"But those great latticed arms of the six cranes look as if he were trying to play Christmas tree," suggested Mrs. Emerson.
The speeches were full of good will and Christmas cheer. Back on to the pier went the listeners and then amid the cheers of the throng on the dock and the whistles of near-by boats and the strains of "The Star Spangled Banner" from the boys' band and the waving of handkerchiefs and hats, the huge gray steamer slipped out into the stream and started on her way across the ocean.
It was when the U. S. C. was making its way back to the automobiles that a piercing scream attracted their attention.
"That sounds like Fräulein's voice," said Helen, looking about for the source of the cry.
"Meine Tochter!" exclaimed Mrs. Hindenburg at the same moment.
And then they came upon Fräulein, her arms about the neck of a bearded man, who stroked her hair and cheek with one hand while with the other he clung to one of the crutches which gave him but an insecure support.
"Lieber Heinrich!" cried Mrs. Hindenburg as she caught sight of the tableau.
"It's—yes, I believe it's Mr. Schuler! Look, Helen, do you think it is?" whispered Roger.
"It must be," returned Helen. "It's hard to tell with that beard, but I'm almost sure it is."
"His leg! Oh, Helen, his leg is gone!" lamented Ethel Blue.