The khaki boy said he had n't tasted anything half so good since he left home . `` They did n't give us pound cake in South Africa , '' he said . When morning came the storm was still raging . The children wakened and went wild with delight over their stockings . The little mother found her envelope and tried to utter thanks and broke down ; and nobody knew what to say or do , when the conductor fortunately came in and made a diversion by telling them they might as well resign themselves to spending Christmas on the train . `` This is serious , '' said the khaki boy , `` when you consider that we 've no provisions . Do n't mind for myself , used to half rations or no rations at all . But these kiddies will have tremendous appetites . '' Then Aunt Cyrilla rose to the occasion . `` I 've got some emergency rations here , '' she announced . `` There 's plenty for all and we 'll have our Christmas dinner , although a cold one . Breakfast first thing . There 's a sandwich apiece left and we must fill up on what is left of the cookies and doughnuts and save the rest for a real good spread at dinner time . The only thing is , I have n't any bread . '' `` I 've a box of soda crackers , '' said the little mother eagerly . Nobody in that car will ever forget that Christmas . To begin with , after breakfast they had a concert . The khaki boy gave two recitations , sang three songs , and gave a whistling solo . Lucy Rose gave three recitations and the minister a comic reading . The pale shop girl sang two songs .
It was agreed XXXXX the khaki boy 's whistling solo was the best number , and Aunt Cyrilla gave him the bouquet of everlastings as a reward of merit .
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