kin lanterns with them, and these were hung up on convenient nails.
"Say, a small stove wouldn't go bad," suggested Messmer. "It's mighty cold in here."
"Let us settle down in some hay," suggested Phil. "That will keep us warm, especially if we shut the doors and windows tight."
The baskets which had been brought along were filled with good things, and these were speedily passed around. The boys fell to eating with avidity, for the adventures of the evening had made them hungry. Then Dave was called upon for a speech.
"I hardly know what to say, fellow-students," he began, after a cheering and hand-clapping. "You have treated me royally to-night, and I do not intend to forget your kindness. I am sorry that I am going to leave you, but you all know what is taking me away"
"We do, and we hope you'll find your folks," put in Phil.
"So say we all of us!" sang out Henshaw.
"If I am successful in my search perhaps I'll return to Oak Hall before a great while," continued Dave. "In the meantime I trust you all have good times, and that you may have no more trouble with our enemies. More than this, as I expect to be away during the holidays, I wish each one a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
