“I didn’t get bumped, Father!” cried Arne.
“Must be Julenissen thinks you are a good boy, then,” said his father gravely, though his eyes twinkled. “I guess that means there’s a summer trip ahead for you, Arne.”
And now Mother and Besta brought out the special treat of Yule porridge—a delicate rice pudding made with spices and milk. Gustav, his hair somewhat rumpled, was there eating with the others.
“We mustn’t forget the bowl for Julenissen,” said Arne, with a sidewise grin at his brother.
“No, he likes that,” said Gustav soberly, and took another helping.
There would be Christmas songs and games to follow, but first Father read the Christmas story. At the beginning, Arne’s mind was so full of his bicycle he could scarcely pay attention. But then a few of the beautiful, familiar words caught his ear.
“‘When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy,’” Father was reading.
Why, that’s exactly what they had done, right up here in Nordheim.
Arne thought of the star that had helped guide him to safety on the mountain. And he remembered what Bergel had said when he was so worried about Gustav. “The Christmas Star has always come in safe and sure,” she had said.