The Colonel made no reply, but Verney said: “In the interest of patriotism, madam, you cannot possibly court-martial them.�
“And it is Christmas Eve, mother,� said Tom.
“Well, it is largely your fault, Mr. Verney. You spoil them too much.�
“I shall reform, madam. We shall reform, Gemini.�
“To bed with you, lads,� she said.
“Couldn’t we sit up a little?� said Verney.
“Please, madam,� urged the Count.
“Then half an hour. Come to the fire. Lie down on the rug, boys. Why, your hands are half frozen.� The Count and Verney drew to the hearth and the Colonel sat at the table. He was quite outside of the group around the fire.
“You have been so good,� said Verney, “that I shall have some little presents for you to-morrow.� The twins wished to hear of them. “No,� he said, “you must wait.� But in the morning he and the Colonel had to go out to inspect the works Major Montresor had thrown up at Chestnut Hill. They would use their own horses and Mrs. Markham’s sleigh, and would their mother let the boys go?
“They are so good,� said Verney.