Arnold had his wish that Christmas, for when Toby awoke on the morning of the twenty-fifth in his little room under the eaves he found that a miracle had occurred while he slept. In fact the miracle was still occurring! Greenhaven was smothered in snow, and big, lazy flakes were still falling from a leaden, misty void. Harbor Street, as it wound northward, showed a single line of footprints, and those were fast being obliterated. The boat yard, across the road, was covered with a white mantle. Beyond, the Cove was dimly discernible, gray-green. The stern of a coal-scow peered through the white mist from the end of Rollinson’s Wharf and a little black fishing boat swung at moorings near by. It was a white, silent and, to Toby, very wonderful world that met the sight that Christmas morning. But Toby didn’t linger long at his window, for the room was cold. Instead, wondering whether Arnold had discovered the snow yet, and deciding, with a chuckle, that he hadn’t, since it was only seven and Arnold was not a very early riser when at home, he hurried into his clothes and was presently on his way down the creaky staircase. Appetizing odors came from the kitchen, but the dining-room was deserted save for Mr. Murphy. Mr. Murphy’s greeting was a strident “Hello, dearie! Won’t you come in and take off your bonnet?” After which he sidled lumbersomely along his perch, put his head coyly on one side and chuckled. “Hello, you old scoundrel,” said Toby. “Merry Christmas to you.” He rubbed the parrot’s head with a finger and Mr. Murphy closed his beady eyes and enjoyed it. Toby was glad there was no one there, for it gave him an opportunity to place the packages he had brought around the table. Others, he saw, had been ahead of him, for already each plate held its quota of mysterious parcels tied with red ribbon. Then Phebe came in from the kitchen and Mr. Tucker stamped in from outdoors and Christmas greetings mingled, while Mr. Murphy, who loved excitement, bobbed about on his perch and cried “All hands stand by!” and “Come to breakfast! Come to breakfast! Come to breakfast!” And in the middle of the hubbub appeared Toby’s mother bearing a big platter, and a minute later they were all seated at the table.