"Now the worst task is to come," declared Mrs. McGregor, "and that is to land the present at Julie's door without being caught. They are proud people, the O'Dowds, and I wouldn't for worlds have them know from whom the dinner comes. Timmie is not strong enough to take it and Carl is too clumsy. Should he start to run away, like as not he would stumble and bring all Mulberry Court to see what the racket was." "Why can't I carry it?" inquired Captain Dillingham. "You! One sight of your gold buttons would be enough, Frederick. Besides, you're none too agile in making a getaway." "I fancy some boy could be found to leave it if I paid him," suggested the captain. "The very thing! There's a score of 'em on the street. Fetch in the fastest runner you see, Timmie. No matter whether you know him or not. In fact, get one you don't know. 'Twill be all the better." Away sped Tim only to return an instant later with a grimy, Italian youngster at his heels. Captain Dillingham explained the errand. At the sight of the gleaming quarter of a dollar the Italian grinned. He would leave a bomb or a live ox at anybody's door for a quarter, affirmed he with an ingratiating smile. Therefore the precious basket was entrusted to him and to judge by the scampering that followed its thud before the O'Dowds' door he was quite as fleet of foot as Tim had asserted. "Wouldn't you like to see their faces when they find it?" whispered Carl who, with Mary, was hanging over the banister, straining his ears for every sound. There was not, however, much to hear. After the furious knock somebody ventured into the hall. Then Julie's voice, high-pitched with excitement and consternation, exclaimed, "Mercy on us!" With that she dragged the basket into her abode and banged the door. It was a brief drama but one entirely satisfying to the McGregors. Over and over again did Carl and Mary enact the scene to the intense delight of the family. "Now mind, should Mrs. O'Dowd come up here with questions, you are to be careful what you say," cautioned their mother. "There's to be no hinting, winking, or smirking. Should Julie say anything, leave it to your uncle or me to answer. All the fun would be spoiled if you gave the secret away." "Oh, yes," agreed Carl. "The sport is to keep folks guessing." But no sooner were the words out of his mouth is than there was a rapping at the hall door. "Oh, Ma! I'll bet that is Mrs. O'Dowd now!" gasped Mary. "It can't be! She'd not track us down so quick as this," replied Mrs. McGregor, flustered and half rising. "Most likely it's the Christmas tree, Mother," Tim suggested. "They promised to send it early this afternoon." Again came the knock. "I'm half afraid to open the door lest it be Julie," faltered Mrs. McGregor. "Be still a minute, all of you, till I think what I'll say to her."