmas Day. The mountain pass I know right well, its hoary peaks and boulders gray. Ten years ago I left my home, my fortune in the world to seek. It seems to me a long, long time, since last I saw these mountains bleak. I promised them, that come what might, I would be home on Christmas Day. So farewell, may God's blessing be with me along my toilsome way. In the fast-fading evening light he then pursued his lonely road, onward and upward through the snow, leaving behind him man's abode. Both him rose the snowy peaks, still glowing white against the sky, and many acrovasts deep and wide, around his path he could decry. Upward and onward, still he toiled, his heart was beating, loud and fast. He'd reached his own dear fatherland, danger and toil were well nigh passed. He longed to hear his father's voice, his mother's kiss once more to feel, and in the quiet, restful home, with them once more in prayer to kneel. He longed to spread before their gaze, the honest gains of many a year, earned with hard toil for those he loved, and guarded with a jealous care. His father with his silver hair, his mother with her kind blue eyes, his sister's little playmates once. Would he, their faces, recognize? Colder and colder blew the wind, it whistled up the mountain pass. The blinding snowstorm flew before, the ice was slippery as glass. Onward he went, but cautiously. I have not missed my way. The night grows dark, it is piercing cold. Can I hold on till dawn of day? And still he battled with the storm, that every moment fiercer grew, and stronger came the dreadful thought, that he the way no longer knew. And now his strength is ebbing fast, his head is sinking on his breast. Oh! could he in that fearful storm, but find some shelter, gain some rest! Happy for him, that at that time, alone upon the mountain side, he knew that to his father's love, his life or death he might confide. The eddying snow wreathe world around, snow hid the path, snow filled the air. He fell unconscious to the ground, the object of a father's care. Above the smooth white-sheeted snow, the convent walls rose dark and high, and bright the clear cold stars looked down, from out the windswept winter sky. The stately shadows, broad and dark, lay stretched along the mountain side, and through the narrow windows gleaned, the blazing logs of Christmas tied. It was the holy Christmas Eve, when joy in Christian homes should be, and in this lonely monastery was friendly talk and quiet glee, and truly none deserved it more than these lone men of lowly mind, who in their master's steps to tread, had left the pleasant world behind. That was a scene for painter's art, those men so calm, so free from strife, who bore upon each rugged face the impress of a noble life, nor men alone composed the group, four dogs of pure St. Bernard blood, or slept unconscious on the hearth, or by their master's proudly stood. Calm, lofty, steadfast, great and strong, a picture of the mountain's round, both dogs and master's in one tie, of kindly brotherhood, vast bound. But was their life, had selfish aim, enticed them to this lonely spot, life's toil and burden, to escape, its battlefield to enter not? Though surely not in sinful ease, a daily life of each was spent, but to fight hand in hand with death, each nerve was strained, each power bent. For here, amongst the snow and ice, the everlasting winter cold, full many a weary traveller, had died unknown since days of old, and so to seek and save the lost, these men and dogs were living here. Surely they daily risked their lives, nor ever gave way to thoughts of fear. Vespers are over in the hall, the monks are gathered round the board, to celebrate the joyful feast, with the best cheer their stores afford. The noble dogs are feasting now, fed with kind hands and loving care, for if they share their master's toils, their joys and feasts they also share. Brethren and friends, the prior said, the night grows wild, the storm gets high, the dogs are restless, some must go, if help is needed to be nigh. This night we'll sing our hymn to God, with shepherds and the angelic host, which you will praise, whilst yet you serve, and by the serving praise him most. So taking hatchets, torches, ropes, the monks and dogs together went. They make towards the mountain pass, and soon the dogs are on ascent. Smelling and sniffing through the storm, their noble heads bent to the snow, close followed by the stalwart monks, they bravely up the mountain go. Full shore, I guess, said Brother Ralph, some traveller is out to-night, and sure I am that for his life, with storm and snow, we'll have to fight. But if but once he missed the path, hard by the precipice which winds, a fearful sight will be for him, the mangled traveller that finds. But see the dogs are on the track, see how with one consent they go. They've turned the point, they're out of sight, and hark that baying down below. The monks rush on with breathless speed, all on the strain, no word they say. But as they breast the storm blasts rage, with silent earnestness they pray. They turn the point, and down below, to eager, striving dogs they see. All on a narrow ledge that hangs, projecting over the icy sea. There's one way down, but even in light, when all is calm on summer's day, while in pursuit of mountain goat, the hunter dreads that dizzy way. The brothers pause, and peering down, each grasps the other as he stands. The noble hounds will do till death, with their life-saving law commands. First one, and then the other down, that fearful steep with shuttering cry. They creep, they cringe, they bound they roll, and now on snow-slip, swiftly fly. The snow-slip takes a happy turn, and lands them on the icy sea, and sharp glad markings upwards end, the tidings of their victory. And thanks to God the storm has passed. The gentle moon gives out her light, to guide their footsteps down each step, and aid their swing from height to height. They reach at length the sea of ice, three dogs come bounding to their side. The fourth brave hector, where was he, hurled by the avalanche's slide? Anxious and eager rush the dogs, to wear a face of hopeful glow, and firm resolve, and death-like swoon, peers upward from the open snow. What dogs could do these dogs have done? Man's skill and care must do the rest, and sooner farther and could be thought their efforts would success were blessed. But other cares await them now, though sooner had they shone the man, than darting off with eager haste the hounds too farther distance ran. Later they seek, with whine and cries, scratching the appalling mound of snow, which loosened from the mountain side, had swept them with it down below. Vane work for dogs, vane work for men, thousands of tons of ice and snow, heaped up in one best funeral pile, poor hector holds entombed below. Alas, poor hector, dawn for him, though scamper's on the mountain side, were to lead men from height to height, still upward was his joy and pride. Gone the sweet smell of Pineclad Hill, the bright blue sky, the sunny slope, the torrent's roar, the eagle's cry, the foes with which he used to cope. For winter oft would send the wolf to prowl among the flocks below, and off the bear would seek the herds that shudder on their path of snow. The mighty courage filled the heart of hector, bravest of the brave, and forth he rushed, with eager haste, the trembling flocks and herds to save. But now no more his work is done, the dog has met a hero's end. With deep-felt sigh the brethren mourn, their mute companion and their friend. Then on with heavy hearts and slow they bear with toil the rescued man, mounting still upward to the height from whence their steep descent began. And slow at hanging, low their heads, as if oppressed by sense of shame, mingled with grief the noble hounds, in silence to the convent came. There watchful care attends the couch, where rests the traveller returned, and swift feet carried to his home good news of one they might have mourned. But as each Christmas tide returned, and still he toiled in life's rough way, with thankful praise he joined in thought, Hector, the dog, and Christmas day. CHAPTER XVIII. THE BLUE BIRD. As upon a time there was a king who was very rich, both in lands and money. His wife died, and for a time he was inconsolable, but after a while his grief abated, and he married again. His second wife was a widow, and she had a very ugly and disagreeable daughter named Truetone. The king also had a daughter of nearly the same age, who was so sweet and beautiful that she was considered one of the wonders of the world. Her name was Florine. The new queen doted upon her own ugly daughter, and the fact that Florine possessed so many advantages over her made her hate the poor princess to such a degree that she sought by every means to injure her. Florine, who was as mild as she was beautiful, merely tried to keep out of the reach of the malice of the queen and her daughter. One day it was announced that a visit to the court might be expected from King Charmont, the young ruler of a neighboring country. In mind and person this prince, as his name implied, was charming, and being still unmarried he was, of course an object of great interest to all marriageable princesses. It at once became the ambition of the queen to secure him as a husband for Truetone. She employed all the dressmakers, milleners and broiderers and work people of every kind to fit out her daughter, and she requested the king to give nothing to Florine. The king, who disliked argument, answered that he left her to take any measures she pleased. The queen then ordered the waiting woman to take away Florine's clothes the very day that King Charmont arrived, so that she was left with only the gown she had on, which was very much soiled. She was so ashamed of her appearance that when Charmont came she hid herself in a corner of the great hall. The queen presented her daughter to the royal visitor, who was so little impressed with her magnificence that he turned his eyes from her as soon as possible. He inquired whether there was not another princess named Florine, for reports of her beauty had reached him. There being no help for it, Florine was called forward and came blushing and looking so beautiful in her confusion that King Charmont was dazzled. He displayed his admiration so openly that the queen became furious and compelled the king, her husband, to consent that during Charmont's stay Florine should be shed up in a tower of the castle. Charmont had been too deeply mitten by Florine's charms to regard her absence with indifference, but his inquiries as to its cause received no satisfactory answer from the queen, and he remained, for some time, ignorant of her whereabouts. At last one of his attendants succeeded in finding out through one of the queen's maids where the princess was confined, and Charmont managed to get a message to her that the next night he would be at a little window that's looked out from her room upon the garden, and would have much to say to her. Unfortunately, one of those through whom the message had to be conveyed portrayed it to the queen. She immediately decided to place her own daughter at the window, believing that in the dark Charmont would not be able to distinguish her from Florine. King Charmont was the owner of a magical flying chariot, drawn by four-winged frogs which had been presented to him by a powerful enchanter who was his friend. He determined that if Florine would consent he would carry her off to his kingdom in this chariot that very night. He was promptly at the appointed window, but the night was too dark for him to discover that true atone had been put in the place of Florine, and with her consent, given in a voice counterfeiting Florine's as closely as possible, he placed her in the chariot, and they set off through the air. Desiring to be married to his beloved princess as soon as possible, he asked the supposed Florine where she would like to have the wedding take place. True atone, self-personating Florine answered that she had a godmother named Sucio, who was a celebrated fairy, and she desired to be taken to her castle. When their arrival at Sucio's castle, Charmont discovered with indignation the trick that had been played upon him. He refused absolutely to marry True atone, and Sucio, in rage, touched him with her wand, and changed him into a bluebird, which form she declared he should have to retain for seven years. Overwhelmed with grief, Charmont flew away from the castle of Sucio. He naturally sought the neighborhood of the tower where his beloved Florine was confined, and one evening, as he was perched upon a lofty cypress which stood near, he heard her at her window complaining bitterly of her separation from the one she loved so dearly. He flew to the window, and Florine, pleased with the tamedness of the bird, took him in her hands and caressed him. When to her astonishment he began to speak to her, for the king's transformation had not deprived him of the power of speech. He told her who he was, and all that had happened, and Florine felt so happy in the presence of her lover, even in this form, that she no longer remembered the miseries of her prison. Day dawned before they parted, after agreeing that they would meet every night in the same manner. During the next day Charmont flew to his palace, and getting in, secured a magnificent pair of diamond earrings which he presented that evening to Florine, and for many days following he continued to make visits to the palace to obtain other gifts for his princess. Two years passed thus without Florine's once complaining of her captivity. Her resignation at last excited suspicion in the mind of the queen, and she determined to watch Florine closely. One night she listened at her door, and hearing voices within burst the door open and entered. Florine wore the jewels which Charmont had presented to her, and the queen's astonishment at the magnificence of these adornments fortunately prevented her from noticing the bluebird. She demanded savagely to know how Florine had obtained such jewels, but Florine refused to tell, and the queen retired greatly mystified. She was determined, however, to have her curiosity about the matter satisfied, so she sent a young girl to sleep in Florine's apartment, under pretense of waiting upon her, but really to spy upon her. The princess saw the snare, and for a time ceased to open her window to the bluebird, but at last one night the spy appeared to be overcome with drowsiness, and Florine, thinking that she was asleep, opened her little window and gave what had been her customary signal to the bluebird by singing, Bird as blue as cloudless sky hither hither quickly fly. The bird heard her, and was at the window in an instant. Such joy once more to behold each other, but alas the spy's sleep was only pretend, and she heard every word of the tender conversation of the lovers. The next morning she reported all to the queen in true atone. They of course knew at once that the bluebird was none other than King Charmont, and great was their rage. What in affront! cried the queen. This insolent creature whom I fancied to be so wretched was all this time quietly enjoying the most agreeable conversation with that ungrateful king. Oh, I will have a revenge so terrible that it shall be the talk of the world. Florine was alone the next evening, for the spy's presence was no longer thought to be needed, and she sang again her call to the bluebird. But she sang in vain, for the wicked queen had caused sharp edged knives to be placed in all the trees near the tower, so that when the bluebird flew among the branches, these weapons cut him frightfully. He managed with great difficulty to fly into the forest, leaving a track of blood behind him. His wounds were so grievous that he would certainly have died had not his friend the enchanter, who has been mentioned before, fortunately been passing through the forest and seen him. This enchanter's skill and magic was so great that it cost him but a few words to stop the flow of blood until the wounds of Charmont. Then the king told him of all his misfortunes. The enchanter, not having the power to undo the spell which Sucio had laid upon the king, decided to see her and propose some arrangement under which she would restore him to his own form, for there was danger that if he continued as a bluebird, his subjects might place someone else on the throne. Sucio received the enchanter politely, but the only concession she would make was to allow the king to resume his rightful shape for a short period, during which Truetone was to reside at his palace, and he was to consider whether he would marry her or not. If he persisted in refusing, he would become a bird again. This was agreed to, and a touch of Sucio's wand restored his own form to Charmont. He returned to his kingdom, but the idea of marrying Truetone grew no more agreeable to him, and his mind was less occupied with his government than with devising means to prolong the period which Sucio had agreed should elapse previous to this hateful union. But in the meantime shortly after Truetone's departure to Charmont's kingdom, a great change took place in Florine's fortunes. The king, her father, died, and the queen was so hated by the people that they rose in rebellion against her, broke into the palace, and stoned her to death. They then placed Florine on the throne. Florine's love for King Charmont had not grown less during their long separation, although she was ignorant as to what had interrupted his visits so suddenly, and could not feel sure that he had not willfully deserted her. As soon as the affairs of the kingdom had become settled, she named a council to govern it during her absence, and set out in search of the bluebird, going disguised as a poor peasant girl. One day as she set by a spring resting, a little old woman stopped to question her, and Florine told her all her troubles. Then the little old woman suddenly changed her appearance and became a most beautiful fairy. She smiled and said, Dear Florine, my sister Sousio has restored the king to his own form, and he is now in his kingdom where you must seek him. Here are three magical eggs. Break one whenever you need assistance. After saying this she disappeared. Florine was too fatigued to walk any further, and she determined to test the virtue of the eggs by breaking one immediately. Out of it came two pigeons attached to a car. She sat herself in this, and was at once transported to the capital city of Charmont's kingdom. The first news she heard upon her arrival there was that the king was soon to be married to Truetone. Florine felt as if she would die with grief at what she supposed was the perfidy of the king. She longed for a chance to appeal to him, hoping that she could still win him back, but could think of no means to gain his ear. In this emergency she resorted to her magic eggs, and broke the second of them. Out of it there came a most exquisite little coach, drawn by six green mice and driven by a rose-colored rat, while the footmen were two mice of a light violet color. In the coach sat four of the daintiest little puppets ever seen. Florine was enraptured with this marvel, and the way to make use of it at once suggested itself to her mind, no doubt by the fairies' inspiration. She presented herself in her peasant's garb before Truetone, giving the name of me, Swelin, and saying she had come to sell the future queen something very wonderful. Then she displayed the coach. Truetone showed at once that she was captivated by this novelty, and at the same time betrayed her mean disposition by offering for it a very small sum, which Florine refused. Truetone then imperiously said, without offending me further by thy filthy presence, tell me your price. You would find it difficult to pay, madam, said Florine, were I to ask its real value, so I will propose a different sort of bargain. If you will obtain permission for me to sleep one night in the cabinet of echoes, I will present you with this wonder. Willingly me, Swelin, said Truetone, laughing like an idiot at what she supposed was the girl's simplicity. Now the cabinet of echoes was a chamber which the king had once described to Florine as being one of the wonders of his palace. It was situated beneath his apartments, and was so constructed that the faintest whisper uttered in it could be heard by the king in his bedchamber. To this place, as soon as night fell, Florine was conducted. She spent the night in making the most piteous complaints addressed to the king. But he heard nothing. For having been unable to sleep soundly since he had been separated from Florine, he was in the habit of taking a dose of opium when he went to bed. Florine passed the greater part of the next day in extreme anxiety. If he heard me, thought she, there never yet was such cruel indifference. If he did not hear me, how shall I make him do so? There was but one egg left to give her further assistance. He broke it, and found in it a pie composed of six birds which were larded, dressed, and quite ready for eating, yet which sang admirably, told fortunes, and were as learned as college professors. Florine carried this marvellous pie to Truetone's antechamber. While waiting to be admitted to her presence, one of the king's valets came up to her and said, Me, Suelen, are you aware that if the king did not take opium you would disturb him dreadfully, for you chatter all night long in the most extraordinary manner? Florine was no longer surprised that the king had not hurt her. She had taken a purse of gold with her when she had left her kingdom, and she now produced all that she had left of it, and said, I sell little fear disturbing the king's sleep that if you will prevent his taking opium tonight, this gold shall be yours. The valet consented, and gave his word in the matter. The wonderful pie pleased Truetone as greatly as the coach had done, and Florine had no difficulty in getting permission to pass another night in the Cabinet of Echoes as its price. As soon as the night came, she was conducted there, ardently hoping that the king's valet would keep his word. And he did so. Florine had uttered but a few words ere the king recognized her voice. Scarcely daring to trust his senses he hastened by a back staircase to the Cabinet of Echoes. There he found Florine arranged in a robe of light silk which she wore under her coarse disguise. The moment he saw her, Charmont flung himself at her feet, bathed her hands with his tears, and felt ready to die with minkled joy, grief, and the multitude of different thoughts that rushed at once into his mind. He and Florine soon mutually explained and justified themselves to each other. Their affection was redoubled, and all that embarrassed them was the fairy Sucio. But at this moment the enchanter who was so fond of the king arrived with the famous fairy, who was none other than she who gave the three eggs to Florine. The enchanter and the fairy declared that their power being united in favor of the king and Florine, Sucio could do nothing against them, and that their marriage, consequently, might take place without delay. As soon as it was day, the news spread throughout the palace, and everybody was delighted to see Florine. The tidings reached true atone, and she ran to the king's apartment. The moment she opened her mouth to abuse Florine, the enchanter and the fairy transformed her into a pig. She ran out of the room grunting, and then into the kitchen courtyard where the peels of laughter with which she was greeted completed her despair. King Charmont and Queen Florine, delivered from so odious an enemy, now thought only of the wedding fate, the taste and magnificence of which were equally conspicuous. It is easy to conceive how great was their happiness after passing through such prolonged misfortunes. End of Chapter 18. Chapter 19 of The Santa Claus Storybook. This is a LibriVox recording. While LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Betty B. The Santa Claus Storybook by Unknown. Dame Trot and her comical cat. Dame Trot was out walking one very fine day, and close by her side went her nimble dog Trey. When all of a sudden she heard such a sound of somebody crying, she had to look round. And what do you think she beheld, the good soul? Why a dear little kitten is black as a coal, that looked in her face with a pitiful, mew. As if it said, please let me go home with you. Dame Trot took the kitten up close in her arms and stroked it and quieted down its alarms. And soon it was purring quite happy enough. And the dame said, why puss, you're as good as a muff. So muff was the name that she gave to the cat, for she found it would readily answer to that. And when it lay curled on the floor in a fluff, it really and truly looked just like a muff. It was the cunningest kitten that ever you saw, with a little white mitten on each little paw, and a little white collar of fur around its neck that never was seen with a stain or a speck. Now Trey was as jealous as jealous could be, for the pet of the household he wanted to be. And he growled at Miss Muff when she wanted to play, and said very plainly, keep out of my way. But puss was forgiving and kind, it is true, nor wanted to fight as so many cats do. So she humped up her back like a camel, and went to her place on the rug where she slept quite content. Dame Trot fed her cat on the nicest of milk, till its fine suit of fur was as glossy as silk. And pussie was grateful, so neat and so nice. She soon rid the house of the rats and the mice. One morning Dame Trot went off early to town to buy her some tea and a calico gown, and she said as she parted from Muff and from Trey, now be very good children while I am away. The dog said bow-wow, and the cat said mew-mew, just as if every word that was spoken they knew. And Dame Trot went away with a smile on her face, quite sure that no robbers would enter her place. And when she came back what a sight met her eyes. She lifted her hands and exclaimed with surprise, for there on the floor, each as light as a feather, the cat and the dog she saw dancing together. Now kittens and children said worthy Dame Trot should always improve in their manners, why not? And that Trey and Miss Muff might learn all they were able, they each had a chair at their mistress's table. Muff daintily ate from a nice china dish and helped herself freely to oysters and fish, and out of a saucer of milk drank her fill and was careful indeed lest a drop she should spill. One day when the ground was all covered with snow, Puss begged to go out, but the Dame said, no, no, you'll get your feet wet and then sick you will be, and have to drink gallons of strong catnip tea. But Pussy set up as you wouldn't suppose and wagged her forepaws alongside of her nose, till the Dame much more ready to laugh than to scold, said, go out then, but mind you come in when you're cold. How Pussy did frolic and flourish around in the snow that was not very deep on the ground, now sliding off here and then capering there and tossing the white flakes up high in the air. Then over and over she rolled with delight till her coat was all spotted with patches of white and played in this way till beginning to tire she was glad to come back to her place by the fire. Now Puss had a doll that Dame Trot bought to please her and gave it the beautiful name of Louisa and when Kitty was lonesome or wanted to play she'd cry for Lulu in a comical way. The dolly was petted, was kissed in caress, though often quite roughly it must be confessed she took her catnaps with the doll in her arms. Sometimes Master Tray would growl underneath his breath and get angry and show his white teeth and all because Pussy so graceful and slim had played with her doll took no notice of him and once I remember oh sad was the day the cat answered back in an impudent way and Tray was so jealous the two had a fight and between them the doll was a terrible fright. In a closet the catnip was kept on a shelf and Puss though quite handy it had helping herself had been taught by Dame Trot better manners than that and was really a very remarkable cat for when she was ill as was sometimes the case she'd go to Dame Trot and look up in her face then run to the closet and scratch on the door till some of the catnip was thrown on the floor. Dame Trot made a nice little dress for the cat all covered with ribbons and lace and all that and a Normandy cap with a crown and a puff that was very becoming indeed to Miss Muff and when she was stressed she would sit in a chair and look all around with a lady like air through a pair of large spectacles over her nose and she cut a fine figure as you may suppose. Dame Trot was well known and her cat had great fame and children to visit them frequently came for though in their houses they had play things enough they were much more amused by the antics of Muff she was better than any fine doll they possessed when in the long clothes like a babe she was dressed and in the doll's carriage they took her to drive delighted to know that the child was alive sometimes they would get up a circus and play for hours at a time with the cat and dog Tray and such comical tricks with these animals do that the children all laughed in the grown people too this would jump through a ring with astonishing grace or ride on Trace back at a runaway pace or swing in the air from a rope they let down while Tray was performing the part of a clown but Dame Trot was not willing her dog or her cat should day after day be so foolish as that where children and animals need to be taught that others grow weary of seeing them sport so she bought them some books and she taught them to spell and really and truly they did very well or soon they found out after many a spat DOG spelt dog and CAT spelt cat muff learned in good season to make up her bed and was clever at baking both biscuits and bread she could sweep she could dust and take care of her room as if all her life she'd been used to a broom but puss had one fault she was fond of fine clothes and as poorly dressed people she would turn up her nose and she studied the fashions and styles of the day and thought of them often her dreams I dare say so one day when Dame Trot had gone out for a walk with her friends and her neighbors to have a good talk was dressed herself up in her best hat and feather and she and dog Tray left the cottage together they'm trying coming home from her visit that day as the weather was fine took around about way and turning a corner she nearly fell flat with surprise at beholding her dog and her cat where Tray was the pony and there on his back set pretty miss muff in her fine suit of black and the dame with her laughter so long and so loud in a very few minutes attracted a crowd you're a very great lady miss pussy said she and puss gave a simpering giggle to he or it sounded like that for it never would do for one in such grandeur to utter amue portray was uneasy and restless the while for he wasn't much giving to putting on style and although pretty pussy he could but admire to welcome his mistress was now his desire so he sprang to the side of dame trot with a leap and down with the pussycat all in a heap and her flounces and feathers were dragged and torn you near saw creatures so crushed and forlorn dear puss a dame trot is the love of fine clothes that brings on good people one half of their woes and sooner or later you're certain to find that pride has a fall of the very worst kind you're a beautiful cat and I'm free to confess you please me the most in your natural dress and puss looking just as if ready to speak raised a velvety paw and then stroke the dame's cheek dame trot held the kitten a while in her lap where it had an exceedingly comforting nap and giving this pussy another good hug she settled her down on the cushion so snug I'm tired and sleepy the good woman said and his time I am sure that we all went to bed so good night said dame trot bow wow said dog tray you muse said the cat and they slept till next day end of chapter 19 chapter 20 of the Santa Claus storybook this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by iPhone the Santa Claus storybook by unknown Bluebeard a long time ago there lived a man who was very rich he owned fast tracts of fertile land and dwelt in a splendid castle which contained everything beautiful and luxurious that money could buy he had a multitude of servants and his horses and carriages were fine and numerous enough for a king but although this man was blessed with so much wealth he was so ill looking that he was an object of fear and dread to the people among whom he lived his face was stern and forbidding his eyes deep set and fears looking and these with his remarkable beard of a dark blue color made the people far and near dislike him and call him old Bluebeard not many miles from Bluebird's castle there lived a lady who had two very beautiful daughters the reports of the beauty of these two sisters reached Bluebeard and he heard of them so often that he began to take a great interest in the two young ladies until at last he made up his mind to visit their mother and ask one of them in marriage he was politely received by their mother and made his proposal they were both so lovely he said that he would be happy to get either for his wife and would therefore leave it for her and her daughters to choose which it should be but both miss Anne and her sister Fatima when their mother told him the object of Bluebeard's visit declared they would never marry an ugly man nor above all one with such a frightful Bluebeard besides it was talked over the country that Bluebeard had already married several very beautiful ladies and yet nobody could tell what had become of them not to be rude however they told her mother to say that they had no desire to change their lot and if they had neither would think of depriving the other of so good a match when their mother delivered this answer to Bluebeard he sighed deeply and went away feigning to feel very sad but as their mother was on his side he did not give up all hope knowing the attraction that fine houses fine furniture and fine dinners have for ladies in general Bluebeard invited the mother her two daughters and two or three other ladies who are visiting them to spend a day or two at his castle and they accepted his invitation Bluebeard entertained his guests in such princely style that a time glided by very pleasantly till a week had passed kindness and politeness even when shown by a very ugly person seldom failed to please and it was therefore no wonder that Fatima the youngest of the two sisters began to think Bluebeard a very well-bred kind and civil gentleman and that the beard which she and her sister had been so much afraid of was not so blue after all in fact so completely had Bluebeard's polite attentions removed her previous dislike for him that shortly after her return home she told her mother that she would now be willing to accept him as her husband her mother immediately sent word to Bluebeard of the change in her daughter's feelings he lost no time in paying a visit to the family and in a few days was privately married to Fatima he took his bride home at once to his castle and her sister and went with her a month was given up to festivity in honor of the marriage and the time passed away like a dream at the end of it Bluebeard told his wife that he was obliged to leave her for a few weeks as he had some affairs to attend to in a distant part of the country but my dear Fatima said he you can enjoy yourself in my absence in any way that you please you can give dinners and invite your friends to visit you for you are the sole mistress in this castle here are the keys of the two large wardrobes this is the key of the great box which contains the best plate this of my strongbox where I keep my money and this belongs to the casket where I keep my jewels here is a master key to all the rooms in the house but this small key belongs to the blue closet at the end of the long hall on the ground floor I give you leave he continued to open or do what you like with all of the castle except this closet but this my dear you must not enter nor even put the key into its lock now do not forget for if you fail to obey me you must expect the most dreadful punishment Fatima promised not to forget and Bluebeard after kissing her in a tender manner stepped into his coach and was driven away as soon as he was gone Fatima sent word to her friends to come without delay and make her a visit she also sent a note to her two brothers both officers in the army asking them to obtain a leave of absence and spend a few days with her her brothers wrote to her that they would arrive the next day so eager however where her other friends to see the riches of Bluebeard that they all came within two hours they went from room to room showing fresh wonder and admiration at every new object they beheld during the day Fatima was so busy that she never once thought of the blue closet but when all the guests were gone she felt a great desire to know what it contained she took out the key and went down the stairs that led to it on reaching the door she stopped and began to reason with herself and her heart failed her for she knew she was not doing right but her desire to know about the closet grew stronger each moment and at last she put the key into the lock and opened the door she walked into the closet a few steps and there's a horrible sight she was in the midst of blood and hanging around the walls where the bodies of the former wives of Bluebeard who may have slain Fatima trembled like a leaf and the key slipped from her fingers and fell on the floor it was some moments before she could recover strength enough to pick it up and fly from the place after locking the door observing the key to be stained with blood she tried to wipe it off but the blood would not come out in vain did she try washing and scouring the blood still remained for the key was a magic one the gift of a fairy to Bluebeard early next day Bluebeard suddenly arrived home saying he had received news which made his intended journey unnecessary he asked Fatima for his keys and she gave them to him all except the one to the blue closet he looked him over and then said how is it that the key of the blue closet is not here I must have left it in my room says she bring it to me at once then said Bluebeard the poor wife feeling that the end was near at hand went and got the key and brought it to her husband he looked at it a moment and then burst into a terrible rage pray madam said he how came this blood to be here I'm sure I do not know said Fatima turning very pale you do not know said Bluebeard in a voice like thunder I know full well you have been in the blue closet and since you are so fond of crying into secrets you shall take up your abode with the ladies you saw there almost dead with terror Fatima sank upon her knees and entreated him in the most piteous manner to forgive her but to cruel Bluebeard death to her cries drew his sword and batter prepare for death at once she begged that he would at least allow her a short time to pray I will give you half an hour said Bluebeard in a harsh voice and no more then he left the room as soon as he left her Fatima ran to her sister and told her as well she could for her sobs that she had but half an hour to live and asked her to go to the top of the tower and see if there were no signs of their brothers coming her sister did so and the poor trembling girl below cried out from time to time sister Anne my dear sister Anne do you see anyone coming yet her sister always replied no I see no one I see not but the Sun which makes a dust and the grass which is green at last they heard the angry voice of Bluebeard who cried out are you ready that time is up Fatima begged for five minutes more which he knowing she was holy at his mercy granted Fatima then called again to her sister sister and do you see anyone coming yet her sister replied as before I see nothing but the Sun which makes a dust and the grass which is green quickly the five minutes sped away and then the voice of Bluebeard was heard calling are you ready yet again she piteously begged for a brief delay only two minutes longer then she called and sister Anne do you not see someone now I see set her sister a cloud of dust on the left hand side of the road not far off do you think it is our brothers said the wife alas no dear sister said and as the cloud of dust turn here it is only a flock of sheep once more Bluebeard's terrible voice was heard and the poor wife begged again for a minute's delay then she called out for the last time sister Anne do you see anyone coming yet her sister quickly answered I see two men on horseback but they are still a great way off think heaven cried Fatima it must be your brothers make every signal in your power dear sister for them to lose no time even as she spoke Bluebeard was hurt pounding at the door and in his fury he burst it open and aimed to blow at the wretched girl as she knelt on the floor but she's brang forward close to him and the blow passed over her head wild at being thus foiled in his aim the furious man seized her by the hair and was about to strike the fatal blow when a loud noise as of persons coming with hasty strides caused him to stop and listen almost at the same moment the door flew open and two officers with drawn swords rushed into the room struck with terror Bluebeard turned to fly but he had gone only a few paces before Fatima's brothers for it was day had both plunged their swords into his body and he fell down Fatima had fallen into a faint at the time Bluebeard seized her by the hair and she lay so pale and lifeless that one would have thought that she was dead too but she recovered her senses and then she could scarcely believe that she was safe and that her cruel husband had met the death he so richly merited but dare he lay stark and cold and by her side where a sister Anne and her dear brothers whose coming had saved her from a horrible death as Bluebeard had no relations Fatima was so heir to the whole of his fast wealth and mistress of the castle she sent notices to all the families living near the castle telling them of the death of Bluebeard and laid open the proofs of his cruelty for two days to all who chose to view them though Doss made the owner of riches almost without limit Fatima used him with such good judgment that she gained the love of everyone who knew her she gave each of her brothers a fine castle with money enough to enable him to live in comfort and to her sister who was married shortly afterward she gave a large dowry she herself became in due time the wife of a young nobleman whose kind treatment soon made her forget Bluebeard's cruelty end of chapter 20 recording by phone end of the center class storybook by a known