cks were busy,
very busy, and when the time came for dessert, every platter and every
plate was empty.

"Pudding! Fetch on the pudding," cried Hippy.

There followed a few moments of waiting while the girls were clearing
the table of used dishes, then Willy Horse was seen entering, bearing a
huge platter, on the platter a great mound of blazing plum pudding.

The jacks gasped.

"Fire!" yelled a lumberjack.

Every jack in the room leaped to his feet and the next instant they were
blowing great, long-drawn breaths at the blue flame that, as they
thought, was consuming something that was good to eat. With strong
breaths, and vigorous slaps from ham-like hands, they soon put out the
"fire," Willy Horse, in a rage, kicking out with his feet at every shin
within reach. The Overland Riders were convulsed with laughter, as the
jacks solemnly filed back to their seats at the table.

"That's plum pudding, you poor fish!" groaned Hippy.

"Ain't nothin' now," grumbled Spike. "Purty nigh burned up."

Grace composed her face and tried to explain that burning the plum
pudding was an old English custom, and that, instead of destroying the
pudding, it added to its flavor, but the jacks shook their heads,
probably thinking that she was saying this to make sport of them. After
the pudding had been served, the jacks tasted it gingerly, then smacking
their lips they quickly devoured it. Coffee and nuts followed, and the
meal came to an end.

"We will now view the Christmas tree," announced Hippy. "Outside there
are millions of Christmas trees, all dolled up with fancy spangles, but
they aren't like this tree, as you will see. Pull the string, Emma!"

A real Christmas tree was revealed as Emma Dean draped back the flag, a
tree decorated with lights and spangles, its branches bending low under
the weight of gifts. A beautiful repeating rifle for Willy Horse brought
a grunt from the Red Man, but nothing more. From the base of the tree
Emma then picked up a bag, opened it and advanced towards the table.

"A little Christmas gift from Mr. Gray and Mr. Wingate," she said,
depositing a ten-dollar gold piece before each lumberjack. Their
amazement left them speechless. Some quickly slipped their gifts into
their pockets, others merely sat and gazed at the shining pieces of
metal for a moment before picking them up.

"Fellows, this is not the bonus we promised you," said Tom. "This is a
Christmas present, just a little gift of apprecia