The children cheered, and generously applauded, whereupon the two
performers came back and repeated the last part of their act.

The housekeeper now appeared, gowned in black silk, with a fine white
muslin cap, and apron.

"Will all these little friends, led by Captain Atherton, and Miss
Vandmere, march out to the dining-room for refreshments?" she asked,
and the eager little friends waited for no urging. A spread had been
prepared especially suitable for a cold, wintry night, and how they
did enjoy it!

Hot chicken boullion, wee, hot chicken pies in the dearest little round
nappies, ice cream in lovely shapes, and hot chocolate with whipped
cream. Oh, but nothing could have been chosen that would have been so
delicious for a treat to be enjoyed on a frosty evening!

"Let us crack this huge nut," said Captain Atherton, and suiting the
action to the word, he hit the big nut that lay upon a salver in the
center of the table.

With a "crack" like a toy pistol it opened, proving itself to be filled
with nuts of the usual size.

Then what fun they had trying to open their nuts! Some were chocolate
nuts, with nut meats inside, while others were real nut shells filled
with bonbons.

After the good things had been enjoyed, they hastened back to the large