“The Midgets are going to give Punch and Judy dolls to the carol singers as souvenirs of the occasion,” announced Sahwah, as the Winnebagos assembled before starting out for the singing on Christmas Eve. “Won’t they be jolly to put up in our rooms?”
“And did you know that Jeffry, the famous bird imitator, was going to be there and give some of his wonderful bird calls?” asked Gladys. “Migwan, you’re in luck, being home this week to take in all the good things.”
“The frolic afterwards is going to be as much fun as the carol singing,” said Hinpoha. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything. And the group that brings in the most money is going to get a prize,” she added, “and have its picture in the Sunday paper. Oh, I do hope we’ll get the most! We must sing our very best.”
“Oh, what a glorious night!” they all cried, as they passed out into the sparkling snow.
“Oh, but I’m glad I’m a carol singer,” said Katherine, and slipped and sat down on her lantern in her enthusiasm.
“Have you time to walk over to Division Street with me before we go to Mrs. Salisbury’s?” asked Gladys, as they went down the street. Mrs. Salisbury was the lady who had gathered together the band of carolers to which the Winnebagos belonged, and they were all to meet at her house.
“It’s early yet,” said Hinpoha, “we ought to have time. Come on.”
So they all went with Gladys to deliver a Christmas parcel to a poor family whom Gladys’ mother had taken under her wing. Along the big avenues through which they walked candles were already glimmering in windows in friendly invitation to the coming singers. But there were no candles in the windows on Division Street. The houses were all poor little one-story ones, with never a wreath or a bit of decoration anywhere to show that it was Christmas. The very lamp-posts burned dimly with a discouraged air. The girls delivered their bundle and hastened back up the dark street.
“Let’s stop a minute and sing the songs through once more so Migwan will be sure of them,” suggested Hinpoha. “We wanted to before we left the house, you know, and then we forgot it.”
So they stood still before a bleak, empty looking house, and sang through all the songs they were to sing with the group that night on Garfield Avenue.