ign."

We were ushered solemnly into the house and were marched upstairs to
meditate on our enormities.

We could hear the debate going on below, and now and then a gentle voice
took up the cause. Presently a slow step mounted the stair and the door
opened. It was a grave senior--owner of Don. We knew that we were gone.

"Boys, did n't you know better than that?"

Three culprits looked at each other sideways and remained speechless. We
were trying to figure out which was the more politic answer.

"Now, this is Christmas----"

"A time of peace and good-will," said Met under his breath, but loud
enough to be heard.

"Yes--and that 's the reason I am going to appeal to you as to what
should be done to you. Suppose you were in my place and I in yours, and
you had told me never--_never_ to take the pointers out to run
hares, and I knew I was disobeying you, and yet I had done it
deliberately--_deliberately_ disobeyed you--what would you do?"

I confess that the case seemed hopeless. But Met saved the day.

"I 'll tell you what I 'd do, sir."

"What?"

"I 'd give you another chance."

"Hm---ah--ur----"

It was, however, too much for him, and he first began to smile and then
to laugh. Met also broke out into a laugh, knowing that he had caught
him.

So peace and good-will were restored and Christmas really began.

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