us happy. Elizabeth, sitting in her
easy-chair, told of Christmas in the olden time when her father had gone
to the war with the British.

David sat near me, his face in the firelight--the broad brow wrinkled
into furrows and framed in locks of iron-grey. He was looking
thoughtfully at the fire. Uncle Eb came soon, stamping and shaking the
snow out of his great fur coat.

'Col'night,' he said, warming his hands.

Then he carried his coat and cap away, returning shortly, with a little
box in his hand.

'Jes' thought I'd buy this fer fun,' said he, holding it down to the
firelight. 'Dummed if I ever see the like uv it. Whoa!' he shouted, as
the cover flew open, releasing a jumping-jack. 'Quicker n a grasshopper!
D'ye ever see sech a sassy little critter?

Then he handed it to Elizabeth.

'Wish ye Merry Christmas, Dave Brower!' said he.

'Ain't as merry as I might be,' said David.

'Know what's the matter with ye,' said Uncle Eb. 'Searchin' after
trouble--thet's what ye're doin'. Findin' lots uv it right there 'n
the fire. Trouble 's goiti' t' git mighty scurce 'round here this very
selfsame night. Ain't goin' t' be nobody lookin' fer it--thet's why.
Fer years ye ve been takin' care o' somebody et I'll take care 'o you,
long's ye live--sartin sure. Folks they said ye was fools when ye
took 'em in. Man said I was a fool once. Alwuss hed a purty fair idee
o'myself sence then. When some folks call ye a fool 's a ruther good
sign ye ain't. Ye've waited a long time fer yer pay--ain't much longer
if wait now.'

There was a little quaver in his voice, We all looked at him in silence.
Uncle Eb drew out his wallet with trembling hands, his fine old face lit
with a deep emotion. David looked up at him as he wondered what joke was
coming, until he saw his excitement.

'Here's twenty thousan' dollars,' said Uncle Eb, 'a reel, genuwine bank
check! Jist as good as gold. Here 'tis! A Crissmus present fer you 'n
Elizabeth. An' may God bless ye both!'

David looked up incredulously. Then he took the bit of paper. A big tear
rolled down his cheek.

'Why, Holden! What does this mean?' he asked.

''At the Lord pays His debts,' said Uncle Eb. 'Read it.'

Hope had lighted the lamp.

David rose and put on his spectacles. One eyebrow had lifted above the
level of the other. He held the check to the lamplight. Elizabeth stood
at his elbow.

'Why, mother!' said he. 'Is this from our boy? From Nehemiah? Why,
Nehemiah is dead!'