"After their people were well settled, the children of Virginia enjoyed Christmas," Uncle Sam went on. "They lived on big plantations where their fathers raised tobacco. The houses were large and pleasant. Beautiful trees grew near and gave plenty of shade in the hot summer time. "At Christmas, wild turkeys were roasted in the big fireplaces. The rooms were trimmed with holly and evergreens. There were dinner parties, and dances that lasted all night. The ladies wore flowered silk dresses with long trains. Their hair was powdered and 'done up' on the head so it looked like a tower. The men wore knee-breeches and shoes with bright buckles. Their coats were of silk or velvet and trimmed with much gold and silver lace. "The white people in Virginia did not work hard. They made their black slaves care for the great fields of tobacco. "'Where did the black men come from?' I see the question in Lucy's eyes." Uncle Sam stopped for a moment to stroke his chin and slyly pull Joe's hair, for the boy had turned his head to look at his sister. "Ouch! That isn't fair, Uncle Sam," cried Joe. "I will try to forgive you, though, if you don't do it again and go on with your story." "The Dutch were the first ones to bring slaves to Virginia. They sailed to Africa and caught the poor savages in their homes. Then they carried them on board ship and afterwards sold them to the white planters in America. That is one way the Dutch became rich. "You may praise the Dutch for giving you Santa Claus, Joe. You may blame them, however, for being the first to bring the dreadful curse of slavery to this beautiful land." Uncle Sam was getting excited. "We may thank the Lord for sending us a good helper. It is because of that helper that the people of America are now free." The old man got up and made a deep bow before a picture hanging above the organ. "There is the face of one who loved his fellow men," he said, pointing to the picture. "When you children know a little more about your country, you shall hear the story of Abraham Lincoln." CHAPTER VIII THE PILGRIMS "I think mother cooks the best Thanksgiving dinners in the world," said Joe, with a sleepy yawn. "It seems as though I could never be hungry again." "It is no wonder you feel as you do. I don't see where in that small body of yours you were able to stow away so much turkey and mince pie, to say nothing of the squash and mashed potatoes, the cranberry sauce, nuts and raisins," said Uncle Sam. "I wonder if you ever thought why we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. The people of other countries do not have this holiday. If you are not too sleepy I will tell you about it." Uncle Sam had been spending the day with the parents of Joe and Lucy. The children's mother had said, "Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without Uncle Sam to share it with us. Even if my sister Mary comes with her whole family, we can make room at the table for our dear old friend."