he stationed
himself beside Mary who was elbow deep in the dishpan. "All hands to
the pumps!" cried he sharply.

It was a ringing command and instantly Tim and Carl leaped forward to
obey it.

What a dish-wiping team the three made!

Mary could scarcely wash fast enough to keep up with them.

In the meantime Mrs. McGregor was here, there, and everywhere, putting
to rights the disordered house; and so effectual was her touch that by
the time the last plate was on the shelf tranquillity reigned and
except for lurking candy bags and stray bits of red ribbon it almost
seemed as if there had never been such an event as a Christmas party.

"Now why can't we all go over to the Harlings, Ma?" Carl inquired.
"They will be through their dinner by this time. Hal asked if we
couldn't come."

"But not all of us!" objected Mrs. McGregor. "Why, we're a caravan!"

"Nobody minds caravans on Christmas," pleaded Carl. "Grandfather
Harling would love to see the children. We haven't had them there for
ever so long."

"I suppose we might go. It isn't very far," his mother meditated.

"Oh, do let's!" Tim put in. "I'll wheel James Frederick."

"You? You couldn't wheel anything, so full are you of turkey and plum
pudding! If you get there yourself you will be doing well," was the
curt retort. "However, if you all want to go, I'll not hinder you.
Scurry and get your caps, coats, and mittens."

Off flew the youngsters in every direction; off, too, flew Mrs.
McGregor with Nell and Martin at her heels and the baby in her arms.

Owing to excitement and the general holiday confusion it was some time
before there were two rubbers, two mittens, a cap, coat, and muffler
for everybody; on the very brink of departure a full equipment for
Martin could not be found and to his unbounded delight he was compelled
to set forth in one arctic and one rubber boot--a novel combination
that greatly heightened his pleasure in the trip and made him the envy
of all his younger brothers and sisters. Whether his satisfaction would
have outlived a long journey is uncertain for the rubber boot proved to
be not only too large but treacherously leaky. Notwithstanding the
fact, however, he was a sufficiently good sport to make the best of his
unfortunate bargain and clatter up the long, dim flights that led to
the Harlings' suite with as much spirit as the rest.

And oh, such a welcome as the family received when they did arrive!

It would have warmed the hea