“I didn’t,” said Mrs. Merrill. “It wasn’t there then and I never saw it before, and the house has been locked all the time we were at church.”
“It is odd how a Christmas tree could get into a locked house,” agreed Mr. Merrill. “Had we better report it to the police?”
“I wouldn’t go so far as that,” said Mrs. Merrill. “Here’s Dan. He may know.”
“I was at church,” protested Dan. “Didn’t you see me singing in the choir in a very fancy rig?”
“Uncle Dan,” said Dora, “did you ever see that tree before?”
“How can I tell?” said Dan. “There have been several hundred Christmas trees in the square this past week. I don’t know one from another.”
Dora held him firmly. “Did you put that tree in here?” she asked.
“I did not,” said Dan.
“Did you unlock the door so somebody could bring it in?” Lucy asked.
“I did not,” said Dan.