"The excitement has not hurt Granny?" queried Hal.
"No, indeed! It's better than quarts of my tonics, and gallons of port wine. She only wanted a good strong motive to give the blood a rush through her veins."
"I was quite afraid last night."
"She'll weather it through, and come out in the spring like a lark. O Hal, my dear boy, God is wonderful! 'And so He bringeth them to the haven where they would be.'"
"Yes. I've been thinking of it all the morning."
"Merry Christmas, everybody. Not a word will I say."
Joe was still watching by the window, when another sleigh stopped, and a brisk little figure sprang out, running up the walk. He opened the door.
"Hillo!" he cried. "Here comes Kit, scalp-lock, fiddle, and all."
"Oh!" in the utmost wonder and amazement, glancing around as if suddenly bereft of his senses. "Oh, it isn't Joe, raised out of the sea! It can't be!"
"Pity the poor fishes," said Joe comically. "Think of the banquet to which they might have asked all their relations."