98 STORIES OF BIRDS AND BEASTS 



grew dark. While they all stood waiting for the sign 

 to be given for opening the camp door, a scream came 

 from Mammy Bun, who was already inside. 



" For de Ian' sakes, Massa Doctor, come hyar right 

 smart ! Billy Coon, he am in der tree eatin' eberyting ! 

 I tink he hab bit one o' dem fancy lights, shor' nuff ! " 



The waiting procession immediately stampeded. 

 Fortunately the tree was fastened at the top, or Billy's 

 fat body would have overturned it and wrought dire 

 mischief. As it was, he had only eaten a few lady 

 apples and a candy cane, so he was driven into a far 

 corner, where he sat devouring a string of popcorn that 

 caught round his neck, for the Brownies were delighted 

 to see their old friend, and the children all begged that 

 he might not be banished. 



The tree lights twinkled in earnest, and made such a 

 blaze that the Brownies blinked, and an hour was spent 

 in exploring the brunches of the tree after the ground 

 had been gleaned of the larger gifts. If this was not 

 a story of fourfoots, I would tell you all about the 

 presents, the names of the bicycles that Olive, Nat, 

 and Dodo received, of Rap's bird book, Mrs. Blake's 

 soft sealskin jacket, the Brownies' toys, Olaf's carved 

 pipe, and Nez' knife that had a blade for everything 

 and one extra. I must riot even whisper about these 

 things, except to say that the snow-shoes were there ; 

 but hurry to the story that Olaf told as he gazed from 

 the tree to the campfire, listening now and then, as if 

 his words came from the wind outside. 



" Who shall choose the pictures to-night ? " asked 

 Olive. " It is Dodo's turn to-morrow, but this is an 

 extra evening." 



