like this little child!" she prayed again and
again. She was startled by hearing a step on the front portico and a
knock at the door.

Bob, who was working in front of the hall-fire, went to the door. His
mother heard him answer doubtfully some question. She opened the door
of her chamber and went out into the hall. A stranger with a large
bundle or pack on his back stood on the threshold. His clothes were
shabby and old, his hat, which was still on his head, was pulled down
over his eyes, and he wore a beard.

"An', leddy, wud ye bay so koind as to shelter a poor sthranger for a
noight at this blissed time of pace and good-will?" he said, in a
strong Irish brogue.

"Certainly," said Mrs. Stafford, with her eyes fixed on him. She moved
slowly up to him. Then, by an instinct, quickly lifting her hand, she
pushed his hat back from his eyes. Her husband clasped her in his arms.

"My darling!"

Bob, with a cry, seized him. "I knew you'd come, father," he said.

"They all said you would," declared Mrs. Stafford.

"Well, I _had_ to come. I had given my word," said Colonel Stafford,
smiling.

The Colonel was borne into the hall.

A little later the pack was opened, and such a treasure-house of toys
and things was displayed as surely never greeted any other eyes. The
smaller children, including Ran, were not awakened, at their father's
request, though Mrs. Stafford wished to wake them to see him. But Bob
was let into the secrets, except that he was not permitted to see a
small package which bore his name. Mrs. Stafford and the Colonel were
like two children themselves as they "tipped" about, stuffing the long
stockings with candy and toys. The beautiful doll with flaxen hair,
all arrayed in silk and lace, was seated, last of all, securely on top
of Evelyn's stocking, with her wardrobe just below her, where she would
greet her young mistress when she should first open her eyes, and
Charlie's little blue uniform was pinned beside the gray one his mother
had made, with his sword buckled around the waist.

Bob was at last dismissed to his room, and the Colonel and Mrs.
Stafford settled themselves before the fire, hand in hand, to talk over
the past.

They had hardly started, when Bob rushed down the stairs and dashed
into their room.

"Papa! papa! the yard is full of Yankees!"

Both the Colonel and Mrs. Stafford sprang to their feet.

"Through the back door!" cried Mrs. Stafford, seizing her husband.