inkle!" shouted Carl Schwartz, in glee. "Py Chiminy,
ain't he noble? How you vas, Kris?"

"Children, I have a few seasonable gifts for you which I will give you
before I hurry away, for I have many more young friends whom I must
visit before the dawn. But first I will turn over to my young friend Ted
Strong this beautiful pony, which has been intrusted to me by Major
Caruthers." He led the pony forward and thrust the bridle into Ted's
hand.

Ted was so astonished that he did not know what to say, but managed at
last to mumble his thanks to his host.

For Stella there was a beautiful necklace of New Mexican turquoises from
the major, who also had not forgotten one of the boys.

Then mysterious packages, well wrapped, were handed off the tree, and as
they were opened, shouts of laughter greeted them, for nearly every one
of them contained something meant as a joke on the recipient.

Carl got a noble-looking parcel, and when he opened it, found a nice red
bologna sausage. Every one screamed with laughter, but Carl promptly
turned the joke by taking out his knife and cutting up and devouring the
sausage.

There was a lemon for Kit from Ben, and a Joe Miller joke book, full of
antiquated chestnuts, for Bud, who proceeded to get square by reading
all the most ancient ones, such as the chicken crossing the road, and
similar gems.

While the laughter and fun were at their height there was a sound on the
veranda, and they all stopped to listen.

Ted instinctively turned to where Farnsworth was sitting alone in the
corner, for there had been no presents for him, and saw him sitting up,
listening intently.

Being a guilty man, or, at least, aware that he was being pursued, he
was alert.

"What's the row out there?" asked the major, who was loath to have the
evening's fun disturbed by outsiders.

"Don't know," said Ted. "Sounded like some one walking on the veranda
and trying the door."

He had no sooner spoken when the door was thrust open and four men
sprang into the room and looked around.

At the same instant, Farnsworth leaped to his feet, drawing his revolver
and backing into the center of the room.

Farnsworth was as pale as paper, but his eyes flashed fire as he glanced
swiftly around.

Apparently there was no way of escape, for the intruders barred the only
outside door.

The sudden entrance into the brilliant light had temporarily blinded the
men, so that they stood uncertainly for a few moments, loo