A loud shout of laughter went up at the surprised look on Bart's face. He did not know what to say, and he shook his head to get rid of the confetti that clung even to his eyebrows. He had hoped to get away undiscovered but his chums had been too smart for him. He opened his mouth to speak, and the hickory nut he had placed in it to make his voice sound deep, dropped out and rolled on the floor. At this there was more laughter. "Very well done, Bart," observed Principal McCloud. "I think school is dismissed," he added, as he and the other teachers joined in the laughter. "Come again, Bart," said Ned, as he and the other boys crowded about the impersonator of Santa Claus. "Off with his uniform!" one of the boys called, and, before Bart could defend himself, he was being pulled this way and that, until the red suit he had gone to such trouble to make was a thing of shreds and tatters. "It's just like poor King Lear, being all torn apart by the winds," exclaimed Jennie Smith, though some of her companions could not quite see the simile. "Oh, I would love to recite something," she went on. "Go ahead," said Mary Tedwell. "I guess no one will hear you," and she laughed rather maliciously. "Mean old thing!" exclaimed Jennie. "She's mad because she can't recite poetry." Now Bart was entirely stripped of his Santa Claus suit, and the boys and girls, securing pieces of it, formed a ring about the lad and marched around singing any tune that came into their heads. The teachers had retired, leaving the pupils to finish in their own fashion the celebration attendant upon closing of school for the holidays as they knew there would be little trouble. But all things must have an end and the merry frolic of the boys and girls was gradually brought to a close. Those who had received the odd presents from Bart were made to exhibit them, and many were the jibes and quips that accompanied the display. On all sides and from scores of girls and boys came the greeting, "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year," for school would not assemble again until the second week in January. One by one the pupils left for home. The big auditorium became quieter and soon only the four chums, Alice and Jennie, and a few of their friends remained. "Come on," said Bart. "I'll stand treat for hot chocolate at Fanton's Drug Emporium." The boys and girls were a little later on their way to the "Emporium" as the sign in the window declared it to be. "Coming to the entertainment Friday night?" asked Jennie of Fenn, when they were sipping the hot beverage. "What entertainment?" "The Y. M. C. A. is going to give one in the school auditorium. Moving pictures and some music. Alice and I are going." "Sure I'm coming," Stumpy replied, though it was the first he had heard of it. But Stumpy wasn't going to be left out if there were girls in it. "Where you going?" asked Bart, overhearing the talk. "Entertainment--school hall--Y. M. C. A.--Mov--ing pict--ures."