o, each one as laboriously composed
as the first, asking St. Nicholas to bring them the things nearest their
hearts.

"But when could we have the party?" asked the Captain. "It's too soon to
have it this Saturday afternoon, and next week the older children will
have school."

"Couldn't we have it at four o'clock?" suggested Ethel; "I should think
we could keep them out until half-past five, and then we could take them
home ourselves, because, of course, it would be too dark by then for
them to go alone."

They decided upon Thursday afternoon, for the girls were to leave Miss
Allen's at noon on Friday; and a hundred dollars was appropriated for
the party and the presents.

The time seemed all too short for the committee in charge; indeed, every
member of the troop served in some way. Miss Phillips took Frances and
Ethel to the city with her to select the presents and the tree
ornaments; four of the girls wrote the invitations, and half a dozen
were to attend to the refreshments and decorations. Lily Andrews,
because she was stout and jolly, was awarded the supreme honor of being
Santa Claus; and she spent much time preparing her costume.

At last everything was in readiness, and the Scouts gathered in the
gymnasium. A big tree stood in the center, glistening with tinsel and
shining with brightly colored balls. Underneath, attractively wrapped in
Christmas paper and ribbon, the presents were invitingly piled. Santa
Claus, with several of the girls who were to assist "him," was hidden in
Miss Phillips's office.

The guests--everyone of the thirty-two ragged little children, and
several additional younger brothers and sisters besides--arrived,
dressed in what was probably their best clothes--just as the little
Ruggles came to Carol's famous party in "The Birds' Christmas Carol."
Edith and Frances received them at the door and helped them remove their
coats and hats.

With exclamations of "Oh!" and "Ah!" they stood perfectly still, lost in
admiration of the Christmas tree. They had never seen such a lovely one
before.

"Will everyone please sit down upon the pillows?" asked Miss Phillips,
indicating a row of sofa cushions arranged around the tree.

Doris Sands and Emily Rankin gave out the popcorn and candy toys. The
children were too much awe-struck to think of talking. They just sat
still and gazed, all the while sucking their candy, and looking
expectantly at the alluring parcels under the tree.

In a short