Chapter L: Part I

_Dan Howard comes home discouraged. He cannot get work. Christmas is
approaching. His wife keeps his courage up and that of the family. The
Minister calls and is not received kindly by Dan Howard, who does not
believe in the church. He promises to get Dan work and thus proves
himself a true friend in need. Misfortune has come to the home. The
oldest boy is drinking and the next son has been arrested for theft.
Things looks very black. It is Christmas eve and the father compels
the children to go to bed. He tells them Santa Claus will not come
to-night. But they hang up their stockings by the fireplace._