276 THE RED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
seem strange that it should converse with him in this 
manner. 
" Wherein are we deficient ? " he asked, eagerly. " Or 
what more can we do ? The charitable institutions of 
Boston are among the best in the world, the sky is full of 
her church-steeples, her police and missionary forces are 
vigilant and effective in their work." 
The Ghost of Christmas Present gave a toss to his long 
hair and beard. 
" How much have you done to carry the spirit of 
Christmas-tide beyond your own threshold ? Who in 
this great city will cherish the day and love it more 
dearly for your warm human friendship and kindly act, 
until it symbolizes to them whatever is purest and merri- 
est and holiest in life ? " 
The Ghost's voice, now grown very near, was rather 
sad than stern, and its eyes were fixed intently upon Mr. 
Broadstreet's face. 
Mr. Broadstreet hesitated. With cross-examination he 
was familiar enough, but he did not relish the part of wit- 
ness. So confused was he that he hardly noticed that 
book and picture were now so large that they quite filled 
the end of the room in which he was sitting, and seemed 
like another apartment opening out of his own. 
"I — I — hardly know," he stammered. " Keally, I've 
spent a good deal of money ; my Christmas bills are 
always tremendous, but I suppose it's mostly in the 
family." 
