"I can't tell yo' how much I'se missed yo'!" And his face shone like a piece of polished ebony.
"It's more like home than ever, to get where you are, Aleck," said Dick.
"You've been through so much with us you are certainly part of the outfit." And at this Aleck laughed and looked more pleased than ever.
It was the day before Christmas, but in honor of their arrival there was an extra-fine dinner awaiting them.

Mrs.Rover had wanted to keep her turkey meat for Christmas, so her husband, Anderson Rover, and Aleck had gone into the woods back of the farm and brought down some rabbits and a number of birds, so there was potpie and other good things galore, not forgetting some pumpkin pies and home-made doughnuts, which Aunt Martha prepared with her own hands and of which the boys had always been exceedingly fond.
"I'll tell you what," remarked Tom, as he was stowing away his second generous piece of pie, "the feed at the Hall is all right, but when it comes to a real, downright spread, like this, the palm goes to Aunt Martha." And Dick and Sam agreed with him.
There was, of course, much to tell about on both sides, and after dinner the family gathered in the big sitting room, in front of a cheerful, blazing fire.

Mr.Anderson Rover listened with keen interest to what his sons had to say about Jasper Grinder and Dan Baxter.
"I sincerely trust they do not plot against us," he said.

"I am getting old, and I want no more trouble." "I don't believe Dan has the backbone his father has," answered Dick.
"And I believe Mr.Grinder is good deal of a coward." "If only young Baxter would turn over a new leaf!" sighed Mrs.Martha Rover.

"I declare I'll not feel safe, on your account, until that young man is taken care of." The evening was passed in talking, singing, and playing games, and it was not until late that all retired.
The Christmas to follow was not one to be easily forgotten.