And now two smaller Cratchits , boy and girl , came tearing in , screaming that outside the baker 's they had smelt the goose , and known it for their own ; and , basking in luxurious thoughts of sage and onion , these young Cratchits danced about the table , and exalted Master Peter Cratchit to the skies , while he -LRB- not proud , although his collars nearly choked him -RRB- blew the fire , until the slow potatoes , bubbling up , knocked loudly at the saucepan lid to be let out and peeled . `` What has ever got your precious father , then ? '' said Mrs. Cratchit . `` And your brother , Tiny Tim ? And Martha war n't as late last Christmas-day by half an hour ! '' `` Here 's Martha , mother ! '' said a girl , appearing as she spoke . `` Here 's Martha , mother ! '' cried the two young Cratchits . `` Hurrah ! There 's such a goose , Martha ! '' `` Why , bless your heart alive , my dear , how late you are ! '' said Mrs. Cratchit , kissing her a dozen times , and taking off her shawl and bonnet for her with officious zeal . `` We 'd a deal of work to finish up last night , '' replied the girl , `` and had to clear away this morning , mother ! '' `` Well ! never mind so long as you are come , '' said Mrs. Cratchit . `` Sit ye down before the fire , my dear , and have a warm , Lord bless ye ! '' `` No , no ! There 's father coming , '' cried the two young Cratchits , who were everywhere at once . `` Hide , Martha , hide ! ''
So Martha hid herself , and XXXXX came little Bob , the father , with at least three feet of comforter , exclusive of the fringe , hanging down before him ; and his threadbare clothes darned up and brushed to look seasonable ; and Tiny Tim upon his shoulder .
Cratchit as at before by fire for hour in with