es, the children passed many
days most happily.

Christmas was coming. The Curlytops and their playmates now began
counting the days until this grand holiday should arrive. Trouble, with
the help of Janet, had written his letter to Santa Claus, and the other
children had told each other (so Aunt Sallie and Uncle Toby could hear)
the things they wished St. Nicholas to bring them.

One morning Uncle Toby brought the big automobile around to the door of
the cabin. It was two days before Christmas, and everything had been
prepared for a jolly good time at the cabin. A big green tree had been
cut in the woods, and set up in one of the rooms. There it was to be
trimmed and made ready for the presents to be put under it.

"Come, children, we're going to the village to get the mail and some
other things," called Uncle Toby to the Curlytops and their friends.
"Pile in, and we'll all go to the village. I wouldn't be surprised but
what there would be some letters for all of you," he said, with a
twinkle in his eyes, as if he knew what was going to happen.

"Oh, maybe daddy and mother will be here for Christmas!" cried Ted and
Janet.

"And maybe my father and mother will come," added Lola, though she did
not have much hope of this.

"If I could get a letter that my mother was all well again, that would
be the best Christmas present I could have," sighed Mary.

"Maybe you will get such a letter," said Uncle Toby.

Perhaps he knew what was going to happen.

Aunt Sallie said she would not make the trip to the village in the
automobile, as she had work to do at the bungalow. So Uncle Toby,
the Curlytops and their playmates--alas, not with Skyrocket this
time--started off. The snow seemed to be coming down thicker and
faster, but this only made the children more joyful, for they loved
snow at Christmas, as what youngster does not?

The post-office was reached, and Uncle Toby went in for the mail. He
came out with both hands full. There was a letter for Mary and Harry,
one for Ted and Janet and one for Tom and Lola, and then there were
separate letters for each boy and girl from some of the friends they
had left behind. There was even a postal for Trouble.

"Oh, such good news!" cried Ted, when he and Janet had read their
letter. "Daddy and Mother are coming here to spend Christmas with us!"

"Did your father say anything about the money he was afraid of losing?"
asked Uncle Toby.

"No," answered Ted. "But I hope he doesn