CHRISTMAS JOYS
They were gathered about a big fire on the hearth in the largest
cabin--the outdoor girls, the boys, Mr. Ford and others. The crackling
blaze leaped up the broad-throated chimney--it snapped with the energy
of Fourth of July pyrotechnics, and threw a ruddy glow on happy faces.
Betty sang:
"Merry, merry Christmas, everywhere,
Cheerily it ringeth through the air.
Christmas bells, Christmas trees,
Christmas odors on the breeze.
Merry, merry Christmas, everywhere,
Cheerily it ringeth through the air!"
The others joined in, and then, clasping hands they circled around the
room, their shadows flickering in fantastic and gigantic shapes on the
wall as the fire danced with them.
"It's going to be the best Christmas ever--the very best ever!"
murmured Amy, shyly, as she sat beside her--brother.
"That's right, little girl," he said, patting her arm, the one torn by
the lynx. But he took good care to pat above the scratch, which had been
bandaged.
For there was now no doubt that Amy and Mr. Blackford were brother and
sister. Following the strange revelation to him of the red mark on her
shoulder, the young business man had caused careful inquiries to be
made. There was no mistake this time. The baby picked up in the flood
had the red mark--Mr. Blackford's missing sister had the red mark, and
so had Amy. They were one and the same. This was sufficiently proved.
And if other identification was needed, it was in the scar near Amy's
elbow--a scar which at one time she hoped would prove a means of
identifying her. And it did in a measure.
For the mark was that made by the hot point of a flatiron. One had
fallen on her when she was a baby, making a bad burn that had healed
over in the course of time. This fact regarding Amy was learned from the
old diary found with her on the raft in the flood. And from another and
independent source it was learned that Mr. Blackford's missing sister
had a similar scar, caused by a like accident. Though years had almost
obliterated it, still it was sufficiently plain.
"They can't get you away from me now, Amy," said Mr. Blackford, proudly.
"I won't let them," added Amy, moving closer to him.
"Pass the chocolates, Sis," ordered Will. "What is Christmas without
candy?"
"Oh! to think of all the good luck we've had since we came to the winter
camp!" cried Grace, as she complied. "Papa gets his land back----"
"Because you girls were lucky enough to discover the missing witness,"
interrupted Mr. Ford.
"Then Amy finds her brother," Grace went on, "and----"
"All because a lynx happened to jump down out of a tree to bite her!"
cried Will, gaily.
"And then--and then----" mused Grace.
"Oh, here is a package that came by express for you to-day!" broke in
Mollie. "It's marked chocolates, but----"
"Please give it to me!" cried Grace. "I was wondering what had become of
it."
"That will keep her quiet for a while," said Will.
It was three days after the sensational developments related in the
preceding chapter. Mr. Blackford, recognizing the peculiar mark on
Amy's arm, tentatively decided she was his long-missing sister, and a
reference to the documents, as well as a communication with Mr. and Mrs.
Stonington, bore this out. Amy was not the relative of the Deepdale
Stoningtons. There had been a mix-up in the babies rescued from the
flood, and, as far as could be learned on hasty inquiry, the child of
Mrs. Stonington's relative had disappeared.
"But I've got folks at last--real folks, even if it is only one," said
Amy, with a loving look at her brother, who regarded her affectionately.
"You are a lucky girl," whispered Mollie, with a look at Mr.
Blackford--Henry they all called him now, since he was found to be
related to one of the outdoor girls.
"And my name is Blackford--not Stonington," Amy went on. "I will feel
strange at first, but I can get used to it."
"And to-morrow we'll go home for Christmas," said Betty, after a pause.
"Well, of course it will be nice in Deepdale, but we have had some
glorious times here; haven't we, girls?"
"We have!" they all chorused--boys included.
They had indulged in their last skating race at camp, and taken a final
trip in the ice boat, the boys had voted to go home in the odd motor
craft, but the girls were to go by train, starting in the morning.
"And now, one last song," suggested Betty. "All has ended well and
happily from the finding of Amy's brother to the regaining of Mr. Ford's
land. One last song!"
They sang a Christmas carol, and then, in order to be up early, they
went to bed soon afterward.
"Well, I wonder what will be next?" asked Mollie, as she bade Betty
good-night. "Can you imagine anything else happening to us?"
"I don't know," answered Betty, reflectively. "There are many more
things that _might_ happen."
And what they were will be related in the next volume of this series,
which will be entitled: "The Outdoor Girls in Florida; Or, Wintering in
the Sunny South." There we shall meet our old friends again in the land
of oranges and magnolias, and learn how they saw unusual sights in the
wilds of the interior.
"You must wake and call me early, call me early, Mollie dear, for soon
it will be Christmas, the best time of all the year." Thus chanted Will
next morning under the window of the cabin occupied by the outdoor
girls. But the girls were already up, and packing.
Ted Franklin was to be left in charge of the camp, and the valuable
timber strip so fortunately restored to Mr. Ford. Paddy Malone was to be
foreman of the new cutting gang, many of Mr. Jallow's employes hiring
out to Grace's father. The Jallows had gone back to Deepdale, as I have
said, the case against Mr. Jallow being dropped.
"See you later!" called the girls to the boys, as the latter prepared to
go home in the auto ice boat. And as good-byes were called, the eyes of
Amy rested longest on the face of her newly-found brother. There was to
be a new life before her--she felt sure. A new and more happy life.
And now that matters have turned out so well, we will take leave of the
Outdoor Girls.
THE END
_This Isn't All!_
Would you like to know what became of the good friends you have made in
this book?
Would you like to read other stories continuing their adventures and
experiences, or other books quite as entertaining by the same author?
On the _reverse side_ of the wrapper which comes with this book, you
will find a wonderful list of stories which you can buy at the same
store where you got this book.
=Don't throw away the Wrapper=
Use it as a handy catalog of the books you want some day to have. But in
case you do mislay it, write to the Publishers for a complete catalog.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of the "Bobbsey Twins," "Bunny Brown" Series, Etc.
* * * * *
=Uniform Style of Binding. Individual Colored Wrappers.=
=Every Volume Complete in Itself.=
* * * * *
These are the tales of the various adventures participated in by a group
of bright, fun-loving, up-to-date girls who have a common bond in their
fondness for outdoor life, camping, travel and adventure. They are clean
and wholesome and free from sensationalism.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN ARMY SERVICE
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT THE HOSTESS HOUSE
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT BLUFF POINT
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT WILD ROSE LODGE
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN THE SADDLE
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON CAPE COD
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT FOAMING FALLS
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ALONG THE COAST
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT SPRING HILL FARM
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT NEW MOON RANCH
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON A HIKE
* * * * *
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
THE BLYTHE GIRLS BOOKS
By LAURA LEE HOPE
* * * * *
=Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations by=
=THELMA GOOCH=
=Every Volume Complete in Itself=
* * * * *
The Blythe girls, three in number, were left alone in New York City.
Helen, who went in for art and music, kept the little flat uptown, while
Margy, just out of a business school, obtained a position as a private
secretary and Rose, plain-spoken and businesslike, took what she called
a "job" in a department store.
=THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN, MARGY AND ROSE=
A fascinating tale of real happenings in the great metropolis.
=THE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY'S QUEER INHERITANCE=
The Girls had a peculiar old aunt and when she died she left an unusual
inheritance.
=THE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE'S GREAT PROBLEM=
Rose, still at work in the big department store, is one day faced with
the greatest problem of her life.
=THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN'S STRANGE BOARDER=
Helen goes to the assistance of a strange girl, whose real identity is a
puzzle. Who the girl really was comes as a tremendous surprise.
=THE BLYTHE GIRLS: THREE ON A VACATION=
The girls go to the country for two weeks--and fall in with all sorts of
curious and exciting happenings.
=THE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY'S SECRET MISSION=
Of course we cannot divulge the big secret, but nevertheless the girls
as usual have many exciting experiences.
=THE BLYTHE GIRLS: ROSE'S ODD DISCOVERY=
A very interesting story, telling how Rose aided an old man in the
almost hopeless search for his daughter.
=THE BLYTHE GIRLS: THE DISAPPEARANCE OF HELEN=
Helen calls on the art dealer on business and finds the old fellow has
made a wonderful discovery.
=THE BLYTHE GIRLS: SNOWBOUND IN CAMP=
An absorbing tale of winter happenings, full of excitement.
* * * * *
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
THE POLLY BREWSTER SERIES
By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
* * * * *
=Durably Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.=
=Every Volume Complete in Itself.=
* * * * *
A delightful series for girls in which they will follow Polly and
Eleanor through many interesting adventures and enjoyable trips to
various places in the United States, Europe and South America.
POLLY OF PEBBLY PIT
POLLY AND ELEANOR
POLLY IN NEW YORK
POLLY AND HER FRIENDS ABROAD
POLLY'S BUSINESS VENTURE
POLLY'S SOUTHERN CRUISE
POLLY IN SOUTH AMERICA
POLLY IN THE SOUTHWEST
POLLY IN ALASKA
* * * * *
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
GIRL SCOUTS SERIES
By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
Author of the "Polly Brewster Books"
* * * * *
=Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated=
=Each Volume Complete in Itself.=
* * * * *
Here is a series that holds the same position for girls that the Tom
Slade and Roy Blakeley books hold for boys. They are delightful stories
of Girl Scout camp life amid beautiful surroundings and are filled with
stirring adventures.
GIRL SCOUTS AT DANDELION CAMP
This is a story which centers around the making and the enjoying of a
mountain camp, spiced with the fun of a lively troop of Girl Scouts. The
charm of living in the woods, of learning woodcraft of all sorts, of
adventuring into the unknown, combine to make a busy and an exciting
summer for the girls.
GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ADIRONDACKS
New scenery, new problems of camping, association with a neighboring
camp of Boy Scouts, and a long canoe trip with them through the Fulton
Chain, all in the setting of the marvelous Adirondacks, bring to the
girls enlargement of horizon, new development, and new joys.
GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES
On horseback from Denver through Estes Park as far as the Continental
Divide, climbing peaks, riding wild trails, canoeing through canyons,
shooting rapids, encountering a landslide, a summer blizzard, a sand
storm, wild animals, and forest fires, the girls pack the days full with
unforgettable experiences.
GIRL SCOUTS IN ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO
The Girl Scouts visit the mountains and deserts of Arizona and New
Mexico. They travel over the old Santa Fe trail, cross the Painted
Desert, and visit the Grand Canyon. Their exciting adventures form a
most interesting story.
* * * * *
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
THE LILIAN GARIS BOOKS
* * * * *
=Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.=
=Every Volume Complete in Itself.=
* * * * *
Lilian Garis is one of the writers who always wrote. She expressed
herself in verse from early school days and it was then predicted that
Lilian Mack would one day become a writer. Justifying this sentiment,
while still at high school, she took charge of the woman's page for a
city paper and her work there attracted such favorable attention that
she left school to take entire charge of woman's work for the largest
daily in an important Eastern city.
Mrs. Garis turned to girls' books directly after her marriage, and of
these she has written many. She believes in girls, studies them and
depicts them with pen both skilled and sympathetic.
A GIRL CALLED TED
TED AND TONY, Two Girls of Today
CLEO'S MISTY RAINBOW
CLEO'S CONQUEST
BARBARA HALE
BARBARA HALE'S MYSTERY FRIEND;
(Formerly Barbara Hale and Cozette)
GLORIA: A GIRL AND HER DAD
GLORIA AT BOARDING SCHOOL
JOAN: JUST GIRL
JOAN'S GARDEN OF ADVENTURE
CONNIE LORING;
(Formerly Connie Loring's Ambition)
CONNIE LORING'S GYPSY FRIEND;
(Formerly Connie Loring's Dilemma)
NANCY BRANDON
NANCY BRANDON'S MYSTERY
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
AMY BELL MARLOWE'S BOOKS FOR GIRLS
* * * * *
=Charming, Fresh and Original Stories=
* * * * *
=Illustrated. Wrappers Printed in Colors with individual design for each
story=
* * * * *
Miss Marlowe's books for girls are somewhat of the type of Miss Alcott
and also Mrs. Meade; but all are thoroughly up-to-date and wholly
American in scene and action. Good, clean absorbing tales that all girls
thoroughly enjoy.
=THE OLDEST OF FOUR; Or, Natalie's Way Out.=
A sweet story of the struggles of a live girl to keep a family from
want.
=THE GIRLS AT HILLCREST FARM; Or, The Secret of the Rocks.=
Relating the trials of two girls who take boarders on an old farm.
=A LITTLE MISS NOBODY; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood Hall.=
Tells of a school girl who was literally a nobody until she solved the
mystery of her identity.
=THE GIRL FROM SUNSET RANCH; Or, Alone in a Great City.=
A ranch girl comes to New York to meet relatives she has never seen. Her
adventures make unusually good reading.
=WYN'S CAMPING DAYS; Or, The Outing of the GO-AHEAD CLUB.=
A tale of happy days on the water and under canvas, with a touch of
mystery and considerable excitement.
=FRANCES OF THE RANGES; Or, The Old Ranchman's Treasure.=
A vivid picture of life on the great cattle ranges of the West.
=THE GIRLS OF RIVERCLIFF SCHOOL; Or, Beth Baldwin's Resolve.=
This is one of the most entertaining stories centering about a girl's
school that has ever been written.
=WHEN ORIOLE CAME TO HARBOR LIGHT.=
The story of a young girl, cast up by the sea, and rescued by an old
lighthouse keeper.
=WHEN ORIOLE TRAVELED WESTWARD.=
Oriole visits the family of a rich ranchman and enjoys herself
immensely.
=WHEN ORIOLE WENT TO BOARDING SCHOOL.=
How this brave girl bears up under the most trying experiences, makes a
very interesting story.
* * * * *
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
CAROLYN WELLS BOOKS
* * * * *
=Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.=
* * * * *
THE MARJORIE BOOKS
Marjorie is a happy little girl of twelve, up to mischief, but full of
goodness and sincerity. In her and her friends every girl reader will
see much of her own love of fun, play and adventure.
MARJORIE'S VACATION
MARJORIE'S BUSY DAYS
MARJORIE'S NEW FRIEND
MARJORIE IN COMMAND
MARJORIE'S MAYTIME
MARJORIE AT SEACOTE
THE TWO LITTLE WOMEN SERIES
Introducing Dorinda Fayre--a pretty blonde, sweet, serious, timid and a
little slow, and Dorothy Rose--a sparkling brunette, quick, elf-like,
high tempered, full of mischief and always getting into scrapes.
TWO LITTLE WOMEN
TWO LITTLE WOMEN AND TREASURE HOUSE
TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY
THE DICK AND DOLLY BOOKS
Dick and Dolly are brother and sister, and their games, their pranks,
their joys and sorrows, are told in a manner which makes the stories
"really true" to young readers.
DICK AND DOLLY
DICK AND DOLLY'S ADVENTURES
* * * * *
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
Page 16, "thy" changed to "they". (now they were)
Page 32, "buisness" changed to "business". (my business, and)
Page 44, "Robison" changed to "Robinson". (was Robinson Crusoe)
Page 81, word "as" added. ("main hotel" as well)
Page 97, "iceboating" changed to "ice boating" to conform to rest of
text. (skating and ice boating)
Page 133, "her" changed to "here". (be here alone)
Page 162, "float-" changed to "floating". (went floating down)
Page 164, "gad" changed to "glad". (be glad to see)
Page 168, "bouyant" changed to "buoyant". (the buoyant reserve)
Page 172, "ice-boating" changed to "ice boating" to conform to rest of
text. (go ice boating again)
Page 174, "piognant" changed to "poignant". (but a poignant memory)
Page 184, "The" changed to "They". (They found Paddy)
Page 188, "headn't" changed to "hadn't". (hadn't really meant)
Page 189, double words "soon as" deleted. (come back as soon as Paddy)
Page 196, "midde" changed to "middle". (middle of winter)
Ad for "Girl Scouts in the Rockies," "unforgetable" changed to
"unforgettable". (with unforgettable experiences)
Ad for "Girl Scouts in Arizona," "Sante" changed to "Santa". (Santa Fe)
One instance each of "airhole", "air-hole," "motorcycle," "motor-cycle,"
"noncommittally," and "non-committally," was retained.