s friend's arm.

"The fool kid brought it on himself. I can see how he got worked up. You
can be exasperating and he gave you what he'd like to have given
Rosenthal. Nevertheless, no man can take a crack on the chin with a
thank you, Roger."

Roger did not reply. They turned into River Street where the street
lights flashed through the bare branches of the elms. An occasional
sleigh jingled by. Lights glowed from pleasant windows where children
were silhouetted against the curtains. Ernest stopped before the big,
comfortable Wolf house.

"Come in to supper, Roger."

"I'll not be good company, Ern," but Roger's voice was wistful.

"Come along! Mother doesn't mind your grouches, and I guess the rest of
us can endure one more."

Roger turned up the brick path that led to the door.

"Hello, boys!" Elsa called, as the front door slammed. "You're late!"

Elschen at twenty-nine was still very pretty in an unobtrusive way. Her
yellow hair was thick and curly. Her eyes were like Ernest's and her
skin was fair, with a velvety flush in her delicately rounded cheeks.

"Supper's ready," she went on. "Papa just came in. Don't keep him
waiting, children."

Roger and Ernest went quickly into the dining room where Papa Wolf was
just sitting down. He nodded to them over his spectacles, then helped
himself to a slice of meat.

"Where's Mamma?" asked Ernest, passing the bread to Roger.

"Here, liebchen!" Mamma Wolf came in, carrying a steaming coffee pot.
She set it down, then hurried round the table to kiss first Ernest, then
Roger.

"You know Rog can't eat without you, Muetterchen," laughed Ernest.

"He doesn't get his manners from the Germans," snapped Elsa.

"Never mind! I've gotten the only home life I've known in eight years
from them," returned Roger. He and Mamma Wolf exchanged an affectionate
glance.

"Pass the biscuits, Elsa," said Papa Wolf.

"Going anywhere to-night, Elsa?" asked Ernest.

"Yes, we have choir practice every night from now to Christmas."

"The carols are beautiful!" exclaimed Mamma Wolf. "I heard them last
night when I stopped by the church for Elsa. Ernest, pass your papa the
preserves and put the cake where he can reach it. It's fresh, Papa,
never fear. I only finished frosting it as you came in." Mamma Wolf
looked at her husband a little anxiously.

"That Smithsonian man telephoned you again this afternoon, Ernest," said
Elsa. "He wanted to call this evening and I told him to come alon