The old major was actually on the verge of tears. "I have never been so near the dear home of my boyhood as this evening, with all you happy, generous young people around me," he said. "Who in the world is Santa Claus?" asked Ted. "Why, just Santa Claus, you goose," said Stella, laughing. But now Santa Claus got down from the pony's back and stepped to the front of the tree. Every one gathered around and kept silent. "Good evening, children," he said, in a gruff and husky voice. "Ach, it iss Kris Krinkle!" shouted Carl Schwartz, in glee. "Py Chiminy, ain't he noble? How you vas, Kris?" "Children, I have a few seasonable gifts for you which I will give you before I hurry away, for I have many more young friends whom I must visit before the dawn. But first I will turn over to my young friend Ted Strong this beautiful pony, which has been intrusted to me by Major Caruthers." He led the pony forward and thrust the bridle into Ted's hand. Ted was so astonished that he did not know what to say, but managed at last to mumble his thanks to his host. For Stella there was a beautiful necklace of New Mexican turquoises from the major, who also had not forgotten one of the boys. Then mysterious packages, well wrapped, were handed off the tree, and as they were opened, shouts of laughter greeted them, for nearly every one of them contained something meant as a joke on the recipient. Carl got a noble-looking parcel, and when he opened it, found a nice red bologna sausage. Every one screamed with laughter, but Carl promptly turned the joke by taking out his knife and cutting up and devouring the sausage. There was a lemon for Kit from Ben, and a Joe Miller joke book, full of antiquated chestnuts, for Bud, who proceeded to get square by reading all the most ancient ones, such as the chicken crossing the road, and similar gems. While the laughter and fun were at their height there was a sound on the veranda, and they all stopped to listen. Ted instinctively turned to where Farnsworth was sitting alone in the corner, for there had been no presents for him, and saw him sitting up, listening intently. Being a guilty man, or, at least, aware that he was being pursued, he was alert. "What's the row out there?" asked the major, who was loath to have the evening's fun disturbed by outsiders. "Don't know," said Ted. "Sounded like some one walking on the veranda and trying the door." He had no sooner spoken when the door was thrust open and four men sprang into the room and looked around. At the same instant, Farnsworth leaped to his feet, drawing his revolver and backing into the center of the room. Farnsworth was as pale as paper, but his eyes flashed fire as he glanced swiftly around. Apparently there was no way of escape, for the intruders barred the only outside door.