The boys were rather shyer, as is apt to be the case with boys; but Harry Hardy had presently discovered that the boys went to Doctor Bower's school, and informed them that he was to go there next term; after which they got on pretty well.
Frank did not feel much like talking. His heart was full of deep thankfulness that things had turned out so much better than he had any right to expect, and he made some resolutions and offered some prayers that night for which his whole life was likely to be the better.
When supper was over, the whole party assembled in the parlor, where there was a famous blazing fire in the grate.
"What a beautiful fire!" remarked Agatha. "I do love coal that blazes so."
"Yes, in that we have the advantage of being near the mines," said Mr. Hardy. "Coal is plenty and cheap, and I do love to see the fire. But now, what shall we do to make the evening pass pleasantly, and repay these young folks for the loss of their Christmas games at home?"
"Oh, grandfather!" exclaimed May, "don't you remember you promised to tell us the story of the longest Christmas eve you ever spent? I am sure Agatha would like to hear, wouldn't you?" she added, turning to Agatha.
"Yes," replied Agatha. "I love stories."
"And so do I," said Ned, "especially when there are wild beasts in them."
"Then this will suit you exactly, for there are plenty of wild beasts in it," said Harry Hardy, who had heard the story before, but was quite ready to hear it again. "Please do tell it, grandfather!"
The other guests joined their entreaties to those of the children.