CHAPTER VIII
WHAT MIKE FOUND
After dinner that night Chuck and Toad spent a little time helping to trim the big tree that had been put in place in the library during their absence of the afternoon. Chuck was on the top of a stepladder, tying shiny colored balls to the upper branches, when Toad, who had been busy with candy canes and popcorn balls, suddenly stopped and looked at the clock on the mantel.
"It's seven o'clock, Chuck," he cried, "and the others will be wondering why we don't come out," and at this he ran into the hall to get into his coat and cap.
Chuck took but a second to follow Toad out into the yard to meet the boys.
Mother Brown had sent her bundle and Toad's new sled to the barn by John, the stableman, who put them into the sleigh with the other things while the boys were at dinner.
"Hello, boys! Everybody here?" inquired Toad as he joined the group of boys in front of the barn.
"All but Fat," laughed Reddy, "and he'll be along in a minute. He said I walked too fast for him."
"Is everything in the sleigh?" asked Herbie, as John was hitching up.