“Oh, do, mother!� cried the twins.
The Colonel at the table growled that children were in the way, nuisances; but Verney took his assent for granted, and somewhat reluctantly the mother yielded, her friend Verney promising to take care of them.
Tom liked very well this chance to see the soldiers, but showed the growing boy’s usual appearance of being unenthusiastic. Moreover, he hated the Colonel as much as he liked Verney.
Assured of the frolic, the twins frankly opened the question of Christmas presents with their friendly German guest, Mrs. Markham protesting in vain.
The Count laughed. “Guter himmel, children. I have no presents. Ask the Colonel; he might dream you each a pony.� The Colonel by this time was sound asleep.
“It’s no use,� said Harry.
“Not even if he was awake,� said Bill. “If you haven’t got any presents, tell us a story.�
This he had done many times, liking the lads. Now at this Christmas season he was thinking of his distant home and his wife and children, away in the Fatherland.
“Come, come, Count,� said Verney; “I like stories.�
The Count sat still, reflecting.