Polly longed to leave the doors to Holly Cottage open on Christmas Eve, for perhaps the Wise Men would come to visit. But her aunts, Constantia and Dorcas, were firm in their refusal. "My dear," said Aunt Dorcas, "at home you had a man in the house."

Dorcas and Constantia had only The Hat in the hall for protection. Long ago their younger brother, Tom Flowerdew, had run away to sea and the sisters had lived along until young Polly came to stay.

But Polly was right. This was to be a special Christmas when the Wise Men would indeed come to Holly Cottage.

Elizabeth Goudge introduces three unforgettable characters in the seafaring strange who wore gold earrings, the mad Frenchman who was followed through the streets by the town's cats, and dear Rags-and-Bones who seemed to have lived forever.

Elizabeth Goudge weaves a magical tale of mystery and mood which will charm young and old readers alike. Marot Tomes' striking black-and-white illustrations capture the tradition and color of an old English seaport town.

An unusual story of Christmas by a distinguished storyteller.

From the dust jacket