ad not cut up the old uniform for the children!"

"Mother! mother! I have one!" gasped Bob, bursting into the room and
tearing off the unknown major's uniform.

VIII

SANTA CLAUS SURRENDERS

Ten minutes later Colonel Stafford, with a steady step and a proud
carriage, and with his hand resting on Bob's shoulder, walked out into
the hall. He was dressed in the uniform of a Confederate major, which
fitted admirably his tall, erect figure.

"General Denby, I believe," he said, as the Union officer rose and
faced him.

"We have met before under somewhat different circumstances," he said,
with a bow, "for I now find myself your prisoner."

"I have the honor to request your parole," said the General, with great
politeness, "and to express the hope that I may be able in some way to
return the courtesy which I formerly received at your hands." He
extended his hand and Colonel Stafford took it.

"You have my parole," said he.

"I was not aware," said the General, with a bow toward Mrs. Stafford,
"until I entered the room where your children were sleeping, that I had
the honor of your husband's acquaintance. I will now take my leave and
return to my camp, that I may not by my presence interfere with the joy
of this season."

"I desire to introduce to you my son," said Colonel Stafford, proudly
presenting Bob. "He is a hero."

The General bowed as he shook hands with him. Perhaps he had some
suspicion how true a hero he was, for he rested his hand kindly on the
boy's head, but said nothing.

Both Colonel and Mrs. Stafford invited the old soldier to spend the
night there, but he declined. He, however, accepted an invitation to
dine with them next day.

Before leaving, he requested permission to take one more look at the
sleeping children. Over Evelyn he bent silently. Suddenly stooping,
he kissed her little pink cheek, and with a scarcely audible
"Good-night," passed quickly out of the room and left the house.

The next morning, by light, there was great rejoicing. Charlie and
Evelyn were up betimes, and were laughing and chattering over their
presents like two little magpies.

"Those Yankees did not catch Santa Claus at all. Here's my sword and
here's my breeches," cried Charlie, "two pair; but I'm goin' to put on
my gray ones. I ain't goin' to wear a blue uniform."

"Here's my dolly!" screamed Evelyn, in an ecstasy over her beautiful
present. Just then their father sat up and spoke to them