he strain. If it
should part in the middle and the front wheels go off on an independent
route it would be----"

"Both inconvenient and embarrassing," concluded Captain Dillingham with
a laugh.

Fortunately, however, James Frederick's chariot was staunchly
constructed and reached Mulberry Court without mishap, its precious
contents--including the patient owner of the vehicle--being borne
triumphantly aloft to the McGregor flat. Once upstairs the basket,
scarlet paper, and holly were produced, and Mary with deft fingers went
to work to fashion a receptacle worthy of the bounties with which the
O'Dowds were to be surprised. At last into this garish hamper were
packed the viands and afterward a card bearing holiday greetings was
tied to the handle with a flaring red bow.

"Now the worst task is to come," declared Mrs. McGregor, "and that is
to land the present at Julie's door without being caught. They are
proud people, the O'Dowds, and I wouldn't for worlds have them know
from whom the dinner comes. Timmie is not strong enough to take it and
Carl is too clumsy. Should he start to run away, like as not he would
stumble and bring all Mulberry Court to see what the racket was."

"Why can't I carry it?" inquired Captain Dillingham.

"You! One sight of your gold buttons would be enough, Frederick.
Besides, you're none too agile in making a getaway."

"I fancy some boy could be found to leave it if I paid him," suggested
the captain.

"The very thing! There's a score of 'em on the street. Fetch in the
fastest runner you see, Timmie. No matter whether you know him or not.
In fact, get one you don't know. 'Twill be all the better."

Away sped Tim only to return an instant later with a grimy, Italian
youngster at his heels.

Captain Dillingham explained the errand.

At the sight of the gleaming quarter of a dollar the Italian grinned.
He would leave a bomb or a live ox at anybody's door for a quarter,
affirmed he with an ingratiating smile.

Therefore the precious basket was entrusted to him and to judge by the
scampering that followed its thud before the O'Dowds' door he was quite
as fleet of foot as Tim had asserted.

"Wouldn't you like to see their faces when they find it?" whispered
Carl who, with Mary, was hanging over the banister, straining his ears
for every sound.

There was not, however, much to hear.

After the furious knock somebody ventured into the hall. Then Julie's
voice, high-pitched with excite