“I have some extra ones in my bag,” said Henry. “We will hang them up.”
He opened the bag and brought out three stockings, one for each of his guests. He fastened them to the baggage racks above the seats and watched the two boys contentedly close their eyes and go to sleep.
“They will be awfully disappointed when they wake up in the morning and do not find anything in them,” said Mary.
“They’re going to find something in them,” said Henry confidently.
He went to the end of the car, opened his trunk and lifted out various packages which had been designed for him. Of course he was going on sixteen, but there were some things that would do for Philip and plenty of things for George and some good books that he had selected himself that would do for Mary. Then there were candy and nuts and cakes and oranges galore. Mary was even more excited than he was as they filled the boys’ stockings and arranged things that were too big to go in them.
“These are your own Christmas gifts, I know,” said the girl, “and you haven’t hung up your stocking.”
“I don’t need to. I have had my Christmas present.”
“And what is that?”
“A chance to make a merry Christmas for you and your little brothers,” answered Henry, and his heart was light.
“How long do you suppose we will have to stay here?” asked the girl.