The Christmas holidays were now at hand and the closing days at Putnam Hall were given over to several entertainments.  One of these consisted of a stage performance of a play called “A Christmas in a Tenement,” given by twelve of the boys.  Three of the lads, including Tom, took female parts, and the audience laughed itself sore over the antics that were cut up.

Many living in the vicinity came to the entertainment; including all of the Lanings and also Dora Stanhope and her mother; who was now almost as well as ever.

“It was fine!” said Nellie Laning to Tom.  “But, oh, Tom, what a girl you did make!”

“Wouldn’t you like me for a sister?” queried Tom.

“A sister!  Oh, dear!” cried Nellie, and began to laugh again.

“You looked like a female giraffe!” put in Grace Laning.  “Sam acted a little boy splendidly.  Sam, don’t you want a stick of candy?”

“Yes, mammy, please,” squeaked Sam, just as he had on the stage, and another laugh went around.

In the meantime Dick had drawn Dora to one side.  “What is the news?” he asked anxiously.

“Nothing new,” sighed Dora.  “Josiah Crabtree has gone to Boston on business.  I am afraid I cannot keep that marriage off much longer.  He seems bound to marry mother, and even if she feels like drawing back she hasn’t the courage to tell him so.”

“It’s a shame,” murmured Dick.  “Well, remember what I said, Dora, if I can ever help you I will.”  And he squeezed her hand.  Before they separated he gave her a silk handkerchief he had purchased at Cedarville, one with her initial in the corner, and she blushingly handed over a scarf made by herself.  Dick was very proud of that scarf, although Tom and Sam leased him about it unmercifully.

Of course the boys had received letters from their uncle and aunt regularly, yet they watched eagerly for the hour that should bring them within sight of the farm with its well-known buildings.  The journey to Oak Run proved uneventful, and here Jack, the hired man, met them with the carriage.

“Glad to see you, lads,” he said —­ with a grin.

“Seems quite natural like.”

“So it does, Jack!” cried Tom.  “Let ’em out, for we want to get home!”

The snow was falling, and by the time the farmhouse was reached it was several inches deep.  “We’re in for a sleigh ride before we go back,” said Sam.

Their uncle and aunt stood at the door to receive them.  “Welcome home!  Merry Christmas!” came from both, and each of the boys gave a warm handshake to Randolph Rover and hearty kiss to their Aunt Martha.  Past troubles were all forgotten.

This was Christmas Eve, and the boys stayed up late, cracking nuts by the blazing log fire and having a good time generally.

In the morning Dick was the first one awake.

“For gracious’ sake!” he ejaculated, staring at the chimney piece.  “There hung his own stocking and also one each belonging to Tom and Sam.  Each was filled with goodies such as he knew only his Aunt Martha could make.