"Look out," roared Geoffrey, realising how easily in another second his
revolver might be taken from him. The tone was alarming, and McVay
sprang back ten feet. "I was afraid of burning you with the soup,"
Geoffrey explained politely.

"I own you made me jump," said McVay.

The girl said nothing, and Geoffrey feared the incident had made an
unfortunate impression on her.

It appeared to be completely forgotten, however, when they presently sat
down to their Christmas dinner, of which they all expressed themselves
as inordinately proud. There was canned soup, and sardines and toasted
biscuits, canned corned beef, potatoes and fried hominy, bacon and a
potato salad, a bottle of champagne, and finally the wedding cake.

Now to say that by the time dessert was put on table McVay was drunk
would be to do him a gross injustice. All the more genial side of this
nature, however, was distinctly emphasised. The better part of a quart
of champagne had not produced any signs of intoxication; his eye was
clear, his speech perfect, and he was more than usually aware of his own
powers, confident of appreciation.

As he finished his share of cake, he rose to his feet, and leaning the
tips of his fingers on the table, addressed Geoffrey.

"My dear Holland," he said, "I will not wish you a Merry Christmas, for
it has already been as merry as it has lain within my poor capacity to
make it. Let me, however, express my own gratitude to you for this
delightful occasion. You have referred to the fare as meagre, to our
position as constrained, but believe me, I am not exaggerating when I
say that I so little agree with you that I am confident that, during
many of the remaining years of my life I shall look back to this
Christmas as one of unusual luxury and freedom. It is, perhaps, the warm
glow of friendship that gilds all small discomforts, for in situations
like ours characters are tested, and yours, Holland," he paused
impressively, "has stood the test."

Geoffrey bowed gratefully, and McVay continued:

"I have here a slight token in honour of the day. It is of little
pecuniary value, but between us, Holland, pecuniary value is no longer
mentioned. I feel that it will be recommended to you more than mere
worth could recommend it by the fact that it is peculiarly my own,--my
own as few human possessions can be said to be. I offer it," he said,
drawing from his pocket a square flat little package, "with best wishes
for a happy Ne