"My fountain-pen!" he exclaimed. "How wonderful! That's very kind of you, Jennings - or - Father Christmas! Thank you very much for finding it."
"That's all right, sir," said Little Father Christmas.
"Now let me see if I can give you a present," said Big Father Christmas, and he took Jennings' penknife and gave it to its owner. "Please, take this little present with my best wishes."
"Oh, thank you, sir,-I mean Father Christmas, sir."
There was a burst of applause from the boys in the dining hall.
There was still one important thing that Jennings wanted to say. Now was the time, he decided.
"I think I must go now, sir," he said. "I only wanted to give you your pen. You see, I found it in the stationery cupboard, and you said I must stay and tidy it..."
"I see what you mean," said Big Father Christmas smiling through his bear. "That was very careless of me. And now I can't ask my little brother to leave the party. So, please, stay and join us this evening."
"Oh, thank you, Father,- I mean, thank you, sir,- Father Christmas, sir."
Jennings was going to hurry to his table, but Mr Wilkins said, "Wait a minute, Jennings, or Father Christmas. We Father Christmases must say our greetings to all these people who have come here. So, let's do it together, shall we?"
"Yes, sir," said Jennings.
And the two Father Christmases said together, "A very merry Christmas to you all."
After a burst of applause Jennings took off his blanket and beard and sat down at the table to eat his cheese, tomatoes and cakes.