It was growing light and Lulu, taking up the despised potato, examined
it more critically. Presently she uttered an exclamation,

"O Gracie, see! It opens and there's something inside!"

The captain and Violet listened intently for what might come next.

"More candies and--something wrapped up in soft paper. O Gracie! it's a
lovely little breastpin!"

"Oh, oh, how pretty!" cried Grace. "I wonder if I have one too!" In
their excitement they were forgetting the danger of disturbing others
and talking quite loud.

"Yes, mine opens," Grace went on, "and--oh yes, I've got candies and
something with paper round it and--oh yes, yes, it is a pin! Not quite
like yours, but just every bit as pretty!"

"I think they are having a merry Christmas," said the captain, a happy
light in his eyes, "and, my love, I wish you the same."

Violet returned the wish; but the children were talking again and they
kept quiet to hearken.

"Oh this sweet potato opens too," Lulu was saying, "and there's
something that feels like a stick. O Gracie, Gracie, look! it's a gold
pencil, a lovely little gold pencil! Have you one?"

"No; but you haven't a doll."