Christmas Holidays at Merryvale: The Merryvale Boys

								

before long it was noticed that there were fewer coming from inside the
fort.
"They've used up all they have," shouted Toad. "Let's get closer."
"Close in," cried Captain Reddy, "and aim well!"
In another minute you could plainly tell that each of the enemy, after
throwing one snowball, had to stop long enough to make another one and
this was the time for which Captain Reddy had been waiting.
"Charge the walls!" he ordered, and with wild cries the boys dashed
forward.
Up over the walls they went and once inside the victory was easily won
for the boys inside the fort were empty handed and couldn't defend
themselves.
"We win, we win!" exclaimed Toad, throwing his hat into the air. "Three
cheers for Captain Reddy!"
"Hurrah!" shouted all the boys.

CHAPTER IV
CHUCK'S RUDE AWAKENING

The day before Christmas dawned bright and cold. Mother Brown, who had
been up early, made some wonderful Christmas pies and a pudding before
Toad and Chuck were awake.
It was eight o'clock before Toad opened one eye.
"What's the use of getting up," he thought, "I'm so warm and comfortable
here in bed. My, but something smells awfully good. Wonder if it's
breakfast."
Suddenly he sat up straight in bed.
"Look at that lazy thing," he declared. "Bet he'd sleep until noon if
I'd let him, and with all we have to do to-day."
Chuck continued to snore peacefully.
"But I won't--I'll have some fun," thought Toad, as quietly, with as
little noise as possible, he crept from his bed to the basin in one
corner of the room. It took him only a few seconds to wet a large sponge
with cold water, then, creeping very carefully back to the foot of
Chuck's bed, he took careful aim.
The sponge flew through the air true to its mark and landed "kersplash"
on Chuck's tousled brown head.
"W-w-w-what's the matter?" spluttered Chuck, sitting up and blinking
his eyes. Then, as he felt the water trickling down his cheeks and
caught sight of Toad, doubled up with laughter, he jumped out of bed
and, running across the room, he pushed Toad flat on his back on the bed
and sat upon his chest.
"Let me up," pleaded Toad. "I couldn't help it, you looked so sweet."
"What'll you give me if I do?" laughed Chuck. "You've got to pay for
that smart trick before I let you up."
"Nothing!" gasped Toad, trying very hard to free himself.
"Oho!" laughed Chuck. "You won't, eh? Well," he added, "I don't mind
sitting here all day. I'm real comfortable."
At this moment there came a knock at the door and before either of the
boys could answer Father Brown entered.
"What's up?" he inquired.
"Toad hit me in the face with a wet sponge while I was asleep,"
explained Chuck, "and he's going to give me something for it."
"Then why are you sitting on him?" asked Father.
"Because he says he won't," replied Chuck with a grin.
"I suppose you'll have to pay up Thomas," laughed Father. "Anyway, I