Virginia appeared with the field glasses and after gazing through them for a moment, she exclaimed: “It surely is a horseman but he can’t be our Slim for he is much too stout.”
But when the horseman drew near, they saw that it really was their cow-boy. Virginia ran out to greet him as she laughingly called, “Slim, it is no wonder that we didn’t recognize you. Why you bulge like a Santa Claus with all of those packages. Megsy, do see that big box tied on back. Who is it for, Slim?”
The young cow-boy looked as pleased as the jolly old saint himself as he replied, “I cal’late its fo’ the two of yo’, Miss Virginie. Sort o’ pears to me like both yo’ names is writ on it.”
He had dismounted as he talked, and, at Virginia’s suggestion, had carried the box into the living-room and placed it on the big table which Megsy had hastily cleared. The girls then filled his pockets with goodies, for Slim had been obliged to be away from V. M. for Christmas. “That’s our thank you for bringing us so many presents,” Virginia told him.
Then, when the cow-boy had departed for the bunk house, the girls turned their attention to the big mysterious looking box.
“What can be in it?” Margaret wondered. “Wait till I get a hammer and chisel and we will soon find out.” Virg skipped to the tool house but soon returned.
“Of course I am sure it is from Babs,” Margaret said as she watched with interest as her friend pried off the cover.
“I think so too,” Virg affirmed. “But why my name is also on the wrapping I cannot imagine.”
“I suppose that Babs put a present in for you, too,” Margaret declared. “I have written so much about you to my beloved roommate that she feels well acquainted with you, and then, moreover, she was so pleased because you invited her to visit on the V. M. Ranch next summer.”
Beneath the cover there lay a dozen Christmasy looking packages of all shapes and sizes. On each one was a sprig of holly and mistletoe and a tag. On some of these Virginia’s name was written and on the others Margaret’s.