diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 18035-8.txt | 8657 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 18035-8.zip | bin | 0 -> 130076 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 18035-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 517603 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 18035-h/18035-h.htm | 8764 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 18035-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 0 -> 364681 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 18035-h/images/illus-emblem.png | bin | 0 -> 10203 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 18035-h/images/illus-fp.jpg | bin | 0 -> 23428 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 18035.txt | 8657 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 18035.zip | bin | 0 -> 130066 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/18035-h.htm | 8762 |
13 files changed, 34856 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/18035-8.txt b/18035-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3d8d06f --- /dev/null +++ b/18035-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8657 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Marjorie at Seacote, by Carolyn Wells + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Marjorie at Seacote + + +Author: Carolyn Wells + + + +Release Date: March 21, 2006 [eBook #18035] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE AT SEACOTE*** + + +E-text prepared by Roger Frank and the Project Gutenberg Online +Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net/) + + + +MARJORIE AT SEACOTE + +by + +CAROLYN WELLS + +Author of the "Patty" Books + + + + + + + +[Illustration: "MOST LIEGE MAJESTY," BEGAN KING, BOWING SO LOW THAT +HIS SHOULDER CAPE FELL OFF. (_page 60_)] + + + + +Grosset & Dunlap +Publishers New York +Copyright, 1912, by +Dodd, Mead and Company + + + * * * * * + + +BY THE SAME AUTHOR + +PATTY SERIES + + PATTY FAIRFIELD + PATTY AT HOME + PATTY IN THE CITY + PATTY'S SUMMER DAYS + PATTY IN PARIS + PATTY'S FRIENDS + PATTY'S PLEASURE TRIP + PATTY'S SUCCESS + PATTY'S MOTOR CAR + +MARJORIE SERIES + + MARJORIE'S VACATION + MARJORIE'S BUSY DAYS + MARJORIE'S NEW FRIEND + MARJORIE IN COMMAND + MARJORIE'S MAYTIME + + + * * * * * + + + +CONTENTS + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I KITTY'S DINNER 1 + + II TOM, DICK, AND HARRY 16 + + III THE SAND CLUB 30 + + IV SAND COURT 44 + + V "THE JOLLY SANDBOY" 58 + + VI TWO WELCOME GUESTS 72 + + VII THE GLORIOUS FOURTH 86 + + VIII A REVELATION 101 + + IX THE SEARCH 115 + + X JESSICA BROWN 129 + + XI THE REUNION 144 + + XII A LETTER OF THANKS 158 + + XIII THIRTEEN! 174 + + XIV QUEEN HESTER 189 + + XV A MOTOR RIDE 204 + + XVI RED GERANIUMS 218 + + XVII WHAT HESTER DID 232 + + XVIII A FINE GAME 247 + + XIX MORE FUN 263 + + XX A CELEBRATION 275 + + + + + +MARJORIE AT SEACOTE + +CHAPTER I + +KITTY'S DINNER + + + "Kitty-Cat Kitty is going away, + Going to Grandma's, all summer to stay. + And so all the Maynards will weep and will bawl, + Till Kitty-Cat Kitty comes home in the fall." + +This affecting ditty was being sung with great gusto by King and +Marjorie, while Kitty, her mood divided between smiles and tears, was +quietly appreciative. + +The very next day, Kitty was to start for Morristown, to spend the +summer with Grandma Sherwood, and to-night the "Farewell Feast" was to +be celebrated. + +Every year one of the Maynard children spent the summer months with +their grandmother, and this year it was Kitty's turn. The visit was +always a pleasant one, and greatly enjoyed by the small visitor, but +there was always a wrench at parting, for the Maynard family were +affectionate and deeply devoted to one another. + +The night before the departure was always celebrated by a festival of +farewell, and at this feast tokens were presented, and speeches made, +and songs sung, all of which went far to dispel sad or gloomy feelings. + +The Maynards were fond of singing. They were willing to sing +"ready-made" songs, and often did, but they liked better to make up +songs of their own, sometimes using familiar tunes and sometimes +inventing an air as they went along. Even if not quite in keeping with +the rules for classic music, these airs were pleasing in their own ears, +and that was all that was necessary. + +So, when King and Midget composed the touching lines which head this +chapter and sang them to the tune of "The Campbells are Coming," they +were so pleased that they repeated them many times. + +This served to pass pleasantly the half-hour that must yet elapse before +dinner would be announced. + +"Well, Kit," remarked Kingdon, in a breathing pause between songs, +"we'll miss you lots, o' course, but you'll have a gay old time at +Grandma's. That Molly Moss is a whole team in herself." + +"She's heaps of fun, Kitsie," said Marjorie, "but she's chock-a-block +full of mischief. But you won't tumble head over heels into all her +mischiefs, like I did! 'Member how I sprained my ankle, sliding down the +barn roof with her?" + +"No, of course I wouldn't do anything like that," agreed the sedate +Kitty. "But we'll have lots of fun with that tree-house; I'm going to +sit up there and read, on pleasant days." + +"H'm,--lucky,--you know what, King!" + +"H'm,--yes! Keep still, Mops. You'll give it away." + +"Oh, a secret about a present," cried Kitty; "something for the +tree-house, I know!" + +"Maybe 'tis, and maybe 'tain't," answered King, with a mysterious wink +at Marjorie. + +"Me buyed present for Kitty," said Rosamond, smiling sweetly; "gold an' +blue,--oh, a bootiful present." + +"Hush, hush, Rosy Posy, you mustn't tell," said her brother. "Presents +are always surprises. Hey, girls, here's Father!" + +Mr. Maynard's appearance was usually a signal for a grand rush, followed +by a series of bear hugs and a general scramble, but to-night, owing to +festive attire, the Maynard quartette were a little more demure. + +"Look out for my hair-ribbons, King!" cried Midget, for without such +warning, hair-ribbons usually felt first the effects of the +good-natured scrimmage. + +And then Mrs. Maynard appeared, her pretty rose-colored gown of soft +silk trailing behind her on the floor. + +"What a dandy mother!" exclaimed King; "all dressed up, and a flower in +her hair!" + +This line sounded singable to Marjorie, so she tuned up: + + "All dressed up, and a flower in her hair, + To give her a hug, I wouldn't dare; + For she would feel pretty bad, I think, + If anything happened to that there pink!" + +Then King added a refrain, and in a moment they had all joined hands and +were dancing round Mrs. Maynard and singing: + + "Hooray, hooray, for our mother fair! + Hooray, hooray, for the flower in her hair! + All over the hills and far away, + There's no one so sweet as Mothery May!" + +Being accustomed to boisterous adulation from her children, Mrs. Maynard +bore her honors gracefully, and then they all went out to dinner. + +As Maiden of Honor, Kitty was escorted by her father; next came Mrs. +Maynard and Kingdon, and then Marjorie and Rosy Posy. The table had +extra decorations of flowers and pink-shaded candles, and at Kitty's +place was a fascinating looking lot of tissue-papered and ribbon-tied +parcels. + +"Isn't it funny," said sedate and philosophical Kitty, "I love to go to +Grandma's, and yet I hate to leave you all, and yet, I can't do one +without doing the other!" + +"'Tis strange, indeed, Kit!" agreed her father; "as Mr. Shakespeare +says, 'Yet every sweet with sour is tempered still.' Life is like +lemonade, sour and sweet both." + +"It's good enough," said Kitty, contentedly, looking at her array of +bundles. "I guess I'll open these now." + +"That's what they're there for," said Mrs. Maynard, so Kitty excitedly +began to untie the ribbons. + +"I'll go slowly," she said, pulling gently at a ribbon bow, "then +they'll last longer." + +"Now, isn't that just like you, Kit!" exclaimed Marjorie. "I'd snatch +the papers off so fast you couldn't see me jerk." + +"I know you would," said Kitty, simply. + +The sisters were very unlike, for Midget's ways were impulsive and +impatient, while Kitty was slow and careful. But finally the papers came +off, and revealed the lovely gifts. + +Mrs. Maynard had made a pretty silk workbag, which could be spread out, +or gathered up close on its ribbon. When outspread, it showed a store of +needles and thread, of buttons, hooks, tapes,--everything a little girl +could need to keep her clothes in order. + +"Oh, Mother, it's _perfect_!" cried Kitty, ecstatically. "I _love_ those +cunning little pockets, with all _sewy_ things in them! And a darling +silver thimble! And a silver tape measure, and a silver-topped emery! +Oh, I do believe I'll sew _all_ the time this summer!" + +"Pooh, _I_ wouldn't!" said Marjorie. "The things _are_ lovely, but I'd +rather play than sew." + +"Sewing _is_ play, I think," and Kitty fingered over her treasures +lovingly. "Grandma will help me with my patterns, and I'm going to piece +a silk teachest quilt. Oh, Mother, it will be _such_ fun!" + +"Call _that_ fun!" and Marjorie looked disdainfully at her sister. "Fun +is racing around and playing tag, and cutting up jinks generally!" + +"For you it is," Kitty agreed, amiably, "but not for me. I like what I +like." + +"That's good philosophy, Kitty," said her father. "Stick to it always. +Like what you like, and don't be bothered by other people's comments or +opinions. Now, what's in that smallish, flattish, whitish parcel?" + +The parcel in question proved to be a watch, a dear little gold watch. +Kitty had never owned one before, and it almost took her breath away. + +"Mine?" she exclaimed, in wonder. "All mine?" + +"Yes, every bit yours," said Mr. Maynard, smiling at her. "Every wheel +and spring, every one of its three hands, every one of its twelve hours +are all, all yours. Do you like it?" + +"Like it! I can't think of any words to tell you how much I like it." + +"I'll think of some for you," said the accommodating Marjorie. "You +could say it's the grandest, gloriousest, gorgeousest, magnificentest +present you ever had!" + +"Yes, I could say that," Kitty agreed, "but I never should have thought +of it. I 'most always say a thing is lovely. Now, what in the world is +this?" + +"This" proved to be a well-stocked portfolio, the gift of King. There +were notepaper and envelopes and a pen and pencils and stamps and +everything to write letters with. + +"I picked out all the things myself," King explained, "because it's +nicer that way than the ready furnished ones. Do you like it, Kit?" + +"Yes, indeedy! And I shall write my first letter to you, because you +gave it to me." + + "Oh, Kitty-Cat Kit, a letter she writ, + And sent it away, to her brother one day," + +chanted Marjorie, and, as was their custom, they all sang the song after +her, some several times over. + +"Now for mine," Midget said, as Kitty slowly untied the next parcel. It +was two volumes of Fairy Tales, which literature was Kitty's favorite +reading. + +"Oh, lovely!" she exclaimed. "On summer afternoons you can think of me, +sitting out in the tree-house reading these. I shall pretend I'm a Fairy +Princess. These are beautiful stories, I can see that already." + +Kitty's quick eye had caught an interesting page, and forgetting all +else, she became absorbed in the book at once. In a moment, the page was +turned, and Kitty read on and on, oblivious to time or place. + +"Hi, there, Kitsie! Come out o' that!" cried King. "You can read all +summer,--_now_ you must associate with your family." + +"I didn't mean to," said Kitty, shutting the book quickly, and looking +round apologetically; "but it's all about a fairy godmother, and a +lovely princess lady,--oh, Mopsy, it's _fine_!" + +A pair of little blue enamelled pins was Rosamond's present, and Kitty +pinned them on her shoulders at once, to see how they looked. All +pronounced the effect excellent, and Rosy Posy clapped her little fat +hands in glee. + +"Mine's the prettiest present!" she said. "Mine's the booflest!" + +"Yes, Babykins," said Kitty, "yours is the booflest,--but they're all +lovely." + +The Farewell Feast included all of Kitty's favorite dishes, and as most +of them were also favorites with the other children, it was satisfactory +all round. + +"You must write to us often, Kit," said King; "I gave you those writing +things so you'd be sure to." + +"Yes, I will; but I don't know yet where you're all going to be." + +"I don't know yet myself," said Mr. Maynard, "but it will be somewhere +near the sea, if possible. Will you like the seashore, Kiddies,--you +that are going?" + +"I shall," said Marjorie, promptly. "I'll _love_ it. May we go bathing +every day? And can I have a bathing suit,--red, trimmed with white?" + +"I 'spect you can," said her mother, smiling at her. "What color do you +want, King?" + +"Oh, I think dark blue would suit my manly beauty! What are you going to +have, Father?" + +"I think dark blue will be our choice, my boy. It swims better than +anything else. But first we must find a roof to cover our heads. I've +about decided on one,--if I can get it. It's a bungalow." + +"What's a bungalow?" asked Marjorie. "I never heard of such a thing." + +"Ho, ho! Never heard of a bungalow!" said King. "Why, a bungalow is +a,--is a,----" + +"Well, is a what?" asked Midget, impatiently. + +"Why, it's a bungalow! That's what it is." + +"Fine definition, King!" said his father. "But since you undertook to do +so, see if you can't give its meaning better than that. What _is_ a +bungalow?" + +"Well, let me see. It's a house,--I guess it's a low, one-storied house, +and that's why they call it bungalow. Is that it?" + +"You're right about the one story; the rest is, I think, your own +invention. Originally, the bungalow was the sort of a house they have in +India, a one-storied affair, with a thatched roof, and verandas all +round it. But the ones they build now, in this country, are often much +more elaborate than that. Sometimes they have one story, sometimes +more. The one I'm trying to get for the summer is at Seacote, and it's +what they call a story and a half. That is, it has an upper floor, but +the rooms are under a slanting roof, and have dormer windows." + +"Sounds good to me," said King. "Do you think you'll catch it, Dad?" + +"I hope so. Some other person has the refusal of it, but he's doubtful +about taking it. So it may yet fall to our lot." + +"I hope so!" cried Marjorie. "At the seashore for a whole summer! My! +what fun! Can we dig in the sand?" + +"Well, rather, my child! That's what the sand is there for. Kitty, you +were at the seashore last summer. Did you dig in the sand?" + +"Yes, every day; and it was lovely. But this year I'm glad I'm going to +Grandma's. It's more restful." + +They all laughed at Kitty's desire for rest, and Marjorie said: + +"_I_ didn't have such a restful time at Grandma's. Except when I +sprained my ankle,--I rested enough then! But you won't do anything like +that, Kit!" + +"I hope not, I'm sure. Nor I won't fall down the well, either!" + +"Oh, we didn't _fall_ down the well. We just _went_ down, to get cooled +off." + +"Well, I'm not going to try it. I shall sit in the tree-house and read +every afternoon, and sew with Grandma in the mornings." + +"Kit, you're a dormouse," said Kingdon; "I believe you'd like to sleep +half the year." + +"'Deed I wouldn't. Just because I don't like rambunctious play doesn't +mean I want to sleep all the time! Does it, Father?" + +"Not a bit of it. But you children must 'like what you like' and not +comment on others' 'likes.' See?" + +"Yes, sir," said King, understanding the kindly rebuke. "Hullo, Kit, +here's one of your best 'likes'! Here's pink ice-cream coming!" + +This was indeed one of Kitty's dearest "likes," and as none of the +Maynards disliked it, it rapidly disappeared. + +"Now, we'll have an entertainment," said King as, after dinner, they all +went back to the pleasant living-room. "As Kitty is the chief pebble on +the beach this evening, she shall choose what sort of an entertainment. +Games, or what?" + +"No, just a real entertainment," said Kitty; "a programme one, you know. +Each one must sing a song or speak a piece, or something like that. +_I'll_ be the audience, and you can all be performers." + +"All right," said King; "I'll be master of ceremonies. I'll make up the +programme as I go along. Ladies and gentlemen, our first number will be +a speech by the Honorable Edward Maynard. Mr. Maynard will please step +forward." + +Mr. Maynard stepped. Assuming a pompous air, he made a low bow, first to +Kitty, and then to the others. + +"My dear friends," he said, "we are gathered here together this evening +to extend our farewells and our hearty good wishes to the lady about to +leave us. Sister, thou art mild and lovely, and we hate to see thee go; +but the best of friends must sever, and you'll soon come back, you know. +Listen now to our advices. Kitty, dear, for pity's sake, do not tumble +in the river,--do not tumble in the lake. Many more things I could tell +you as I talk in lovely rhyme, but I think it is my duty to let others +share the time." + +Mr. Maynard sat down amid great applause, and Kitty said, earnestly, +"You are a lovely poet, Father. I wish you'd give up your other +business, and just write books of poetry." + +"I'm afraid, Kitsie, we wouldn't have enough money for pink ice-cream in +that case," said Mr. Maynard, laughing. + +"The next performeress will be Mrs. Maynard," announced the master of +ceremonies. + +Mother Maynard rose, smiling, and with all the airs and graces of a +prima donna, went to the piano. Striking a few preliminary chords, she +began to sing: + + "Good-bye, Kitty; good-bye, Kitty; good-bye, Kitty, + You're going to leave us now. + Merrily we say good-bye, + Say good-bye, say good-bye; + Merrily we say good-bye + To sister Kitty-Kit." + +This had a pleasant jingle, and was repeated by the whole assembly with +fine effect and a large volume of noise. + +"Miss Marjorie Maynard will now favor us," was the next announcement. + +"This is a poem I made up myself," said Midget, modestly, "and I think +it's very nice: + + "When Kitty goes to Grandma's + I hope she will be good; + And be a lady-girl and do + Exactly as she should. + 'Cause when _I go_ to Grandma's, + I act exceeding bad; + I track up 'Liza's nice clean floor, + And make her hopping mad!" + +Marjorie's poem was applauded with cheers, as they all recognized its +inherent truth. + +"We next come to Miss Rosamond Maynard," King went on, "but as she has +fallen asleep, I will ask that the audience kindly excuse her." + +The audience kindly did so, and as it was getting near everybody's +bedtime,--at least, for children,--the whole quartette was started +bedward, and went away singing: + + "Good-bye, Kitty, you're going to leave us now"-- + + + + +CHAPTER II + +TOM, DICK, AND HARRY + + +"Jumping Grasshoppers! What a dandy house!" + +The Maynards' motor swung into the driveway of a large and pleasant +looking place, whose lawn showed some sand spots here and there, and +whose trees were tall pines, but whose whole effect was delightfully +breezy and seashorey. + +"Oh, grandiferous!" cried Marjorie, echoing her brother's enthusiastic +tones, and standing up in the car, better to see their new home. + +Seacote, the place chosen by Mr. Maynard for his family's summering, was +on the southern shore of Long Island, not very far from Rockaway Beach. +It was a sort of park or reservation in which building was under certain +restrictions, and so it was made up of pleasant homes filled with +pleasant people. + +Fortunately, Mr. Maynard had been able to rent the bungalow he wanted, +and it was this picturesque domicile that so roused King's admiration. + +The house was long and low, and surrounded by verandas, some of which +were screened by vines, and others shaded by striped awnings. + +But what most delighted the children was the fact that the ocean rolled +its crested breakers up to their very door. Not literally to the door, +for the road ran between the sea and the house, and a boardwalk was +between the road and the sea. But not fifty feet from their front +windows the shining waves were even now dashing madly toward them as if +in tumultuous welcome. + +The servants were already installed, and the open doors seemed to invite +the family to come in and make themselves at home. + +"Let's go straight bang through the whole house," said King, "and then +outdoors afterward." + +"All right," agreed Marjorie, and in their usual impetuous fashion, the +two raced through the house from attic to cellar, though there really +wasn't any attic, except a sort of low-ceiled loft. However, they +climbed up into this, and then down through the various bedrooms on the +second floor, and back to the first floor, which contained the large +living-room, a spacious hall, and the dining-room and kitchen. + +"It's all right," said King, nodding his head in approval. "Now outside, +Midget." + +Outside they flew, and took stock of their surroundings. Almost an acre +of ground was theirs, and though as yet empty of special interest, King +could see its possibilities. + +"Room for a tennis court," he said; "then I guess we'll have a big +swing, and a hammock, and a tent, and----" + +"And a merry-go-round," supplemented Mr. Maynard, overhearing King's +plans. + +"No, not that, Father," said Marjorie, "but we _can_ have swings and +things, can't we?" + +"I 'spect so, Mopsy. But with the ocean and the beach, I doubt if you'll +stay in this yard much." + +"Oh, that's so; I forgot the ocean! Come on, Father, let's go and look +at it." + +So the three went down to the beach, and Marjorie, who hadn't been to +the seashore since she was a small child, plumped herself down on the +sand, and just gazed out at the tumbling waves. + +"I don't care for the swings and things," she said. "I just want to stay +here all the time, and dig and dig and dig." + +As she spoke she was digging her heels into the fine white sand, and +poking her hands in, and burying her arms up to her dimpled elbows. + +"Oh, Father, isn't it gee-lorious! Sit down, won't you, and let us bury +you in sand, all but your nose!" + +"Not now," said Mr. Maynard, laughing. "Some day you may, when I'm in a +bathing suit. But I don't care for pockets full of sand. Now, I'm going +back to home and Mother. You two may stay down here till luncheon time +if you like." + +Mr. Maynard went back to the house, and King and Marjorie continued +their explorations. The beach was flat and smooth, and its white sand +was full of shells, and here and there a few bits of seaweed, and +farther on some driftwood, and in the distance a pier, built out far +into the ocean. + +"Did you ever _see_ such a place?" cried Marjorie, in sheer delight. + +"Well, I was at the seashore last year," said King, "while you were at +Grandma's." + +"But it wasn't as nice as this, was it? Say it wasn't!" + +"No; the sand was browner. This is the nicest sand I ever saw. Say, +Mops, let's build a fire." + +"What for? It isn't cold." + +"No, but you always build fires on the beach. It's lots of fun. And +we'll roast potatoes in it." + +"All right. How do we begin?" + +"Well, we gather a lot of wood first. Come on." + +Marjorie came on, and they worked with a will, gathering armfuls of +wood and piling it up near the spot they had selected for their fire. + +"That's enough," said Marjorie, for her arms ached as she laid down her +last contribution to their collection. + +"You'll find it isn't much when it gets to burning. But never mind, it +will make a start. I'll skin up to the house and get matches and +potatoes." + +"I'll go with you, 'cause I think we'd better ask Father about making +this fire. It might do some harm." + +"Fiddlesticks! We made a fire 'most every day last summer." + +And, owing to King's knowledge and experience regarding beach fires, his +father told him he might build one, and to be properly careful about not +setting fire to themselves. + +Then they procured potatoes and apples from the kitchen, and raced back +to the beach. + +"Why, where's our wood?" cried Marjorie. + +Not a stick or a chip remained of their carefully gathered wood pile. + +"Some one has stolen it!" said King. + +"No, there's nobody around, except those people over there, and they're +grown-ups. It must have been washed away by a wave." + +"Pooh, the waves aren't coming up near as far as this." + +"Well, there might have been a big one." + +"No, it wasn't a wave. That wood was stolen, Mops!" + +"But who could have done it? Those grown-up people wouldn't. You can see +from their looks they wouldn't. They're reading aloud. And in the other +direction, there are only some fishermen,--they wouldn't take it." + +"Well, somebody did. Look, here are lots of footprints, and I don't +believe they're all ours." + +Sure enough, on the smooth white sand they could see many footprints, +imprinted all over each other, as if scurrying feet had trodden all +around their precious wood pile. + +"Oh, King, you're just like a detective!" cried Marjorie, in admiration. +"But it's so! These aren't our footprints!" + +She fitted her spring-heeled tan shoes into the prints, and proved at +once that they were not hers. Nor did King's shoes fit exactly, though +they came nearer to it than Marjorie's. + +"Yes, sir; some fellows came along and stole that wood. Here are two or +three quite different prints." + +"Well, where do they lead to?" said practical Marjorie. + +"That's so. Let's trace them and get the wood back." + +But after leading away from them for a short distance the footprints +became fainter, and in a softer bit of sand disappeared altogether. + +"Pshaw!" said King. "I don't so much care about the wood, but I hate to +lose the trail like this. Let's hunt, Mopsy." + +"All right, but first, let's bury these apples and potatoes, or they'll +be stolen, too." + +"Good idea!" And they buried their treasures in the nice, clean sand, +and marked the place with an inconspicuous stick. + +Then they set out to hunt their lost wood. The beach, though flat and +shelving at the water's edge, rose in a low bluff farther back, and this +offered among its irregular projections many good hiding-places for +their quarry. + +And, sure enough, after some searching, they came suddenly upon three +boys who sat, shaking with laughter, upon a pile of wood. + +The two Maynards glared at them rather angrily, upon which the three +again went off in peals of laughter. + +"That's our wood!" began King, aggressively. + +"Sure it is!" returned the biggest boy, still chuckling. + +"What did you bring it over here for?" + +"Just for fun!" + +"H'm, just for fun! And do you think it would be fun to carry it back +again?" + +"Yep; just's lieve as not. Come on, kids!" And that remarkable boy began +to pick up the sticks. + +"Oh, hold on," said King. "If you're so willing, you needn't do it! Who +are you, anyway?" + +"Well," said the biggest boy, suddenly straightening himself up and +bowing politely to Marjorie, "we're your neighbors. We live in that +green house next to yours. And we're named Tom, Dick, and Harry. Yes, I +know you think those names sound funny, but they're ours all the same. +Thomas, Richard, and Henry Craig,--at your service! I'm Tom. This is +Dick, and this is Harry." + +He whacked his brothers on the shoulder as he named them, and they +ducked forward in polite, if awkward salutation. + +"And did you really take our wood?" said Marjorie, with an accusing +glance, as if surprised that such pleasant-spoken boys could do such a +thing. + +"Yes, we did. We wanted to see what sort of stuff you were made of. You +know Seacote people are sort of like one big family, and we wanted to +know how you'd behave about the wood. You've been fine, and now we'll +cart it back where we found it. If you had got mad about it, we wouldn't +touch a stick to take it back,--would we, fellows?" + +"Nope," said the other two, and the Maynards could see at once that Tom +was the captain and ringleader of the trio. + +"Well," said King, judicially, "if you hadn't been the sort you are, I +_should_ have got mad. But I guess you're all right, and so you _may_ +take it back. But we don't help you do it,--see? I'm Kingdon Maynard, +and this is my sister Marjorie. You fellows took our wood, and now +you're going to return it. Is that right?" + +"Right-o!" said Tom. "Come on, fellows." + +The three boys flew at it, and King and Midget sat on the sand and +watched them till the wood was restored to its original position. + +"All right," said King; "you boys'll do. Now, come on and roast potatoes +with us." + +Thus, all demands of honor having been complied with, the five proceeded +to become friends. The boys built the fire, and gallantly let Marjorie +have the fun of putting the potatoes and apples in place. + +The Craig boys had nice instincts, and while they were rather +rough-and-tumble among themselves, they treated King more decorously, +and seemed to consider Marjorie as a being of a higher order, made to +receive not only respect, but reverent homage. + +"You see, we never had a sister," said Tom; "and we're a little bit +scared of girls." + +"Well, I have three," said King, "so you see I haven't such deep awe of +them. But Midget won't hurt you, so don't be _too_ scared of her." + +Marjorie smiled in most friendly fashion, for she liked these boys, and +especially Tom. + +"How old are you?" she asked him, in her frank, pleasant way. + +"I'm fourteen," replied Tom, "and the other kids are twelve and ten." + +"King's fourteen,--'most fifteen," said Midget; "and I'll be thirteen in +July. So we're all in the same years. I wish our Kitty was here. She's +nearly eleven, but she isn't any bigger than Harry." + +Harry smiled shyly, and poked at the potatoes with a stick, not knowing +quite what to say. + +"You see," King explained, "Midget is the best sort of a girl there is. +She's girly, all right, and yet she's as good as a boy at cutting up +jinks or doing any old kind of stunts." + +The three Craigs looked at Marjorie in speechless admiration. + +"I never knew that kind," said Tom, thoughtfully. "You see, we go to a +boys' school, and we haven't any girl cousins, or anything; and the only +girls I ever see are at dancing class, or in a summer hotel, and then +they're all frilled up, and sort of airy." + +"I love to play with boys," said Marjorie, frankly, "and I guess we'll +have a lot of fun this summer." + +"I guess we _will_! Are you going to stay all summer?" + +"Yes, till September, when school begins." + +"So are we. Isn't it funny we live next door to each other?" + +"Awful funny," agreed Marjorie, pulling a very black potato out of the +red-hot embers. "This is done," she went on, "and I'm going to eat it." + +"So say we all of us," cried King. "One done,--all done! Help +yourselves, boys!" + +So they all pulled out the black, sooty potatoes, with more delighted +anticipations than would have been roused by the daintiest dish served +at a table. + +"Ow!" cried Marjorie, flinging down her potato, and sticking her finger +in her mouth. "Ow! that old thing _popped_ open, and burned me awfully!" + +"Too bad, Mops!" said King, with genuine sympathy, but the Craig boys +were more solicitous. + +"Oh, oh! I'm so sorry," cried Tom. "Does it hurt _terribly_?" + +"Yes, it does," said Midget, who was not in the habit of complaining +when she got hurt, but who was really suffering from the sudden burn. + +"Let me tie it up," said Dick, shyly. + +"Yes, do," said Tom. "Dick is our good boy. He always helps everybody +else." + +"But what can we tie it up with?" said Marjorie. "My handkerchief is all +black from wiping off that potato." + +"I,--I've got a clean one," and Dick, blushing with embarrassment, took +a neatly folded white square from his pocket. + +"Would you look at that!" said Tom. "I declare Dicky always has the +right thing at the right time! Good for you, boy! Fix her up." + +Quite deftly Dick wrapped the handkerchief round Marjorie's finger, and +secured it with a bit of string from another pocket. + +"You ought to have something on it," he said, gravely. "Kerosene is +good, but as we haven't any, it will help it just to keep the air away +from it, till you go home." + +"Goodness!" exclaimed Midget. "You talk like a doctor." + +"I'm going to be a doctor when I grow up," said Dick. + +"He is," volunteered Harry; "he cured the cat's broken leg, and he +mended a bird's wing once." + +"Yes, I did," admitted Dick, modestly blushing at his achievements. "Are +you going right home because of your finger?" + +"No, indeed! We never stop for hurts and things, unless they're bad +enough for us to go to bed. Give me another potato, and you open it for +me, won't you, Dick?" + +"Yep," and Marjorie was immediately supplied with the best of the +potatoes and apples, carefully prepared for her use. + +"Aren't there any other girls in Seacote?" she inquired. + +"There's Hester Corey," answered Tom; "but we don't know her very well. +She isn't nice, like you are. And I don't know of any others, though +there may be some. Most of the people in the cottages haven't any +children,--or else they're grown up,--big girls and young ladies. And +there's a few little babies, but not many of our age. So that's why +we're so glad you came." + +"And that's why you stole our wood!" + +"Yes, truly. We thought that'd be a good way to test your temper." + +"It was a risky way," said King, thinking it over. + +"Oh, I don't know. I knew, if you were the right sort, you'd take it all +right; and if you weren't the right sort, we didn't care how you took +it." + +"That's so," agreed Marjorie. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +THE SAND CLUB + + +Life at Seacote soon settled down to its groove, and it was a very +pleasant groove. There was always plenty of fun to be had. Bathing every +day in the crashing breakers, digging in the sand, building beach fires, +talking to the old fishermen, were all delightful pursuits. And then +there were long motor rides inland, basket picnics in pine groves, and +excursions to nearby watering-places. + +The Craig boys turned out to be jolly playfellows, and they and the +Maynards became inseparable chums. Marjorie often wished one of them had +been a girl, but at the same time, she enjoyed her unique position of +being the only girl in the crowd. The boys deferred to her as to a +princess, and she ruled them absolutely. + +Of course the senior Craigs and Maynards became good friends also, and +the two ladies especially spent many pleasant hours together. + +Baby Rosamond rarely played with the older children, as she was too +little to join in their vigorous games, often original with themselves, +and decidedly energetic. The beach was their favorite playground. They +never tired of digging in the sand, and they had a multitude of spades +and shovels and hoes for their various sand performances. Some days they +built a fort, other days a castle or a pleasure ground. Their sand-works +were extensive and elaborate, and it often seemed a pity that the tide +or the wind should destroy them over night. + +"I say, let's us be a Sand Club," said Tom one day. "We're always +playing in the sand, you know." + +"All right," said Marjorie, instantly seeing delightful possibilities. +"We'll call ourselves Sand Crabs, for we're always scrambling through +the sand." + +"And we're jolly as sandboys!" said King. "I don't know what sandboys +really are, but they're always jolly, and so are we." + +"I'd like something more gay and festive," Marjorie put in; "I mean like +Court Life, or something where we could dress up, and pretend things." + +"I know what you mean," said Dick, grasping her idea. "Let's have Sand +Court, and build a court and a throne, and we'll all be royal people and +Marjorie can be queen." + +"Well, let's all have sandy names," suggested Tom. "Marjorie can be +Queen Sandy. And we'll call our court Sandringham Palace. You know +there is one, really." + +"You can be the Grand Sandjandrum!" said King, laughing. + +"No, you be that," said Tom, unselfishly. + +"No, sir; _you've_ got to. I'll be a sand piper, and play the court +anthems." + +"All right," said Marjorie, "and Harry can be a sand crab, for he just +scuttles through the sand all the time. What'll Dick be?" + +King looked at Dick. "We'll call him Sandow," he suggested, and they all +laughed, for Dick was a frail little chap, without much muscular +strength. But the name stuck to him, and they always called him Sandow +thereafter. + +"I wish we could make our palace where it would stay made," said +Marjorie. "We don't want to make a new one every day." + +"That's so," said Tom. "If we only could find a secret haunt." + +"I know a kind of a one," said Dick; "'way back in our yard, near where +it joins yours, is a deepy kind of a place, and it's quite sandy." + +"Just the thing!" cried Marjorie. "I know that place. Come on!" + +She was off like a deer, and the rest followed. A few moments' scamper +brought them to the place, and all declared it was just the very spot +for a palace. + +"I'd like beach sand better, though," said Marjorie. + +"We'll bring all you want," declared Tom. "We'll take a wheelbarrow, and +bring heaps up from the beach." + +The Sand Club worked for days getting their palace in order. The two big +boys wheeled many loads of sand up from the beach, and Marjorie and the +two other boys arranged it in shape. + +Dick was clever at building, and he planned a number of fine effects. Of +course, their palace had no roof or walls, but the apartments were +partitioned off with low walls of sand, and there were sand sofas and +chairs, and a gorgeous throne. + +The throne was a heap of sand, surmounted by a legless armchair, found +in the Craigs' attic, and at court meetings draped with pink cheesecloth +and garlands of flowers. The whole palace was really a "secret haunt," +for a slight rise of ground screened it from view on two sides and trees +shaded the other side. + +The parents of both families were pleased with the whole scheme, for it +kept the children occupied, and they could always be found at a moment's +notice. + +Sand tables were built, and on them were bits of old dishes and broken +vases, all of which were desirable because they could stay out in the +rain and not be harmed. Moreover, they were handy in case of a feast. At +last preparations were complete and they decided to open the court next +day. + +"We must have a flag," said Marjorie. "I'll make it. The court colors +are red and yellow, and our emblem will be,--what shall our emblem be?" + +"A pail of sand," suggested Tom. + +"Yes; I can cut out a pail of red flannel, and sew it on to a yellow +flag. I'll make that this afternoon, and we'll hold court to-morrow +morning at ten o'clock. We must all wear some red and yellow. Sashes +will do for you boys, and I'll have,--well, I'll fix up a rig of some +kind." + +Marjorie was a diligent little worker when she chose to be, and that +afternoon she made a very creditable flag, showing a pail, red; on a +field, yellow. She made also sashes for them all, of red and yellow +cheesecloth, and she made herself a court train of the same material, +which trailed grandly from her shoulders. + +Next morning the Sand Club assembled on the Maynards' veranda, to march +to Sandringham Palace. + +Mrs. Craig had helped out the costumes of her royal children, and the +Grand Sandjandrum was gorgeous in a voluminous yellow turban, with a red +cockade sticking up on one side. + +Sandow and the Sand Crab had soldier hats made of red and yellow paper, +and big sailor collars of the same colors. + +The Sand Piper wore his sash jauntily with a huge shoulder knot, and he, +too, had a cockaded headgear. + +Marjorie, as Queen Sandy, wore her trailing court robe and a crown of +yellow paper with red stars on it. She had a sceptre, and Sandow carried +the flag. + +The Sand Piper marched ahead, playing on a tuneful instrument known as a +kazoo. Next came the Grand Sandjandrum, then the Queen, then the Sand +Crab, and finally, Sandow with the flag. + +Slowly and with great dignity the procession filed out toward the +palace. King was playing the Star Spangled Banner, or thought he was. It +sounded almost as much like Hail Columbia,--but it didn't really matter, +and they're both difficult tunes, anyway. + +Blithely they stepped along, and prepared to enter the palace with a +flourish of trumpets, as it were, when King's music stopped suddenly. + +"Great Golliwogs!" he cried. "Look at that!" + +"Look at what?" said Tom, who was absorbed in the grand march. + +But he looked, and they all looked, and five angry exclamations sounded +as they saw only the ruins of the beloved Sandringham Palace. + +Somebody had utterly demolished it. The low walls were broken and +scattered, the sand tables and chairs were torn down, and the throne was +entirely upset. + +"Who did this?" roared Tom. + +But as nobody knew the answer, there was no reply. + +"It couldn't have been any of your servants, could it?" asked King of +the Craigs. "I know it wasn't any of ours." + +"No; it wasn't ours, either," said Tom. "Could it have been your little +sister?" + +"Mercy, no!" cried Marjorie. "Rosy Posy isn't that sort of a child. Oh, +I do think it's awful!" and forgetting her royal dignity, Queen Sandy +began to cry. + +"Why, Mops," said King, kindly; "brace up, old girl. Don't cry." + +"I'm not a cry baby," said Midget, smiling through her tears. "I'm just +crying 'cause I'm so _mad_! I'm mad clear through! How _could_ anybody +be so ugly?" + +"I'm mad, too," declared Tom, slowly, "but I know who did it, and it's +partly my fault, I s'pose." + +"Your fault!" exclaimed Midget. "Why, Tom, how can it be?" + +"Well, you see it was this way. Yesterday afternoon Mrs. Corey came to +call on my mother, and she brought Hester with her." + +"That red-headed girl?" + +"Yes; and she has a temper to match her hair! Mother made me talk to +her, and, as I didn't know what else to talk about, I told her about our +Sand Club, and about the Court to-day and everything. And she wanted to +belong to the club, and I told her she couldn't, because it was just the +Maynards and the Craigs. And she was madder'n hops, and she coaxed me, +and I still said no, and then she said she'd get even with us somehow." + +"But, Tom," said King, "we don't know that girl to speak to. We hardly +know her by sight." + +"But we do. We knew her when we were here last summer, but, you see, +this year we've had you two to play with, so we've sort of neglected +her,--and she doesn't like it." + +"But that's no reason she should spoil our palace," and Marjorie looked +sadly at the scene of ruin and destruction. + +"No; and of course I'm not sure that she did do it. But she said she'd +do something to get even with you." + +"With me? Why, she doesn't know me at all." + +"That's what she's mad about. She says you're stuck up, and you put on +airs and never look at her." + +"Why, how silly! I don't know her, but somehow, from her looks, I _know_ +I shouldn't like her." + +"No, you wouldn't, Marjorie. She's selfish, and she's ill-tempered. She +flies into a rage at any little thing, and,--well, she isn't a bit like +you Maynards." + +"_No!_ and I'm glad of it! I wouldn't _want_ to be like such a stuck-up +thing!" + +These last words were spoken by a strange voice, and Marjorie looked +round quickly to see a shock of red hair surmounting a very angry little +face just appearing from behind the small hill, beneath whose +overhanging shadow they had built their palace. + +"Why, Hester Corey!" shouted Tom. "What are you doing here?" + +"I came to see how you like your old sand-house!" she jeered, mockingly, +and making faces at Marjorie between her words. Marjorie was utterly +astonished. It was her first experience with a child of this type, and +she didn't know just how to take her. + +The newcomer was a little termagant. Her big blue eyes seemed to flash +with anger, and as she danced about, shaking her fist at Marjorie and +pointing her forefinger at her, she cried, tauntingly, "Stuck up! +Proudy!" + +Marjorie grew indignant. She had done nothing knowingly to provoke this +wrath, so she faced the visitor squarely, and glared back at her. + +"I'd rather be stuck up than to be such a spiteful thing as you are!" +she declared. "Did _you_ tear down this palace that we took such trouble +to build?" + +"Yes, I did!" said Hester. "And if you build it again, I'll tear it down +again,--so, there, now!" + +"You'll do no such thing!" shouted Tom. + +"Huh, Smarty! What have you got to say about it?" + +The crazy little Hester flew at Tom and pounded him vigorously on the +back. + +"I hate you!" she cried. "I _hate_ you!" + +As a matter of fact, her little fists couldn't hurt the big, sturdy boy, +but her intense anger made him angry too. + +"You, Hester Corey!" he cried. "You leave me alone!" + +King stood a little apart, with his hands in his pockets, looking at the +combatants. + +"Say, we've had about enough of this," he said, speaking quietly, and +without excitement. "We Maynards are not accustomed to this sort of +thing. We squabble sometimes, but we never get really angry." + +"Goody-goody boy!" said Hester, sneeringly, and making one of her worst +faces at him. For some reason this performance struck King as funny. + +"Do it again," he said. "How do you ever squink up your nose like that! +Bet you can't do it three times in succession." + +The audacious Hester tried it, and the result was so ludicrous they all +laughed. + +"Now look here," went on King, "we're not acquainted with you, but we +know you're Hester Corey. We know you spoiled our Sand Palace, just out +of angry spite. Now, Hester Corey, you've got to be punished for that. +We're peaceable people ourselves, but we're just, also. We were about to +have a nice celebration, but you've put an end to that before it began. +So, instead, we're going to have a trial. You're the prisoner, and +you've pleaded guilty,--at least, you've confessed your crime. Queen +Sandy, get into that throne,--never mind if it is upset,--set it up +again. Grand Sandjandrum, take your place on that mussed up sand heap. +You two other chaps,--stand one each side of the prisoner as sentinels. +I'll conduct this case, and Queen Sandy will pronounce the sentence. +It's us Maynards that Hester Corey seems to have a grudge against, so +it's up to us Maynards to take charge of the case. Prisoner, stand on +that board there." + +"I won't do it!" snapped Hester, and the red locks shook vigorously. + +"You will do it," said King, quietly, and for some reason or other +Hester quailed before his glance, and then meekly stood where he told +her to. + +"Have you anything to say for yourself?" King went on. "Any excuse to +offer for such a mean, hateful piece of work?" + +Hester sulked a minute, then she said: + +"Yes, I was mad at you, because you all have such good times, and +wouldn't let me in them." + +"What do you mean by that? You never asked to come in." + +"I did. I asked Tom Craig yesterday, and he wouldn't ask you." + +"Then why are you mad at us?" + +"Because you're so proud and exclusive. You think yourselves so great; +you think nobody's as good as you are!" + +"That isn't true, Hester," said King, quite gently; "and even if it +were, are you proving yourself better than we are by cutting up this +mean, babyish trick? If you want us to like you, why not make yourself +likeable, instead of horrid and hateful?" + +This was a new idea to Hester, and she stared at King as if greatly +interested. + +"That's right," he went on. "If people want people to like them, they +must be likeable. They must be obliging and kind and pleasant, and not +small and spiteful." + +"You haven't been very nice to me," muttered Hester. + +"We haven't had a chance. And before we get a chance you upset +everything by making us dislike you! What kind of common sense is that?" + +"Maybe you could forgive me," suggested Hester, hopefully. + +"Maybe we could, later on. But we're for fair play, and you treated us +unfairly. So now, you've got to be punished. Queen Sandy, Grand +Sandjandrum, which of you can suggest proper punishment for this +prisoner of ours?" + +Tom thought for a moment, then he said: + +"Seems 's if she ought to put this palace back in order, just as it was +when she found it,--but that's too hard work for a girl." + +"I'll help her," said Harry, earnestly. "I'm sorry for her." + +"Sorry for her!" cried Tom, with blazing eyes. "_Sorry_ for the girl +that spoiled our palace!" + +"Well, you see," went on Harry, "she's sorry herself now." + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +SAND COURT + + +With one accord, they all looked at Hester. Sure enough, it was easily +to be seen that she was sorry. All her anger and rage had vanished, and +she stood digging one toe into the sand, and twisting from side to side, +with her eyes cast down, and two big tears rolling slowly down her +cheeks. + +Marjorie sprang up from her wabbly throne, and running to Hester, threw +her arms around her. + +"Don't cry, Hester," she said. "We'll all forgive you. I think you lost +your temper and I think you're sorry now, aren't you?" + +"Oh, yes, yes, I am!" sobbed Hester. "But I envied the good times you +had, and when Tom wouldn't let me into your club, I got so mad I didn't +know what to do." + +"There, there, don't cry any more," and Midget smoothed the tangled red +mop, and tried to comfort the bad little Hester. + +Tom looked rather disappointed. + +"I say," he began, "she did an awful mean thing, and she ought to +be----" + +"Hold on a minute, Tom," said Marjorie. "I'm Queen of this club, and +what I say goes! Is that right, my courtiers?" + +She looked round at the boys, smiling in a wheedlesome way, and King +said, "Right, O Queen Sandy! Right always and ever, in the hearts of +your gentlemen-in-waiting." + +"You bet you are!" cried Tom, quick to follow King's lead. "Our noble +Queen has but to say the word, and it is our law. Therefore, O Queen, we +beg thee to mete out a just punishment to this prisoner within our +gates." + +"Hear ye! Hear ye!" said Midget, with great dramatic fervor. "I hereby +forgive this prisoner of ours, because she's truly sorry she acted like +the dickens. And as a punishment, I condemn her to rebuild this royal +palace, but, following Harry's example, we will all help her with the +work." + +Then King burst forth into song: + + "Hooray, Hooray, for our noble Queen, + The very best monarch that ever was seen. + There's nobody quite so perfectly dandy, + As our most gracious, most noble Queen Sandy!" + +They all repeated this chorus, and the Queen bowed and smiled at her +devoted court. + +"And also," her Royal Highness went on, "we hereby take into our club +Miss Hester Corey as a new member. I'm glad to have another girl in +it,--and what I say goes!" + +This time Tom made up the song: + + "What she says, goes! + She's sweet as a rose, + From head to toes, + So what she says, goes!" + +"Miss Hester Corey is now a member," said Midget, "and her name +is,--is----" + +"Sand Witch," suggested Tom. + +"Yes," said King; "you expect witches to cut up tricks." + +"All right," said Hester. "Call me Sand Witch, and you'll see there are +good witches as well as bad." + +"Come on, then," said Marjorie, "and show us how you can work. Let's put +this palace back into shape again as quick as scat!" + +They all fell to work, and it didn't take so very long after all. Hester +was conquered by the power of Marjorie's kindness, and she was meek as a +lamb. She did whatever she was told, and was a quick and willing worker. + +"Now," said Midget, after it was all in order once more, "now we'll have +our celebration. You see, we have six in our court now, instead of +five, and I think it's nicer. I'll give the Sand Witch my sash to wear, +and she can be my first lady-in-waiting." + +This position greatly pleased Hester, and she took her place at the side +of the enthroned Queen, while Tom stood at her other side. King played a +grand tune, and they all sang. + +The song was in honor of the flag-raising, and was hastily composed by +Marjorie for the occasion: + + "Our Flag, our Flag, our Sand Club Flag! + Long may she wave, long may she wag! + And may our Sand Club ever stand + A glory to our Native Land." + +Tom persisted in singing "a glory to our native _sand_," and King said +_strand_, but after all, it didn't matter. + +Then Sandow, bearing the flag, stepped gravely forward, and the boys all +helped to plant it firmly in the middle of Sand Court, while the Queen +and her lady-in-waiting nodded approval. + +"Ha, Courtiers! I prithee sit!" the Queen commanded, when the flag was +gaily waving in the breeze. + +Her four courtiers promptly sat on the ground at her feet, and the Queen +addressed them thus: + +"Gentlemen-in-waiting of Sandringham Palace, there are much affairs of +state now before us. First must we form our club, our Sand Club." + +"Most noble Queen," and Tom rose to his feet, "have I your permission to +speak?" + +"Speak!" said the Queen, graciously, waving her sceptre at him. + +"Then I rise to inquire if this is a secret organization." + +"You bet it is!" cried King, jumping up. "The very secretest ever! If +any one lets out the secrets of these secret meetings, he shall be +excommunicated in both feet!" + +"A just penalty!" said Tom, gravely. + +"Is all well, O fair Queen? Do you agree?" + +"Yes, I agree," said the Queen, smiling. "But I want to know what these +secrets are to be about." + +"That's future business," declared King. "Just now we have to elect +officers, and all that." + +"All right," said Marjorie, "but you must be more courtly about it. Say +it more,--you know how I mean." + +"As thus," spoke up the lady-in-waiting, dropping on one knee before the +Queen. + +"What is the gracious will of your Royal Highness in the matter of +secretary and treasurer, O Queen!" + +"Yes, that's better. Well, my court, to tell you the truth, I don't +think that we need a secretary and such things, because it isn't a +regular club. Let us content ourselves with our present noble offices. +Grand Sandjandrum, what are the duties of thy high office?" + +"No duties, but all pleasures, when serving thee, O noble and gracious +Queen!" + +"That's fine," said Midget, clapping her hands. "Hither, Sir Sand Piper! +What are thy duties at, court?" + +"Your Majesty," said King, bowing low, "it is my humble part to play the +pipes, or to lay the pipes, as the case may be. I do not smoke pipes, +but, if it be thy gracious wish, I can blow fair soap bubbles from +them." + +"Sand Piper, I see you know your business," said the Queen. "Ha! Sand +Crab, what dost thou do each day?" + +"Just scramble around in the sand," replied Harry, and suiting the +action to the word, he gave such a funny scrambling performance that +they all applauded. + +"Right well done, noble Sand Crab," commented the smiling Queen. "And +thou, O Sandow?" + +"I do all the strong-arm work required in the palace," said Dick, +doubling up his little fist, and trying to make it look large and +powerful. + +"Now, thee, my fair lady-in-waiting, what dost thou do in this, my +court?" + +Hester shook back her mop of red curls, and her eyes danced as she +answered, gaily: + +"I am the Court Sand Witch! I cut up tricks of all sorts, as doth become +a witch. Aye, many a time will I cause enchantments to fall upon thee, +one and all! I am a magic witch, and I can cast spells!" + +Hester waved her arms about, and swayed from side to side, her eyes +fixed in a glassy stare, and her red curls bobbing. + +"Good gracious!" cried Marjorie. "You're like a witch I saw on the stage +once in a fairy pantomime. Say, Hester, let's have a pantomime +entertainment some day." + +"All right. My mother'll help us. She's always getting up private +theatricals and things like that. She says I inherit her dramatic +talent." + +"All right," said Tom, warningly; "but don't you turn your dramatic +talent toward tearing down our palace again." + +"Of course I won't, now I'm a member." + +"Of course she won't," agreed Marjorie. "Now, my courtiers, and +lady-in-waiting, there's another subject to come before your royal +attention. We must have a Court Journal." + +"What's that?" inquired Harry. + +"Why, a sort of a paper, you know, with all the court news in it." + +"There isn't any." + +"But there will be. We're not fairly started yet. Now who'll write this +paper?" + +"All of us," suggested Tom. + +"Yes; but there must be one at the head of it,--sort of editor, you +know." + +"Guess it better be King," said Tom, thoughtfully. "He knows the most +about writing things." + +"All right," agreed King. "I'll edit the paper, only you must all +contribute. We'll have it once a week, and everybody must send me some +contribution, if it's only a little poem or something." + +"I can't write poems," said Harry, earnestly, "but I can gather up +news,--and like that." + +"Yes," said Marjorie, "that's what I mean. But it must be news about us +court people, or maybe our families." + +"Can't we make it up?" asked Hester. + +"Yes, I s'pose so, if you make it real court like and grand sounding." + +"What shall we call our paper?" asked King. + +"Oh, just the _Court Journal_," replied Midget. + +"I don't think so," objected Hester. "I think it ought to have a name +like _The Sand Club_." + +"_The Jolly Sandboy_," exclaimed Tom. "How's that?" + +"But two of us are girls!" said Marjorie. + +"That doesn't matter, it's just the name of the paper, you know. And it +sounds so gay and jolly." + +"I like it," declared King, and so they all agreed to the name. + +"Now, my courtiers and noble friends," said their Queen, "it's time we +all scooted home to luncheon. My queen-dowager mother likes me to be on +time for meals. Also, my majesty and my royal sand piper can't come back +to play this afternoon. But shall this court meet to-morrow morning?" + +"You bet, your Majesty!" exclaimed Tom, with fervor. + +"That isn't very courtly language, my Grand Sandjandrum." + +"I humbly beg your Majesty's pardon, and I prostrate myself in humble +humility!" And Tom sprawled on his face at Marjorie's feet. + +"Rise, Sir Knight," said the gracious Queen, and then the court +dispersed toward its various homes. + +"Well, we had the greatest time this morning you ever heard of!" +announced Marjorie as, divested of her royal trappings and clad in a +fresh pink gingham, she sat at the luncheon table. + +"What was it all about, Moppets?" asked Mrs. Maynard. + +So King and Marjorie together told all about the intrusion of Hester on +their celebration, and how they had finally taken her into the Sand Club +as a member. + +"I think my children behaved very well," said Mrs. Maynard, looking at +the two with pride. + +"I did get sort of mad at first, Mother," Marjorie confessed, not +wanting more praise than was her just due. + +"Well, I don't blame you!" declared King. "Why, that girl made most +awful faces at Mops, and talked to her just horrid! If she hadn't calmed +down afterward we couldn't have played with her at all." + +"I've heard about that child," said Mrs. Maynard. "She has most awful +fits of temper, I'm told. Mrs. Craig says that Hester will be as good +and as sweet as a lamb for days,--and then she'll fly into a rage over +some little thing. I'm glad you children are not like that." + +"I'm glad, too," said King. "We're not angels, but if we acted up like +Hester did at first we couldn't live in the house with each other!" + +"Her mother is an actress," observed Marjorie. + +"Oh, no, Midget, you're mistaken," said her mother. "I know Mrs. Corey, +and she isn't an actress at all, and never was. But she is fond of +amateur theatricals, and she is president of a club that gives little +plays now and then." + +"Yes, that's it," said King. "Hester said her mother had dramatic +talent, and she had inherited it. Have you dramatic talent, Mother?" + +"I don't know, King," said Mrs. Maynard, laughing. "Your father and I +have joined their dramatic club, but it remains to be seen whether we +can make a success of it." + +"Oh, Mother!" cried Marjorie. "Are you really going to act in a play? +Oh, can we see you?" + +"I don't know yet, Midget. Probably it will be an entertainment only for +grown-ups. We've just begun rehearsals." + +"Have we dramatic talent, Mother?" + +"Not to any astonishing degree. But, yes, I suppose your fondness for +playing at court life and such things shows a dramatic taste." + +"Oh, it's great fun, Mother! I just love to sit on that throne with my +long trail wopsed on the floor beside me, and my sceptre sticking up, +and my courtiers all around me,--oh, Mother, I think I'd like to be a +real queen!" + +"Well, you see, Midget, you were born in a country that doesn't employ +queens." + +"And I'm glad of it!" cried Marjorie, patriotically. "Hooray! for the +land of the free and the home of the brave! I guess I don't care to be a +real queen, I guess I'll be a president's wife instead. Say, Mother, +won't you and Father write us some poems for _The Jolly Sandboy_?" + +"What is that, Midget?" + +"Oh, it's our court journal,--and you and Father do write such lovely +poetry. Will you, Mother?" + +"Yes, I 'spect so." + +"Oh, goody! When you say 'I 'spect so,' you always _do_. Hey, King, Rosy +Posy ought to have a sandy kind of a name, even if she doesn't come to +our court meetings." + +"'Course she ought. And she can come sometimes, if she doesn't upset +things." + +"She can't upset things worse'n Hester did." + +"No; but I don't believe Hester will act up like that again." + +"She may, Marjorie," said Mrs. Maynard. "I've heard her mother say she +can't seem to curb Hester's habit of flying into a temper. So just here, +my two loved ones, let me ask you to be kind to the little girl, and if +she gets angry, don't flare back at her, but try 'a soft answer.'" + +"But, Mother," said King, "that isn't so awful easy! And, anyway, I +don't think she ought to do horrid things,--like tumbling down our +palace,--and then we just forgive her, and take her into the club!" + +"Why not, King?" + +King looked a little nonplussed. + +"Why," he said, "why,--because it doesn't seem fair." + +"And does it seem fairer for you to lose your temper too, and try what +children call 'getting even with her'?" + +"Well, Mother, it _does_ seem fairer, but I guess it isn't very,--very +_noble_." + +"No, son, it isn't. And I hope you'll come to think that sometimes +nobility of action is better than mere justice." + +"I see what you mean, Mother, and somehow, talking here with you, it all +seems true enough. But when we get away from you, and off with the boys +and girls, these things seem different. Were you always noble when you +were little, Mother?" + +"No, Kingdon dear, I wasn't always. But my mother tried her best to +teach me to be,--so don't you think I ought to try to teach you?" + +"Sure, Mothery! And you bet we'll do our bestest to try to learn. Hey, +Mops?" + +"Yes, indeedy! I _want_ to do things right, but I seem to forget just +when I ought to remember." + +"Well, when you forget, come home and tell Mother all about it, and +we'll take a fresh start. You're pretty fairly, tolerably, moderately +good children after all! Only I want you to grow a little speck better +each day." + +"And we _will_!" shouted King and Marjorie together. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +"THE JOLLY SANDBOY" + + +The Sand Club was not very strict in its methods or systems. Some days +it met, and some days it didn't. Sometimes all the court was present, +and sometimes only three or four of them. + +But everything went on harmoniously, and there were no exhibitions of +ill temper from the Sand Witch. + +In fact, Hester was absorbed in doing her part toward the first number +of _The Jolly Sandboy_. + +The child was quite an adept at drawing and painting, and she was making +several illustrations for their court journal. One, representing +Marjorie seated on her sand throne, was really clever, and there were +other smaller pictures, too. + +Kingdon worked earnestly to get the paper into shape. He had +contributions from all the club, and from Mr. and Mrs. Maynard also. He +had a small typewriter of his own, and he laboriously copied the +contributions on fair, white pages, and, with Hester's pictures +interspersed, bound them all into a neat cover of red paper. + +This Hester ornamented with a yellow sand-pail, emblem of their club, +and tied it at the top with a yellow ribbon. Altogether, the first +number of _The Jolly Sandboy_ was a strikingly beautiful affair. + +And the court convened, in full court dress, to hear it read. + +The court wardrobes had received various additions. Often a courtier +blossomed out in some new regalia, always of red or yellow, or both. + +The several mothers of the court frequently donated old ribbons, +feathers, or flowers, from discarded millinery or other finery, and all +these were utilized by the frippery loving courtiers. + +Hester had contrived a witch costume, which was greatly admired. A red +skirt, a yellow shawl folded cornerwise, and a very tall peaked hat of +black with red and yellow ribbons, made the child look like some weird +creature. + +Marjorie's tastes ran rather to magnificent attire, and she accumulated +waving plumes, artificial flowers, and floating gauze veils and +draperies. + +The boys wore nondescript costumes, in which red jerseys and yellow +sashes played a prominent part, while King achieved the dignity of a +mantle, picturesquely slung from one shoulder. Many badges and orders +adorned their breasts, and lances and spears, wound with gilt paper, +added to the courtly effect. + +"My dearly beloved Court," Marjorie began, beaming graciously from her +flower decked throne, "we are gathered together here to-day to listen to +the reading of our Court Journal,--a noble paper,--published by our +noble courtier, the Sand Piper, who will now read it to us." + +"Hear! Hear!" cried all the courtiers. + +"Most liege Majesty," began King, bowing so low that his shoulder cape +fell off. But he hastily swung it back into place and went on. "Also, +most liege lady-in-waiting, our noble Sand Witch, we greet thee. And we +greet our Grand Sandjandrum, and our noble Sandow, and our beloved Sand +Crab. We greet all, and everybody. Did I leave anybody out of this +greeting?" + +"No! No!" + +"All right; then I'll fire away. The first article in this paper is an +editorial,--I wrote it myself because I am editor-in-chief. You're all +editors, you know, but I'm the head editor." + +"Why not say headitor?" suggested Tom. + +"Good idea, friend Courtier! I'm the headitor, then. And this is my +headitorial. Here goes! 'Courtiers and Citizens: This journal, called +_The Jolly Sandboy_, shall relate from time to time the doings of our +noble court. It shall tell of the doughty deeds of our brave knights, +and relate the gay doings of our fair ladies. It shall mention news of +interest, if any, concerning the inhabitants of Seacote in general, and +the families of this court in particular. Our politics are not confined +to any especial party, but our platform is to grow up to be presidents +ourselves.' This ends my headitorial." + +Great applause followed this masterpiece of journalistic literature, and +the Sand Piper proceeded: + +"I will next read the column of news, notes, and social events, as +collected by our energetic and capable young reporter, the Sand Crab: + + * * * * * + +"'The Queen and her lady-in-waiting went bathing in the ocean this +morning. Our noble Queen was costumed in white, trimmed with blue, and +the Sand Witch in dark blue trimmed with red. Both noble ladies squealed +when a large breaker knocked them over. The whole court rushed to their +rescue, and no permanent damage resulted. + +"Three gentlemen courtiers of this court, who reside in the same castle, +had ice-cream for dinner last night. The colors were pink and white. It +was exceeding good. + +"A very young princess, a sister of our beloved Queen, went walking +yesterday afternoon with her maid of honor. The princess wore a big +white hat with funny ribbon bunches on it. Also white shoes. + +"Mr. Sears has had his back fence painted. (We don't know any Mr. Sears, +and he hasn't any back fence, but we are making up now, as our real news +has given out and our column isn't full.) + +"Mrs. Black spent Sunday with her mother-in-law, Mrs. Green. (See +above.) + +"Mr. Van Winkle is building a gray stone mansion of forty rooms on +Seashore Drive. We think it is quite a pretty house. + +"This is all the news I can find for this time. Yours truly.--THE +SAND CRAB.'" + + * * * * * + +"Noble Sand Crab, we thank you for your fine contribution to our midst," +announced the Queen, and the Sand Crab burrowed in the sand and kicked +in sheer delight at such praise. + +"The next," announced the Sand Piper, "is an original poem by our most +liege majesty, the Queen. It's pretty fine, I think. + + "Most noble Court, I greet you now, + From Grand Sandjandrum to small Sandow. + From old Sand Piper, and gay Sand Witch, + To Sand Crab, with hair as black as pitch. + I hope our Court will ever be + Renowned for its fun and harmony. + And as I gaze on this gorgeous scene, + I'm glad I am your beloved Queen." + +"Jinks! that's gay!" exclaimed Tom. "How do you ever do it, Marjorie? I +did a poem, but it doesn't run nice and slick like yours." + +"I'll read it next," said King. "I think it's pretty good. + + "I love the people named _Maynard_, + I like to play in their back yard. + We have a jolly Sand Court, + Which makes the time fly very short. + Except going in the ocean bathing, + There's nothing I like so much for a plaything." + +"That's very nice, Tom," said Marjorie, forgetting her rôle. + +"No, it isn't. It seems as if it ought to be right, and then somehow it +isn't. Bathing and plaything are 'most alike, and yet they sound awful +different." + +"That's so. Well, anyway, it's plenty good enough, and it's all true, +Tom." + +"Yes, it's all true." + +"Then it must be right, 'cause there's a quotation or something that +says truth is beauty. We wouldn't want all our poems to be just alike, +you know." + +"No, I s'pose not," and Tom felt greatly encouraged by Marjorie's kind +criticism. + +"Next," said King, "is our Puzzle Department. It's sort of queer, but +it's Sandow's contribution, and he said to put it in, and he'd explain +about it. So here it is. + + * * * * * + +"'SANDY PRIZE PUZZLE. Prize, a musical top, donated by the +author. Question: Is the number of sands on the seashore odd or even? +Anybody in this court who can answer this question truthfully will +receive the prize. Signed, SANDOW.'" + + * * * * * + +"That's nonsense," cried Hester. "How can anybody tell whether we answer +truthfully or not?" + +"I can tell," said Sandow, gravely. "Whoever first answers it truthfully +will get the prize." + +"But it's ridiculous," said King. "In the first place, how much seashore +do you mean? Only that here at Seacote, or all the Atlantic shore? Or +all the world?" + +Dick considered. "I mean all the seashore in all the world," he said, at +last. + +"Then that's silly, too," said Tom, "for how far does the seashore go? +Just to the edge of the ocean, or all the way under?" + +"All the way under," replied Dick, solemnly. + +"Then you really mean all the sand in all the world!" + +"Yes; that's it. Of course, all the sand in all the world numbers a +certain number of grains. Now, is that number odd or even?" + +"You're crazy, Dick!" said Hester, but Marjorie said, "No, he isn't +crazy; I think there's a principle there somewhere, but I can't work it +out." + +"I guess you can't!" said King. "I give it up." + +"So do I!" declared Tom, and at last they all gave it up. + +"Now you must answer it yourself, Dick," said King. + +"Then nobody gets the prize," objected Sandow. + +"No, you keep it yourself. Have you got one, anyhow?" + +"Yes, a nice musical top Uncle John sent to me. I've never used it much, +it's as good as new. I _wish_ somebody would guess." + +Nobody did, and Dick sighed. + +"Bet you can't answer your old puzzle, yourself," said Hester. + +"Yes, I can," averred Dick, "but you must ask it to me." + +"All right," said King. "Mr. Sandow, honorable and noble courtier of +Sand Court, is the number of sea sands odd or even? Answer truthfully +now." + +"I don't know," replied Dick, "and that's the truth!" + +How they all laughed! It was a quibble, of course, but the Maynard +children were surprised at themselves that they hadn't seen through the +catch. + +Dick sat on the sand, rocking back and forth with laughter. + +"The witch ought to have guessed it," he cried; "or else the Queen ought +to." + +"Yes, my courtier, we ought," Marjorie admitted. "You caught us fairly, +and we hereby give you the post of wizard of this court. Sand Piper, +what's next in your journal?" + +"The next is a poem by the Honorable Edward Maynard. That is, he wrote +part of it, and then, as he had to go to New York on business, his +honorable wife finished it. Here it is: + + "Royal Courtiers, great and grand, + Ruling o'er your court of sand, + Take this greeting from the pen + Of an humble citizen. + May you, each one, learn to be + Filled with true nobility; + Gentle, loving, brave, and kind, + Strong of arm and pure of mind. + May you have a lot of fun, + And look back, when day is done, + O'er long hours of merry play + Filled with laughter blithe and gay. + May your court of mimic rule + Teach you lore not learned in school; + Rule your heart to think no ill, + Rule your temper and your will." + +"Gee, that's real poetry, that is!" exclaimed Tom. "Say, your people are +poets, aren't they?" + +"Why, I think they are," said Marjorie, "but Father says they're not." + +"I'd like a copy of that poem," said Hester, looking very serious. + +"All right," said King, catching the witch's glance. "I'll make you a +nice typewritten copy of it to-morrow." + +"And now, my royal Sand Piper, is there any more poetic lore for us to +listen to?" + +"Aye, my liege Queen, there is one more poem. This is a real poem also, +but it is of the humorous variety. It was composed by the mother of our +royal Sand Witch, and was freely contributed to our paper by that +estimable lady. Methinks she mistook our club for a debating club, and +yet, perhaps not. This may be merely a flight of fancy, such as poets +are very fond of, I am told. I will now read Mrs. Corey's contribution: + + "There once was a Debating Club, exceeding wise and great; + On grave and abstruse questions it would eagerly debate. + Its members said: 'We are so wise, ourselves we'll herewith dub + The Great Aristophelean Pythagoristic Club.' + And every night these bigwigs met, and strove with utmost pains + To solve recondite problems that would baffle lesser brains. + They argued and debated till the hours were small and wee; + And weren't much discouraged if they didn't then agree. + They said their say, and went their way, these cheerful, + pleasant men, + And then came round next evening, and said it all again. + Well, possibly, you'll be surprised; but all the winter through + The questions they debated on numbered exactly two. + For as they said: 'Of course we can't take up another one, + Till we have solved conclusively the two that we've begun.' + They reasoned and they argued, as the evenings wore along; + And each one thought that he was right, and deemed the others wrong. + They wrangled and contended, they disputed and discussed, + They retorted and rebutted, they refuted and they fussed; + But though their wisdom was profound, and erudite their speech, + A definite conclusion those men could never reach. + And so the club disbanded, and they read their last report, + Which told the whole sad story, though it was exceeding short: + 'Resolved--We are not able to solve these problems two: + "Does Polly want a cracker?" and "What did Katy do?"'" + +"Well, isn't that fine!" cried Marjorie. "Why, Hester, your mother is +more a poet than ours." + +"She does write lovely poetry," said Hester, "but I like your mother's +poem, too, because it,--well, you know what I mean." + +Somehow the children all understood that tempestuous Hester appreciated +the lines that so gently advised the ruling and subduing of an unruly +temper and will, but nobody knew just how to express it. + +So King broke a somewhat awkward silence by saying, heartily, "Yep, we +know!" and all the others said "Yep" in chorus. + +"I think, O Royal Court," the Queen began, "that our first paper is +fine. How often shall we issue _The Jolly Sandboy_?" + +"'Bout once a week, I think," said Tom. + +"All right," agreed King; "and you fellows get your stuff in a little +earlier next week so's I can typewrite it in time." + +"And now, my beloved court," resumed Midget, "I think we have sat still +long enough, and I decree that we have a game of Prisoner's Base. And +what I say goes!" + +There was no dissenting voice. The Queen unpinned her court train from +her shoulders, the Sand Witch laid aside her tall, peaked hat, and the +courtiers discarded such details of their costumes as seemed likely to +impede progress in the game. Prisoner's Base was followed by Hide and +Seek, and then it was time for the court to repair to its several homes. + +"It's all so lovely, Marjorie," said Hester. "I'm _so_ glad you let me +play with you." + +"That's all right, Hester, as long as you don't smash things or make +faces at us." + +"Oh, I never will again; truly, Marjorie. I'm going to learn that poem +of your mother's by heart, and I _know_ I'll never lose my temper again, +Good-bye." + +"Good-bye, Hester," and after an affectionate kiss the two girls parted. + +"Goo'-bye, Queenie Sandy," called Tom, as they separated at the turn of +the path. + +"Good-bye, Tom, you old Grand Sandjandrum!" and then the Maynards ran +into their own house. + +"Gently, my lad and lassie; gently!" warned Mrs. Maynard, as her two +young hopefuls flung themselves upon her. + +"Oh, Mothery," cried Marjorie, "we had _such_ a good time! And our court +journal was lovely! Want to see it? And King fixed it up so beautifully, +and Hester made such _dear_ pictures for it! Oh, Mother, isn't it +splendid to have so much fun?" + +"Yes, dearie," and Mrs. Maynard stroked the flushed brow of her +energetic and excitable daughter. "But when you come in from your play, +you must be a little bit quieter and more ladylike. I don't want to +think that these merry companions of yours are making you really +boisterous." + +"They are, though," said King. "I like the Craigs and Hester Corey, but +they sure are the noisy bunch!" + +"Oh, King, not _quite_ so much slang!" + +"No, Mother, we won't get gay! We'll try to please you every way! But +we're feeling rather spry to-day! So please excuse us, Mothery May!" + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +TWO WELCOME GUESTS + + +It was Saturday afternoon. The Maynard children had been told that +guests were expected to dinner, and they must put on festival array. + +And so when King and Marjorie, in white serge and white piqué +respectively, wandered out on to the front veranda, they found their +parents and a very dressy-looking Rosamond there before them. + +"Who are coming to dinner, Mother?" asked Midget. + +"Ask your father, my dear." + +"Why, don't _you_ know, Mother? Well, who are they, Daddy?" + +"Somebody and somebody else," replied Mr. Maynard, smiling. + +"Oho, a secret!" exclaimed Midget. "Then it must be somebody nice! Let's +guess, King." + +"All right. Are they kids or grown-ups, Father?" + +"Grown-ups, my son." + +"Oh!" and Marjorie looked disappointed. "Do we know them?" + +"You have met them, yes." + +"Do they live at Seacote?" + +"They are here for the summer." + +"Where do they live winters?" asked King. + +"Under the Stars and Stripes." + +"Huh! that may mean the Philippines or Alaska!" + +"It may. Have you met many people who reside in those somewhat removed +spots?" + +"Not many," said King, "and that's a fact. Well, are they a lady and +gentleman?" + +"They are." + +"Oh, I know!" cried Marjorie. "It's Kitty and Uncle Steve! He said +they'd come down here some time while we're here! Am I right, Father?" + +"Not quite, Mopsy. You see, I said they are grown-ups." + +"Both of them?" + +"Both of them." + +"Well, I don't care much who they are, then," declared King. "I don't +see anything in it for us, Mops." + +"No, but we ought to guess them if they're spending the summer here and +we've met them. Of course, it couldn't be Kitty! She isn't spending the +summer here. Is it the Coreys or Craigs, Father?" + +"No, neither of those names fit our expected guests." + +"Then it must be some of those people the other side of the pier. I +don't know any more on this side except the fishermen. Is it any of +them?" + +"Well, no. I doubt if they'd care to visit us. But never mind our guests +for the moment; I want you two children to go on an errand for me." + +"Right-o!" said King. "Where?" + +"Walk along the shore road three blocks, then turn inland and walk a +block and a half. Do you know that place with lots of vines all over the +front of the house?" + +"Yes, I do," said Marjorie, "but nobody lives there." + +"All right. I want you to take a message to Mr. Nobody." + +"Oh, Father, what do you mean?" + +"Just what I say. You say nobody lives there, and that's the very man I +mean." + +"All right," said King. "We'll go, if you tell us to. Hey, Mops?" + +"'Course we will! What shall we say to Mr. Nobody, Father?" + +"First you must ring the doorbell, and if Nobody opens the door, walk +in." + +"Ho! If Nobody opens the door, how _can_ we walk in?" + +"Walk in. And then if Nobody speaks to you, answer him politely, and say +your father, one Mr. Maynard, desires his advice and assistance." + +"Oh, Father, I do believe you're crazy!" exclaimed Marjorie. + +"Never mind," said King, "if Father's crazy, we'll be crazy too! What +next, for orders?" + +"After that, be guided by your own common sense and good judgment. +And,--you wouldn't be frightened at Nobody, would you?" + +"No!" declared King. "Nobody could frighten me!" + +"Oh, he could, could he? Well, you are a foolish boy if Nobody could +frighten you!" + +King looked a little confused, and then he laughed and said, "Well, I'd +just as lieve fight Nobody, if he attacks me." + +"There'll be no cause to fight, my boy. Now, skip along, and remember +your message." + +"Yes, Mr. Edward Maynard wants advice and assistance from Nobody! Well, +I guess that's right, Father, but it all sounds to me like an April Fool +joke. Come on, Midget." + +As the two children skipped away, King said, thoughtfully, "What does it +all mean, Mops?" + +"I dunno, King. But it means _something_. It isn't a wild-goose chase, +or an April-fool sort of joke. I know Father has some nice surprise for +us the way his eyes twinkled." + +"Well, but this empty house business seems so silly! I know nobody lives +there, for I passed there a few days ago, and it was all shut up." + +"Well, we'll soon find out," and the children turned the corner toward +the house in question. Sure enough, the blinds were closed and there was +no sign of habitation. + +"Mr. Nobody lives here, all right!" said King as they entered the gate. + +"And such a pretty place, too," commented Marjorie, looking at the +luxuriant vines that ran riot over the front veranda. + +King rang the bell, feeling half-angry and half-silly at the +performance. In a moment the door swung open, but no person was seen. + +"Well!" exclaimed King. "Nobody opened that door!" + +"We must walk in," said Midget. "Father said so." + +"Oh, I hate to! We really haven't any right to go into a strange house +like this!" + +"But Father said to! Come on!" And grasping King's hand, Midget urged +him inside. They stood in the middle of a pretty and attractively +furnished hall, but saw or heard no people. + +"Hello, Mr. Nobody!" said Marjorie, still clasping King's hand tightly, +for the situation was a little weird. + +"Hello, yourself!" responded a cheery voice, but they couldn't see any +one. + +The voice reassured King, and he said, humorously, "I see Nobody! How do +you do, sir?" + +"Quite well," answered the same voice, but it was a bit muffled, and +they couldn't judge where it came from. Also it sounded very gay and +laughing, and Marjorie thought it seemed a bit familiar, though she +couldn't place it. + +"My father sent a message," went on King, sturdily. "He says he wants +Nobody's advice and assistance." + +"What a self-reliant man!" said the voice, and then from behind a +portière a laughing face appeared, followed by a man's active body. At +the same time, from an opposite portière, a lady sprang out and took +Marjorie in her arms. + +"Cousin Ethel!" + +"Cousin Jack!" + +And the children laughed in glee as they recognized Mr. and Mrs. Bryant. + +"You dear things!" the lady exclaimed. "I think it's awful to startle +you so, but it's the joke of your father and your Cousin Jack. I was +afraid it would scare you. Did it?" + +"Not exactly," said Marjorie, cuddling in Cousin Ethel's arms, but King +protested: + +"No, indeed!" he declared. "I wasn't scared, but I felt a little queer." + +"You're two Ducky Daddles!" Cousin Ethel cried, and Cousin Jack slapped +King on the shoulder and said, "You're a trump, old man!" and King felt +very grown-up and manly. + +"What's it all about?" he inquired, and Mr. Bryant replied: + +"Well, you see, if you've room for us here in Seacote, we're going to +stay here for a while. In fact, we've taken this shack with such an +intention." + +"Oh!" cried Marjorie. "You've taken this house for the summer, and +Father knew it, and sent us over here to be surprised!" + +"You've sized up the situation exactly, Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, +who loved to call Midget by this old-fashioned name. "And now, if we +were properly invited, and very strongly urged, we _might_ be persuaded +to go home to dinner with you." + +"Oh," cried Marjorie, a light breaking in upon her, "you're the dinner +guests they're expecting!" + +"We sure are!" said Cousin Jack. "And as this is the first time we've +been invited out to dinner in Seacote, we're impatient to go." + +So they set off for the Maynard house, and Midget led the way with +Cousin Ethel. + +"When did you come?" she inquired. + +"Only this morning, dear. We're not quite set to rights yet, though I +brought my own servants, and they'll soon have us all comfy." + +"And how did you and Father fix up this plan?" + +"He was over here this afternoon, and he and Cousin Jack planned it. +Then, as soon as you left your house, your father telephoned over here, +and we prepared to receive you in that crazy fashion. Of course, Jack +opened the door and stayed behind it. You weren't frightened, were you?" + +"No, not really. But it seemed a little,--a little creepy, you know." + +"Of course it did!" cried Cousin Jack from behind them. "But that house +is so overhung with creepers it makes you feel creepy anyway. I'm going +to call it Creeper Castle." + +"Oh, don't!" said Marjorie. "It sounds horrid! Makes you think of +caterpillars and things like that!" + +"So it does! Well, Mehitabel, you name it for us. I can't live in a +house without a name." + +"I'd call it Bryant Bower. That sounds flowery and pretty." + +"Just the ticket! You're a genius for names! Bryant Bower it is. What's +the name of your house,--Maynard Mansion?" + +"Maynard Manor is prettier," suggested Cousin Ethel. + +"So it is! Maynard Manor goes! I don't know anybody with prettier +manners than the Maynards, especially the younger generation of them," +and though Cousin Jack spoke laughingly, there was an earnest undertone +in his voice that greatly pleased King and Marjorie. + +"Hooray!" cried that hilarious gentleman, as they reached the Maynards' +veranda. "Hello, Ed. How d'ye do, Helen? Here we are! We're returning +your youngsters right side up with care. Why, look who's here!" and +catching up Rosy Posy, he tossed her high in the air, to the little +girl's great delight. + +Dinner was a festive occasion indeed, and afterward they all sat on the +wide veranda and listened to the roar of the waves. + +"This is a restful place," said Cousin Ethel, as she leaned back +comfortably in her wicker rocker. + +"So it is," agreed her husband, "but, if you ask _me_, I think it's +_too_ restful. I like a place with some racket to it, don't you, +Hezekiah?" + +This was his pet name for King, and the boy replied: + +"There's fun enough here, Cousin Jack, if you make it yourself." + +"That's so, is it? Well, I guess I'll try to make some. Let's see, isn't +Fourth of July next week?" + +"Yes, it is," said Marjorie. "Next week, Wednesday." + +"Well, that's a good day to have fun; and an especially good day for a +racket. What shall we do, kiddies?" + +"Do you mean for us to choose?" asked Marjorie. + +"No, Mehitabel; you suggest, and I'll choose. You think of the very +nicest sort of celebrations you know, and I'll select the nicest of them +all." + +"Well," said Midget, thoughtfully, "there's a party or a picnic. How +many people do you mean, Cousin Jack? And do you mean children or +grown-ups?" + +"Now I feel aggrieved, and insulted, and chagrined, and many other awful +things!" Cousin Jack looked so woe-begone that they almost thought him +in earnest. "You _know_, Mehitabel, that I'm but a child myself! I'm not +a grown-up, and I never will be!" + +"That's so!" laughed his wife. + +"And so, us children will have a celebration of the children, for the +children, and by the children! How many perfectly good children do you +know down here?" + +"Not many," said King; "hardly any, in fact, except the Sand Club." + +"The Sand Club! That sounds interesting. Tell me about it." + +So King and Marjorie told all about the Sand Club and its six members, +and Cousin Jack declared that was just enough for his idea of a Fourth +of July celebration. + +"Now for the plan," he went on. "How about a picnic in the woods, which +I see sticking up over there, and then come back to Bryant Bower for +some fireworks later?" + +"I think that sounds beautiful!" said Marjorie, and King entirely +agreed. + +"Why not have the fireworks here?" said Mr. Maynard. "You're too good to +these children, Jack." + +"Not a bit of it. We can have a celebration here some other night. But +I've picked out the glorious Fourth for my own little racketty-packetty +party. You see, on that day we can make all the noise we like and not +get arrested." + +"Can we dress up, Cousin Jack?" asked Marjorie. + +"Sure, child; wear your best bib and tucker, if you like, but I like you +better in your play-clothes." + +"I don't mean that. I mean costumes." + +"Midget is great for dressing up," explained King. "She always wants +some cheesecloth wobbed around her, and veils and feathers on her head." + +"Oh, I see! Why, yes, I rather guess we _can_ dress up." + +"I'll wear a red, white, and blue sash, and a liberty cap," said Midget, +her eyes dancing. + +"Oh, we can do better than that," responded Cousin Jack. "Let's see; +we'll make it a sort of reception affair, and you, Mehitabel, can be the +Goddess of Liberty, or Miss Columbia, whichever you like. Hezekiah, you +can be Uncle Sam! Your respected Cousin Ethel and I will guarantee your +costume." + +"I want to be a somefin'," spoke up Rosamond, who had been allowed to +stay up later than usual, in honor of the guests. + +"So you shall, Babykins. I guess we'll let Sister be Miss Columbia, and +you shall be a dear little Goddess of Liberty all your own self! How's +that?" and Cousin Jack beamed at the smiling Rosy Posy. + +"Now, where shall the picnic be?" asked Cousin Ethel, ready to help +along the plans. + +"There's a lovely grove over beyond the pier," said Midget; "we might go +there." + +"The very place!" said Cousin Jack; "and we'll have a sand-pail picnic. +Didn't you say your coat-of-arms was a sand-pail?" + +"Yes, that's the Emblem of the Club." + +"And a fine emblem for a picnic. We'll have pails of sandwiches and +cakes, and a pail of lemonade, and a pail of ice cream. How's that for +emblems?" + +"Fine!" said King. "Shall I invite the guests?" + +"Yes, my boy. Tell them to assemble here at three o'clock, and we'll +depart at once. Tell them all to wear red, white, and blue in honor of +the day." + +"And do we catch firecrackers?" + +"Little ones,--and torpedoes. But no cannon crackers or cap-pistols or +bombs or any firearms. I'm not going to have a hospitalful of gunpowder +victims on my hands the next day." + +"And now," said Mrs. Maynard, "as these wonderful affairs of the nation +seem to be all settled, I think you young patriots must skip to bed. +Your father and I would like a few words ourselves with these guests of +ours." + +"Guests of _ours_," corrected Midget, gayly. "Cousin Jack says he's +never going to grow up!"' + +But after lingering good-nights, the brother and sister, arm in arm, +went into the house. + +"Aren't they dandies!" exclaimed King, as they went upstairs. + +"Gay!" agreed Marjorie. "Won't we have fun on the Fourth! Oh, I was _so_ +surprised to see them, weren't you, King?" + +"Yep. The Craigs will like Cousin Jack, won't they?" + +"Yes, indeed, and Hester, too. Good-night, King." + +"Good-night, Mopsy Midget. Here!" and as a final compliment, King pulled +off her hair-ribbon and handed it to her with a dancing-school bow. + +Marjorie gave his hair an affectionate tweak, and with these +good-natured attentions they parted. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE GLORIOUS FOURTH + + +The sun rose early on Fourth of July morning. For he knew many patriotic +young hearts were beating with impatience for the great day to begin. +Moreover, he rose clear and bright, and yet he didn't shine down too +hotly for the comfort of those same young people. In fact, it was a +perfect summer day. + +Marjorie sprang out of bed and began to dress, with glad anticipations. +The Bryants were to spend the day at Maynard Manor, until time for the +afternoon picnic, and after the picnic came the reception at Bryant +Bower. + +Midget put on a fresh white piqué, and tied up her mop of curls with +wide bows of red, white, and blue ribbon. + +When all ready she went dancing downstairs, pausing on her way to tap at +King's door. + +"All ready, Kinksie?" she called out. + +"In a minute, Mops. Wait for me!" + +Midget sat down on the staircase window-seat, and in a moment King +joined her there. + +"Hello, Mopsy-Doodle! Merry Fourth of Ju--New Year's!" + +"Hello, yourself! Oh, King, isn't it a gorgeous day? What shall we do +first?" + +"I dunno! We can't shoot things or make much noise, until Father and +Mother get up. It would be mean to wake them." + +"Oh, pshaw! they can't be asleep through all this racket that is going +on. Hear the shooting all around." + +"Well, we'll see. Let's get outdoors, anyhow." + +The children opened the front door, and there, sitting on the veranda +steps, his head leaning against a pillar, sat Cousin Jack, apparently +sound asleep. + +"Will you look at that!" said King, in a whisper. "Has he been here all +night, do you s'pose?" + +"No, 'course not. But I s'pose he's been here some time. Do you think +he's really asleep?" + +"He looks so. What shall we do with him?" + +"Dress him up," commanded Marjorie, promptly, and pulling off her wide +hair-ribbons, she proceeded to tie one around Cousin Jack's neck, and +one around his head, giving that gentleman a very festive appearance. + +After she had arranged the bows to her satisfaction, Cousin Jack +obligingly woke up,--though, as a matter of fact, he hadn't been to +sleep! + +"Why, if here isn't Mehitabel!" he exclaimed; "and Hezekiah, too! What a +surprise!" + +"How do you like your decorations?" asked Marjorie, surveying him with +admiration. + +"Oh, are these ribbons _real_? I thought I was dreaming, and had a +Fourth of July nightmare." + +"How long have you been here, Cousin Jack?" asked King. + +"Well, I was waking, so I called early; I don't know at what hour, but +I've been long enough alone, so I'm glad you two young patriots came +down to help me celebrate. Polly want a firecracker?" He held out a pack +of small ones to Marjorie, but she declined them. + +"No, thank you; give those to King. I'd rather have torpedoes." + +"All right, my girlie, here you are! And here's a cap to replace the +ribbons you so kindly gave me." + +Cousin Jack drew from his pocket a tissue-paper cap, that had evidently +come in a snapping-cracker. Then he produced another one for King, and +one which he laid aside for Rosy Posy. They were gay red, white, and +blue caps, with cockades and streamers. + +"Now, we'll be a procession," he went on. From a nook on the veranda, +where he had hidden them, he produced a drum, a tambourine, and a +cornet. + +The cornet was his own, and he presented the drum to King, and the +tambourine to Marjorie. + +"Form in line!" he ordered; "forward,--march!" + +He led the line, and the two children followed. + +Being a good cornet player, Cousin Jack made fine martial music, and +King and Midget had sufficient sense of rhythm to accompany him on the +drum and tambourine. After marching round the house once, Cousin Jack +went up the steps and in at the front door. Upstairs and through the +halls, and down again. + +Nurse Nannie and Rosamond appeared at the nursery door, and were +instructed to fall in line behind the others. Then Sarah, the waitress, +was discovered, looking on from the dining-room, and she, too, was told +to march. + +At last Mr. and Mrs. Maynard appeared, laughing at this invasion of +their morning nap. + +They sat in state in the veranda-chairs, as on a reviewing-stand, while +the grand parade marched and countermarched on the lawn in front of +them. + +"All over!" cried Cousin Jack, at last. "Break ranks!" + +The company dispersed, and Sarah returned, giggling, to her duties. + +"Such a foine man as Misther Bryant do be!" she said to the cook. +"Shure, he's just like wan of the childher." + +And so he was. Full of patriotic enthusiasm, Cousin Jack set off bombs +and firecrackers, until the elder Maynards declared that their ears +ached, and the roisterers must come in to breakfast. + +"I must go home," announced their guest. "I have a wife and six small +children dependent on me for support." + +As a matter of fact, the Bryants had no children, and Mrs. Maynard +declared she should telephone for Cousin Ethel to come to breakfast, +too, so Cousin Jack consented to stay. + +The breakfast party was an unexpected addition to the day's festivities, +but Mrs. Maynard was equal to the occasion. She scurried around and +found flags to decorate the table, and tied a red, white, and blue +balloon to the back of each chair, which gave the room a gay appearance. + +The vigorous exercise had produced good appetites, and full justice was +done to Ellen's creamed chicken and hot rolls and coffee. + +"Who's for a dip in the ocean?" asked Cousin Jack, when breakfast was +over. + +All were included in this pleasing suggestion, and soon a bathing-suited +party threw themselves into the dashing whitecaps. + +Cousin Jack tried to teach Marjorie to swim, but it is not easy to learn +to swim in the surf, and she made no very great progress. But Mr. +Maynard and Mr. Bryant swam out to a good distance, and King was allowed +to accompany them, as he already was a fair swimmer. + +Marjorie held fast to the rope, and jumped about, now almost carried +away by a big wave, and now thrown back toward the beach by another. + +It was rather rough bathing, so the ladies of the party and Midget left +the water before the others. + +"_Aren't_ we having fun!" exclaimed Marjorie, as she trudged, dripping, +through the sand, to the bath-house. "Oh, Cousin Ethel, I'm _so_ glad +you came down here." + +"I'm glad, too, dear. I believe Jack enjoys you children more than he +does any of his friends of his own age." + +"Jack's just like a boy," said Mrs. Maynard, "and I think he always will +be. He's like Peter Pan,--never going to grow up." + +And it did seem so. After the bath, Mr. Bryant marched the children down +to the pier for ice cream. + +Mrs. Maynard remonstrated a little, but she was informed that Fourth of +July only came once a year, and extra indulgences were in order. + +So King and Midget and Cousin Jack went gayly along the long pier that +ran far out into the ocean. On either side were booths where trinkets +and seaside souvenirs were sold, and Cousin Jack bought a shell necklace +for Midget, and a shell watch-fob for King. + +Then he ordered a dozen little tin pails sent to his own house. + +"For my picnic," he explained, as Midget looked at him wonderingly. +"It's to be a sand-pail picnic, you know." + +As they neared the ice-cream garden, Marjorie noticed a forlorn-looking +little boy, near the entrance. So wistful did he look, that she turned +around to look at him again. + +"Who's your friend, Mehitabel?" said Mr. Bryant, seeing her glance. + +"Oh, I don't know, Cousin Jack!" she cried, impulsively; "but he seems +so poor and lonesome, and we're all so happy. Couldn't I go without my +ice cream, and let him have it? Oh, please let me!" + +"H'm! he isn't a very attractive specimen of humanity." + +"Well, he isn't very clean, but, see, he has a nice face, and big brown +eyes! Oh, do give him some ice cream, Cousin Jack; I'll willingly go +without." + +"I'll go without," said King, quickly; "you can have mine, Mops." + +Cousin Jack looked quizzically at the children. + +"I might say I'd give you each ice cream, and the poor kiddie also. But +that would be my charity. Now, if you two really want to do the poor +little chap a kindness, you may each have a half portion, and give him a +whole plate. How's that?" + +"Fine!" exclaimed Marjorie; "just the thing! But, truly, Cousin Jack, it +isn't _much_ sacrifice for us, for we'll have ice cream at the picnic, +anyhow." + +"That's right, girlie; don't claim any more credit than belongs to you. +Well, next thing is to invite your young friend." + +So Marjorie went over to the poor little boy, and said, kindly: + +"It's Fourth of July, and we'd like you to come and eat ice cream with +us." + +The child's face brightened up, but immediately a look of distrust came +into his eyes, and he said: + +"Say, is youse kiddin' me?" + +"No," said King, for Marjorie didn't know quite what he meant; "we mean +it. We're going to have ice cream, and we want you to have some with +us." + +"Kin I bring me brudder?" + +"Where is he?" asked Cousin Jack, smiling at this new development of the +case. + +"Over dere, wit' me sister. Kin I bring 'em both?" + +Marjorie laughed outright at this, but Mr. Bryant said, gravely: + +"How many in your entire family? Let me know the worst at once!" + +"Dat's all; me brudder an' sister. Kin they come, too?" + +"Yes, if they're fairly clean," and the boy ran to get them. He came +back bringing a boy but little smaller than himself, and a tiny girl. + +Though not immaculate, they were presentable, and soon the six were +seated at a round table. + +Cousin Jack conformed to his decree that the Maynard children should +have but a half-portion each, but he added that this was partly due to +his consideration for their health, as well as his willingness that the +charity should be partly theirs. But he told his three guests that they +could eat as much as they chose; and noting their generally hungry +appearance, he ordered a first course of sandwiches for them, which +kindness was greatly appreciated. + +"Gee! Youse is a white man!" exclaimed the oldest visitor, as he scraped +his saucer almost through its enamel. + +"What does he mean?" asked Midget, laughing. "Of course, you're a white +man." + +"That's slang, Marjorie, for a desirable citizen." + +"Funny sort of slang," Midget commented; "a white man is plain English, +isn't it?" + +"I mean, he's white clear through," volunteered the boy, whose quick +eyes darted from one face to another of his benefactors. + +"Yes, I can understand that," said Midget, slowly; "it just means you're +good all through, Cousin Jack, and I quite agree to that." + +After the small visitors' hunger was entirely appeased, Cousin Jack +presented them each with a flag and a packet of torpedoes, and sent them +away rejoicing. + +"Poor little scraps of humanity," he said; "I hope, Mehitabel, you'll +always bring a little sunshine into such lives when opportunity presents +itself." + +"I will, Cousin Jack. Are they very poor?" + +"No, not so very. But they never have any fun, or anything very good to +eat. Of course, you can't be an organized charity, but once in a while, +if you can make a poor child happy by the expenditure of a small sum, do +it." + +"We will," cried King, impressed by Cousin Jack's earnestness. "But we +don't have much money to spend, you know." + +"You have an allowance, don't you?" + +"Yes; we each have fifty cents a week, Mops and Kitty and I." + +"Well, Kitty isn't here, so I can't ask her; but I'm going to ask you +two dear friends of mine, to give away one-tenth of your income to +charity. Now, how much would that be?" + +"Five cents a week," replied Marjorie. + +"Well, will you do it? Every week give a nickel, or a nickel's worth of +peanuts or lemonade or something to some poor little kiddie who doesn't +have much fun in life? And you needn't do it every week, if it isn't +convenient, but lay aside the nickel each week, and then give a larger +sum, as it accumulates." + +"Sure we will, Cousin Jack," said King, and Midget said, "Yes, indeed! +I'll be glad to. We can most always catch a poor child, somewhere." + +"Well, if not, just save it up till you do. You'll find plenty of +opportunities in the winter, in Rockwell, I'm sure." + +"Yes, sir-ee!" said Midget, remembering the poor family whose house +burned down not long ago. "And I'm glad you advised us about this, +Cousin Jack. I'm going to ask the Craig boys and Hester to do it, too." + +"Better be careful, Mehitabel. I can advise you, because we're good +chums, and I'm a little older than you, though I don't look it! But I'm +not sure you ought to take the responsibility of advising your young +friends. You might suggest it to them,--merely suggest it, you know, and +if their agree and their parents agree, why, then, all right. And now +home to our own luncheon. I declare it made me hungry to see those +children eat!" + +Promptly at three o'clock that afternoon the Sand Club gathered for the +Sand-Pail Picnic. By making two trips the Maynards' big motor carried +them all to the picnic grove, about a mile distant. + +Here Cousin Jack provided all sorts of sports for them. At a target, +they shot with bows and arrows, and the boys were allowed a little +rifle-shooting. + +There was that funny game of picking up potatoes with teaspoons, +followed by a rollicking romp at Blindman's Buff. Then Cousin Jack +marshalled his young friends into line, and they all sang "Star-Spangled +Banner," and "Columbia," and "America," and cheered, and fired off mild +explosives, and had a real Fourth of July celebration. Then the feast +was brought on. + +The children sat cross-legged on the grass, and each one was given a tin +sand-pail. + +But instead of sand, the pail was found to contain sandwiches and crisp +little cakes known as sand-tarts. + +After these there were served dainty little paper pails, from a +caterer's, filled with ice cream. + +"What a lovely sand picnic!" exclaimed Marjorie, as she sat on the sand, +blissfully disposing of her ice cream. "I'm going to call Cousin Jack, +The Sandman!" + +"Ho! a Sandman puts you to sleep!" cried Tom Craig; "let's get a better +name than that for Mr. Bryant." + +"Call him Sandy Claus," piped up Dick, and they all laughed. + +"A little out of season, but it's all right, my boy," said Cousin Jack. +"Call me anything you like, as long as you call me early and often. Now, +shall we be trotting home again, to continue our revels?" + +With a sigh of utter content, Marjorie climbed into the motor, and they +went spinning home to dress for the "Reception." + +At the reception more guests were invited, and Bryant Bower quite +justified its pretty name. + +Japanese lanterns dotted the grounds, and hung among the vines of the +veranda. Flags and bunting were everywhere, and a small platform, draped +with red, white, and blue, had been erected for the receiving party. + +This consisted of King, Midget, and Rosy Posy in patriotic costume. + +King, as Uncle Sam, presented a funny figure with his white beaver hat, +his long-tailed blue coat, and red and white striped trousers. Midget +wore a becoming "Miss Columbia" costume, with a liberty cap and liberty +pole and flag. Rosamond was a chubby little Goddess of Liberty, but she +preferred to run around everywhere, rather than stand still and receive. + +King and Midget did the honors gracefully, and after all the guests had +assembled, they took seats on the lawn to watch the fireworks. + +These were of a fine quality, and as the flowerpots and bombs burst into +stars in the sky both children and grown-ups joined in loud applause. + +There was patriotic music, and more ice cream, and when, at last, it was +all over, the Sand Club went together to thank Cousin Jack for the +entertainment. + +"Glad you liked it," he said, heartily; "and now, scamper home and to +bed, all of you, so your parents won't say I made you lose your beauty +sleep." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +A REVELATION + + +Marjorie was practising. + +It was a lovely afternoon, and she wanted to go out and play, but her +hour's practising must be done first. She was conscientious about it, +and tried very hard to hold her hands just right, as she counted, +one--two--three--four; one--two--three--four. + +Mrs. Corey, Hester's mother, was calling on Mrs. Maynard, and the two +ladies sat on the veranda, just outside the window near which the piano +stood. + +Marjorie did not listen to their conversation, for it was of no interest +to her, and, too, she was devoting all her attention to her exercises. +Usually, she didn't mind practising, but to-day the Sand Club was +waiting for her, and her practice hour seemed interminable. + +"One--two--three--four," she counted to herself, when something Mrs. +Corey said arrested her attention. + +"Your oldest daughter?" Marjorie heard her exclaim; "you amaze me!" + +Midget had no thought of eavesdropping, and as the piano was near the +open window, surely they could hear her practising, and so knew she was +there. + +But Mrs. Maynard answered, in a low, serious voice, "Yes, my oldest +girl. She is not our child. She is a foundling. We adopted her when an +infant." + +"Really?" said Mrs. Corey, much interested. "How did that happen?" + +"Well," said Mrs. Maynard, "my husband desired it, and I consented. She +has grown up a good girl, but of course I can't feel toward her as I +feel toward my own children." + +"No, of course not," agreed Mrs. Corey. "The others are all your own?" + +"Yes, they are my own." + +"She doesn't know this, does she?" + +"Oh, no, we have never let her suspect it. She thinks I am her mother, +and she thinks I love her as I do my own children. But it is hard for me +to pretend affection for her, when I remember her humble origin." + +"Your husband? Does he care for her?" + +"He feels much as I do. You see, she is not of as fine a nature as our +own children. Of course he can't help seeing that. But we both do our +best for the girl." + +"Good for you, Mrs. Maynard; that's fine!" + +"Do you really think so, Mrs. Corey? I'm afraid that----" + +But Marjorie heard no more. She had stopped her practising at the first +words of these awful disclosures. + +Not her mother's own child! She, Marjorie Maynard! It couldn't be +possible! But as the conversation went on, perfectly audible, though not +in loud tones, she could no longer doubt the truth of what her mother +was saying. + +Dreadful it might be,--unbelievable it might be,--but true it must be. + +"One--two--three--four," mechanically she tried to strike the keys, but +her fingers refused to move. + +She left the piano, and went slowly up to her own room. + +Her pretty room that her mother,--no, that Mrs. Maynard,--had fixed up +for her with flowering chintz hangings and frilly white curtains. + +_Not_ her mother! Who, then, was or had been her mother? + +And then Marjorie's calm gave way. She threw herself on her little white +bed, and burying her face in the pillow she sobbed convulsively. Her +thoughts flew to her father,--but no, he wasn't her father! King wasn't +her brother,--nor Kitty her sister! Nor Rosy Posy----? + +It was all too dreadful. At every fresh thought about it, it grew worse. +Dear old King, she had never realized before how much she loved him. And +Kitty! And Father and Mother! She _would_ call them that, even though +they were no relation to her. + +For a long time Marjorie cried,--great, deep, heart-racking sobs that +wore her out. + +At last she settled down into a calm of despair. + +"I am going away," she said, to herself. "I won't stay here where they +have to _pretend_ they love me! Oh, Mother, _Mother_!" + +But no one heard the little girl's grief. Mrs. Maynard still sat on the +veranda, talking to Mrs. Corey; King was down at Sand Court; and the +nurse had taken Rosamond out for a walk. + +"I _must_ go away," poor Marjorie went on; "I _can't_ stay here, I +should _suffocate_!" + +She sat up on the edge of her bed, and clasped her hands in utter +desolation. Where could she go? Not to Cousin Ethel's, she'd only bring +her back home. _Home!_ She hadn't any home,--no _real_ home! She thought +of Grandma Sherwood's, but she wasn't her grandma at all! Then she +thought of Grandma Maynard. That was a curious thought, for though +Grandma Maynard wasn't her own grandmother, either, yet, a few months +ago, she had begged Marjorie to live with her and be her little girl. +Surely she must have _known_ that Midget wasn't really her +granddaughter, and yet she had really loved her enough to want her to +live there. + +Then Grandma Maynard wouldn't have to _pretend_ to love her. + +Clearly, that was the only thing to do. She couldn't run away, with no +destination in view. + +She had no claim on Grandma Sherwood or Uncle Steve, but Grandma Maynard +_had_ wanted her,--really _wanted_ her. + +Marjorie looked at the little clock on her dressing table. It was almost +three o'clock. She knew there was a train to New York about three, and +she resolved to go on it. + +At first she thought of taking some things in a bag, but she decided not +to, as she didn't want any of the things the Maynards had given her. + +"Oh," she thought, while the tears came afresh; "my name isn't even +Maynard! I don't know _what_ it is!" + +She put on a blue linen dress, and a blue hat with roses on it. Some +instinct of sadness made her tie her hair with black ribbon. + +As she went downstairs, she heard Mrs. Corey say, "I am astounded at +these revelations!" and her mother replied, "Dear friend, I knew you +would be." + +Marjorie wasn't crying then, she felt as if she had no tears left. She +shut her teeth together hard, and went out by a side door. This way she +could reach the street unobserved, and she walked straight ahead to the +railroad station. She had a five-dollar gold piece that Uncle Steve had +sent her on Christmas, and that, with a little silver change, she +carried in her pocketbook. But she left behind her pearl ring and all +the little trinkets or valuables she possessed. + +She felt as if her heart had turned to stone. It wasn't so much anger at +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard as it was that awful sense of desolation,--as if +the world had come to an end. + +At one moment she would think she missed King the most; then with the +thought of her father, a rush of tears would come; and then her poor +little tortured heart would cry out, "Oh, Mother, _Mother_!" + +She knew perfectly well the way to New York, and though the station +agent looked at her sharply when she bought a ticket, he said nothing. +For Marjorie was a self-possessed little girl, of good manners and quiet +air when she chose to be. With her ticket in her hand, she sat down to +wait for the train. There were few people in the station at that hour, +and no one who knew her. + +When the train came puffing in, she went out and took it, in a +matter-of-fact way, as if quite accustomed to travelling alone. + +Really, she felt very much frightened. She had never been on a train +alone before, and the noise of the cars and the bustle of the people, +and the shouting of the trainmen made her nervous. + +And then, with a fresh flood of woe, the remembrance of _why_ she was +going would come over her, and obliterate all other considerations. + +For perhaps half an hour she kept the tears back bravely enough; but as +she rode on, and realized more and more deeply what it all meant, she +could control herself no longer, and burst into a paroxysm of weeping. + +She was sitting next the window, and, as there were few passengers, no +one was in the seat with her. + +But when she raised her head, exhausted by her outburst of tears, a +burly red-faced man sat beside her. + +"Come, come, little one, what's it all about?" he said. + +His tone was kind, but his personality was not pleasant, and Marjorie +felt no inclination to confide in him. + +"Nothing, sir," she said, drawing as far away from him as possible. + +"Now, now, little miss, you can't cry like that, and then say there's +nothing the matter." + +Marjorie wanted to rebuke his intrusion, but she didn't know exactly +what to say, so she turned toward the window and resolutely kept looking +out. + +The trees and fields flying by were not very comforting. Every mile took +her farther away from her dear ones, for they _were_ dear, whether +related to her or not. + +She pressed her flushed cheeks against the cool window pane. She was too +exhausted to cry any more. She seemed to have only enough strength to +say, brokenly, "Oh, Mother, _Mother_!" and then from sheer weariness of +flesh she fell into a troubled sleep. + +Meantime Marjorie was missed at home. The Sand Club grew tired of +waiting for her, and King went up to the house to investigate the delay. + +He trudged, whistling, up the driveway, and seeing Mrs. Corey, he +whipped off his cap, and greeted her politely. + +"Where's Midget, Mother?" he asked. + +"I don't know, son; isn't she with you?" + +"No'm, and I'm tired waiting for her." + +"Is Hester there?" asked Mrs. Corey. + +"Yes, Mrs. Corey, Hester's been with us an hour, and we're waiting for +Mopsy. She said she'd come as soon as she finished her practising." + +"She stopped practising some time ago," said Mrs. Corey. "I haven't +heard the piano for half an hour or more." + +"I'll bet she's tucked away somewhere, reading!" exclaimed King; "I'll +hunt her out!" + +"Perhaps she's gone over to Cousin Ethel's," suggested Mrs. Maynard. + +"I'll hunt her up," repeated King, and he went into the house. + +"Marjorie Mops! I say! Come out of that!" he cried, banging at the +closed door of her bedroom. + +Getting no reply, he opened the door and looked in, but she wasn't +there. + +"You old scallywag Mops!" he cried, shaking his fist at her empty room, +"I never knew you to go back on your word before! And you said you'd +come to Sand Court as soon as you could!" + +He looked in the veranda hammock, and in the library, and any place +where he thought Midget might be, absorbed in a book; he inquired of the +servants; and at last he went back to his mother. + +"I can't find Mopsy," he said. + +"Then she _must_ be over at Cousin Ethel's. She does love to go over +there." + +"Well, she oughtn't to go when she's promised to come out with us. I +never knew old Midge to break a promise before." + +"Perhaps Cousin Ethel telephoned for her," suggested Mrs. Maynard. +"Though in that case, she should have told me she was going. Run over +there and see, son." + +"I'll telephone over, that'll be quicker," said King, and ran back into +the house. + +"Nope," he said, returning; "she isn't there, and hasn't been there +to-day. Mother, don't you think it's queer?" + +"Why, yes, King, it is a little queer. But she can't be far away. +Perhaps she walked down to the train to meet Father." + +"Oh, Mother, that would be a crazy thing to do, when she knew we were +waiting for her." + +"Well, maybe she went walking with Rosamond and Nurse Nannie. She's +certainly somewhere around. Run away now, King. Mrs. Corey and I are +busy." + +King walked slowly away. + +"It's pretty queer," he said to Hester and the Craig boys; "Mops is +nowhere to be found." + +"Well, don't look so scared," said Tom; "she can't be kidnapped. If it +was your baby sister, that would be different. But Midget has just gone +off on some wild-goose chase,--or she is hiding to tease us." + +"Perhaps she wrote to Kitty," suggested Hester, "and went down to the +post-office to mail it." + +"Not likely," said King. "She knows the postman collects at six o'clock. +Well, I s'pose she _is_ hiding somewhere, reading a book. Won't I give +it to her when I catch her! For she _said_ she'd come out here, right +after her practice hour." + +A dullness seemed to fall on the Sand Club members present. Not only was +Marjorie their ringleader and moving spirit, but somehow King's +uneasiness impressed all of them, and soon Dick Craig said, "I'm going +home." + +King raised no objection, and, after sitting listlessly around for a few +moments, the others all went home. + +But Tom turned back. + +"I say," he began, "you know Mopsy is somewhere, all right." + +"Of course she's somewhere, Tom, but she never did anything like this +before, and I can't understand it. The only thing I can think of is, +that she's gone down on the pier. But she never goes there alone." + +"Well, there's lots of things she might be doing. Come on, let's go down +on the pier and take a look." + +The two boys walked out to the end of the pier and back again, but saw +no sign of Marjorie. + +On their way home, Tom turned in at his own house. + +"Good-by, old chap," he said; "don't look so worried. Midget will be +sitting up laughing at you when you get home." + +King said good-by, and went on. He felt a strange depression of heart, +as if something must have happened to Midget. He knew his mother felt no +alarm, and perhaps it was foolish, but the fact remained that Midge had +never acted like that before. Mr. Maynard came home at six o'clock, and +Marjorie had not yet made an appearance. + +He looked very much alarmed, and at sight of his anxiety, Mrs. Maynard +grew worried. + +"Why, Ed," she exclaimed, "you don't think there's anything wrong, do +you?" + +"I hope not, Helen, but it's so unusual. I can only think of the ocean. +Does she ever go down and sit on the beach alone?" + +"No," said King, positively; "she never does anything like that, alone. +We're always together." + +"And you hadn't had any quarrel, or anything?" + +"Oh, no, Father; nothing of the sort. She went to practise right after +luncheon, and said she'd be out in an hour." + +"I heard her practising, while Mrs. Corey was here," said Mrs. Maynard, +reminiscently; "but I don't remember just when she stopped." + +"Well," said Mr. Maynard, "it's extraordinary, but I can't think +anything's wrong with the child. You know she always has been +mischievous, and I think she's playing some game on us. We may as well +go to dinner." + +But nobody could eat dinner. The sight of Midget's empty chair began to +seem tragic, and King choked and left the table. + +Mrs. Maynard burst into tears, and rose also. Her husband followed her. + +"Don't worry, Helen," he urged; "she's sure to be safe and sound +somewhere." + +"Oh, I don't know, Ed! Such a thing as this never happened before! Oh, +find her, Ed, _do_ find her!" + +King had run over to the Bryants' and now returned, accompanied by those +two very much alarmed people. + +"We must _do_ something!" exclaimed Cousin Jack. "Of course something +has happened to the child! She isn't one to cut up any such game on +purpose. Have you looked in her room?" + +"What for?" asked Mrs. Maynard, helplessly. + +"Why, to see if you can discover anything unusual. I'm going up!" + +Mr. Bryant flew upstairs two steps at a time, and they all followed. But +nothing unusual was to be seen. The pretty room was in order, and no +clothing of any sort was lying about. + +Mrs. Maynard looked in the cupboard. + +"Why, her blue linen is gone!" she said, "and here's the white piqué she +had on at luncheon. And her blue hat is gone; she must have dressed up +to go out somewhere to call, and unexpectedly stayed to dinner." + +"Does she ever do that?" demanded Cousin Jack. + +"She never has before," answered Mrs. Maynard, falling weakly back on +Marjorie's bed. "Why, this pillow is all wet!" + +They looked at each other in consternation. They saw, too, the deep +imprint of a head in the dented pillow. Surely, this meant tragedy of +some sort, for if the child had sobbed so hard, she must have been in +deep trouble. + +"We must find her!" said Cousin Jack, starting for the stairs. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE SEARCH + + +It was fortunate that the Bryants were there to take the initiative, for +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard seemed incapable of action. Usually alert and +energetic, they were so stunned at the thought of real disaster to +Marjorie that they sat around helplessly inactive. + +"Come with me, King," said Cousin Jack, going to the telephone in the +library. + +Then he called up every house in Seacote where Marjorie could possibly +have gone, and King helped by suggesting the names of acquaintances. + +But no one could give any news of the little girl; no one whom they +asked had seen or heard of her that afternoon. + +Cousin Jack's face grew very white, and his features were drawn, as he +said: "You stay here, Ed, with Helen and Ethel; King and I will go out +for a bit. Come, King." + +Kingdon said nothing; he snatched up his cap and went along silently by +Mr. Bryant's side, trying to keep up with his companion's long, swift +strides. + +To the beach they went; it was not yet quite dark, but of course they +saw no sign of Marjorie. + +"Are you thinking she might have been washed away by the waves?" asked +King, in a quivering voice. + +"That's all I _can_ think of," replied Mr. Bryant, grimly. + +"But it isn't likely, Cousin Jack. Mopsy is really a heavyweight, you +know. And there's not a very big surf on now." + +"That's so, King. But where _can_ she be?" Then they went and talked +with the fishermen, and then on to the Life-saving Station. + +The big, good-hearted men all knew Marjorie, and all declared she had +not been on the beach that afternoon,--at least, not within their +particular locality. + +Discouraged, Cousin Jack and King turned down toward the pier. Their +inquiries were fruitless; though many people knew Midget, by sight, none +had seen her. There was nothing to do but go back home. + +"Have you found her?" cried Cousin Ethel, as they entered the house. + +"No; but the beach people haven't seen her, so I'm sure there's no +accident of that sort." Cousin Jack wouldn't make use of the word +drowning, but they all knew what he meant. + +Mrs. Maynard sat staring, in a sort of dull apathy. She couldn't realize +that Marjorie was lost, she couldn't believe an accident had befallen +her, yet, where was she? + +"Let's search the house," she said, jumping up suddenly. "I _must_ do +_something_. Couldn't she have gone somewhere to read quietly, and +fallen asleep?" + +This was a possibility, and the house was searched from top to bottom by +eager hunters. But no Marjorie was found. + +As it neared midnight, the ladies were persuaded to go to bed. + +"You can do nothing, dear, by remaining up," said Mr. Maynard to his +wife. "The Bryants will stay with us to-night, so you and Ethel go to +your rooms, and King, too. Jack and I will stay here in the library for +a while." + +King demurred at being sent away, but his father explained that if he +wanted to help, all he could do was to obey orders. So King went +upstairs, but not to his own room. About an hour later he came down +again, to find his father and Mr. Bryant still sitting in the library +waiting for morning. + +"Father," said King, his eyes shining bright beneath his tousled hair, +"I've been rummaging in Midget's room. I thought I might find out +something to help us. And she's taken her pocketbook, and the gold +piece Uncle Steve gave her last Christmas. I know, because I know where +she always kept it,--and it's gone." + +"Well, King," said his father, thoughtfully, "what do you make out from +that?" + +"Only that she has gone somewhere especial. I mean somewhere to spend +that money,--not just for a walk on the beach, or down to the pier." + +"That's encouraging," said Cousin Jack, "for if she went away on some +special errand, she's more likely to be safe and sound, somewhere. Did +you notice anything else missing, King?" + +"Not a thing. And you know how wet her pillow was. Well, I think she +heard about some poor person or poor family, and she cried about them, +and then she took her gold piece and went to help them." + +"That's ingenious, King," said Mr. Maynard, "and it may be true. I hope +so, I'm sure. But why should she stay away so long and not let us know?" + +"Well, you see, the poor family may live at some distance, and not have +any telephone, and they may be ill, or something, and she may be there +yet, helping. You know Mopsy is awful kind-hearted. Remember the +Simpsons' fire? She forgot everything else in caring for them." + +"That's so, my son; at any rate, it's the most comforting theory we've +had yet, and I'll go and tell your mother about it. It will help her, I +know." + +Mr. Maynard went away, and King remained downstairs. + +"I'm not going to bed, Cousin Jack," he said; "I'm old enough now to +stay up with you men, in trouble like this." + +"All right, King. You're showing manly traits, my boy, and I'm proud of +you. Now, old chap, between you and me, I don't subscribe to your +poor-family theory. It's possible, of course, but it doesn't seem +probable to me." + +"Well, then, Cousin Jack, what can we do next?" + +"We can't do anything till morning; then I think we must see the +police." + +"Oh, that seems so awful!" + +"I know, but if it's the means of finding Marjorie?" + +"Then, of course, we'll do it! How early can we see them?" + +"We can telephone as early as we like, I suppose. But I've little +confidence in the powers of the police down here. They're all right to +patrol the beach, but they're not like city policemen." + +At last the night wore away, and daybreak came. + +They telephoned the police, and in a few minutes two of them arrived at +the Maynard house for consultation. + +"I know the child well," said one of them, "I often see her about,--a +well-behaved little lady, but full o' fun, too. D'ye think she might +have been kidnapped, now?" + +"It might be," said Mr. Bryant, "though she's pretty big for that. And, +too, she took extra money with her." + +"Then she may have been goin' somewhere by rail." + +"That's so! I never thought of that!" and Cousin Jack almost smiled. + +"But where would she go?" said Mr. Maynard, hopelessly. "She never +travelled alone, and though impulsively mischievous, sometimes, she +wouldn't deliberately run away." + +The policemen went away to begin their quest, and the Maynards and their +guests went to breakfast. + +No one felt like eating, yet each urged the others to do so. + +"Where's Middy?" inquired baby Rosamond, at table. "Middy gone 'way?" + +"Yes, dear," said Cousin Jack, for no one else could speak. "Middy's +gone away for a little while." + +"I know," said the child, contentedly, "Middy gone to Gramma's to see +Kitty!" + +"Why, perhaps she did!" exclaimed Mr. Maynard. + +But Mrs. Maynard had no such hope. It was too unlike Marjorie to do such +a thing. + +"Well, let's find out," urged King. "Let's get Uncle Steve on the +long-distance wire." + +"Don't alarm Grandma," said Mrs. Maynard. "There's no use stirring her +up, until we know ourselves what has happened." + +"Leave it to me," said Cousin Jack. "I'll find out." + +After some delay, he succeeded in getting Uncle Steve on the telephone. +Then he asked for Kitty. + +"Hello, Susannah!" he cried, assuming a merry voice, in his kind desire +not to alarm her. "This is your Cousin Jack!" + +"Oh, hello, Cousin Jack!" exclaimed Kitty, in delight. "How nice of you +to call me up! How is everybody?" + +"We're well, thank you! How are you all?" + +"Oh, we're all right." + +"Are you lonesome, away from your family?" + +"No, not lonesome, though I'd like to see them. Tell Midget there are +two hundred incubator chicks now." + +"Well, that _is_ a lot! Now, good-by, Kitsie; I can't run up too big a +telephone bill for your father. We all send love. Be a good girl. +Good-by." + +Cousin Jack hung up the receiver and buried his face in his hands. It +had been a great strain on his nerves to appear gay and carefree to +Kitty, and the implied assurance that Marjorie was _not_ there nearly +made him give way. + +"She isn't there," he said, dully, as he repeated to the family what +Kitty had said. And then the telephone rang, and it was the police +department. + +Mr. Maynard took the receiver. + +"We've traced her," came the news, and the father's face grew white with +suspense. "She bought a ticket to New York, and went there on the +three-o'clock train yesterday afternoon. Nothing further is known, as +yet, but as soon as we can get in touch with the conductor of that +train, we will." + +"New York! Impossible!" cried Cousin Ethel, when she heard the message, +and Mrs. Maynard fainted away. + +Marjorie! on a train, going to New York alone! + +"Come on, King," said Cousin Jack, abruptly, and leaving the others to +care for Mrs. Maynard, these two strode off again. Straight to the +railroad station they went to interview the agent themselves. + +He corroborated the story. He did not know Marjorie's name, but he +described the child so exactly that there was no room for doubt of her +identity. + +But he could tell them no more. She had bought her ticket and taken the +train in a quiet, matter-of-fact way, as any passenger would do. + +"Did she look as if she had been crying?" asked King, almost crying +himself. + +"Why, yes, now you speak of it, her face _did_ look so. Her eyes was +red, and she looked sorter sad. But she didn't say nothin', 'cept to ask +for a ticket to New York." + +"Return ticket?" put in Mr. Bryant. + +"No, sir; a single ticket. Just one way." + +The conductor couldn't be seen until afternoon, as his run was a long +one, and his home far away. + +"I can't understand it," said King, as they walked homeward; "and I +can't believe it. If Midget went to New York alone, she had lost her +mind,--that's all." + +But when they reached home, they found the Maynards quite hopeful. It +had occurred to them that, by some strange freak, Marjorie had decided +to visit Grandma Maynard, and had started off there alone. + +"I'm trying to get them on the long-distance," Mr. Maynard announced, +quite cheerily, as they entered. + +"Let me take it," said Cousin Jack. "If she _isn't_ there, we don't want +to alarm them, either." + +"That's so!" said Mr. Maynard. "All right, Jack, take it. Bless you, old +fellow, for your help." + +But when connection had been made, and Cousin Jack found himself in +communication with Grandma Maynard, he didn't know what to say. He +caught at the first pretext he could think of, and said: + +"How do you do, Mrs. Maynard? You don't know me, but I'm Jack Bryant, a +guest at Ed Maynard's house in Seacote. Now, won't you tell me when +Marjorie's birthday comes?" + +"Ah, I've heard of you, Mr. Bryant," said Grandma Maynard, pleasantly. +"I suppose you want to surprise the child with a present or a party. +Well, her birthday is next week,--the fifteenth of July." + +"Oh, thank you. She is getting a big girl, isn't she? When,--when did +you see her last?" + +Cousin Jack's voice faltered, but the unsuspecting lady, listening, +didn't notice it. + +"About two months ago. They were here in May. I love Marjorie, and I +wish I could see her again, but there's little hope of it. She wrote to +me last week that they would be in Seacote all summer." + +"Yes, that is their plan," said Cousin Jack. + +He could say no more, and dropped the receiver without even a good-by. + +But though Grandma Maynard might think him rude or uncourteous, she +could not feel frightened or alarmed for Marjorie's safety, because of +anything he had said. + +"She isn't there," he said, quietly; "but I still think she started for +there, and now we have a direction in which to look." + +But what a direction! Marjorie, alone, going to New York, endeavoring to +find Grandma Maynard's house, and not getting there! Where had she been +all night? Where was she now? + +There were no answers to these questions. And now Mr. Maynard took the +helm. He cast off the apathy that had seemed to paralyze him, and, +rising, he began to talk quickly. + +"Helen," he said, "try to rouse yourself, darling. Keep up a good hope, +and be brave, as you have always been. King, I am going out to find +Marjorie. You cannot go with me, for I want to leave your mother in your +care. You have proved yourself manly in your search for your sister, +continue to do so in caring for your mother. Ethel, I'd be glad if you +would stay here with Helen, and, Jack,--will you come with me?" + +"Of course," replied Mr. Bryant. + +"And, King," his father went on, "keep within sound of the telephone. I +may call you at any moment. Get your sleep, my boy,--if I should be gone +over night,--but sleep here on the library couch, and then the bell will +waken you." + +"Yes, Father, I'll look after Mother, and I'll be right here if you call +me. Where are you going?" + +"I don't know, my son. I only know I must hunt for Marjorie with such +help and such advice as I can procure. Come on, Jack." + +After affectionate farewells, the two men went away. + +"First for that conductor," said Mr. Maynard. "I cannot wait till +afternoon; I shall try to reach him by telephone or go to his home." + +At length he learned that the conductor lived in Asbury Park. He was off +duty at that hour, and Mr. Maynard tried to get him by telephone, but +the line was out of order. + +"To his house we go, then," and the two men boarded the first possible +train. + +At Asbury Park they found his house, but the conductor's wife, Mrs. +Fischer, said her husband was asleep and she never disturbed him at +that hour of the day, as he had a long run before him, and needed his +rest. + +But after a few words of explanation of their quest, the good lady +became sympathetic and helpful. + +"Of course I'll call him," she cried; "oh, the poor mother! my heart +aches for her!" + +Mr. Fischer came downstairs, rubbing his eyes. It was about noon, and he +was accustomed to sleep soundly until two o'clock. + +"Why, yes," he said, in answer to their queries. "I remember that girl. +I didn't think much about her,--for a good many children travel alone +between stations on the shore road. But, somehow, I don't think that +child went to New York,--no, I don't think she did." + +"Where did she get off?" asked Mr. Maynard, eagerly. + +"Ah, that I don't know. You see, the summer crowds are travelling now +and I don't notice individuals much." + +"Can't you tell by your tickets?" asked Mr. Bryant. + +"No, sir; I don't see's I can. You know, lots of people _did_ go to New +York on my train, and so, I've lots of New York tickets, but of course I +couldn't tell if I had hers. And yet,--seems to me,--just seems to +me,--that child got off at a way station." + +"Then," said Mr. Maynard, with a businesslike air, "I must telephone or +telegraph or go personally to every way station between Seacote and New +York. It's a strange case. I can only think my daughter became suddenly +demented; I can think of no other reason for her conduct. Can you, +Jack?" + +"No, Ed, I can't. And yet, Marjorie is a child who always does +unexpected things. Some crotchet or whimsey of her childish mind _might_ +account for this strange freak, quite naturally." + +"I can't see how. But we will do what we can. Good-day, Mr. Fischer, and +thank you for your help and interest." + + + + +CHAPTER X + +JESSICA BROWN + + +Meantime, where was Marjorie? + +To go back to where we left her, in the railroad train, she had fallen +asleep from utter exhaustion of nerve and body. + +But her nap was of short duration. She woke with a start, and found, to +her surprise, that she was leaning her head against somebody's shoulder. + +She looked up, to see the red-faced man gravely regarding her, though he +smiled as their eyes met. + +"Feel better, little miss?" he said, and again Marjorie felt a strange +repulsion, though he spoke kindly enough. + +Her mind was bewildered, she was nervous and frightened, yet she had a +positive conviction that she ought not to talk to this strange man. She +did not like his face, even if his voice was kind. + +"Yes, thank you," she said, in distantly polite tones, and again she +squeezed herself over toward the window, and away from her seatmate. She +sat up very straight, trying to act as grown-up as possible, and then +the train stopped at a large station. There were crowds of people +hurrying and scurrying about on the platform, and Marjorie was almost +sure she had reached Jersey City, where she knew she must change for New +York. + +She wanted to inquire, but the conductor was not in sight, and she +didn't like to ask the man beside her. + +So she rose, as if to leave the car. + +The red-faced man rose also, and stepped back as she passed him. In a +moment she found herself on the platform, and the train soon went on. +Everything about the station looked unfamiliar, and glancing up, she saw +by a large sign that she was at Newark! She had never before been in +Newark, though she knew in a general way where it was. She went +uncertainly into the station, and looked at the clock. It was after +five. Marjorie knew she could take another train, and proceed to Jersey +City, and so to New York, but her courage had failed her, and she +couldn't bear the thought of travelling any further. + +And yet, how could she stay where she was? Also, she began to feel very +hungry. The exhaustion caused by her emotional grief, and her wearisome +journey, made her feel hollow and faint. + +She sank down on a seat in the waiting-room, sadly conscious of her +lonely and desolate situation. + +She tried to summon anew her natural pluck and independence. + +"Marjorie Maynard!" she said, to herself, and then stopped,--overwhelmed +by the thought that she had no right even to that name! + +Presently a voice beside her said: "Now, little miss, won't you let me +help you?" + +She turned sharply, and looked the red-faced man in the eyes. + +He didn't look very refined, he didn't even look good, but the sound of +a friendly voice was like a straw held out to a drowning man. + +"How can you help me?" she said, miserably. + +"Well, fust off, where've ye set out fur?" + +The man was uncultured, but there was a note of sincerity in his speech +that impressed Marjorie, now that she was so friendless and alone. + +"New York," she replied. + +"Why'd ye get out at Newark?" + +"I made a mistake," she confessed. + +"An' what be ye goin' to do now?" + +"I don't know." + +"Ah, jest what I thought! An' then ye ask, how kin I help ye?" + +"Well, how can you?" + +Under the spur of his strong voice, Marjorie's spirits had revived the +least bit, and she spoke bravely to him. + +"Now, that's more peart-like. Wal, in the fust place I kin take ye home +with me, an' my old woman'll keep ye fer the night, an' I guess that's +what ye need most." + +"Where do you live?" + +"'Bout five miles out in the country." + +"How do you get there?" + +"Wal, I ain't got none o' them autymobiles, nor yet no airship; but I've +got a old nag that can do the piece in an hour or so." + +"Why do you want to take me home with you?" asked Marjorie, for she +couldn't help a feeling that there was something wrong. + +"Why, bless your heart, child, bekase you're alone and forlorn and +hungry and all done out. An' it's my privit opinion as how ye've run +away from home." + +"No, not that," said Midget, sadly; "I haven't any home." + +"Ye don't say so! Wal, wal, never mind fer to-night. You go 'long with +me, an' Zeb Geary, he'll look after ye fer a spell, anyhow." + +There was no mistaking the kindness now, and Marjorie looked up into the +man's red face with trust and gratitude. + +"I'd be glad to go with you and stay till to-morrow," she said; "but +first I want to own up that I didn't 'zactly trust you,--but now I do." + +"Wal, wal, thet shows a nice sperrit! Now, you come along o' me, an' +don't try to talk nor nothin'. Jest come along." + +He took Midget's hand, and they went down the steps, and along the +street for a block or two, to a sort of livery stable. + +"Set here a minute," said Mr. Geary, and he left Marjorie on a bench, +which stood outside, against the building. + +After a time he returned, with an ancient-looking vehicle, known as a +Rockaway, and a patient, long-suffering horse. + +"Git in back," he said, and Marjorie climbed in, too tired and sad to +care much whither she might be taken. + +They jogged along at a fair pace, but Mr. Geary, on the front seat, +offered no conversation, merely looking back occasionally, as if to +assure himself that his guest was still with him. + +After a mile or two, Marjorie began to think more coherently. + +She wondered what she would have done if she hadn't chanced to fall in +with this kind, if rough, friend. + +She wondered whether she could ever have reached Grandma Maynard's house +in safety, for the crowds and confusion were much worse than she had +anticipated, and in New York they would be worse still. + +At any rate, she would gladly accept shelter and hospitality for the +night, and continue her journey next day, during the earlier hours. + +It was well after six o'clock when the jogging old horse turned into a +lane, and finally stopped at a somewhat tumble-down porch. An old woman +appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. + +"Wal, Zeb," she called out, "did ye get back?" + +"Yes, Sary, an' I brought ye a visitor for the night." + +"A what! Wal, I do declar'!" and Mrs. Geary stepped down and peered into +the back seat of the Rockaway. "Who in creation is that?" + +"I don't know," returned her husband. + +"Ye don't know! I swan, Zeb Geary, you must be plumb crazy! Whar'd ye +get her?" + +"Thar, thar, now, Sary, don't be askin' questions, but take the pore +lamb in, an' cuddle her up some. She's plumb beat out!" + +"Come on, dearie," said the old wife, who had caught sight of Marjorie's +winsome face and sad eyes. "Come along o' me,--I'll take keer o' ye." + +Marjorie let herself be helped from the rickety old vehicle, and went +with her hostess, in at the kitchen door. + +It wasn't an attractive kitchen, such as Eliza's, at Grandma Sherwood's; +it was bare and comfortless-looking, though clean and in good order. + +"Now, now, little miss," said Mrs. Geary, hobbling about, "fust of all, +let's get some supper down ye. When did ye eat last?" + +"This noon," said Marjorie, and then, at the remembrance of the happy, +merry luncheon table at Seacote, she put her head down on her arms, and +sobbed as if she had never cried before. + +"Bless 'ee, bless 'ee, now, my lamb; don't go fer to take on so. There, +there, have a sup o' warm milk! Oh, my! my!" + +In deference to Mrs. Geary's solicitude, Marjorie tried hard to conquer +her sobs, and had finally succeeded, when Mr. Geary came in. + +"Don't bother her any to-night, Mother," he said, after a sharp glance +at Marjorie; "she's all on edge. Feed her up good, and tuck her into +bed." + +"Yes, yes; here, my lamb, here's a nice soft-boiled egg for your tea. +You'll like that, now?" + +"Thank you," said Marjorie, her great, dark eyes looking weird in the +dimly lighted kitchen. + +After a satisfying supper, Mrs. Geary took the child up to a low, +slant-ceiled room, that was as bare and clean as the kitchen. The old +woman bathed Marjorie's face and hands with unexpected gentleness, and +then helped her to undress. She brought a coarse, plain nightgown of her +own, but it was clean and soft, and felt comfortable to the tired child. + +Then she was tucked between coarse sheets, on a hard bed, but so weary +was she that it seemed comfortable. + +Mrs. Geary patted her arm and hummed softly an old hymn-tune, and poor +little Marjorie dropped asleep almost at once. + +"What do you make of it, Father?" asked the old woman, returning to the +kitchen. + +"She run away from her home fer some reason. Said she hadn't got no +home. Stepmother, I shouldn't wonder. We'll find out to-morrow, an' I'll +tote her back." + +"Mebbe there'll be a reward." + +"Mebbe so. But we'll do our best by her, reward or no. But if so be they +is one, I'll be mighty glad, fer I had pore luck sellin' that hay +to-day." + +"Wal, chirk up, Father; mebbe things'll grow brighter soon." + +"Mebbe they will, Sary,--mebbe they will." + +In her unaccustomed surroundings, Marjorie woke early. The sun was just +reddening the eastern horizon, and the birds were chirping in the +trees. + +She had that same sinking of the heart, that same feeling of desolation, +but she did not cry, for her nerves were rested, and her brain +refreshed, by her night's sleep. She lay in her poor, plain bed and +considered the situation. + +"It doesn't matter," she said, sternly, to herself, "how bad I feel +about it, it's true. I'm not a Maynard, and never was. I don't know who +I am, or what my name is. And I don't believe I'd better go to Grandma +Maynard's. Perhaps she doesn't know I'm not really her granddaughter, +and then she wouldn't want me, after all. For I'd have to tell her. So I +just believe I'll earn my own living and be self-supporting." + +This plan appealed to Marjorie's imagination. It seemed grand and noble +and heroic. Moreover, she was very much in earnest, and in this crisp, +early morning she felt braver and stronger than she had felt the night +before. + +"Yes," she thought on, "I ought to earn my living,--for I've no claim on +Fa--on Mr. Maynard. Perhaps these people here can find me some work to +do. At any rate, I'll ask them." + +She jumped up, and dressed herself, for she heard Mr. and Mrs. Geary +already in the kitchen. + +"My stars!" said her hostess, as she appeared; "how peart you look! +Slept good, didn't ye?" + +"Fine!" said Midget; "good-morning, both of you. Can't I help you?" + +Mrs. Geary was transferring baked apples from a pan to an old cracked +platter. Though unaccustomed to such work, Marjorie was quick and deft +at anything, and in a moment she had the apples nicely arranged and +placed on the table. She assisted in other ways, and chattered gayly as +she worked. + +Too gayly, Mrs. Geary thought, and she glanced knowingly at her husband, +for they both realized Marjorie's flow of good spirits was forced,--not +spontaneous. + +After breakfast was over, Midget said, "Now, I'll wash up the dishes, +Mrs. Geary, and you sit down and take a little rest." + +"Land sake, child! I ain't tired. An' you ain't used to this work, I see +you ain't." + +"That doesn't matter. I can do it, and I must do something to pay for my +board,--I have very little money." + +"Hear the child talk! Wal, you kin help me with the work, a little, an' +then we must come to an understandin'." + +Marjorie worked with a nervous haste that betrayed her inexperience as +well as her willingness, and after a time the plain little house was in +order. + +Mr. Geary came in from doing his out-of-door "chores," and Marjorie saw +the "understandin'" was about to be arrived at. But she was prepared; +she had made up her mind as to her course, and was determined to pursue +it. + +"Now, fust of all," said Mr. Geary, kindly, but with decision, "what is +your name?" + +"Jessica Brown," said Marjorie, promptly. + +She had already assured herself that as she had no real right to the +name she had always used, she was privileged to choose herself a new +one. Jessica had long been a favorite with her, and Brown seemed +non-committal. + +Mr. Geary looked at her sharply, but she said the name glibly, and +Jessica was what he called "highfalutin" enough to fit her evident +station in life, so he made no comment. + +"Where do you live?" he went on. + +"I have no home," said Marjorie, steadily; "I am a findling." + +"A what?" + +"A findling,--from the asylum." + +The term didn't sound _quite_ right to her,--but she couldn't think of +the exact word,--and having used it, concluded to stick to it. + +Zeb Geary was not highly educated, but this word, so soberly used, +struck his humorous sense, and he put his brawny hand over his mouth to +hide his smiles. + +"Yep," he said, after a moment, "I understand,--I do. And whar'd ye set +out fer?" + +"I started for New York, but I've decided not to go there." + +"Oh, ye hev, hev ye? An' jes' what do ye calkilate to do?" + +"Well, Mr. Geary," Marjorie looked troubled,--"and Mrs. Geary, I'd +_like_ to stay here for a while. I'll work for you, and you can pay me +by giving me food and lodging. I s'pose I wouldn't be worth very much at +first, but I'd learn fast,--you know,--I do everything fast,--Mother +always said so,--I,--I mean, the lady I used to live with, said so. And +I'd try very hard to please you both. If you'd let me stay a while, +perhaps you'd learn to like me. You see, I've _got_ to earn my own +living, and I haven't anywhere to go, and not a friend in the world but +you two." + +These astonishing words, from the pretty, earnest child, in the dainty +and fashionable dress of the best people, completely floored the old +country couple. + +"Well, I swan!" exclaimed Mr. Geary, while Mrs. Geary said, "My stars!" +twice, with great emphasis. + +"Please," Marjorie went on, "please give me a trial; for I've been +thinking it over, and I don't see what I can possibly do but 'work out.' +Isn't that what you call it? And if I learn some with you, I might work +out in New York, later on." + +"Bless your baby heart!" exclaimed Mrs. Geary, wiping her eyes which +were moist from conflicting emotions. "Stay here you shall, if you want +to,--though land knows we can't well afford the keep of another." + +"Oh, are you too poor to keep me?" cried Marjorie, dismayed. "I don't +want to be a burden to you. I thought I could help enough to pay for my +'keep.'" + +"So ye kin, dearie,--so ye kin," said old Zeb, heartily. "We'll fix it +some way, Mother, at least for the present. Now, Jessiky, don't ye +worrit a mite more. We'll take keer on ye, and the work ye'll do'll +more'n pay fer all ye'll eat." + +This was noble-hearted bluff on Zeb's part, for he was hard put to it to +get food for himself and his old wife. + +He was what is known as "shif'less." He worked spasmodically, and spent +hours dawdling about, accomplishing nothing, on his old neglected farm. + +But, somehow, a latent ambition and energy seemed to reawaken in his old +heart, and he determined to make renewed efforts to "get ahead" for this +pretty child's sake. And meantime, if she liked to think she was +helping, by such work as those dainty little hands could do, he was +willing to humor her. + +Beside all this, Zeb didn't believe her story. He still thought she had +run away from a well-to-do home; and he believed it was because of an +unloving stepmother. + +But he was not minded to worry the child further with questions at the +present time, and it was part of his nature calmly to await +developments. + +"Let it go at that, Mother," he advised. "Take Jessiky as your +maid-of-all-work, on trial,"--he smiled at his wife over Marjorie's +bowed head,--"an' ef she's a good little worker, we'll keep her fer the +present." + +"My stars!" said Mrs. Geary, and then sat in helpless contemplation of +these surprising events. + +"And I _will_ be a good worker!" declared Marjorie, "and perhaps, +sometime, we can sort of decorate the house, and make it sort of,--sort +of prettier." + +"We can't spend nothin'," declared Mr. Geary, "'cause we ain't got +nothin' to spend. So don't think we kin, little miss." + +"No," said Marjorie, smiling at him, "but I mean, decorate with wild +flowers, or even branches of trees, or pine cones or things like that." + +A lump came in Midget's throat, as she remembered how often she had +"decorated" with these things in honor of some gay festivity at home. + +Oh, what were they doing there, now? Had they missed her? Would they +look for her? They _never_ could find her tucked away here in the +country. + +And Kitty! What _would_ she say when she heard of it? And _all_ of them! +And Mother,--_Mother_! + +But all this heart outcry was silent. Her kind old friends heard no word +or murmur of complaint or dissatisfaction. If the forlorn old house were +distasteful to Marjorie, she didn't show it; if her room seemed to her +uninhabitable, nobody knew it from her. She ran out to the fields, and +returned with an armful of ox-eyed daisies, and bunches of clover; and, +with some grapevine trails, she made a real transformation of the dingy, +bare walls. + +"Well, I swan!" Mr. Geary said, when he saw it; and his wife exclaimed, +"My stars!" + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE REUNION + + +After leaving the conductor's house in Asbury Park, Mr. Maynard and Mr. +Bryant went to a telephone office, and pursued the plan of calling up +every railroad station along the road between Seacote and New York. + +But no good news was the result. It was difficult to get speech with the +station men, and none of them especially remembered seeing a little girl +of Marjorie's description get off the train. + +"What can we do next?" asked Mr. Maynard, dejectedly; "I can't go home +and sit down to wait for police investigation. I doubt if they could +ever find Marjorie. I _must_ do something." + +"It seems a formidable undertaking," said Mr. Bryant, "to go to each of +these way stations; and yet, Ed, I can't think of anything else to do. +We have traced her to the train, and on it. She must have left it +somewhere, and we must discover where." + +Mr. Maynard looked at his watch. + +"Jack," he said, "it is nearly time for that very train to stop here. +Let us get on that, and we may get some word of her from the trainmen +other than the conductor." + +"Good idea! and meanwhile we'll have just time to snatch a sandwich +somewhere; which we'd better do, as you've eaten nothing since +breakfast." + +"Neither have you, old chap; come on." + +After a hasty luncheon, the two men boarded at Asbury Park, the same +train which Marjorie had taken at Seacote the day before. Conductor +Fischer greeted them, and called his trainmen, one by one, to be +questioned. + +"Sure!" said one of them, at last, "I saw that child, or a girl dressed +as you describe, get off this train at Newark. She was a plump little +body, and pretty, but mighty woe-begone lookin'. She was in comp'ny with +a big, red-faced man, a common, farmer-lookin' old fellow. It struck me +queer at the time, them two should be mates." + +Mr. Maynard's heart sank. This looked like kidnapping. But the knowledge +of where Marjorie had alighted was help of some sort, at least. + +After discussing further details of her dress and appearance, Mr. +Maynard concluded that it was, indeed, Midget who had left the train at +Newark with the strange man, and so he concluded to get off there also. + +"We're on the trail, now," said Jack Bryant, cheerily; "we're sure to +find her." + +Mr. Maynard, though not quite so hopeful, felt a little encouraged, and +impatiently the two men sprang off the train at Newark. Into the station +they went and interviewed an attendant there. + +"Yep," he replied, "I seen that kid. She was with old Zeb Geary, an' it +got me, what he was doin' with a swell kid like her!" + +"Where did they go?" asked Mr. Maynard, eagerly. + +"I dunno. Prob'ly he went home. He lives out in the country, and he +takes a little jaunt down to the shore now and then. He's sort of +eccentric,--thinks he can sell his farm stuff to the hotel men, better'n +any other market." + +"How can I get to his house?" + +"Wanter see Zeb, do you? Well, he has his own rig, not very nobby, but +safe. I guess you could get a rig at that stable 'cross the way. An' +they can tell you how to go." + +"Couldn't I get a motor-car?" + +"Likely you could. Go over there and ask the man." + +The station attendant had duties, and was not specially interested in a +stranger's queries, so, having rewarded him, as they thought he +deserved, the two men hastened over to the livery stable. + +"Zeb Geary?" said the stable keeper. "Why, yes, he lives five miles out +of town. He leaves his old horse here when he goes anywhere on the +train. It's no ornament to my place, but I keep it for the old fellow. +He's a character in his way. Yes, he went out last night and a little +girl with him." + +"Could we get a motor here, to go out there?" + +"Right you are! I've good cars and good chauffeurs." + +In a few moments, therefore, Mr. Maynard and Mr. Bryant were speeding +away toward Zeb Geary, and, as they hoped, toward Marjorie. + +While the car was being made ready, Mr. Maynard had telephoned to King +that they had news of Marjorie, and hoped soon to find her. He thought +best to relieve the minds of the dear ones at home to this extent, even +if their quest should prove fruitless, after all. + +"I can't understand it," said Mr. Maynard, as they flew along the +country roads. "This Geary person doesn't sound like a kidnapper, yet +why else would Midget go with him?" + +"I'm only afraid it _wasn't_ Marjorie," returned Mr. Bryant. "But we +shall soon know." + + * * * * * + +Marjorie had worked hard all day. Partly because she wanted to prove +herself a good worker, and partly because, if she stopped to think, her +troubles seemed greater than she could bear. + +But a little after five o'clock everything was done, supper prepared, +and the child sat down on the kitchen steps to rest. She was tired, sad, +and desolate. The slight excitement of novelty was gone, the bravery and +courage of the morning hours had disappeared, and a great wave of +homesickness enveloped her very soul. She was too lonely and homesick +even to cry, and she sat, a pathetic, drooped little figure, on the old +tumble-down porch. + +She heard the toot of a motor-horn, but it was a familiar sound to her, +and she paid no attention to it. Then she heard it again, very near, and +looked up to see her father and Cousin Jack frantically waving, as the +car fairly flew, over many minor obstacles, straight to that kitchen +doorway. + +"Marjorie!" cried Mr. Maynard, leaping out before the wheels had fairly +stopped turning, and in another instant she was folded in that dear old +embrace. + +"Oh, Father, Father!" she cried, hysterically clinging to him, "take me +home, take me home!" + +"Of course I will, darling," said Mr. Maynard's quivering voice, as he +held her close and stroked her hair with trembling fingers. "That's what +we've come for. Here's Cousin Jack, too." + +And then Midget felt more kisses on her forehead, and a hearty pat on +her back, as a voice, not quite steady, but determinedly cheerful, +said: "Brace up now, Mehitabel, we want you to go riding with us." + +Marjorie looked up, with a sudden smile, and then again buried her face +on her father's shoulder and almost strangled him as she flung her arms +round his neck. Then she drew his head down, while she whispered faintly +in his ear. Three times she had to repeat the words before he could +catch them: + +"Are you my father?" he heard at last. The fear flashed back upon him +that Midget's mind was affected, but he only held her close to him, and +said, gently, "Yes, Marjorie darling, my own little girl," and the quiet +assurance of his tone seemed to content her. + +"Wal, wal! an' who be you, sir?" exclaimed a gruff voice, and Mr. +Maynard looked up to see Zeb Geary approaching from the barn. + +"You are Mr. Geary, I'm sure," said Cousin Jack, advancing; "we have +come for this little girl." + +"Wal, I'm right down glad on't! I jest knew that purty child had a home +and friends, though she vowed she hadn't." + +"And you've been kind to her, and we want to thank you! And this is Mrs. +Geary?" + +"Yep, that's Sary. Come out here, Mother, and see what's goin' on." + +Out of shyness, Mrs. Geary had watched proceedings from the kitchen +window, but fortified by her husband's presence, she appeared in the +doorway. + +"They've been so good to me, Father," said Marjorie, still nestling in +his sheltering arms. + +"Wal, we jest done what we could," said Mrs. Geary. "I knowed that +Jessiky belonged to fine people, but she didn't want to tell us nothin', +so we didn't pester her." + +"And we ain't askin' nothin' from you, neither," spoke up Zeb. "She's a +sweet, purty child, an' as good as they make 'em. An' when she wants to +tell you all about it, she will. As fer us,--we've no call to know." + +"Now, that's well said!" exclaimed Mr. Bryant, holding out his hand to +the old man. "And, for the present, we're going to take you at your +word. If you agree, we're going to take this little girl right off with +us, because her mother is anxiously awaiting news of her safety. And +perhaps, sometime later, we'll explain matters fully to you. Meantime, I +hope you'll permit us to leave with you a little expression of our +appreciation of your real kindness to our darling, and our gratitude at +her recovery." + +A few whispered words passed between the two gentlemen, and then, after +a moment's manipulation of his fountain pen and checkbook, Mr. Bryant +handed to old Zeb Geary a slip of paper that took his breath away. + +"I can't rightly thank you, sir," he said, brokenly; "I done no more'n +my duty; but if so be's you feel to give me this, I kin only say, Bless +ye fer yer goodness to them that has need!" + +"That's all right, Mr. Geary," said Cousin Jack, touched by the old +man's emotion; "and now, Ed, let's be going." + +Mrs. Geary brought Marjorie's hat and her little purse, and in another +moment they were flying along the country road toward Newark. + +Marjorie said nothing at all, but cuddled into her father's arm, and now +and then drew long, deep sighs, as if still troubled. + +But he only held her closer, and murmured words of endearment, leaving +her undisturbed by questions about her strange conduct. + +In Newark they telephoned the joyful news to Mrs. Maynard, and then took +the first train to Seacote. + +All through the two-hour ride, Marjorie slept peacefully, with her +father's arm protectingly round her. + +The two men said little, being too thankful that their quest was +successfully ended. + +"But I think her mind is all right," whispered Mr. Maynard, as Mr. +Bryant leaned over from the seat behind. "She has some kind of a crazy +notion in her head,--but when she's thoroughly rested and wide awake, we +can straighten it all out." + +The Maynards' motor was waiting at Seacote station, and after a few +moments' ride, Marjorie was again in the presence of her own dear +people. + +"Mother, _Mother_!" she cried, in a strange, uncertain voice, and flew +to the outstretched arms awaiting her. + +Though unnerved herself, Mrs. Maynard clasped her daughter close and +soothed the poor, quivering child. + +"_Are_ you my mother?" wailed Marjorie, in agonized tones; "_are_ you?" + +"Yes, my child, _yes_!" and there was no doubting that mother-voice. + +"Then why,--_why_ did you tell Mrs. Corey I was a findling?" + +"Tell Mrs. Corey _what_?" + +"Why, when I was practising, you were talking to her, and I heard you +tell her that you took me from an asylum when I was a baby,--and that I +didn't really belong to you and Father?" + +"Oh, Marjorie! Oh, my baby!" and dropping into the nearest armchair, +with Marjorie in her lap, Mrs. Maynard laughed and cried together. + +"Oh, Ed," she exclaimed, looking at her husband, "it's those +theatricals! Listen, Marjorie, darling. Our Dramatic Club is going to +give a play called 'The Stepmother,' and Mrs. Corey and I were learning +our parts. That's what you heard!" + +"Truly, mother?" + +"Truly, of course, you little goosie-girl! And so you ran away?" + +"Yes; I couldn't stay here if I wasn't your little girl,--and +Father's,--and King's sister,--and all. And you said I was different +from your own children and,----" + +"There, there, darling, it's all right now. And we'll hear the rest of +your story to-morrow. Now, we're going to have some supper, and then +tuck you in your own little bed where you belong. Have you had your +supper?" + +"No,--but I set the table," and Marjorie began to smile at the +recollection of the Geary kitchen. "You see, Mother, I've been +maid-of-all-work." + +"And now you've come back to be maid-of-all-play, as usual," broke in +Cousin Jack, who didn't want the conversation to take a serious turn, +for all present were under stress of suppressed emotion. + +"I say, Mops, you ought to have known better," was King's brotherly +comment, but he pulled off her black hair-ribbons in the old, +comforting way, and Midget grinned at him. + +"Let's dispense with these trappings of woe," said Cousin Jack, dropping +the black ribbons in a convenient waste-basket. + +So Midget went out to supper without any ribbons, her mop of curls +tumbling all over her head and hanging down her shoulders. + +"My, but I'm hungry!" she said, as she saw once again her own home +table, with its pretty appointments and appetizing food. + +"You bet you are!" said King, appreciatively; "tell us what you had to +eat in the rural district." + +"Boiled beef," said Midget, smiling; "and gingerbread and turnips!" + +"Not so awful worse," commented King. + +"No? Well, s'pose you try it once! I like these croquettes and Saratoga +potatoes a whole heap better!" + +"Well, I 'spect I do, too. I say, Mops, I'm glad you didn't break your +word to come out and play,--at least, not intentionally." + +"No, I never break my word. But I guess if you thought you didn't have +any father or mother or brother or sister, you'd forget all about going +out to play, too." + +"I haven't any brother," said King, looking very sad and forlorn. + +"I'll be a brother to you," declared Cousin Jack, promptly; "you behaved +like a man, last night, old fellow,--and I'm proud to claim you as a man +and a brother." + +"Pooh, I didn't do anything," said King, modestly. + +"Yes, you did," said his mother. "You were fine, my son. And I never +could have lived through to-day without you, either." + +"Dear old Kingsy-wingsy!" said Midget, looking at him with shining eyes. +And then,--for it was their long-established custom,--she tweaked his +Windsor scarf untied. + +As this was a mark of deep affection, King only grinned at her and +retied it, with an ease and grace born of long practice. + +"Well, Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, "I always said you were a child who +could do the most unexpected things. Here you've been and turned this +whole house upside down and had us all nearly crazy,--and here you are +back again as smiling as a basket of chips. And yet you did nothing for +which any one could blame you!" + +"Indeed they _can't_ blame her!" spoke up Mrs. Maynard; "the child +thought I was talking to Mrs. Corey, instead of reading my part in the +play. Marjorie sha'n't be blamed a bit!" + +"That's just what I said," repeated Cousin Jack, smiling at the +mother's quick defense of her child; "why, if anybody told me I was +a,--what do you call it?--a findling,--I'd run away, too!" + +"Don't run away," said Cousin Ethel, laughing. "I'd have to run with +you, or you'd get lost for keeps. And I'd rather stay here. But I think +we must be starting for Bryant Bower, and leave this reunited family to +get along for awhile without our tender care." + +"But don't think we don't realize how much we are indebted to you," said +Mr. Maynard, earnestly, for the two good friends in need had been +friends indeed to the distracted parents. + +"Well, you can have a set of resolutions engrossed and framed for us," +said Cousin Jack, "or, better yet, you can give me a dollar bill, in +full of all accounts. By the way, Mehitabel, it's lucky you came home +from your little jaunt in time for your birthday. I incidentally learned +that it will be here soon, and we're going to have a celebration that +will take the roof right off this house!" + +"All right, Cousin Jack; I'm ready for anything, now that I know I've +got a father and mother." + +"And a brother," supplemented King, "and _such_ a brother!" He rolled +his eyes as if in ecstasy at the thought of his own perfections, and +Marjorie lovingly pinched his arm. + +"And a couple of sisters," added Cousin Ethel; "I like to speak up for +the absent." + +"Yes, and two dearest, darlingest cousins," said Marjorie, gleefully. +"Oh, I think I've got the loveliest bunch of people in the whole +world!" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +A LETTER OF THANKS + + +"Mother," said Marjorie, the next day, "what is a bread-and-butter +letter?" + +"Why, dearie, that's a sort of a humorous term for a polite note of +acknowledgment, such as one writes to a hostess after making a visit." + +"Yes, that's what I thought. So I'm going to write one to Mrs. Geary." + +"You may, if you like, my child; but, you know your father gave those +old people money for their care of you." + +"Yes, I know; but that's different. And I think they'd appreciate a +letter." + +"Very well, write one, if you like. Shall I help you?" + +"No, thank you. King and I are going to do it together." + +"What did you call it, Mops?" asked her brother, as she returned to the +library, where he sat, awaiting her. + +"A bread-and-butter letter; Mother says it's all right." + +"Well, but you had other things to eat besides bread and butter." + +"Yes, but that's just the name of it. Now, how would you begin it, +King?" + +"'Dear Mrs. Geary,' of course." + +"Well, but I want it to be to him, too. He was real nice,--in his queer +way. And if he hadn't looked after me, where would I have been?" + +"That's so. Well, say, 'Dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary, both.'" + +So Marjorie began: + + "'Dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both: + "'This is a bread-and-butter letter----'" + +"I tell you, Mops, they won't like it. They're not up in social doings, +and they won't understand that bread and butter means all the things. I +think you ought to put 'em all in." + +"Well, I will then. How's this? + + "'--and a turnip letter, and a boiled-beef letter, and a + baked-apple letter, and a soft-boiled egg letter.'" + +"That's better. It may not sound like the fashionable people write, but +it will please them. Now thank them for taking care of you." + + "'I thank you a whole heap for being so good to me, and speaking + kindly to me in the railroad train, when I wasn't so very polite to + you.'" + +"Weren't you, Mops?" + +"No; I squeezed away from him, 'cause I thought he was rough and rude." + +"Well, you can't tell him that." + +"No; I'll say this: + + "'I wasn't very sociable, Sir, because I have been taught not to + talk to strangers, but, of course, those rules, when made, did not + know I would be obliged to run away.'" + +"You weren't _obliged_ to, Midget." + +"Yes I was, King! I just simply _couldn't_ stay here if I didn't belong, +could I? Could you?" + +"No, I s'pose not. I'd go off and go to work." + +"Well, isn't that what I did? + + "'But you were kind and good to me, Mr. Geary and Mrs. Geary Both, + and I am very much obliged. I guess I didn't work very well for + you, but I am out of practice, and I haven't much talent for + houseworking, anyway. _You_ seem to have, dear Mrs. Geary.' + +"That's a sort of a compliment, King. Really, she isn't a very good +housekeeper." + +"Oh, that's all right. It's like when people say you have musical +talent, and you know you play like the dickens." + +"Yes, I do. Well, now I'll finish this, then we can go down to the +beach." + + "'And so, dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both, I write to say I am much + obliged----' + +"Oh, my gracious, King, I ought to tell them how it happened. About my +mistake, you know, thinking Mother was talking in earnest." + +"Oh, don't tell 'em all that, you'll _never_ get it done. But I suppose +they are curious to know. Well, cut it short." + + "'You see, dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both, I am not a findling, as I + supposed.'" + +"That's not findling, Midget,--you mean foundling." + +"I don't think so. And, anyway, they mean just the same,--I'm going to +leave it. + + "'I find I have quite a large family, with a nice father and + mother, some sisters and a brother. You saw my father. Also, I have + lovely cousins and four grand-parents and an uncle. So you see I am + well supplied with this world's goods. So now, good-by, dear Mr. + and Mrs. Geary Both, and with further thanks and obliges, I am, + + "'Your friend, + "'MARJORIE MAYNARD. + + "'P.S. The Jessica Brown was a made-up name.' + +"Do you think that's all right, King?" + +"Yep, it's fine! Seal her up, and write the address and leave it on the +hall table, and come on." + +And so the "bread-and-butter" letter went to Mr. and Mrs. Geary both, +and was kept and treasured by them as one of their choicest possessions. + +"I knew she was a little lady by the way she pretended not to notice our +poor things," said old Zeb. + +"I knew by her petticoats," said his wife. + + * * * * * + +And so the episode of Marjorie's runaway passed into history. Mrs. +Maynard, at first, wanted to give up her part in the play of "The +Stepmother," but she was urged by all to retain it, and so she did. As +Mr. Maynard said, it was the merest coincidence that Marjorie overheard +the words without knowing why they were spoken, and there was no +possibility of such a thing ever happening again. So Mrs. Maynard kept +her part in the pretty little comedy, but she never repeated those +sentences that had so appalled poor Marjorie, without a thrill of sorrow +for the child and a thrill of gladness for her quick and safe +restoration to them. + +And the days hurried on, bringing Marjorie's birthday nearer and nearer. + +On the fifteenth of July she would be thirteen years old. + +"You see," said Cousin Jack, who was, as usual, Director General of the +celebration, "you see, Mehitabel, thirteen is said to be an unlucky +number." + +"And must I be unlucky all the year?" asked Marjorie, in dismay. + +"On the contrary, my child. We will eradicate the unluck from the +number,--we will cut the claws of the tiger,--and draw the fangs of the +serpent. In other words, we shall so override and overrule that foolish +superstition about thirteen being unlucky that we shall prove the +contrary." + +"Hooray for you, Cousin Jack! I'm lucky to have you around for this +particular birthday, I think." + +"You're always lucky, Mehitabel, and you always will be. You see, this +business they call Luck is largely a matter of our own will-power and +determination. Now, I propose to consider thirteen a lucky number, and +before your birthday is over, you'll agree with me, I know." + +"I 'spect I shall, Cousin Jack. And I'm much obliged to you." + +"That's right, Mehitabel. Always be grateful to your elders. They do a +lot for you." + +"You needn't laugh, Cousin Jack. You're awful good to me." + +"Good to myself, you mean. Not having any olive-branches of my own, I +have to play with my neighbors'. As I understand it, Mehitabel, you're +to have a party on this birthday of yours." + +"Yes, sir-ee, sir! Mother says I can invite as many as I like. You know +there are lots of girls and boys down here that I know, but I don't know +them as well as I do the Craigs and Hester. But at a party, I'll ask +them all." + +"All right. Now, this is going to be a Good-Luck Party, to counteract +that foolish thirteen notion. You don't need to know all about the +details. Your mother and I will plan it all, and you can just be the +lucky little hostess." + +So Marjorie was not admitted to the long confabs between her mother and +Cousin Jack. She didn't mind, for she knew perfectly well that +delightful plans were being made for the party, and they would all be +carried out. But there was much speculation in Sand Court as to what the +fun would be. + +"I know it will be lovely," said Hester, with a sigh. "You are the +luckiest girl I ever saw, Marjorie. You always have all the good times." + +"Why, Hester, don't you have good times, too?" + +"Not like you do. Your mother and father, and those Bryants just do +things for you all the time. I don't think it's fair!" + +"Well, your mother does things for you,--all mothers do," said Tom +Craig. + +"Not as much as Marjorie's. My mother said so. She said she never saw +anything like the way Marjorie Maynard is petted. And it makes her stuck +up and spoiled!" + +"Did your mother say my sister was stuck-up and spoiled?" demanded King, +flaring up instantly. + +"Well,--she didn't say just that,--but she is, all the same!" And Hester +scowled crossly at Midget. + +"Why, Hester Corey, I am not!" declared Marjorie. "What do I do that's +stuck-up?" + +"Oh, you think yourself so smart,--and you always want to boss +everything." + +"Maybe I am too bossy," said Marjorie, ruefully, for she knew that she +loved to choose and direct their games. + +"Yes, you are! and I'm not going to stand it!" + +"All right, Hester Corey, you can get out of this club, then," said Tom, +glaring at her angrily; "Marjorie Maynard is Queen, anyway, and if she +hasn't got a right to boss, who has?" + +"Well, she's been Queen long enough. Somebody else ought to have a +chance." + +"Huh!" spoke up Dick; "a nice queen you'd make, wouldn't you? I s'pose +that's what you want! You're a bad girl, Hester Corey!" + +"I am not, neither!" + +"You are, too!" + +"Jiminy Crickets!" exclaimed King; "can't this Club get along without +scrapping? If not, the Club'd better break up. I'm ashamed of you, Dick, +to hear you talk like that!" + +"Hester began it," said Dick, sullenly. + +"Oh, yes; blame it all on Hester!" cried that angry maiden, herself; +"blame everything on Hester, and nothing on Marjorie. Dear, sweet, angel +Marjorie!" + +"Now, Hester Corey, you stop talking about my sister like that, or I'll +get mad," stormed King. "She's Queen of this Club, and she's got a right +to boss. And you needn't get mad about it, either." + +"You can be Queen, if you want to, Hester," said Midget, slowly. "I +guess I am a pig to be Queen all the time." + +"No, you're not!" shouted Tom. "If Hester's Queen, I resign myself from +this Club! So there, now!" + +"Go on, and resign!" said Hester; "nobody cares. I'm going to be Queen, +Marjorie said I could. Give me your crown, Marjorie." + +Midget didn't want to give up her crown a bit, but she had a strong +sense of justice, and it did seem that Hester ought to have her turn at +being Queen. So she began to lift the crown from her head, when King +interposed: + +"Don't you do it, Midget! We can't change Queens in a minute, like that! +If we _do_ change, it's got to be by election and nomination and things +like that." + +"It isn't!" screamed Hester; "I won't have it so! I'm going to be +Queen!" + +She fairly snatched the crown from Marjorie's head, and whisked it onto +her own head. + +As it had been made to fit Midget's thick mop of curls, it was too big +for Hester, and came down over her ears, and well over her eyes. + +"Ho! ho!" jeered Dick; "a nice Queen you look! Ho! ho!" + +But by this time Hester was in one of her regular tantrums. + +"I _will_ be Queen!" she shrieked; "I will, I tell you!" + +"Come on, Mops, let's go home," said King, quietly. + +The Maynard children were unaccustomed to outbursts of temper, and King +didn't know exactly what to say to the little termagant. + +"All right, we'll go home, too," said Tom; "come on, boys!" + +They all started off, leaving Hester in solitary possession of Sand +Court. + +The child, when in one of her rages, had an ungovernable temper, and, +left alone, she vented it by smashing everything she could. She upset +the throne, tore down the decorations, and flew around like a wildcat. + +Marjorie, who had turned to look at her, said: + +"You go on, King; I'm going back to speak to Hester." + +"I'm afraid she'll hurt you," objected King. + +"No, she won't; I'll be kind to her." + +"All right, Midge; a soft answer turneth away rats, but I don't know +about wildcats!" + +"Well, you go on." And Marjorie turned, and went back to Sand Court. + +"Say, Hester," she began a little timidly. + +"Go away from here, Stuck-up! Spoiled child! I don't want to see you!" + +As a matter of fact, Hester presented a funny sight. She was a plain +child, and her shock of red hair was straight and untractable. Her +scowling face was flushed with anger, and the gold paper crown was +pushed down over one ear in ridiculous fashion. + +Marjorie couldn't help laughing, which, naturally, only irritated Hester +the more. + +"Yes, giggle!" she cried; "old Smarty-Cat! old Proudy!" + +"Oh, Hester, don't!" said Midget, bursting into tears. "How can you be +so cross to me? I don't mean to be stuck-up and proud, and I don't think +I am. You can be Queen if you want to, and we'll have the election thing +all right. Please don't be so mean to me!" + +"Can I be Queen?" demanded Hester, a little mollified; "can I, really?" + +"Why, yes, if the boys agree. They have as much say as I do." + +"They don't either! You have all the say! You always do! Now, promise +you'll make the boys let me be Queen, or,--or I won't play!" + +Hester ended her threat rather lamely, as she couldn't think of any dire +punishment which she felt sure she could carry out. + +"I promise," said Marjorie, who really felt it was just that Hester +should be Queen for a time. + +"All right, then," and Hester's stormy face cleared a little. "See that +you keep your promise." + +"I always keep my promises," said Marjorie, with dignity; "and I'll tell +you what I think of _you_, Hester Corey! I think you ought to be +Queen,--it _isn't_ fair for me to be it all the time. But I think you +might have asked me in a nicer way, and not call names, and smash things +all about! There, that's what I think!" and Marjorie glared at her in +righteous indignation. + +"Maybe I ought," said Hester, suddenly becoming humble, as is the way of +hot-tempered people after gaining their point. "I've got an awful +temper, Marjorie, but I can't help it!" + +"You _can_ help it, Hester; you don't try." + +"Oh, it's all very well for you to talk! You never have anything to +bother you! Nothing goes wrong, and everybody spoils you! Why should +_you_ have a bad temper?" + +"Now, Hester, don't be silly! You have just as good a home and just as +kind friends as I have." + +"No, I haven't! Nobody likes me. And everybody likes you. Why, the Craig +boys think you're made of gold!" + +Marjorie laughed. "Well, Hester, it's _your_ own fault if they don't +think you are, too. But how can they, when you fly into these rages and +tear everything to pieces?" + +"Well, they make me so mad, I have to! Now, I'm going home, and I'm +going to stay there till you do as you promised, and get the boys to let +me be Queen." + +"Well, I'll try----" began Marjorie, but Hester had flung the torn gilt +crown on the ground, and stalked away toward home. Midget picked up the +crown and tried to straighten it out, but it was battered past repair. + +"I'll make a new one," she thought, "and I'll try to make the boys agree +to having Hester for Queen. But I don't believe Tom will. I know it's +selfish for me to be Queen all the time, and I don't want to be +selfish." + +Seeing Hester go away, Tom came back, and reached Sand Court just as +Midget was about to leave. + +"Hello, Queen Sandy!" he called out; "wait a minute. I saw that spitfire +going away, so I came back. Now, look here, Mopsy Maynard, don't you let +that old crosspatch be Queen!" + +"I can't, unless we all elect her," returned Midget, smiling at Tom; +"but I wish you would agree to do that. It isn't fair, Tom, for me to +be Queen all the time." + +"Why isn't it? It's your Club! You got it up, and Hester came and poked +herself in where she wasn't wanted." + +"Well, we took her in, and now we ought to be kind to her." + +"Kind to such an old Meany as she is!" + +"Don't call her names, Tom. I don't believe she can help flying into a +temper, and then, when she gets mad, she doesn't care what she says." + +"I should think she didn't! Well, make her Queen if you want to, but if +you do, you can get somebody else to take my place." + +"Oh, Tom, don't act like that," and Marjorie looked at him, with +pleading eyes. + +"Yes, I _will act_ like that! Just exactly like that! I won't belong to +any Court that Hester Corey is queen of!" + +Marjorie sighed. What _could_ she do with this intractable boy? And, she +almost knew that King would feel the same way. Perhaps, if she could win +Tom over to her way of thinking, King might be more easily influenced. + +"Tom," she began, "don't you like me?" + +"Yes, I do. You're the squarest girl I ever knew." + +"Then, don't you think you might do this much for me?" + +"What much?" + +"Why, just let Hester be Queen for a while." + +"No, I don't. That wouldn't be any favor to you." + +"Yes, it would. If I ask you, and you refuse, I'll think you're real +unkind. And yet you say you like me!" + +Marjorie had struck a right chord in the boy's heart. He didn't want +Hester for Queen, but still less did he want to refuse Midget her +earnest request. + +"Oh, pshaw!" he said, digging his toe in the sand; "if you put it that +way, I'll _have_ to say yes. Don't put it that way, Midget." + +"Yes, I _will_ put it that way! And if you're my friend, you'll say yes, +yourself, and then you'll help me to make the other boys say yes. Will +you?" + +"Yes, I s'pose so," said Tom, looking a little dubious. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THIRTEEN! + + +Marjorie's thirteenth birthday dawned bright and clear. + +Her opening eyes rested on some strange thing sticking up at the foot of +her bed, but a fully-awakened glance proved it to be a big No. 13, +painted on a square of white pasteboard, and decorated with painted +four-leaved clovers. + +The motto "Good Luck" was traced in ornamental letters, and the whole +was in a narrow wood frame. + +"That's my birthday greeting from Cousin Jack and Cousin Ethel!" +Marjorie said to herself; "I recognize her lovely painting, and it's +just like them, anyway. I'll hang that on my bedroom wall, till I'm as +old as Methusaleh." + +"Happy Birthday, darling!" said her mother, coming in, and sitting on +the side of the bed; "many happy returns of the day." + +"Oh, dearie Mother! I'm so glad I've got you! and I'm _so_ glad you're +really my very own mother! Give me thirteen kisses, please, ma'am!" + +"Merry Birthday, Midget!" called her father, through the crack of the +door. "You two had better stop that love-feast and get down to +breakfast!" + +So Marjorie sprang up, and made haste with her bathing and dressing, so +that in less than half an hour she was dancing downstairs to begin her +Lucky Birthday. Her presents were heaped round her plate, and the +parcels were so enticing in appearance, that she could scarcely eat for +impatience. + +"Breakfast first," decreed her father, "or I fear you'll become so +excited you'll never eat at all." + +So Marjorie contented herself with pinching and punching the bundles, +while she ate peaches and cream and cereal. + +"Oh, what _is_ in this squnchy one?" she cried, feeling of a loosely +done-up parcel. "It smells so sweet, and it crackles like silk!" + +"Kitty sent that," answered her mother, smiling, "and she wrote me that +she made it herself." + +But at last the cereal-saucer was empty, and the ribbons could be +untied. + +Kitty's gift proved to be a lovely bag, of pink and blue Dresden silk. + +"What's it for?" asked King, not much impressed with its desirability. + +"Oh, for anything!" cried Marjorie. "Handkerchiefs,--or +hair-ribbons,--or,--or just to hang up and look pretty." + +"Pretty foolish," opined King, but he greeted with joy the opening of +the next bundle. + +"Jumping Hornets!" he exclaimed; "isn't that a beauty! _Just_ what I +wanted!" + +"Whose birthday is this, anyhow?" laughed Marjorie, as she carefully +unrolled the tissue-paper packing from a fine microscope. Uncle Steve +had sent it, and it was both valuable and practical, and a thing the +children had long wished for. + +"Well, you'll let a fellow take a peep once in a while, won't you?" + +"Yes, if you'll be goody-boy," said Midget, patronizingly. + +Grandma Sherwood's gift was a cover for a sofa-pillow, of rich Oriental +fabric, embroidered in gold thread. + +"Just the thing for my couch, at home," said Midget, greatly pleased. + +"Just the thing to pitch at you, after it gets stuffed," commented King. +"Go on, Mops, open the big one." + +The big one proved to be a case, from Mother and Father, containing a +complete set of brushes and toilet articles for Marjorie's +dressing-table. They were plain shapes, of ivory, with her monogram on +each in dark blue. + +"Gorgeous!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands. "Just what I longed +for,--and so much nicer than silver, 'cause that has to be cleaned every +minute. Oh, Mothery, they are lovely, and Fathery, too. Consider +yourselves kissed thirteen hundred times! Oh, what's this?" + +"That's my present," said King. "Open it carefully, Mops." + +She did so, and revealed a pincushion, but a pincushion so befrilled and +belaced and beflowered one could scarce tell what it was. + +"I picked it out myself," said King, with obvious pride in his +selection. "I know how you girls love flummadiddles, and I took the very +flummadiddlyest the old lady had. Like it, Mops?" + +"Like it! I _love_ it! I adore it! And it will go fine with this beauty +ivory set." + +"Yes, you'll have a Louis Umpsteenth boudoir, when you get back to +Rockwell." + +"I shan't use it down here," said Marjorie, fingering the pretty trifle, +"for the sea air spoils such things. But when I get home I'll fix my +room all up gay,--may I, Mother?" + +"I 'spect so. It's time you had a new wallpaper, anyway, and we'll get +one with little pink rosebuds to match King's pincushion." + +The Bryants' gift came next. + +It was in a small jeweller's box, and was a slender gold neck chain and +pendant, representing a four-leafed clover in green enamel on gold, on +one petal of which were the figures thirteen in tiny diamonds. + +"Oh, ho! Diamonds!" cried King. "You're altogether too young to wear +diamonds, Mops. Better give it to me for a watch fob." + +"I'm not, am I, Father?" said Marjorie, turning troubled eyes to her +father. + +"No, Midget. Not those little chips of stones. A baby could wear those. +And by the way, where is Baby's gift?" + +"My p'esent!" cried Rosy Posy, who had sat until now silent, in +admiration of the unfolding wonders. "My p'esent, Middy! It's a +palumasol!" + +"Then it's this long bundle," said Marjorie, and she unwrapped a +beautiful little parasol of embroidered white linen. + +"Oh, Rosy Posyeums!" she cried. "This is _too booful_! I never saw such +a pretty one!" + +"Me buyed it! Me and Muvver! Oh, it's _too_ booful!" and the baby kicked +her fat, bare legs in glee at her own gift. + +Grandma and Grandpa Maynard sent a silver frame, containing their +photographs, and Grandma sent also a piece of fine lace, which was to +be laid away until Marjorie was old enough to put it to use. It was her +custom to send such a piece each year, and Marjorie's collection was +already a valuable one. + +There were many small gifts and cards from friends in Rockwell, and from +some of the Seacote children, and when all were opened, Midget begged +King to help her take them to the living-room, where they might be +displayed on a table. + +And then the Bryants arrived, and the house rang with their greetings +and congratulations. + +"Unlucky Midget!" cried Cousin Jack. "Poor little unlucky Mopsy Midget +Mehitabel! Oh, what a sad fate to be thirteen years old, and to be so +loaded down with birthday gifts that you don't know where you're at! + + "Mopsy Midget Mehitabel May + Has come to a most unlucky day! + Nothing will happen but feasting and fun, + And gifts,--pretty nearly a hundred and one! + Jolly good times, and jolly good wishes, + A jolly good party with jolly good dishes. + Every one happy and everything bright, + Good Luck is here--and bad Luck out of sight. + 'Tis the luckiest day that ever was seen, + For Marjorie Maynard is just thirteen!" + +"Oh, Cousin Jack, what a beautiful birthday poem! I'm sure there +_couldn't_ be a luckier little girl than I! I've got everything!" + +"And we've got _you_!" cried her father, catching her in his arms with a +heart full of gratitude that she was safe at home with them. + + * * * * * + +The party was to begin at four o'clock, and the guests were invited to +stay until seven. In good season Marjorie was dressed, and down on the +veranda ready to receive her little friends. + +She wore a pretty, thin white frock, with delicate embroidery, and the +pendant that had been her birthday gift. + +The family were all assembled when she came down, and though it would be +half an hour before they could expect the guests, they all seemed filled +with eager anticipation. + +"What's the matter?" asked Midget, looking from one smiling face to +another. + +"Nothing, nothing!" said King, trying to look unconcerned. + +"Nothing, nothing," said Cousin Jack, pulling a wry face. + +But Mrs. Maynard said, "There's another birthday surprise for you, +Marjorie dear. It has just come, and it's in the living-room. Go and +hunt for it." + +Marjorie danced into the house, and they all followed. She began looking +about for some small object, peering into vases and under books, till +her father said: + +"Look for something larger, Midget; something quite large." + +"And be careful of your frock," warned her mother, for Midget was down +on her hands and knees, looking under the big divan. + +"Keep on your feet!" advised King. "And look everywhere." + +"Pooh! If I keep on my feet, I can't find anything big!" exclaimed +Midget. "Where could it be hidden?" + +"That's for you to find out!" returned King. + +"I'll give you a hint," said Cousin Jack. "Turn, Mehitabel, turn." + +Marjorie turned slowly round and round, but that didn't help her any. + +"Turn, turn, turn, turn," Cousin Jack kept saying in a monotone, and +suddenly it flashed on Marjorie that he meant for her to turn something +else beside herself. + +She turned the key of a bookshelf door, and opened it, but found nothing +but books. + +"Turn, turn, turn, turn," droned Cousin Jack. + +"Oh," thought Marjorie, "the closet!" and flying to the door of a large +closet in the room, she turned the knob, the door flew open, and there +she saw,--Uncle Steve and Kitty! + +"Oh, Kit!" she cried, and in a moment the two girls were so tangled up +that detriment to their party frocks seemed inevitable. + +But they were persuaded to separate before too much damage was done, and +then Marjorie turned to greet Uncle Steve. + +"I daren't rumple your fine feathers," he said, standing 'way off, and +extending his fingertips to her. "But I'm _terrible_ glad to see you, +and to find that you've grown up as good as you are beautiful." + +This made Marjorie laugh, for she didn't think she was either. + +"How _did_ you happen to come?" she cried, for she couldn't realize that +Kitty was really there. + +"Oh, it was just a stroke of good luck," said Cousin Jack. "You know +to-day is your lucky day." + +"'Deed it is!" declared Marjorie. "Come on, Kit, let's go and sit in the +swing till the people come to the party." + +The sisters had time for a short, merry chat, and then the guests began +to arrive. There were about twenty-five boys and girls, and with the +grown-ups this made quite a party. + +It was fun, indeed, to have both Cousin Jack and Uncle Steve present, +for these two men just devoted themselves to the cause, and made so +much fun and merriment that they seemed like big children themselves. + +They gave a burlesque wrestling match on the lawn that sent the young +people off into peals of laughter. They made up funny dialogue, and were +always playing good-natured tricks on some of the children. Then Cousin +Jack said: + +"Now we will play the Good Luck game. Into the hall, all of you!" + +The children scampered into the hall, and on the wall they saw a large +placard which read: + + "Pins one + Hairpins two + Four-leafed clovers five + Horse-shoes ten + Pennies fifteen + Black cats twenty-five." + +Each guest was given a small fancy basket, with ribbons tied to the +handle. Then they were instructed to hunt all the rooms on the lower +floor, the veranda, and the nearby lawns, and gather into their baskets +such of the above mentioned articles as they could find. A prize would +be given to the one who had the most valuable collection, according to +the values given on the placard. + +At the word "go!" they scuttled away, and hunted eagerly, now and then +stooping to pick up a pin from the floor, or reaching up to get a +horseshoe from the mantelpiece. The rooms had been literally sown with +the small objects; the clovers and horseshoes being cut from pasteboard +and painted, and the black cats being tiny china, wooden, or bronze +affairs. + +Cousin Jack must have had an immense store of these findings, for the +baskets filled rapidly, and yet there seemed always more to be found. + +"How are you getting along, Hester?" asked Marjorie as she met her. + +"Can't find any hardly. I never have any luck! I s'pose you have a +basket full!" + +"Nearly," said Marjorie, laughing at Hester's ill-nature in the midst of +the others' merriment. + +"Say, Hester, I'll tell you what! I'll change baskets with you. Want +to?" + +"Will you?" and Hester's eyes sparkled. "Oh, Marjorie, will you?" + +"Yes, I will, on condition that you'll be nice and pleasant, and not go +around looking as cross as a magpie!" + +"All right, give me your basket," and Hester put on a very bright smile +in anticipation of winning the game. + +"What did you do that for?" asked Kitty, who saw the transfer of +baskets. + +"Oh, because. Never mind now, Kit, I'll tell you to-morrow," and Midget +danced away with Hester's almost empty basket hanging from her arm. + +She picked up a few more things here and there, and then Cousin Jack +rang a bell to announce that the game was over. The baskets, each having +its owner's name on a card tied to it, were all put on the hall table, +and Mrs. Maynard and Cousin Ethel appraised the contents, while the +children went to another game. + +This time Uncle Steve conducted affairs. Several tables in the +living-room were surrounded by the players, and each was given a paper +and pencil. + +"I see," Uncle Steve began, "that this is a Good Luck party. So each of +you write the words 'good luck' at the top of your paper. Have you done +so? Good! Now, I hope you will all of you have all good luck always, but +if you can't get it all, get part. So try your hand at it by making +words of four letters out of those two words you have written. Use each +letter only once,--unless it is repeated, like _o_ in 'good.' However, +that's the only one that _is_ a repeater, so use the others only once in +any word you make. The words must be each of four letters,--no more and +no less. And they must all be good, common, well-known English words. +Now go ahead, and the best list takes a prize." + +How the children scribbled! How they nibbled their pencils and thought! +How they whispered to each other to ask if such a word was right! + +Marjorie was quick at puzzles, but she didn't think it would be polite +to take the prize at her own party, so she didn't hand in her list. +Neither did Kitty nor King. So when the lists were handed in, Uncle +Steve rapidly looked them over. + +"The longest list," he announced, "contains ten words." + +"Oh, dear!" sighed Hester. "Isn't that just my bad luck! I had nine." + +"So did I," said several others, but it was Tom Craig's list that had +ten, so he received the prize. His list, as Uncle Steve read it out, +was: Cook, loud, duck, cool, cold, lock, look, dock, clod, gold. The +prize was a box of candy made in the shape of a four-leafed clover, so +it was really four boxes. + +Tom generously offered to pass the sweets around at once, but Uncle +Steve advised him not to, as supper would be served pretty soon. + +The children all liked the game, and clamored for a repetition of it, +but Cousin Jack said it was his turn for a game now, and if they'd all +stay at the tables, he'd give it to them. + +"This is my own game," he said, "because it is called jackstraws, and my +name is Jack. I am not a man of straw, however, as you'd soon find if +you tried to knock me over! The game is almost like ordinary jackstraws, +but with slight additions." + +Then there were passed around bunches of jackstraws for each table. They +were just like ordinary jackstraws, except they were of different +colors, and a little card told how to count. White ones were one; red +ones, two; blue ones, five; silver ones, ten; and gold ones, twenty. +Then one marked Good Luck counted fifteen, and another, marked +_thirteen_, counted twenty-five. This proved that thirteen was _not_ an +unlucky number! + +It's always fun to play jackstraws, and the children went at it with a +zest. Midget, at the next table, was not surprised to hear Hester +complaining, "Oh, you joggled me! That isn't fair! I ought to have +another turn! I _never_ have any luck!" Marjorie smiled across at her, +and, seeming to remember the condition of the basket exchange, Hester +tried to smile, and succeeded fairly well. + +Milly Fosdick won that prize, and they all laughed when it turned out to +be a straw hat of Indian make. It was of gay pattern basket work, and +adorned with beads and feathers. Milly was delighted with it, and said +she should always keep it as a souvenir. + +By that time the ladies had completed their task, and the prize for the +Good Luck hunt fell to Hester Corey. This was the prettiest prize of +all, being a beautifully illustrated copy of Grimms' "Fairy Tales," and +Hester was enchanted with it. She took it eagerly, and never seemed to +think for a moment that perhaps it wasn't quite fairly won; nor did she +thank Marjorie for the assistance she gave. + +Then they all went out to supper. And such a supper as it was! The table +was decorated with green four-leafed clovers, and gilt horseshoes, and +black cats, and yellow new moons. And every one had a little rabbit's +foot, mounted like a charm, for a souvenir; and also a bright lucky +penny of that very year. + +And the sandwiches were cut like clovers, and the cakes like new moons, +and the ice-cream was shaped like horseshoes, and everybody wished +everybody else good luck all through Marjorie's thirteenth year. And +when the young guests went away they all sang: + + "Good luck, ladies; good luck, ladies; + Good luck, ladies; + We're going to leave you now." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +QUEEN HESTER + + +"Kit's my bestest birthday present," declared Marjorie, as they sat +together in the veranda swing the morning after the party. + +Kitty pulled her sister's curls in absent-minded affection, and +remarked, thoughtfully: + +"Mopsy, I don't seem to care much for that red-headed Hester girl." + +"She's a queer thing," Marjorie returned, "but I sort of like her, too. +You see, Kit, she has a fearful temper, and she can't help being +spiteful." + +"Oh, fiddlesticks, Mops! Anybody can help being spiteful if they want +to." + +"No, she can't, Kit. She flies into a rage over nothing. And then she's +sorry afterward." + +"Will she be at the Sand Court thing, or whatever you call it, to-day?" + +"Yes, all the club will be there. Come on, let's go." + +The sisters ran down to Sand Court and found King and the Craig boys +already there. + +"Old Crosspatch hasn't come yet," observed Dick, after they had all said +"Hello!" + +"Dick," said Midget, "I wish you wouldn't call our Sand Witch such +unkind names." + +"Well, she _is_ a crosspatch." + +"Well, never mind if she is. Don't let's call names, anyway." + +And then Hester arrived. It was easily seen she was prepared for a fray. +She was not smiling, and she said "Hello" with a very sour expression of +face. Then she turned to Midget. + +"Did you make me a new crown?" she said. "Are you going to let me be +Queen?" + +"We have to vote about that," returned Marjorie, "and I do hope, my +courtiers, that we won't have any squabbling before our royal visitor, +Miss Princess Sand,--Sand--well, San Diego is the only name I can think +of for Kit!" + +"Hail, Princess Sandeago!" cried Tom, and all the courtiers ducked +almost to the ground in low bows. + +"Now," went on Marjorie, "our first business this morning is the +election of a new Queen." + +"Queens aren't elected," growled Tom, "they,--they,--what _do_ they do? +Oh, they succeed!" + +"That's exactly what they do!" cried Midget. "And _I'm_ going to +succeed! I mean I'm going to succeed in my plan of having Hester succeed +me! I asked Father about elections, and he said people could be +instructed to vote a certain way. So I hereby instruct you all, my +beloved courtiers, to vote for a new Queen. The same to be our beloved +Sand Witch." + +"Beloved grandmother!" exclaimed Tom, irrepressibly. + +"No, my Grand Sandjandrum," went on Midget, looking sternly at him, "she +isn't your grandmother, but she's to be your new sovereign, so you may +as well make up your mind to it." + +As Hester began to think Midget was going to make the change, whether +the boys wanted to or not, she suddenly became very light-hearted and +smiled at everybody. + +"I'll be a good Queen," she said, ingratiatingly, "and I'll do whatever +you want me to." + +And then King waked up to the fact that since Midget desired this +change, and since it might have the effect of keeping Hester pleasant +and good-natured, perhaps it was a good plan after all. So he said: + +"All right; I'll vote as Queen Sandy instructs." + +Tom looked at him in surprise, and then, remembering he had practically +promised to do as Marjorie asked, he said: + +"Well, I will too. But only on condition that the new Queen promises to +be pleasant and nice all the time." + +"I will," declared Hester, earnestly, her face fairly radiant now at +the thought of wearing the crown. + +"You ought to take an oath of office and say so," advised Kitty, who was +critically watching the proceedings. + +"What's that mean?" demanded Hester. + +"Why, swear that you won't lose your temper." + +"Oh, I wouldn't _swear_!" cried Hester, in dismay. + +"Kit doesn't mean bad swearing," explained King. "She means official +swearing, or something like that. All Queens do it, and juries, and +presidents, and everything. It's only promising or vowing." + +"Well, I'll promise or vow," agreed Hester, "but I won't swear." + +"All right," said Marjorie. "You must hold up both hands, and say 'I +promise or vow to be a good Queen and not get mad at my courtiers.' Say +it now." + +So Hester raised both hands as high as she could and repeated Marjorie's +words. + +"Now you've taken your oath of office, and you're queen," said Kitty, +who was unconsciously taking charge of affairs. "Where's the crown, +Mops?" + +"The new Queen tore it up the other day," said Midget, demurely. + +"Then she must make a new one," commanded Kitty. "Never mind; for to-day +this will do." + +The Princess San Diego hastily twisted some vines into a wreath, and +laid it gently on the brilliant locks of the new Queen. + +"I crown you Queen Sandy!" she said, dramatically. + +"It's all right, Kit," said King, looking quizzical, "but just how do +you happen to be running this court?" + +"Oh, I might as well," returned Kitty carelessly. "I don't think the +rest of you are very good at it." + +"That's so," admitted Tom. "I guess we do squabble a lot." + +"It isn't only that," said Kitty, "but you don't have much order and +ceremony." + +"I've noticed that," put in Dick. "We just talk every-day sort of talk. +I think we ought to be grander." + +"So do I," agreed Kitty. "Here, Hester, give me that crown; I'll be +Queen for to-day, and show you how." + +There was nothing bumptious or even dictatorial in Kitty's manner; she +merely wanted to show them how a Queen ought to act. So she put the vine +wreath on her own head, and breaking a branch from a tall shrub nearby +for a sceptre, she seated herself on the dilapidated throne. + +"I pray you sit," she said, condescendingly, to her court. "Ha! where is +my page?" + +"There is no page, O Queen," said the Grand Sandjandrum, looking +mortified. + +"Thus I create one!" announced Kitty, calmly. "Sand Crab, kneel before +me!" + +Harry sprang forward to obey, and kneeled at Kitty's feet. + +"Thus I anoint thee page!" declared the Queen, dramatically tapping him +three times on his shoulder. "Rise, Sir Page, and attend upon me!" + +"Yes, ma'am! What shall I do?" asked the new page, greatly flustered. + +"Stand thou here at my right hand. It may be I might have an errand or +two now and then." + +"Aye, aye, O Queen!" declaimed Dick, who was catching the spirit of +Kitty's rule. + +"Well spoke, fair sir. Stand thou there, I prithee. And now, Courtiers, +is there any business to be discussed?" + +"Nay, O Queen," said Tom, "we but wait thy pleasure." + +"Then my pleasure is now to install the new Queen. And, prithee, my +courtiers, when that the new Queen is enthroned, then does the receding +Queen become the Sand Witch?" + +"Yea, O fair Queen," said Marjorie, coming up with mincing steps and +bowing before Kitty. "From now on I am the Sand Witch of this court, and +I humbly beg thy favor." + +"Favor be thine!" announced the temporary Queen. "And now, O my +courtiers, lead to me Queen Hester Sandy, Queen of Sand Court!" + +Reconciled at last to this state of things, King and Tom sprang to +escort Hester. Dick and Harry marched gravely behind, while Midget +stalked along ahead, and thus quite an imposing procession approached +Queen Kitty and ranged themselves before her. + +"O Queen," Kitty began, "you have already taken oath of office, O Queen! +So now naught remains but to take the seat of royalty, the honored +throne of Sand Court, O Queen!" + +And then Hester scored her success. She stepped up on the sand mound +that was the throne, and bowed her head while Kitty transferred the vine +wreath that represented the crown. Then Hester drew herself up +majestically, waved her sceptre, and declaimed: + +"I, the Queen of Sand Court, accept this honor that is thus thrust upon +me!" + +There were some astonished faces among the courtiers at this speech, +but nobody interrupted. + +"I, Queen Sandy, promise to be a good Queen to my beloved courtiers, and +never to lose my temper or speak cross, but to emulate the sweet and +sunlighty disposition of our departing and beloved Queen, who is now a +Sand Witch. Wherefore, my courtiers, I beseech your fealty and faith, +and I present my compliments, and the compliments of this court to our +visitor, the Princess San Diego. This lovely lady has been a great help, +and we now salute her. I bid thee all salute!" + +They all saluted by bowing low to Kitty; indeed, the page bowed so low +that he tumbled over, but soon scrambled up again. + +"And now," went on Queen Sandy, "I bid thee salute our Sand Witch. She +is a witch of goodness and joy. We all love her, the court honors her, +and one and all we now salute her!" + +More low bows followed, and then the court resumed its upright attitude +and awaited orders. + +"There is no more saluting necessary," explained the gracious Queen. +"You boy courtiers can't expect it. Now the court is dismissed and the +Sand Club will play something." + +The Queen came down from the throne, and courtly manners and speeches +were laid aside. + +"Let's fix up the court instead of playing," suggested Kitty, and as +all thought this a good idea, they went at it. + +Everybody worked with a will, for it was fun to get the court in order +again, and Kitty and Midget were so fond of fixing up and decorating +that when the task was over, Sand Court was far handsomer than ever +before. + +Shell borders outlined the throne and the courtier's seat, and the old +legless chair was so draped with cheesecloth and green vines that it was +a picture in itself. Then it was luncheon time, and the courtiers said +good-bye and parted to go to their homes. + +"She's a funny girl," said Kitty, as the Maynard trio reached their +house. "As soon as she got what she wanted, she was sweet as pie. But if +you hadn't given up the Queen to her, Mops, she would have been madder'n +hops." + +"I know it," said Midget, "but that wasn't the reason I did it. I did it +'cause I thought it was fairer for her to have a turn at being Queen." + +"And it was," said Kitty, judicially. "I think you did right, Mopsy; +but, all the same, she'll never keep that promise to be sweet and +pleasant." + +"Oh, Kitty, she'll have to! Why, she vowed it!" + +"Oh, pshaw, she'll get mad and forget all about that vow. Say, Mops, +what do you think? I've learned to make cake." + +"You have! Who taught you?" + +"Eliza did, up at Grandma's. It was fine. I'll teach you, if you like." + +"Do!" urged King. "Then Midge can make little cakes for the Sand Club. +Ellen makes 'em sometimes, but she says it's a bother." + +Permission being granted by Mrs. Maynard, the girls tried cake-making +that very afternoon. + +"I'll help yez, shall I?" asked Ellen, as the two energetic damsels +raided her pantry. + +"No, Ellen," said Marjorie. "Miss Kitty is going to teach me. You +go,--go--why, Ellen, you take an afternoon out!" + +"It isn't me day out, Miss Midget, but I'll go to me room, an' if yez +wants me, yez can send Sarah afther me, sure." + +"Can I help?" asked King, who wanted to be in the fun. + +"Yes, you can stone raisins," said Kitty, kindly. + +At home in Rockwell, Marjorie had always been chief directress in all +their doings, but down here Kitty was more like a visitor, and the +others politely deferred to her. So King went contentedly to work, +stoning raisins, and the girls made the cake. + +"I didn't bring my recipe book," said Kitty, "but I guess I remember how +to make it. You see, Eliza is going to teach me to make lots of things, +so I've quite a big book for recipes." + +"How many have you so far?" asked Midget, greatly interested. + +"Well, only this one; but it's sponge cake, you know. I shall have more +later." + +"Yes, of course," said Midget, politely, and suddenly feeling that her +younger sister was getting very grown-up, with her recipe book and her +sponge cake. + +"Now," proceeded Kitty, "if I'm to show you, Midget, you must pay close +attention." + +"I will,--oh, I will!" + +"First, you break the eggs, and separate them, white from yolk, like +this,--see!" + +But whether she was rattled at having such an interested audience, or +whether she was not very expert as yet, Kitty couldn't make the eggs +"separate" neatly. Every one she broke persisted in spilling out its +yellow and white together. + +"Let me try," said Marjorie, but her efforts were not much more +successful. Bits of shell would fall in the bowl, and even if she got +most of the white in safely, some yellow would spill in, too. + +"Does it matter much?" asked King. + +"Oh, I don't believe so," said Kitty. "I guess we'll beat the eggs all +up together, white and yellow both." + +Kitty put in the Dover eggbeater with an air of experience, and whisked +its wheel "round and round." + +"Let me in, too," said Midget. "There's another beater I found in the +cupboard." + +There was room in the big bowl for both beaters, and the two girls +whizzed the wheels around like mad. + +"Hold on!" cried King. "You're flirting that yellow stuff all over!" + +"Well, anyway, it's well beaten," declared Kitty, looking at the frothy +yellow mass with satisfaction. "Now we put in the flour,--no, the sugar, +I think." + +"Butter?" suggested Marjorie. + +"No, there's no butter in it. This is _sponge_ cake." + +Properly subdued, Marjorie awaited orders. + +"Sugar," Kitty decided at last; "and bring a cup." + +Midget brought the cup, and Kitty measured the sugar, and dumped it into +the bowl of egg. + +"I can't think whether it's three or four cups full," she said, holding +a cup full uncertainly over the bowl. + +"Dump it in!" advised King. "I like 'em pretty sweet." + +So in went the sugar, and Midget was allowed to stir, while Kitty +measured flour. + +"We have to sift this four times," she announced, with an air of great +wisdom. "I'll do this part." + +She did, but she was so energetic about it, and the flour sieve so +uncertain on its three iron legs, that much of the flour flew over the +table, the floor, and the clothing of the workers. + +"Hold up, Kit!" cried Marjorie, as a cloud of flour almost blinded her. +"I can't see to beat, if you fly that flour around so!" + +"Well, it has to be sifted four times," apologized Kitty, and turned it +into the sieve again. + +Much was lost in transit, and King declared it was already sifted as +fine as it would ever be, but Kitty was unmoved by comment or criticism. + +"Now it's all right," she said, peering into the pan of finally prepared +flour, and ignoring the white dust that was all over everything. "But +first a cup of hot water must go in." + +"I'll pour it," said King, rising quickly, and taking the tea-kettle +from Kitty, who was in imminent danger of scalding herself. + +"Just a cup full!" said Kitty, warningly, as the hot water ran over the +brimming cup and fell to the floor. + +"Never mind," said King, "we'll only use what's in the cup," and +carrying it as carefully as possible he poured it into the bowl of +batter that Marjorie was faithfully beating. + +"Oh, not all at once!" cried Kitty. "It should have been put in little +by little." + +"Can't help it now," said Midget, cheerfully. "I guess it won't matter. +Now in with the flour, Kit; and you must have baking powder." + +"I don't think Eliza put in any baking powder," said Kitty, dubiously. + +"Oh, she _must_ have!" said Midget. "That's what baking powder is +for,--to bake with. It's on that shelf, Kitty." + +Kitty was uncertain about the baking powder, so took Marjorie's advice. + +"But I don't know how much," she said, as she opened the tin box. + +"About a tablespoonful to a cup of flour," said Marjorie. "I think I +heard Mother say that once." She was not at all sure, but she greatly +wanted to help Kitty if possible. + +"All right," said Kitty, and having already put in three cups of flour, +she added to the mixture three heaping tablespoonfuls of baking powder. + +"Now for the raisins," she said. + +"I didn't know sponge cake ever had raisins in it," said Marjorie. + +"It doesn't, usually," said Kitty, "but I thought it would add an extra +touch." + +She stirred them in, and then they poured the batter into a cake tin. + +"It does look lovely," said Midget, tasting it with a spoon. "It tastes +pretty good, but not as good as it looks. I guess it'll be lovely when +it's baked. Open the oven, King." + +King threw open the oven door with a flourish, and the girls pushed the +big pan inside. + +"Shut it quick!" warned Kitty. "The cake falls unless you do! It must +bake three-quarters of an hour." + +And then they all waited patiently for the time to take it out. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A MOTOR RIDE + + +"Isn't it done yet?" asked King, after half an hour had elapsed. + +"Nope," returned Kitty, positively. "It can't be done till +three-quarters of an hour, and it's only a half." + +"Smells done!" exclaimed Marjorie, sniffing "I believe it's burning, +Kit." + +"Pshaw, it can't be burning. That isn't a hot fire, is it, King?" + +"No," replied King, after removing one of the range covers and +scrutinizing the fire. "That's what the cook books call a moderate +fire." + +"Then that's all right," and Kitty wagged her head in satisfaction. +"Sponge cake requires a mod-rit fire." + +"But it's leaking out, Kitty!" cried Marjorie, dancing about the +kitchen. "Oh, look, it's leaking out!" + +Sure enough, smoke was coming out through the edges of the oven door, +and a sticky substance began to ooze through. + +"The door isn't shut quite tight," began Kitty, but before she could +finish, King flung the oven door wide open. + +"Better see what's up!" he said, and as the smoke poured out in a +volume, and then cleared away a little, a strange sight confronted them. + +The cake dough had apparently multiplied itself by ten, if not more. It +had risen and run all over the sides of the pan, had dripped down +through the grating to the bottom of the oven, and had bubbled up from +there all over the sides and door. In fact the oven was lined with a +sticky, sizzling, yellow material that had turned brown in some places, +and was burned black in others. + +"Something must have gone wrong," said Kitty, calmly, as she looked at +the ruins. "I was almost sure it didn't need any baking powder. That's +what blew it up so." + +"H'm," said King. "I don't believe I care for any. Wonder what became of +the raisins?" + +"You can see them here and there," said Marjorie. "Those burned black +spots are raisins. Phew! how it smokes! I'm going out." + +"Let's call Ellen," said Kitty, "she said to." + +Being summoned, Ellen arrived on the scene of action. + +"Arrah, Miss Kitty," she said; "shure, an' I thought ye cuddent make +cake. Now, why did ye thry, an' put all in such a pother? Belikes ye +want to make me throuble." + +"No, Ellen," said Kitty, smiling at her. "I didn't do it purposely for +that. I thought it would be good. You see, I did make it once, and it +was good." + +"Ah, go 'long wid yez,--all of yez! Shure I'll be afther clanin' up. An' +niver a shcold I'll shcold yez if ye'll kape outen o' my kitchen afther +this." + +"Good for you, Ellen!" shouted King. "I thought you'd raise a row! Nice +Ellen, good Ellen! Good-bye, Ellen!" + +"Good-bye, ye bad babies! I'll make ye some tea-cakes now as ye can +eat!" + +"Isn't she a duck!" exclaimed Kitty. + +"Oh, that's 'cause you're sort of company. If you hadn't been here, and +we'd done that she'd have tuned up, all right!" + +This was King's opinion, and Marjorie agreed with him. "We never go in +the kitchen," she said. "I guess Ellen was so surprised she didn't know +_what_ to say." + +"Well," said Kitty, quite undisturbed by the circumstances, "you see, at +Grandma's, Eliza helps me, and sort of superintends what I put in." + +"Yes, I see," said King. "Now you do a lot of cooking after you get back +there, Kit, and try to learn your recipes better." + +Kitty laughed and promised, and then the three children wandered into +the dining-room to see what their elders were doing. + +"Can't we start at once?" Cousin Ethel was saying. "Oh, here are the +kiddies now! Come in, you three blessings in disguise! Do you want to go +on a jamboree?" + +"What's that?" asked Kitty. + +"Oh, a lovely motor ride, with two cars, and stay all night, and lots of +lovely things like that!" + +"Oh, goody!" cried Marjorie. "Are we really going? Mother's been talking +about a trip like that!" + +"I guess we will," said Mr. Maynard. "We haven't had an Ourday for some +time. How would you like to take the opportunity for one while we have +Kitty-girl among us?" + +"Gorgiferous! Gay!" cried Marjorie, and King threw his cap high in the +air and caught it deftly on his head. + +"When do we start?" + +"As soon as we can get off," said Mr. Maynard, looking at his watch. +"Scamper, you kiddies, and get into appropriate rigs." + +"Oh, what fun!" cried Marjorie, as they flew upstairs. "What shall we +wear, Mothery?" + +"You'll find your frocks laid out in your rooms," said Mrs. Maynard, who +was prepared for this question. "Then put on your motor coats and take +your motor bonnets with you,--but you needn't wear them unless you +choose." + +The girls danced away, and soon were in full regalia. They went flying +downstairs to learn more of the particulars of the trip. Nurse Nannie +and Rosy Posy were on the porch waiting, the little one greatly excited +at thought of the journey. + +"Oh, what a grand Ourday, Father!" cried Midget, giving him one of her +most ferocious "bear hugs." "We have so much vacation down here, I +thought we wouldn't catch any Ourdays!" + +"Well, this is an extra thrown in for good measure. I suppose you don't +care, Midget, which car you ride in?" + +"Not a bit! We keep together, don't we?" + +"Yes, as much as possible. Cousin Jack will drive his own car, and +Pompton, of course, will drive ours." + +"It all happened so swift I can hardly realize it," said Kitty. "Only a +minute or two ago I was making cake in the kitchen, and now here I am!" + +"Making _what_?" asked King, teasingly, but when he saw Kitty look red +and embarrassed he turned the subject. + +Kitty had told her mother about the cake episode, but Mrs. Maynard said +it was an accident due to inexperience, and nothing further need be +said about it. + +"I'll divide up the passengers," said Cousin Jack as, with the two cars +standing in front of the door, no one knew just which to get in. + +"Ethel and I will take Marjorie and King with us, for I think Kitty will +want to ride with her mother, and Babykins, too." + +"All right," agreed Mr. Maynard, and then he packed Uncle Steve and Mrs. +Maynard and Kitty on the back seat, Nannie and Rosamond next in front, +and he climbed up beside Pompton. + +Some suitcases and a basket of light luncheon were stowed away, and off +they started, Ellen and Sarah waving to them from the steps as they flew +down the drive. It was a perfect day for motoring. Not too hot, not too +breezy, and no dust. + +Their destination was Lakewood, but for quite a distance their road lay +along by the shore before they turned inland. + +Marjorie sat back, beside Cousin Ethel, and King sat in front with +Cousin Jack. + +"Let's play Roadside Euchre," said Midget. + +"We go too fast for that," said King. "We couldn't see the things to +count them." + +"What is it, Mehitabel?" asked Cousin Jack. "We aren't going so very +fast." + +"Why, you count the things on each side of the road. You and I are on +the right, you know, Cousin Jack, so we count all on this side. Then +Cousin Ethel and King count all on their side." + +"All what?" + +"Well, a horse and vehicle counts one; a vehicle with two horses counts +two; and a horse without any wagon or carriage counts five. An +automobile counts ten; a herd of cows, fifteen; and a load of hay, +twenty. A cat in a window counts twenty-five, and people count five +apiece. Any animal, not a horse counts ten." + +"But, as I am driving," said Cousin Jack, "I can turn either side, and +so make them count as I like." + +"No, you must turn just as you would, anyway. Of course, as you turn to +the right, King and Cousin Ethel will count most of the vehicles we +pass; but we'll make up some other way. Oh, here's a flock of chickens! +I forgot to tell you, chickens count one each." + +The motor seemed to go right through the flock of chickens, but Cousin +Jack was a careful driver and didn't harm one of them. There was a +terrific squawking and peeping and clucking as the absurd bipeds ran +about in an utterly bewildered manner. The children and Cousin Ethel +managed to count them fairly well, but Cousin Jack had to manage his +motor. + +"How many?" he asked as the last hen was left behind. + +"Fourteen for our side," announced Midget, triumphantly. + +"And nine for us," said King. "Never mind, we'll make up later." + +But they kept fairly even. To be sure, when they met motor-cars, or any +vehicles, they had to turn out to the right, which gave the count to +King's side. + +But on the other hand, motors sometimes passed them from behind, and if +they went along on the right side they were Marjorie's count. Houses +were as apt to be on one side as the other, and these added their count +of dogs, cats, chickens, and cows, as well as occasional human beings. + +Going through small towns was the most fun, for then it required quick +counting to get all that belonged to them. + +A flock of birds on either side was counted, but a flock of birds that +crossed their path was omitted, as it would have counted the same for +each. + +The game grew more and more exciting. Sometimes one side would be more +than a hundred ahead, and then the balance would swing back the other +way. About six o'clock they neared Lakewood. + +"The game stops as we turn into the main street," said Cousin Jack, +"and the prize is this: whichever of you two children win shall select +the dessert at the hotel dinner to-night." + +"All right," said Marjorie, "but it isn't only us children. We each have +a partner who must help us in the selection." + +Cousin Jack agreed to this, and in a moment the car swung into the main +street of Lakewood. + +Midget and King, who had kept account of their hundreds on a bit of +paper, began to add up, and it was soon found that Marjorie and Cousin +Jack's side had won by about two hundred points. + +"Good work!" cried King. "We losers congratulate you, and beg you'll +remember that we love ice cream!" + +They were following the Maynards' _big_ car, and soon both cars stopped +and all alighted and went into a beautiful hotel called +"Holly-in-the-Woods." + +"Oh, how lovely!" whispered Marjorie to Kitty, as she squeezed her +sister's arm. "Isn't this fun, Kit?" + +"I should say so!" returned Kitty. "The best Ourday ever!" + +Then the children were whisked away to tidy up for dinner, and fresh +white frocks were found in the suitcases. Midget and Kitty tied each +other's ribbons, and soon were ready to go downstairs again. The +Bryants met them in the hall, and took them down. + +"Isn't it like Fairyland!" said Marjorie, enchanted by the palms and +flowers and lights and music. She had never before been in such an +elaborate hotel, and she wanted to see it all. + +They walked about, and looked at the various beautiful rooms, and then +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard came, and they all went to the dining-room. + +A table had been reserved for them, and Marjorie felt very grown up and +important as the waiter pushed up her chair. After their long ride, +their appetites were quite in order to do justice to the good things put +before them, and when it was time for dessert, Cousin Jack announced +that he and Marjorie were a committee of two to select it. + +"Though of course," he added, "any one who doesn't care for what we +choose is entirely at liberty to choose something else." + +So the two gravely studied the menu, and kept the others in suspense +while they read over the long list. Many names were in French, but +Marjorie skipped those. + +"Ice cream," Kitty kept whispering, in low but distinct stage whispers; +and at last Cousin Jack proposed to Midget that they choose what was +billed as a "Lakewood Souvenir." + +Marjorie had no idea what this might be, but she agreed, for she felt +sure it was something nice. + +And so it was, for it turned out to be ice cream, but so daintily put up +in a little box that it was like a present. The box was carved with +crinkly paper, and had a pretty picture of Lakewood scenery framed in +gilt on the top. After every one had eaten his ice cream, the boxes were +carried away as souvenirs. + +Then they all went out and sat on the terrace while the elders had +coffee. The three children did not drink coffee, so they were allowed to +run around the grounds a little. + +"How long are we going to stay here?" asked Kitty. + +"Till to-morrow afternoon, I think," replied King. "I heard Father say +he thought he'd do that." + +"I think it's beautiful," said Midget, "but I'd just as lieve be riding, +wouldn't you, Kit?" + +"Oh, I don't care. I like 'em both,--first one and then the other." + +Kitty was of a contented disposition, and usually liked everything. But +the other two were also easily pleased, and the three agreed that they +didn't care whether they were motoring or staying at the lovely hotel. + +"Now, then, little Maynards, bed for yours!" announced their father, as +he came strolling out to find them. + +"Father," said Marjorie, grasping his hand, "is this really an Ourday?" + +"Yes, Midget; of course it is. You don't mind the Bryants sharing it, do +you?" + +"No, not a bit. Only,--to-morrow can't I ride with you? If it's our +Ourday, I like better to be by you." + +"Of course you can!" cried Mr. Maynard, heartily. "We'll fix it +somehow." + +"But don't tell Cousin Ethel and Cousin Jack that I don't want to ride +with them," went on Midget, "because it might hurt their feelings. But +you know,--when I thought I didn't have any father,--I thought about all +our Ourdays, and----" + +Midget's voice broke, and Mr. Maynard caught her to him. + +"My darling little girl," he said, "I'm so glad you're back with us for +our Ourdays, and you shall ride just where you want to." + +"Let her take my place," said Kitty, kindly. "I'd just as lieve go in +the other car, and I don't wonder Midget feels like that." + +So it was settled that Kitty should ride with the Bryants next day, and +then the three children were sent to bed, while the elders stayed up a +few hours later. + +The girls had a large room, with two beds, and with a delightful +balcony, on which a long French window opened. + +"Isn't it wonderful?" said Marjorie, softly, as she stepped over the +sill, and stood in the soft moonlight, looking down on the hotel flower +gardens. + +"Yes, indeedy," agreed Kitty; "I say, Mops, I'd like to jump down, flip! +into that geranium bed!" + +"Oh, Kitty, what a goose you are! Don't do such a thing!" + +"I'm not going to. I only said I'd like to; and I'd play it was a +sea,--a geranium sea, and I'd swim around in it." + +"Kit, you're crazy! Come on to bed, before you do anything foolish." + +"I'm not going to do it, really, Mops! but I like to imagine it. I'd +waft myself off of this balcony, and waft down to the scarlet of the +geraniums and fall in." + +"Yes, and be picked up with two broken legs and a sprained ankle!" + +"Well--and then I'd see a little boat, on the red geranium sea,--I'd be +a fairy, you know,--and I'd get in the little boat----" + +"You come and get in your little bed, Miss Kitty," said Nannie, from the +window, and laughing gayly, the two girls went in and went to bed. + +"Anyway, I'm going to dream of that red geranium bed," announced Kitty, +as she cuddled into the smooth, white sheets. + +"All right," said Midget, drowsily; "dream anything you like." + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +RED GERANIUMS + + +Wearied by the journey, and the fun of it, Marjorie fell at once into a +deep, quiet sleep. Kitty's sleep was deep, too, but not quiet. The child +tossed around and waved her arms, muttering about a geranium sea, and a +little boat on it. + +Nurse Nannie puttered about the room for some time, picking up things, +and laying out the girls' clothes for the next day. Then she put out the +lights and went away to her own room. + +It was, perhaps, ten o'clock when Kitty threw back the bedclothing, and +slowly got out of bed. She was sound asleep, and she walked across the +room with a wavering, uncertain motion, but went straight to the French +window, which was still part way open. + +Kitty had sometimes walked in her sleep before, but it was not really a +habit with her, and the family had never thought it necessary to +safeguard her. + +It was a still, warm night, and when she stepped out on the balcony, +there was no breeze or waft of cool air to awaken her. + +She paused at the low rail of the little balcony, and murmured, "Oh, the +lovely soft red flowers! I will lie down on them!" and over the railing +she went, plump down into the geranium bed! + +As is well known, a fall is not apt to hurt a somnambulist, for the +reason that in sleep the muscles are entirely relaxed; but the jar woke +Kitty, and she found herself, clad only in her little white nightgown, +lying in the midst of the red blossoms. + +She did not scream; on the contrary, she felt a strange sense of delight +in the odorous flowers and the scent of the warm, soft earth. + +But in a moment she realized what had happened, and scrambled up into a +sitting posture. + +"My gracious! it's Kit!" exclaimed a voice, and from among the group of +people on the veranda Cousin Jack ran down to her. The others followed, +and in a moment Kitty was surrounded by her own people. She flew to her +mother's arms, and Cousin Ethel quickly drew off her own evening wrap +and put it around Kitty. + +"How _did_ you happen to fall?" asked her father, who soon saw she was +not hurt, or even badly jarred. + +"I was asleep, I guess," Kitty returned; "anyway I dreamed that I wanted +to jump in the red geranium sea,--so I jumped." + +"You jumped! out of the window?" + +"Yes,--that is, off of the little balcony. You see, I was asleep until I +landed. Then I found out where I was." + +Kitty was quite calm about it, and cuddled into the folds of Cousin +Ethel's satin cloak, while she told her story. + +"Of course, I shouldn't have jumped if I had been awake," she said; "but +you can't help what you do in your sleep, can you?" + +"No," said Uncle Steve; "you weren't a bit to blame, Kitsie, and I'm +thankful you came down so safely. But I think that window must be +fastened before you go to sleep again. One such escapade is enough for +one night." + +The other guests on the veranda looked curiously at the group, but Kitty +was protected from view by her own people, and, too, the big cloak hid +all deficiencies of costume. + +"Well, we have to get used to these unexpected performances," said Mr. +Maynard, "but I do believe my children are more ingenious than others in +trumping up new games." + +"We are," said Kitty, "but usually it's Midget who does the crazy +things. King and I don't cut up jinks much." + +"That's so," agreed Uncle Steve. "Last summer Miss Mischief kept us all +in hot water. But this year, Kitsie has been a model of propriety. She +never walks out of second-story windows when she's at our house. I guess +I'd better take her back there." + +"Not to-morrow," said Kitty. "Wait till next day, won't you, Uncle +Steve?" + +"All right; day after to-morrow, then. But we mustn't stay away from +Grandma longer than that." + +"And now I think our adventurous little explorer must go back to her +dreams," said Mrs. Maynard. "Who wants to carry her upstairs?" + +As Uncle Steve was the biggest and strongest of the three men, he picked +up the young sleepwalker, and started off with her. Mrs. Maynard +followed, and they soon had Kitty safely in bed again, with the French +window securely fastened against any further expeditions. + +The mother sat by the little girl until she went to sleep, and this time +her slumber was untroubled by dreams of geranium seas with fairy boats +on them. + +Next morning, Marjorie was greatly interested in Kitty's story. + +"Oh, Kit," she exclaimed, "I wish I had seen you step off! Though, of +course, if I _had_ seen you, you wouldn't have done it! For I should +have waked you up. Well, it's a wonder you didn't smash yourself. Come +on, let's hurry down and look at that flower bed." + +But by the time the girls got down there, the hotel gardener had remade +the flower bed, and it now looked as if no one had ever set foot on it. + +"Pshaw!" said Marjorie, "they've fixed it all up, and we can't even see +where you landed. Did it make a big hole, Kit?" + +"I don't know, Mops. About as big as I am, I suppose. Can't you imagine +it?" + +Marjorie laughed. "Yes, I can imagine you landing there, in your +nightgown and bare feet! How you must have looked!" + +"I s'pose I did. But, somehow, Mops, when I found myself there, it +didn't seem queer at all. I just wanted to float on the red flowers." + +"Kit, I do believe you're half luny," observed King; "you have the +craziest ideas. But I'm jolly glad you didn't get hurt, you old +sleep-trotter!" and the boy pulled his sister's curls to express his +deep affection and gratitude for her safety. + +Kitty was none the worse for her fall. The soft loam of the newly made +flower bed had received her gently, and not even a bruise had resulted. + +But the elders decided that hereafter the exits from Kitty's bedroom +must be properly safeguarded at night, as no one could tell when the +impulse of sleep-walking might overtake her. + +There was plenty to do at Lakewood. Uncle Steve took the children for a +brisk walk through the town, and bought them souvenirs of all sorts. The +shops displayed tempting wares, and the girls were made happy by bead +necklaces and pretty little silk bags, while King rejoiced in queer +Indian relics found in a curio shop. Then back to the hotel, for a game +of tennis and a romp with Cousin Jack, and in the afternoon a long motor +ride, with occasional stops for ice cream soda or peanuts. + +And the next day Kitty and Uncle Steve went home. They concluded to take +the train from Lakewood, and not return again to Seacote. + +"Grandma will be getting anxious to see us," Uncle Steve declared. "I +did not intend to stay as long as this when I left home." + +"Good-bye, old Kitsie," said Midget; "don't walk into any more red seas, +and write to me often, won't you?" + +"Yes, I will, Midge; but you don't write very often, yourself." + +"I know it; it's a sort of a bother to write letters. But I love to get +them." + +"Well, the summer will be over pretty soon," returned Kitty, "and then +we'll all be back in Rockwell." + +The Maynard children were philosophical, and so they parted with cheery +good-byes, and the train steamed away with Uncle Steve and Kitty waving +from the window. + +"Now, for our own plans," said Mr. Maynard. "What shall we do next, +Jack?" + +"I know what I'd like," said Cousin Ethel. + +"What is it, my Angel?" asked her husband. "You may most certainly have +anything you want." + +"Well, instead of going right back to Seacote, I'd like to go to +Atlantic City." + +"You would!" said Mr. Bryant. "And would you like to go around by +Chicago, and stop at San Francisco on your way home?" + +"No," said Cousin Ethel, laughing; "and I don't think Atlantic City is +so very far. We could go there to-day, stay over to-morrow, and back to +Seacote the day after. What do you think, Jack?" + +"I think your plan is great! And I'm more than ready to carry it out, if +these Maynards of ours agree to it." + +"I'd like it," declared Marjorie. "I've never been to Atlantic City." + +"But it isn't exactly a summer place, is it?" asked Mrs. Maynard. + +"Neither is Lakewood," said Cousin Ethel. "But it's a cool spell just +now, and I think it would be lots of fun to run down there." + +"All right," said Mr. Maynard, "let's run." + +And run they did. Considering they had nine people and two motors, and +several suitcases to look after, they displayed admirable expedition in +getting started, and just at dusk they came upon the brilliant radiance +of the lights of Atlantic City. + +"This was a fine idea of yours, Ethel," said Mrs. Maynard. "This place +looks very attractive." + +"Oh, isn't it!" cried Marjorie. "I think it's grand! Can't we stay up +late to-night, Mother?" + +"You may stay up till nine o'clock, Midget, and we'll go down and see +the crowds on the Boardwalk." + +So after dinner they went down to the gay thoroughfare known as the +Boardwalk. It was crowded with merry, laughing, chattering people, and +Midget danced along in an ecstasy of enjoyment. + +"I never saw such a lot of people!" she exclaimed. "Where are they all +going?" + +"Nowhere in particular," said her father. "They're just out here to look +at each other and enjoy themselves." + +"See those funny chairs, on rollers," went on Midget. "Oh, can't we ride +in them? Everybody else does." + +"Of course we must," said her father. "It's part of the performance." + +He engaged three rolling chairs, and as each chair held two people, he +said, "How shall we divide up?" + +"I'll take Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, "and Hezekiah can go with my +wife. Then you two elder Maynards can use the third. How's that?" + +This arrangement was satisfactory and they started off, a strong man +pushing each chair. + +"Don't you think this is fun, Cousin Jack?" asked Marjorie, as she +watched the crowds and the lights, and Old Ocean rolling big black waves +up on the shore. + +"Yes, Mehitabel, I think it's gay. There's a certain something at this +place that you never see anywhere else." + +"Yes, it's quite different from Seacote, isn't it? Everybody here seems +to be in a hurry." + +"That's only because it's such a big and lively crowd. Here we are at +the pier. I think we'd better go in and hear the music." + +So they dismissed the chairmen, and went far down the long pier to +listen to a concert. + +A children's dance was being held, and Marjorie sat down, enraptured at +the sight. + +Lots of boys and girls about her own age, in fancy costumes, were +dancing and pirouetting in time with the fine music. One little girl, +especially, Marjorie admired. She was a pretty child, in a white frock +and blue sash, and she wore a wreath of small rosebuds on her curly, +flaxen hair. She seemed to be the best of all the dancers, and twice she +danced alone, doing marvellous fancy steps and receiving great applause +from the audience. + +"Isn't she lovely!" exclaimed Midget. "I wish I could dance like that." + +"You never can, Mopsy," said King. "You're too heavy. That girl is a +featherweight." + +"She looks nice," said Midget. "I'd like to know her." + +And then, as it was nearing nine o'clock, they left the dancing +pavilion, and made their way back to their hotel. + +Marjorie kept close to her parents, for the crowd seemed to grow denser +all the time, and if she lost sight of her people, she feared she'd be +swept away from them forever. + +They were staying at Madden Hall, and as they reached it, there, too, +music was being played, and some people were dancing in the big +ballroom. But there were no children about, so Midget trotted off to bed +cheerfully, with lots of pleasant anticipations for the morrow. + +At breakfast, next morning, she was looking around the dining room, +when she spied the same little girl who had danced so prettily the night +before. + +"Oh, Mother," she exclaimed, "there she is! That pretty girl that +danced. See, at the next table but two. Yes, it _is_ the same one!" + +"Sure it is," agreed King. "She's staying here. Perhaps we can get +acquainted with her, Mops." + +"Could we, Mother? Would it be right?" + +"We'll see about it," said Mrs. Maynard, smiling at her impulsive +daughter. After breakfast the Maynard party walked out on the veranda, +and Midget soon saw the little girl, in a big rocking chair not far +away. + +"May I go over and speak to her, Mother?" she said. + +"Why, yes, Midget, if you like. She looks like a nice child. Run along." + +So Midget went over and took the next rocking chair, for there were many +chairs, ranged in long rows. + +"I came over to talk to you," she said; "I saw you dance last night, and +I think you do dance lovely." + +"Do you?" said the little girl. She seemed diffident, but pleased at +Marjorie's words. "You see, it was a Children's Carnival, and Mamma let +me dance. I never danced in a place like that before, and I was a little +scared at first." + +"You didn't look scared. You just looked lovely. What's your name? +Mine's Marjorie Maynard. I live in Rockwell, when I'm home." + +"Mine's Ruth Rowland, and I live in Philadelphia, when I'm home. But +we're spending the summer in Seacote. We just came down here for a +week." + +"In Seacote! Why, that's where we're spending the summer. We have a +house on Fairway Avenue." + +"Oh, I know that house. I remember seeing you there when I've passed by. +Isn't it funny that we should happen to meet here! We live farther down, +past the pier, you know." + +"Yes, I know. Will you come to see me after we both get back there?" + +"Yes, indeed I will. When are you going back?" + +"To-morrow, I think. When are you?" + +"In a few days. Do you know Cicely Ross?" + +"No, I don't know very many children in Seacote. Do you know the Craig +boys?" + +"No. I guess we don't know the same people. But I know Hester Corey, and +you do, too, 'cause I've seen her playing in your yard." + +"Oh, yes, Hester plays with us a lot." + +"She's a funny girl, isn't she?" + +"Well, she's nice sometimes, and sometimes she isn't. Here's my brother +King. King, this is Ruth Rowland, and what do you think? She lives in +Seacote! I mean, for the summer she's staying there." + +"Good!" cried King. "We can play together then, after we go back." + +The three children rapidly became good friends, and soon Ruth proposed +that they all go for a ride in a roller chair. + +"They have wide chairs," she said, "that will hold all three of us." + +Midget ran to ask her mother if they might do this, but Mrs. Maynard was +not willing that the children should go alone. + +"But Nannie and Rosamond may go, too, in another chair," she said, "and +then I shall feel that you are looked after." + +So down to the Boardwalk they went, and Nurse Nannie and Rosy Posy took +one chair, and the three children took another. They selected a wide one +which gave them plenty of room, and off they started. + +It was a lovely, clear day, and the blue sky and the darker blue ocean +met at the far distant horizon, with whitecaps dotted all over the +crests of the waves. A few ships and steamers were to be seen, but +mostly the children's attention was attracted to the scenes on shore. + +"I thought it was lovely last night," said Midget, "but it's even nicer +now. The booths and shops are so gay and festive, and the ladies all +look so pretty in their summer frocks and bright parasols." + +They stopped occasionally, for soda water or candy, and once they +stopped at a camera place and had their pictures taken in the rolling +chairs. + +King proposed this, because he saw a great many people doing it, and as +the man finished up the pictures at once, the children were delighted +with the postcards. + +"I'll send one to Kit," said Midget, "she'll love it. And I'll send one +to Grandma Maynard." + +Ruth had several of the pictures, too, and she said she should send some +to friends in Philadelphia. + +"She's an awfully nice girl," said Marjorie to her mother, when telling +of their morning's doings. "I'm so glad she's at Seacote. We're going to +have lots of fun when we get back." + +"I'm glad, too," said Mrs. Maynard. "For you have so few acquaintances +there, and Ruth is certainly a very sweet child." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +WHAT HESTER DID + + +"I won't have her!" declared Hester. "I'm Queen of this Court, and I +won't have any new members taken in. You had no right, Marjorie Maynard, +to ask her to belong, without consulting me!" + +"Why, Hester, I had so! You may be Queen, but you don't own the whole +Sand Club! And Ruth Rowland is a lovely girl. How can you dislike her, +when you know how sweet and pretty she is. She says she knows you." + +"Yes, I do know her. Stuck-up, yellow-haired thing!" + +Sand Court was in full session, and all had been going on amicably until +Marjorie had chanced to mention meeting Ruth at Atlantic City, and said +she had asked her to come to the Sand Club meetings. At this, Hester had +flown into one of her rages, and declared that Ruth should not become a +member of their little circle. + +"Look here, Hester Corey," said Tom Craig, "you promised, if you could +be Queen, to be always sweet and pleasant. Do you call this keeping +your promise?" + +"Pooh, who cares! I only promised, if the club stayed just the same. If +you're going to put in a lot of new members without asking me, my +promise doesn't count." + +"Ruth isn't 'a lot,'" said Marjorie, laughing at Hester's fury. + +But her laughter only made Queen Sandy more angry than ever. + +"I don't care if she isn't! She's a new member, and I won't have _any_ +new members,--so, there, now!" + +"Say, Hester," began King, "I don't think you're boss of this club. Just +because you're Queen, you don't have any more say than the Grand +Sandjandrum, or me, or anybody." + +"I do, too! A Queen has _all_ the say,--about everything! And I say +there sha'n't be any more people in this club, and so there sha'n't!" + +Hester stamped her foot and shook her fist and wagged her head in the +angriest possible way, and if the others hadn't been so exasperated by +her ill-temper they must have laughed at the funny picture she made. Her +new crown was tumbled sideways, her hair ribbons had come off, and her +face, flushed red and angry, was further disfigured by a disagreeable +scowl. + +And just at this moment Ruth arrived. She came in, smiling, neatly +dressed in a clean print frock, and broad straw hat with a wreath of +flowers round it. + +"Hello, Marjorie," she said, a little shyly, for she didn't know the +Craig boys, and she couldn't help seeing that Hester was in a fit of +temper. + +"Hello, Ruth," said Marjorie, running to her, and taking her by the +hand. "Come on in; this is Sand Court. These are the Craig boys,--Tom, +Dick, and Harry. And this is our Queen,--but I think you know Hester +Corey." + +"Yes," began Ruth, but Hester cried out: "I don't want her to know me! +She sha'n't join our club, I say!" + +Ruth looked bewildered at first, and then her sweet little face wrinkled +up, and the tears came into her big blue eyes. + +"Don't cry, Ruth," said Midget, putting her arm round her; "Hester is +sort of mad this morning, but I guess she'll get over it. Don't mind +her." + +"I won't get over it," screamed Hester. "I'm not going to have Ruth +Rowland in this club!" + +"For goodness gracious sakes, children, what _is_ the matter?" + +A grown-up voice exclaimed these words, and then Mr. Jack Bryant entered +Sand Court. He took in the situation at a glance, but pretended to be +ignorant of the true state of things. + +"What's up, O Queen?" he said, addressing Hester. "Oh, sunny-faced, +honey-voiced Queen of Sand Court, what, I prithee, is up?" + +"Nothing," growled Hester, looking sullen. + +"Nay, nay, not so, sweet Queen; I bethink me there is much up, indeed! +Else why these unusual consternations on the faces of thy courtiers?" + +Of course, Cousin Jack knew all about the doings of Sand Court. He had +often been with them, and delighted them all by talking "Court +language," but to-day nobody responded to his pleasantry. Ruth and +Marjorie were on the verge of tears, the boys were all angry at Hester, +and Hester herself was in one of her wildest furies. + +She refused to answer Cousin Jack, and sat on her throne, shrugging her +shoulders and twitching about, with every cross expression possible on +her pouting face. Mr. Bryant became more serious. + +"Children," he said, "this won't do. This Sand Club is a jolly, +good-natured club, usually, and now that I see you all at sixes and +sevens, I want to know what's the matter. Midget, will you tell me?" + +"I want Ruth Rowland to be in our club," said Marjorie, +straightforwardly; "and Hester doesn't want her. And Hester says that +because she is Queen, we must all do as she says." + +"Ah, ha; urn, hum. Well, Hester, my dear child, _why_ don't you want +Ruth in the club?" + +"Because I don't!" and the Queen looked more disagreeable than ever. + +"Because you _don't_! Well, now, you see, my dear, that is just no +reason at all, so Ruth can be a member, as far as you're concerned." + +"No, she can't! I won't have her in!" + +"Why?" + +"Because I don't like her!" + +"Ah, now we're getting at it. And suppose any of the club shouldn't like +you; then you couldn't be a member, could you?" + +"They _do_ like me!" declared Hester. + +"_Like_ you! like _you_! A girl that flies into rages, and says unkind +things? Oh, no, nobody could like a girl like that! Now, I'll fix it. +You, Hester, won't have Ruth in the club, you say. Well, then if you're +not in the club yourself, of course Ruth could come in. So, the rest of +the club can choose which of you two girls they'd rather have, as it +seems impossible to have you both. King, as the oldest, I'll ask you +first. Will you choose to have Hester or Ruth in this club?" + +"Ruth," said King, promptly. "She doesn't quarrel all the time." + +"Next, Tom. Which do you choose?" + +"Ruth," replied Tom. + +"Why, Tom Craig!" cried Hester, in surprise; "you never saw that girl +till to-day!" + +"No, but I've seen you," he replied; "and I can tell you, Hester, I'm +tired of these scraps you're always putting up! I believe we'll have +better times with Ruth Rowland." + +"Marjorie," Cousin Jack went on, "which girl do you choose?" + +"I'd like them both," said Midget, who couldn't quite bring herself to +denounce Hester entirely. + +"But Hester won't have Ruth. You must choose one or the other." + +"Then I choose Ruth, Cousin Jack. For Hester does make me a lot of +trouble." + +Midget sighed deeply, for, truly, Hester had caused strife in the club +from its very beginning. + +The two smaller boys voted decidedly for Ruth, and then Cousin Jack +turned to Hester. + +"You see," he said, but not unkindly, "the club has unanimously +expressed its preference for Ruth. I don't see that you can do anything +but take your hat and go home." + +Hester looked at him in amazement. + +"What do you mean?" she cried. "I _won't_ go home! I'm Queen, and I'll +stay here and _be_ Queen! Ruth can go home!" + +"No," said Mr. Bryant, more decidedly this time; "Ruth is not going +home. You're to go home, Hester. I happen to know that the Maynard +children and the Craig boys have already shown patience and +unselfishness toward your tyranny and unreasonableness--now, they're not +going to be imposed on any longer. I'll have a voice in this matter +myself. Either you'll stay in the club and agree to have Ruth for a +member also, and be pleasant and kind to her, or else you can take your +hat and go home." + +Mr. Bryant spoke quietly, but very firmly. He knew all the club had been +through, in putting up with Hester's tantrums, and he thought it only +fair that they should be relieved of this troublesome member. + +"I won't have Ruth in," she repeated, but she dropped her eyes before +Mr. Bryant's stern glance. + +"I'm sorry, Hester, but if you won't have Ruth in, then you must go +home, yourself, and I will ask you to go at once." + +"All right, I'm glad to go!" and Hester pulled off her crown and threw +it on the ground, and stamped on it. Then she broke in two her pretty +gilt sceptre, and threw that down. She flung her hat on her head and +marched out of Sand Court with angry glances at each one. She flirted +her skirts and twitched her shoulders, and though she said nothing, she +was as furious a little girl as can well be imagined. + +Ruth was almost frightened, for she was unaccustomed to such scenes. Nor +were the Maynards used to them, except as they had seen Hester in her +rages now and then. + +Cousin Jack looked after the child a little sadly. He was sorry that she +could behave so, but he had made up his mind that Midget and King had +been imposed on by Hester for a long time, and he had determined to put +a stop to it. The advent of Ruth gave a good opportunity, and he availed +himself of it. + +A silence fell on them all. They watched Hester as she slowly went out +of Sand Court. + +But as she started across the lawn, she saw a garden hose with which a +man had been sprinkling the grass. He had gone off and left it lying on +the ground, partly turned off. + +Hester picked it up, turned it on to run full force, and whirling +herself quickly around pointed it straight at Ruth. In a moment the +child was-soaked,--her pretty fresh dress hung limp and wet, her curls +were drenched, and the swift stream of water in her face almost knocked +her over. + +Marjorie sprang to Ruth's side, and received a drenching herself. + +King ran to Hester to take the hose from her, but she turned it full in +his face and sent him sprawling to the ground. + +The Craig boys were treated the same way, and when Mr. Bryant +manoeuvred to get behind Hester and pinion her arms, she wheeled and +sent the splashing stream all over him. + +"You little vixen!" cried Cousin Jack, as, unheeding the water, he +grasped her right arm. + +But the child was wonderfully agile and like an eel she squirmed out of +his grasp, and wielding her ungainly weapon with her left hand, she +again sprayed the water on the two girls. + +"You stop that, Hester Corey!" yelled King, as he scrambled to his feet, +and in another moment he and Cousin Jack succeeded in getting the hose +away from Hester. + +"She ought to have it turned on her!" said Cousin Jack, looking at the +little fury, now dancing up and down in her angry rage. "But, I don't +want anything more to do with you, miss. Go home at once, and tell your +mother all that has happened." + +Glad to get away without further reprimand, Hester, her wrath spent now, +walked slowly across the lawn and out of the gate. + +"She's a terror!" Cousin Jack commented; "now forget it, kiddies, and +let's go into the house and get dried out. Are you girlies much wet?" + +"Not so awfully," replied Marjorie. "Mostly our hair and, oh, yes, the +front of Ruth's skirt is soaked!" + +"Well, we'll build a fire in the library, and hang ourselves up to dry. +Come on, all you Sand boys and girls." + +They went in the house, and while they dried their hair and clothes, +Cousin Jack told them funny stories and made no mention of Hester or of +the Sand Club. + +"Now we're going to play a game," he announced, after everybody was dry, +and the fire had died away to ashes. "Here are the things to play it +with." + +He produced what looked like some rolls of ribbon, and six pairs of +scissors. But it wasn't ribbon, it was the white paper that comes rolled +in with ribbon, when bought by the piece. This paper was about an inch +wide and he had enough to cut six pieces, each about ten feet long. + +These pieces he fastened by one end to the wainscoting with thumb tacks, +and giving the other end of each piece to one of the children, he bade +them stand in a row, far enough away to hold their paper strips out +straight across the room. + +Then, at his given signal, each one was to begin to cut, with the +scissors, straight through the middle of the paper, lengthwise, the game +being to cut clear to the end without tearing the paper. Of course, if +carefully done, this would divide each paper into two strips of equal +width. + +But the game was also to see which reached the end first, and the winner +was promised a prize. If the scissors inadvertently cut off either +strip, the player was "out." + +"Go!" cried Cousin Jack, "and strive only for the greatest speed +consistent with safety. If you go too fast, you're very likely to snip +off your strips; and if you go too slow, somebody else will beat you. +Hurry up, Ruth, you're going evenly, but you'll never get there at that +rate! Oh, hold up, Harry! if you go so fast you'll snip it off. You're +terribly close to one edge, now! Ah, there you go! one strip is chopped +right off. Well, never mind, my boy, stand here by me, and watch the +others. What, Tom out, too? Well, well, Tom, the more haste the less +speed! Careful, Midget, you'll be out in a minute. There you go! Out it +is, for Mehitabel! Well, we have three still in the running. Easy does +it, King! You're getting along finely. Hurry up, Ruth. You can go faster +than that, and still be safe. Dick just says nothing and saws wood. +That's it, Dick, slow and sure!" + +Those who were "out" watched the others with breathless interest. It +would have been an easy task had there been no competition. To cut a +long paper into two strips is not difficult, but to cut that paper in +haste, with others looking on and commenting, is more trying. The +scissors seem bewitched. The paper twists and curls, and one's fingers +seem to be all thumbs. King was doing well, but he gave an impatient +jerk as the paper curled round his finger, and then he was out. + +Dick worked steadily, and Ruth plodded slowly along. + +As they neared the end at the same time the watchers grew greatly +excited. + +"I bet on Ruth!" cried King; "go it, Ruth! get up! g'lang there!" + +"Go on, Dick," cried Marjorie. "Clk! Clk! go 'long!" + +On sped the cutters, but just as it seemed as if they must finish at the +same time, Dick gave a little nervous jerk at his paper, and it tore +right off. + +"Oh," said Midget, "you're out, Dicksie!" + +And then Ruth, slowly and carefully, cut the last few inches of her +paper, and held up her two strips triumphantly. She looked so sweet and +happy about it that they all declared she ought to have been the winner, +and Dick said, shyly: "I'm glad you won." + +The prize was a shell box that Cousin Jack had brought from Atlantic +City, and Ruth dimpled with pleasure as she took it. + +"Thank you so much, Mr. Bryant," she said, prettily; "I never won a +prize before, and I shall always keep it." + +"I'm glad you won it, Ruth," said Cousin Jack, "and I want you to let it +help you forget any unpleasantness of to-day. Will you forget all that +happened at Sand Court, and just remember that the Maynards and the +Craigs are kind and polite children, and never mind about anybody else. +And come again some time, and play in Sand Court, won't you? And I'll +promise you a good and pleasant time." + +Ruth agreed gladly to all this, and then she went home, so happy that +the memory of her pleasant hours made her almost forget Hester's +rudeness. + +"Now, kiddies," said Mr. Bryant, after she had gone, "I want you, too, +to forget all about Hester's performance. Don't talk it over, and don't +say hard things of Hester. Just forget it, and think about something +nice." + +"All right, Cousin Jack," said Midget, "we'll do as you say. Come on, +boys, let's race down to the beach!" + +The children ran away, and after a consultation with Mrs. Maynard, Mr. +Bryant set out to make a call on Mrs. Corey. + +His was not a pleasant task, but he felt it his duty to tell her frankly +of Hester's behavior, and to say that Mr. and Mrs. Maynard couldn't +allow her further to impose on their children. Mrs. Corey didn't resent +this decree, but she was greatly pained at the necessity therefor. + +"I don't know what to do with Hester," she said, sadly. "The child has +always been subject to those ungovernable rages. I hope she will outgrow +them. I feel sorry for her, for it is not really her fault. She tries to +be more patient, and sometimes succeeds; then suddenly her temper breaks +out at most unexpected moments." + +Mr. Bryant did not say what he thought; that Hester was a spoiled child, +and that had her mother taught her how sinful such a temper was, she +could have learned to control it, at least, to a degree. + +But he said that the Maynards could not allow Hester to come to Sand +Court any more, unless with the thorough understanding and agreement +that Ruth was to be a member of the Sand Club, and that Marjorie was to +be Queen again. He said that Hester had forfeited all right to be Queen, +and that as Midget practically formed the club, the right to be Queen +was hers. + +Mrs. Corey agreed to all this, expressed great chagrin that Hester had +acted so rudely, and promised to talk to the child and try to induce a +better spirit of kindness and good comradeship. + +And Cousin Jack went away, feeling that he had served the little +Maynards a good turn, if it had been a difficult and unpleasant duty to +perform. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A FINE GAME + + +One Saturday morning, the Maynards and the Bryants sat on the veranda of +"Maynard Manor," and every one of them was gazing at the sky. + +"It will,--I know it will," said Mrs. Maynard, hopelessly. + +"It won't,--I know it won't!" exclaimed Marjorie, smiling at her mother. + +"It's bound to," declared Cousin Jack, "and there's no use thinking it +won't!" + +Of course, they were talking about the rain, which hadn't yet begun to +fall, but which, judging from the ominous gray sky and black clouds, +would soon do so. + +"Yep, there are the first drops now!" cried King, as some black spots +suddenly appeared on the veranda steps. + +"Yep! that settles it!" Marjorie agreed, "we'll have to give up the +trip. What can we do, nice, instead?" + +They had planned an all-day motor trip. Mr. Maynard was always at home +on Saturdays, and he liked nothing better than to take his family and +friends for a ride. + +"The nicest thing just now would be to scoot indoors!" said Cousin Jack, +as the drops came faster and thicker, and a gust of wind sent the rain +dashing at them. + +So they all scurried into the house, and gathered in the big living-room +to discuss the situation. + +"It does seem too bad to have it rain on a Saturday," said Cousin Ethel, +looking regretfully out of the window. + +"Rain, rain, go away, come again another day," chanted Midget, drumming +on the pane with her finger tips. + +"Oh, if I were a kiddy, I shouldn't mind it," said Cousin Jack, +teasingly, to Marjorie. "There are lots of things you can play. But us +poor grown-ups have no fun to look forward to but motoring, and now we +can't do that." + +"Oh, if I were a grown-up, _I_ shouldn't mind it," said Midget, laughing +back at him. "Grown-ups can do anything they like, but kiddies have to +do as they're told." + +"Ah, yes," and Cousin Jack sighed deeply, "but we have sorrows and cares +that you know nothing of." + +"Yes," returned Marjorie, "and _we_ have sorrows and cares that _you_ +know nothing of! I'd like you to change places with us for a day, and +see----" + +"All right, we will!" exclaimed Cousin Jack. "That's a fine game! For +to-day, we grown-ups will be the children and you and King can play +mother and father to us!" + +"Oh, what larks!" cried King. "Let's begin right away! Will you, +Mother?" + +Mrs. Maynard laughed. "I'll try it," she said, "but not for all day. Say +till afternoon." + +"Well, till five o'clock this afternoon," suggested Marjorie; "will you, +Father, will you?" + +"I'll play any game the rest play," said good-natured Mr. Maynard. "What +do you want me to do?" + +"Well, you must obey us implicitly! King is Father, and I'm Mother, and +you four are our children; Helen and Ed, and Ethel and Jack, your names +are! Oh, what fun! King, what shall we do first?" + +"Hear their lessons, I guess. Now, my dears, I know it's vacation, but +you really ought to study a little each day, to keep your minds from +rusting out." + +This was a favorite speech of Mrs. Maynard's, and as King quoted it, +with a twinkle in his eye, it was recognized at once, at least, by the +four Maynards. + +"All right," cried Marjorie, dancing about in excitement, "sit in a row, +children. Why, Ed, your hands are a sight! Go at once, and wash them, my +boy, and never appear before me again with such an untidy appearance!" + +Mr. Maynard obediently left the room, and when he returned a few moments +later, his hands were immaculately clean. Also, he was munching a cooky, +apparently with great delight. + +"Give me one!" demanded Cousin Jack. + +"And me!" "And me!" begged both the ladies, trying to act like eager +children. Mr. Maynard drew more cookies from his pockets and gave them +to the others, not, however, including King and Marjorie. + +"Now, children, finish your cookies, but don't drop crumbs on the +floor," said Midget, choking with laughter at Cousin Jack, who was +cramming large bits of his cake into his mouth. + +"Please, Mother, may I go and get a drink of water?" he mumbled. + +"Yes, Jack, go. And then don't ever take such big bites of cooky again! +You children have the worst manners I ever saw!" + +And then each one had to have a drink of water, and there was much +laughter and scrambling before they were again in order for their +lessons. + +"Geography, first," said King, picking up a magazine to serve as a +pretended text-book. + +"Edward, bound Missouri." + +"Missouri is bounded on the north,--by,--by,--Kansas, I guess." + +"Pshaw! he doesn't know his lesson! let me say it!" exclaimed Cousin +Jack. "Missouri is bounded on the north by Kentucky, on the east by +Alabama, on the south by New Jersey, and on the west by Philadelphia. It +is a great cotton-growing state, and contains six million inhabitants, +mostly Hoosiers." + +"Fine!" cried Marjorie, "every word correct! Next, Ethel, what is the +Capital of the United States?" + +"Seacote," said Cousin Ethel, laughing. + +"Sure it is!" agreed King; "now that's enough jography. Next, we'll have +arithmetic. Helen, how much is eighteen times forty-seven?" + +"I don't know," said Mrs. Maynard, helplessly. + +"Don't know your multiplication table! Fie, fie, my dear! You must stay +in after school and study it. Edward, how much _is_ eighteen times +forty-seven?" + +"Six hundred and fifty-nine, Father." + +"Right, my boy! Go up head." + +"Now, I'll give an example," said Midget. "If Edward has three eggs and +Jack has two eggs, how many have they together?" + +"Can't do it!" declared Cousin Jack, "'cause Ed and I are never together +at breakfast, and that's the only time we have eggs!" + +"Then here's another!" cried Midget; "how can you divide thirteen apples +evenly among four people?" + +"You can't!" said Cousin Jack, "that's the answer." + +"No, it isn't! Who knows?" + +"Invite in nine more people," suggested Mr. Maynard. + +"No; that's not it! Oh, it's easy! Don't you know, Mother? I mean, +_Helen_?" + +But they all gave it up, so Marjorie announced the solution, which is, +"Make apple sauce!" + +"History lesson, now," said King. "Edward, who discovered America?" + +"Pocahontas," replied Mr. Maynard. + +"Right. Who was Pocahontas?" + +"A noble Indian Princess, who was born July 29th, 1563." + +"Very good. Ethel, describe the Battle of Bunker Hill." + +"I can't; I wasn't there." + +"You should have gone," reprimanded King, severely. "Didn't you read +the newspaper accounts of it?" + +"Yes, but I didn't believe them." + +"Jack Bryant, can you describe this famous battle?" + +"Yes, sir. It was fought under the shadow of the Bunker Hill Monument. +At sundown the shadow ceased, so they all said, 'Disperse ye rebels, and +lay down your arms!' So they laid down their arms and went to sleep." + +"Very well done, Master Bryant. Now, we're going to speak pieces. Each +pupil will speak a piece or write a composition. You may take your +choice." + +"I'll speak a piece! Let me speak first!" exclaimed Cousin Ethel, +jumping up and down. "May I speak now, Teacher!" + +"Yes, Ethel, dear," said Midget, kindly; "you may speak your piece +first. Stand up here, by me. Make your bow." + +So Cousin Ethel came up to Marjorie, and acted like a very shy and +bashful child. She put her finger in her mouth, and dropped her eyes and +wriggled about, and picked at her skirt, until everybody was in peals of +laughter. + +"Be quiet, children," said Midget, trying to control her own face. "Now, +everybody sit still while Ethel Bryant recites." + +Cousin Ethel made a very elaborate dancing-school bow, and then, swaying +back and forth in school-child fashion, she recited in a monotonous +singsong, these lines: + + "MUD PIES + + "The grown-ups are the queerest folks; they never seem to know + That mud pies always have to be made just exactly so. + You have to have a nice back yard, a sunny pleasant day, + And then you ask some boys and girls to come around and play. + You mix some mud up in a pail, and stir it with a stick; + It mustn't be a bit too thin--and not a bit too thick. + And then you make it into pies, and pat it with your hand, + And bake 'em on a nice flat board, and my! but they are grand!" + +Mrs. Bryant declaimed, with suitable gestures, and finally sat down on +the floor and made imaginary mud pies, in such a dear, childish way that +her audience was delighted, and gave her really earnest encores. + +"Do you know another piece, Ethel?" asked Marjorie. + +"Yes, ma'am," and Mrs. Bryant resumed her shy voice and manner. + +"Then you may recite it, as your little schoolmates seem anxious to have +you do so." + +So again, Mrs. Bryant diffidently made her bow, and recited, with real +dramatic effect: + + "AN UNVISITED LOCALITY + + "I wisht I was as big as men, + To see the Town of After Ten; + I've heard it is so bright and gay, + It's almost like another day. + But to my bed I'm packed off straight + When that old clock strikes half-past eight! + It's awful hard to be a boy + And never know the sort of joy + That grown-up people must have when + They're in the Town of After Ten. + I'm sure I don't know what they do, + For shops are closed, and churches too. + Perhaps with burglars they go 'round, + And do not dare to make a sound! + Well, soon I'll be a man, and then + I'll see the Town of After Ten!" + +"Oh, Cousin Ethel, you're lovely!" cried Marjorie, forgetting her rôle +for the moment. But King took it up. + +"Yes, little Ethel," he said, "you recite very nicely, for such a young +child. Now, go to your seat, and Helen Maynard may recite next." + +"Mine is a Natural History Poem," said Mrs. Maynard, coming up to the +teacher's desk. "It is founded on fact, and it is highly instructive." + +"That's nice," said King. "Go ahead with it." + +So Mrs. Maynard made her bow and though not bashful, like Mrs. Bryant, +she was very funny, for she pretended to forget her lines, and +stammered and hesitated, and finally burst into pretended tears. But, +urged on and encouraged by the teachers, she finally concluded this gem +of poesy: + + "THE WHISTLING WHALE + + "A whistling whale once built his nest + On the very tiptop of a mountain's crest. + He wore a tunic and a blue cocked hat, + And for fear of mice he kept a cat. + The whistling whale had a good-sized mouth, + It measured three feet from north to south; + But when he whistled he puckered it up + Till it was as small as a coffee-cup. + The people came from far and near + This wonderful whistling whale to hear; + And in a most obliging way + He stood on his tail and whistled all day." + +"That's a truly noble poem," commented King, as she finished. "Take your +seat, Helen; you have done splendidly, my little girl!" + +"Now, Teddy Maynard, it's your turn," said Marjorie. + +"After Jacky," declared Mr. Maynard, and nothing would induce him to +precede his friend. + +"Mine is about a visit I paid to the Zoo," said Mr. Bryant, looking +modest. "I wrote it myself for a composition, but it turned out to be +poetry. I never can tell how my compositions are going to turn out." + +"Recite it," said Marjorie, "and we'll see if we like it." + +"It's about wild animals," went on Cousin Jack, "and it tells of their +habits." + +"That's very nice," said King, condescendingly; "go ahead, my boy." + +So Cousin Jack recited this poem: + + "THE WAYS OF THE WILD + + "There's nothing quite so nice to do + As pay a visit to the zoo, + And see beasts that, at different times, + Were brought from strange and distant climes. + I love to watch the tapirs tape; + I stand intent, with mouth agape. + Then I observe the vipers vipe; + They're a most interesting type. + I love to see the beavers beave; + Indeed, you scarcely would believe + That they can beave so cleverly, + Almost as well as you or me. + And then I pass along, and lo! + Panthers are panthing to and fro. + And in the next cage I can see + The badgers badging merrily. + Oh, the dear beasties at the zoo, + What entertaining things they do!" + +"That's fine!" exclaimed Midget. "I didn't know we were going to have a +_real_ entertainment!" + +"Very good, Jacky!" pronounced King. "I shall mark you ten in +declamation. You're a good declaimer. Now, Teddy Maynard, it's your +turn." + +"Mine is real oratory," declared Mr. Maynard, as he rose from his seat. +"But I find that so many fine oratorical pieces fizzle out after their +first lines, that I just pick out the best lines and use them for +declamation. Now, you can see how well my plan works." + +He struck an attitude, bowed to each of his audience separately, cleared +his throat impressively, and then began to declaim in a stilted, stagey +voice, and with absurd dramatic gestures: + + "THE ART OF ELOCUTION + + "The noble songs of noble deeds of bravery or glory + Are much enhanced if they're declaimed with stirring oratory. + I love sonorous words that roll like billows o'er the seas; + These I recite like Cicero or like Demosthenes. + + "And so, from every poem what is worthy I select; + I use the phrases I like best, the others I reject; + And thus, I claim, that I have found the logical solution + Of difficulties that attend the art of elocution. + + "Whence come these shrieks so wild and shrill? Across the + sands o' Dee? + Lo, I will stand at thy right hand and keep the bridge with thee! + For this was Tell a hero? For this did Gessler die? + 'The curse is come upon me!' said the Spider to the Fly. + + "When Britain first at Heaven's command said, 'Boatswain, + do not tarry; + The despot's heel is on thy shore, and while ye may, go marry.' + Let dogs delight to bark and bite the British Grenadiers, + Lars Porsena of Clusium lay dying in Algiers! + + "Old Grimes is dead! Ring out, wild bells! And shall Trelawney die? + Then twenty thousand Cornishmen are comin' thro' the rye! + The Blessed Damozel leaned out,--she was eight years old _she said_! + Lord Lovel stood at his castle gate, whence all but him had fled. + + "Rise up, rise up, Xarifa! Only three grains of corn! + Stay, Lady, stay! for mercy's sake! and wind the bugle horn. + The glittering knife descends--descends--Hark, hark, the foeman's + cry! + The world is all a fleeting show! Said Gilpin, 'So am I!' + + "The sea! the sea! the open sea! Roll on, roll on, thou deep! + Maxwelton braes are bonny, but Macbeth hath murdered sleep! + Answer me, burning shades of night! what's Hecuba to me? + Alone stood brave Horatius! The boy--oh, where was he?" + +"Oh, Father!" cried Marjorie, as Mr. Maynard finished, "did you really +make that up? Or did you find it in a book?" + +But Mr. Maynard wouldn't tell, and only accepted the praise heaped upon +him, with a foolish smirk, like an embarrassed schoolboy. + +"Now, children, school is out," said Midget, "and it's about luncheon +time. So go and tidy yourselves up to come to the table. You're always +sending us to tidy up, Mother, so now you can see what a nuisance it is! +Run along, and come back as quickly as you can, for luncheon is nearly +ready." + +The four grown-ups went away to tidy up, and King and Midget made +further plans for this new game. It was still raining, so there was no +hope of going motoring, and they concluded they were having enough fun +at home to make up for it. + +But when the four "children" returned, they looked at them a moment in +silent astonishment, and then burst into shrieks of laughter. + +Mr. Maynard and Mr. Bryant had transformed themselves into boys, by +brushing their hair down very wet and straight, and wearing large, round +collars made of white paper, and tied with enormous bows. They looked +funny enough, but the two ladies were funnier still. Mrs. Maynard had +her hair in two long pigtails tied with huge ribbons, and Cousin Ethel +had her hair in bunches of curls, also tied with big bows. They both +wore white bib aprons, and carried foolish-looking dolls which they had +made out of pillows, tied round with string. + +"You _dear_ children!" cried Midget; "I think you are lovely! Come along +to luncheon." + +The "children" politely let King and Midget go first, and they followed, +giggling. Sarah, the waitress, was overcome with amusement, but she +managed to keep a straight face, as the comical-looking procession filed +in. + +King and Marjorie appropriated their parents' seats, and the others sat +at the sides of the table. + +"No, Helen, dear," said Midget, "you can't have any tea. It isn't good +for little girls. You may have a glass of milk, if you wish." + +"I don't think these lobster croquettes are good for Jack," said King, +looking wisely at Midget; "they're very rich, and he's subject to +indigestion." + +"I am not!" declared Cousin Jack, looking longingly at the tempting +croquettes, for which Ellen was famous. + +"There, there, my child," said Marjorie; "don't contradict your father. +Perhaps he could have a half of one, King." + +"Yes, that would scarcely make him ill," and King gave Cousin Jack a +portion of one small croquette, which he ate up at once, and found to be +merely an aggravation. + +"Oh, no! no pie for Edward," said Marjorie, when a delicious lemon +meringue made its appearance. "Pie is entirely unsuitable for children! +He may have a nice baked apple." + +And Mr. Maynard was plucky enough to eat his baked apple without a +murmur, for he remembered that often he had advised Mrs. Maynard against +giving the children pie. + +To be sure, the pie would not harm the grown people, but Mr. Maynard had +agreed to "play the game," and it was his nature to do thoroughly +whatever he undertook. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +MORE FUN + + +"Now, Helen," said Marjorie, as they left the dining-room, "you must +practise for an hour." + +"Oh, Mother, I don't feel a bit like it! Mayn't I skip it to-day?" + +This was, in effect, a speech that Marjorie often made, and she had to +laugh at her mother's mimicry. + +But she straightened her face, and said, "No, my child; you must do your +practising, or you won't be ready for your lesson when the teacher comes +to-morrow." + +"All right, Mother," said Mrs. Maynard, cheerfully, and sitting down at +the piano, she began to rattle off a gay waltz. + +"Oh, no, Helen," remonstrated Marjorie, "that won't do! You must play +your scales and exercises. See, here's the book. Now, play that page +over and over for an hour." + +Marjorie did hate those tedious "exercises," and she was glad for her +mother to see how poky it was to drum at them for an hour. As a rule, +Marjorie did her practising patiently enough, but sometimes she +revolted, and it made her chuckle to see Mrs. Maynard carefully picking +out the "five-finger drills." + +"Keep your hands straight, Helen," she admonished her mother. "Keep the +backs of them so level that a lead pencil wouldn't roll off. I'll get a +lead pencil." + +"No, don't!" exclaimed Mrs. Maynard, in dismay. She liked to play the +piano, but she was far from careful to hold her hands in the position +required by Midget's teacher. + +"Yes, I think I'd better, Helen. If you contract bad habits, it's so +difficult to break them." + +Roguish Marjorie brought a lead pencil, and laid it carefully across the +back of her mother's hand, from which it immediately rolled off. + +"Now, Helen, you must hold your hand level. Try again, dearie, and if it +rolls off, pick it up and put it back in place." + +Mrs. Maynard made a wry face, and the other grown-ups laughed, to see +the difficulty she experienced with the pencil. + +"One--two--three--four," she counted, aloud. + +"Count to yourself, Helen," said Marjorie. "It's annoying to hear you do +that!" + +This, too, was quoted, for Mrs. Maynard had often objected to the +monotonous drone of Marjorie's counting aloud. + +But the mother began to see that a child's life has its own little +troubles, and she smiled appreciatively at Midget, as she picked up the +pencil from the floor for the twentieth time, and replaced it on the +back of her hand, now stiff and lame from the unwonted restraint. + +"You dear old darling!" cried Midget, flying over and kissing the +patient musician; "you sha'n't do that any longer! I declare, King, it's +clearing off, after all! Let's take the children out for a walk." + +"Very well, we will. Oh, here comes Ruth! Come in, Ruth." + +Ruth Rowland came in, and looked greatly mystified at the appearance of +the elder members of the group before her. + +But King and Midget explained what was going on, and said: + +"And you can be Aunt Ruth, come to call on us and our children." + +Ruth's eyes danced with fun, and she sat down, saying to Marjorie, "I'm +glad to see the children looking so well; have any of them the +whooping-cough? I hear it's around some." + +"I have," declared Cousin Jack, and then he began to cough and whoop in +a most exaggerated imitation of the whooping-cough. Indeed, in his +paroxysms, he almost turned somersaults. + +"I hab a bad cold id by head," declared Mr. Maynard, and he began a +series of such prodigious sneezes that all the others screamed with +laughter. + +"Well, your children aren't so very well, after all, are they?" +commented Ruth, as they watched the two men cutting up their capers. + +"The girls are," said Marjorie, looking affectionately at her two +"daughters." + +"Oh, I'm not!" declared Mrs. Maynard; "I have a fearful toothache," and +she held her cheek in her hand, and rocked back and forth, pretending +dreadful pain. + +"And I have the mumps!" announced Cousin Ethel, puffing out her pretty +pink cheeks, to make believe they were swollen with that ailment. + +"Well, you're a crowd of invalids!" said King; "I believe some fresh air +would do you good. Out you all go, for a walk. Get your hats, kiddies, +and be quick about it." + +The grown-ups scampered away to get their hats, and the ladies put up +their hair properly and took off their white aprons. + +The two men discarded their big collars and ties, but the game was not +yet over, and the group went gayly out and down toward the beach. + +"May we go in bathing, Mother?" asked Mr. Maynard. + +"Not in bathing, my son," returned Marjorie; "the waves are too strong. +But, if you wish, you may all take off your shoes and stockings and go +'paddling.'" + +However, none of the quartette of "children" accepted this permission, +so they all sat on the sand and built forts. + +"Now, I guess we'll all go to the pier, and get ice cream," said King. +"How would you like that, kiddies?" + +"Fine!" said Cousin Jack. "It's getting warmer, and I'm hungering for +ice cream. Come on, all." + +"Gently, my boy, gently," said King, as Cousin Jack scrambled to his +feet, upsetting sand all over everybody. "Now, walk along nicely and +properly, don't go too fast, and we'll reach the pier in good time." + +"Turn out your toes," directed Marjorie; "hold up your head, Ethel. +Don't swing your arms, Edward." + +As a matter of fact the four grown people found it a little difficult to +follow these bits of good advice they had so often given carelessly to +the children, and they marched along rather stiffly. + +"Try to be a little more graceful, Helen," said King, and they all +laughed, for Mrs. Maynard was really a very graceful lady, and was +spoiling her gait by over-attention to Midget's rules. At the pier, +King selected a pleasant table, and ranged his party around it. + +"Bring three plates of ice cream, and four half-portions," he directed +the waiter. And when it was brought, he calmly gave the four small +pieces to his parents and the Bryants. + +Cousin Jack's face fell, for he was warm and tired, and he wanted more +than a spoonful of the refreshing delicacy. But a surreptitious glance +at his watch showed him it was almost five o'clock; so he accepted his +plate without a murmur. + +"It's very nice, Mother," he said demurely, eating it by tiny bits, +scraped from the edges as he had sometimes seen Marjorie do, when her +share had been limited to half a plate. + +"I'm glad you like it, son," she returned; "don't eat too fast,--hold +your spoon properly,--take small bites of cake." + +Ruth was convulsed by this new sort of fun, and asked Marjorie if they +had ever played the game before. + +"No," Cousin Jack answered for her, "and I'm jolly well sure we never +will again! I've had enough of being 'a child again, just for to-night!' +And, if you please, ladies and gentlemen, it's now five o'clock! the jig +is up! the game is played out! the ball is over! Here, waiter; bring +some ice cream, please. Full-sized plates, all around!" + +The amused waiter hurried away on his errand, and Mr. and Mrs. Maynard +sat up suddenly, as if relieved of a great responsibility. + +"Bring some cake, too," said Mrs. Maynard, "and a pot of tea. Don't you +want some tea, Ethel?" + +"Indeed, I do, Helen; I'm exhausted. Jack, if you ever propose such a +game again!" + +"I didn't propose it, my dear! Now, will you look at that! Everything +always gets blamed on me!" + +And now there was plenty of ice cream for everybody, and the children +were allowed to have all they wanted, and they were all glad to get back +to their rightful places again. + +"But it was fun!" said Marjorie, and then she told Ruth all about the +funny things they had done before she arrived on the scene. + +Then they all walked around by Ruth's house to take her home, and then +they walked around by Bryant Bower to take the Bryants home, and then +the Maynards went home themselves. + +"I'm going to write Kit all about it," said Marjorie; "she'd have loved +that game, if she'd been here." + +"She loves any make-believe game," said King. "You write to her, Midget; +I've got to write up _The Jolly Sandboy_ paper." + +"I should think you had! You haven't done one for two weeks." + +"I know it; but it's because nobody sends in any contributions. I can't +make it all up alone." + +"'Course you can't. When I write to Kitty, I'll ask her if she hasn't +some things we could put in it. She and Uncle Steve are always making up +poetry and stories." + +"Good idea, Mops! Tell her to be _sure_ to send me a lot of stuff, first +thing she does!" + +"Well, I will;" and Marjorie set to work at her letter. + +It was finished by dinner time, for Marjorie's letters to her sister +were not marked by any undue precision of style or penmanship, and as +Marjorie laid it on the hall table to be mailed, she told King that she +had given Kitty his message. + +"Father," said Midget, at dinner, that night, "what day did Cousin Jack +say was Pocahontas' birthday?" + +"I don't remember, my dear; but I'm quite sure he doesn't really know, +nor any one else. I fancy he made up that date." + +"Well, do you know of anybody, anybody nice and celebrated, whose +birthday comes about now?" + +"The latter part of July? No, Midget, I don't. Why?" + +"Oh, 'cause I think it would be nice to have a celebration, and you +can't celebrate without a hero." + +"Do you call Pocahontas a hero?" asked King, quizzically. + +"Well, she's a heroine,--it's all the same. When do you s'pose her +birthday was, Father?" + +"I've no idea, Midget; and Cousin Jack hasn't, either. But if you want +to celebrate her, you can choose any day. You see, it isn't like a +birthday that's celebrated every year, Washington's, Lincoln's, or +yours. If you're just going to celebrate once, you can take one day as +well as another." + +"Oh, can I, Father? Then, we'll have it next week. I'll choose August +first,--that's a nice day." + +"What's it all about, Midge?" asked King. + +"Oh, nothing; only I took a notion for a celebration. We had such good +times on Fourth of July and on my birthday, I want another birthday." + +"I think it's a good idea to choose some uncelebrated person like +Pocahontas," said Mrs. Maynard; "for if you don't celebrate her I doubt +if anybody ever will." + +"And you see we can have it all sort of Indian," went on Midget. "You +know we've a good many Indian baskets and beads and things,--and, +Father, couldn't you build us a wigwam?" + +"Oh, yes, a whole reservation, if you like." + +"No, just one wigwam. And we'll only have the Sand Club. I don't mean to +have a party." + +"All right, I'm in for it," declared King, and right after dinner, the +two set to work making plans for the celebration. + +"Cousin Jack will help, I know," said Marjorie; "remember how he played +Indians with us, up in Cambridge, last year?" + +"Yep, 'course I do. He'll be fine! He always is." + +"Let's telephone, and ask him right away." + +"All right;" and in a few moments Cousin Jack's cheery "Hello!" came +over the wire. + +"Well!" he exclaimed, "if it isn't those Maynard scamps again! Now, see +here, Mehitabel, it's time you and Hezekiah went to bed. It's nearly +nine o'clock." + +"But, Cousin Jack, I just want to ask you something." + +"Not to-night, my Angel Child. Whatever you ask me to-night, I shall say +no to! Besides, I'm reading my paper, and I can't be disturbed." + +"But, Cousin Jack----" + +"The Interstate Commerce Commission has to-day handed down a decision in +favor of----" + +"Oh, King, he's reading out of his newspaper, just to tease us! You try +him." + +King took the telephone. "Please, Cousin Jack, listen a minute," he +said. + +But all the reply he heard was: + +"Ephraim Hardenburg has been elected chairman of the executive committee +of the Great Coal Tar Company, to succeed James H.----" + +King hung up the receiver in disgust. + +"No use," he said; "Cousin Jack just read more of that newspaper stuff! +Never mind, Midget, we can wait till we see him. I guess I will scoot to +bed, now; I'm awful sleepy." + +But when Cousin Jack heard of their project, a day or two later, he was +more than willing to help with the celebration. + +"Well, I just guess!" he cried. "We'll have a jamboree that'll make all +the good Indians wish they were alive now, instead of four hundred +thousand years ago! We'll have a wigwam and a wampum and a tomahawk and +all the ancient improvements! Hooray for Pocahontas!" + +"Gracious, Jack! you're the biggest child of the lot!" exclaimed Mrs. +Maynard, who sat on the veranda, watching the enthusiasm going on. + +"Of course, I am, ma'am! I'm having a merry playtime this summer with my +little friends, and as I have to work hard all winter, I really need +this vacation." + +"Of course you do! But don't let those two energetic children wear you +out." + +"No, ma'am! More likely I'll wear them out. Now, for the wigwam, +kiddies. Have you a couple of Navajo blankets?" + +"Yes, we have! and a Bulgarian one, or whatever you call it, to piece +out," cried Midget, as she ran to get them. + +"Just the thing!" declared Cousin Jack. "Put them aside, we won't use +them till the day of the show. 'Cause why? 'Cause it _might_ rain,--but, +of course it won't. Now, for feathers,--we want lots of feathers." + +"Old hat feathers?" asked Midget. + +"Ostrich plumes? Nay, nay, me child. Good stiff quill feathers,--turkey +feathers preferred. Well, never mind those,--I'll fish some up from +somewhere. Now, blankets for the braves and fringed gowns for the +squaws. I'll show you how, Mehitabel, and you and your respected mother +can do the sewing act." + +Well, Cousin Jack planned just about everything, and he and the children +turned the house upside down in their quest for materials. But Mrs. +Maynard didn't mind. She was used to it, for the Maynard children would +always rather "celebrate" than play any ordinary game. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +A CELEBRATION + + +The first of August was a perfect day for their celebration. + +They had concluded to hold a Sand Court session first, for the simple +reason that so much matter for _The Jolly Sandboy_ had arrived from +Kitty that King said his paper was full, and he thought it would be nice +to help along the celebration. + +Cousin Jack declined an invitation to be present at the reading, saying +that the Pocahontas part was all he could stand, so the Court convened +without him. Ruth was Queen for the day. This was for no particular +reason, except that Marjorie thought it would be a pleasure to the +little new member, so she insisted on Ruth's wearing the crown. + +Very dainty and sweet the little Queen looked, with her long flaxen +curls hanging down from the extra gorgeous gilt-paper crown, that +Marjorie had made specially for this occasion. + +As the session began, a meek little figure appeared at the Court +entrance, and there was Hester! + +"Now, you Hester!" began Tom Craig, but Hester said: + +"Oh, please let me come! I _will_ be good. I won't say a single cross +word, or boss, or anything." + +"All right, Hester," said Midget, kindly, "come on in. If the Queen says +you may we'll all say so. Do you, O Queen?" + +Ruth looked doubtful for a minute, for she was a little afraid of +Hester's uncertain temper; but, seeing Marjorie's pleading look, she +consented. + +"All right," she said; "if Hester won't throw water on me." + +"No, I won't!" declared Hester, earnestly. + +"Well," said King, "just as long as Hester behaves herself she may stay. +If she carries on like fury, she's got to go home." + +Hester sat down and folded her hands in her lap, looking so excessively +meek that they all had to laugh at her. + +"Now," said the Queen, "we're gathered here together, my loyal subjects, +to listen to,--to, what do you call it?" + +"_The Jolly Sandboy_," prompted King. + +"_The Jolly Sandbag_," said the Queen, misunderstanding. + +But she was soon put right, and King proceeded to read his paper. + +"It's 'most all done by Uncle Steve and Kitty," he said, "and it's so +nice, I thought you'd all like to hear it." + +"We would," they said, and so King began. + +"Uncle Steve's part is all about animals," he said. "It's a sort of +Natural History, I guess. First is a poem about the Camel. + + "The camel is a curious beast; + He roams about all through the East. + He swiftly scours the desert plain, + And then he scours it back again. + + "The camel's legs are very slim, + And he lets people ride on him. + Across the sandy waste he flies, + And kicks the waste in people's eyes. + + "He kneels for people to get on, + Then pulls his legs up, one by one; + But here's what troubles them the worst-- + To know which leg he'll pull up first. + + "Sometimes, when he is feeling gay, + The camel likes to run away; + And, as he's just indulged that whim, + I can't write any more of him." + +"I think that's lovely," said the Queen, enthusiastically. "Your uncle +is a real poet, isn't he?" + +"Our family all can write poetry," said Marjorie, seriously. "Father and +Mother both write beautiful verses." + +"Now, here's the next one," went on King. "This is about all sorts of +different animals,--and it's funny, too: + + "The whale is smooth, and black as jet + His disposition sweet; + He neatly combs his hair, and yet + He will not wipe his feet. + + "The wombat's clever and polite, + And kind as he can be; + And yet he doesn't bow quite right + When he goes out to tea. + + "The snake is bright and understands + Whatever he is taught; + And yet he never will shake hands + As cordial people ought. + + "'Most everybody loves the newt; + But I've heard people tell, + That though he's handy with a flute + He can't sew very well. + + "So animals, as you may see, + Some grave defects display; + They're not like human beings. We + Are perfect every way." + +"Oh, that's a fine one!" cried Hester. "Mayn't I copy that, and have it +to keep?" + +"Of course," said King. "I'll make you a copy on the typewriter. Now, +here's a silly one. I mean nonsensical, you know. But I like it: + + "THE FUNNY FLAPDOODLE + + "There was a Flapdoodle of France, + Who loved to cut capers and dance; + He had one red shoe + And the other was blue, + And how he could shuffle and prance! + + "One day he was kicking so high + That a breeze blew him up in the sky; + The breeze was so strong + It blew him along + Till the Flapdoodle just seemed to fly. + + "He flew 'way up into the stars, + And, somehow, he landed on Mars. + Said the Flapdoodle: 'I + Do not like to fly; + I think I'll go back on the cars.' + + "So a railroad was rapidly built, + And they wrapped him all up in a quilt; + For the Flapdoodle said: + 'If I stick out my head + I fear that I'll somehow get kilt!' + + "The railroad train whizzed very fast, + But they landed him safely at last; + And through future years + He related, with tears, + The dangers through which he had passed." + +"Oh, that's the best of all!" said Midget; "I love that kind of funny +verses. Isn't Uncle Steve clever to write like that! Any more, King?" + +"Yes, one more. It isn't about animals, but it's a sort of a nonsense +poem, too. It's called 'A Queer Hospital.' + + "There's a hospital down on Absurdity Square, + Where the queerest of patients are tended with care. + + "When I made them a visit I saw in a crib + A little Umbrella who had broken his rib. + + "And then I observed in the very next bed + A bright little Pin who had bumped his poor head. + + "They said a new cure they'd decided to try + On an old Needle, totally blind in one eye. + + "I was much interested, and soon I espied + A Shoe who complained of a stitch in her side. + + "And a sad-looking patient who seemed in the dumps + Was a Clock, with a swell face because of the mumps. + + "Then I tried very hard, though I fear 'twas in vain + To comfort a Window who had a bad pane. + + "And I paused just a moment to cheerily speak + With a pale Cup of Tea who was awfully weak. + + "As I took my departure I met on the stair + A new patient, whom they were handling with care, + A victim perhaps of some terrible wreck-- + 'Twas a Squash who had fatally broken his neck." + +"This is the nicest _Jolly Sandboy_ paper we've had yet," said Tom, as +King finished. + +"Yes, it is," agreed Marjorie. "But I thought Kit wrote some of it, +King." + +"She did. I'll read hers now. It's an alphabet, all about us down here. +Kitty wrote it, but she says Uncle Steve helped her a little bit with +some of the lines. It's called 'The Seacote Alphabet.' + + "A is the Automobile we all love. + B is the Boat in the water we shove. + C is the Coast that stretches along. + D is for Dick, our Sandow so strong. + E's cousin Ethel, so sweet and refined. + F, Father Maynard, indulgent and kind. + G, Grandma Sherwood, who dresses in drab. + H is for Hester and Harry Sand Crab. + I, for Ice Cream, the Maynards' mainstay. + J, Cousin Jack, always ready to play. + K is for King, and for Kitty, (that's me). + L is for Lakewood, where I went to sea. + M, Mother Maynard, and Marjorie, too. + N for Nurse Nannie, who has lots to do. + O for the Ocean, with big breakers bold. + P for the Pier, where candy is sold. + Q for Queen Sandy, in regal array. + R, Rosy Posy, so dainty and gay. + S is for Seacote, and Sand Court beside. + T is for Tom, the trusty and tried. + U, Uncle Steve, who's helping me write. + V for these Verses we send you to-night. + W, the Waves, that dash with such fuss. + X the Excitement when one catches us. + Y for You Youngsters, I've given your names. + Z is the Zeal you show in your games." + +"My! isn't that scrumptious!" exclaimed Hester. "You're a terribly smart +family, Marjorie." + +"Oh, I don't know," said Midget, modestly. "Kit's pretty clever at +writing rhymes, but King and I can't do it much. We make up songs +sometimes, but Kitty makes the best ones." + +"I wish I could do it," said Ruth; "but I couldn't write a rhyming thing +at all." + +"Well, that's all there is in _The Jolly Sandboy_ this week," said King. +"I didn't write any myself, and the things you others gave me, I've +saved for next week. Now, shall we go and celebrate Pocahontas' +birthday?" + +"Is it really her birthday?" asked Ruth. + +"No, we're just pretending it is. But you see, poor Poky never had her +birthday celebrated; I mean,--not legally, like Washington,--so we're +going to give her a chance." + +The Sand Club trooped up to the house, and found Cousin Jack waiting for +them. He was a little surprised to see Hester, but he greeted her +pleasantly, and Hester looked so meek and mild, one would hardly believe +she had a high temper at all. A wigwam had been built on the lawn, and +though it was only a few poles covered with blankets, it looked very +Indian and effective. + +The Maynards had contrived costumes for all, and in a few moments the +girls had on gay-fringed skirts and little shawls, with gaudy +headdresses, and the boys had a nondescript Indian garb, and wonderful +feathered headpieces, that hung grandly down their backs like Big +Chiefs. + +Also they had pasteboard tomahawks, and Cousin Jack taught them a +war-whoop that was truly ear-splitting. + +"First," said Mr. Bryant, "we'll all sing the Blue Juniata, as that is a +pretty Indian song, and so, sort of appropriate to Pocahontas." + +So they all sang it, with a will, and the song of "The Indian Girl, +Bright Alfarata," was, in a way, a tribute to Pocahontas. + +"Now," Mr. Bryant went on, "some one must tell the story of Pocahontas. +Harry, will you do it?" + +But the Sand Crab was too shy to speak in public, so Cousin Jack asked +Ruth to do it. + +"I don't know it very well," said Ruth, "but I guess it was like this: +Captain John Smith was about to be tommyhawked all to pieces by admiring +Indians. As the fell blows were about to fell, up rushes a beautiful +Indian maiden, with her black hair streaming in the breeze. 'Fear thou +not!' she said, wildly; 'I will save thee!' Whereupon she flang herself +upon him, and hugged him till he couldn't be reached by his tormentors. +The wild Indians were forced to desist, or else pierce to the heart +their own Pocahontas, beloved daughter of their tribe. So they released +Captain John Smith, and so Pocahontas married Captain John Rolfe +instead, and they lived happy ever after. Hence is why we celebrate her +birthday." + +Ruth clearly enjoyed the telling of this tale, and threw herself into it +with dramatic fervor. + +The others listened, enthralled by her graphic recital and thrilling +diction. + +"My!" exclaimed Midget, as she finished, "I didn't know you knew so many +big words, Ruth." + +"I didn't, either," said Ruth, calmly; "they sort of came to me as I +went along." + +"Well, that's just as smart as writing poetry," declared King, and Ruth +was greatly pleased at the compliments. + +"Now, my dear young friends," Cousin Jack said, by way of a speech, "the +exercises will now begin. As you know, we are celebrating the birthday +of a noble Indian Princess. Therefore, our sports or diversions will all +be of an Indian character. First, we will have an Indian Club Drill." + +He produced Indian clubs for all, the boys' being heavier ones than the +girls. + +These were new to the Maynards, but Cousin Jack soon taught them how to +use them, and instructed them in a simple drill. + +Hester learned more quickly than Marjorie, for she was more lithe and +agile, and swung her clubs around with greater ease. Ruth seemed to know +instinctively how to use them, which was partly due to her proficiency +in fancy dancing. But they all learned, and greatly enjoyed the +interesting exercise. + +Cousin Jack presented the children with the clubs they used, and they +promised to practise with them often. + +"It'll be good for you growing young people," said Mr. Maynard, "and you +can form a sort of a Pocahontas Club." + +Then he had a gramophone brought out to the lawn, and they whisked their +clubs about to inspiriting Indian music. + +"Now, I dare say you're tired," said Cousin Jack, "for Indian club +exercise is a strain on the muscles. So sit in a circle on the grass, +and we'll all smoke pipes of peace and swap stories for a while." + +The "pipes of peace" turned out to be pipes made of chocolate, so they +were all willing to "smoke" them. + +"Mine's a pipe of pieces!" said Midget, as she broke the stem in bits, +and ate them one by one. + +The others followed her example, and the pipes had disappeared before +the story-telling fairly began. + +But Cousin Jack told them some thrilling Indian tales, and so interested +were his hearers that they gathered close about him, and listened in +absorbed silence. + +"Was that true, Cousin Jack?" asked King, after an exciting yarn. + +"Well, it's in a story-book written by James Fenimore Cooper. You're old +enough to read his books now, and if I were you children, I'd ask my +parents to buy me some of Cooper's works." + +"I'm going to do that," cried Hester, her eyes dancing at the thought of +reading such stories for herself. "I never heard of them before." + +"Well, you're young yet to read novels, but Cooper's are all right for +you. You might read one aloud in your Sand Club." + +"Yes, we will!" said King. "That'll be fine. Then one book would do for +us all. Or we might each get one, and then lend them around to each +other. My, we're getting lots of new ideas from our celebration. Indian +club exercises and Cooper's stories are worth knowing about." + +"And now," said Cousin Jack, "if you're rested, suppose we march along +Indian File, and see if we can come across an Indian Meal." + +"Ho, ho!" laughed King, "I don't want to eat Indian meal!" + +"We'll see what it is before we decide," said Midget, judicially. "What +is Indian File, Cousin Jack?" + +"Oh, that only means single file, or one by one. _Not_ like the Irishman +who said to his men, 'March togither, men! be twos as far as ye go, an' +thin be wans!' I want you to go 'be wans' all the way." + +So, in single file, they followed Cousin Jack's lead to the wigwam, +which they hadn't yet entered. He turned back the flap of the tent, and +there was room for all inside. On a table there there were eight Indian +baskets, of pretty design. On lifting the covers, each was found to +contain an "Indian Meal." + +The meal was a few dainty little sandwiches and cakes, and a peach and a +pear, all wrapped in pretty paper napkins, with an Indian's head on the +corner. + +Exercise had given the children good appetites, and they were quite +ready to do full justice to the "Indian Meal." + +Sarah brought out lemonade, and later ice cream, so, as Midget said, it +really was a party after all. + +Of course, the children kept the baskets and the pretty napkins as +souvenirs, and when the guests went home, they said they were glad they +didn't know the real date of Pocahontas' birthday, for it _might_ have +been in the winter, and then they couldn't have had nearly as much fun. + +"And it's lucky we decided on this day," said Cousin Jack, after the +children had gone, "for to-morrow Ethel and I go back to Cambridge." + +"Oh, Cousin Jack, not really!" cried Midget, in dismay. + +"Yes, kiddy; we've changed our summer plans suddenly, and we're going to +Europe next week. So we leave here to-morrow. And sorry, indeed, are we +to leave our Maynard friends." + +"I'm sorry, too," said Midget, "_awfully_ sorry, but I'm glad we've had +you down here as long as we have. You've been awful good to us, Cousin +Jack." + +"You've been good to me, Mehitabel. And when I wander through the +interesting places abroad, I shall write letters to you, and when I come +home again, I'll bring you a souvenir from every place I've been to." + +"Well, you're just the dearest Cousin Jack in all the world!" said +Midget, and she gave him a big hug and kiss to corroborate her words. + +"And you're just the dearest Mopsy Midget Mehitabel!" he said, returning +her caress. + + * * * * * + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS SERIES + +By VICTOR APPLETON + +12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. + +Moving pictures and photo plays are famous the world over, and in this +line of books the reader is given a full description of how the films +are made--the scenes of little dramas, indoors and out, trick pictures +to satisfy the curious, soul-stirring pictures of city affairs, life in +the Wild West, among the cowboys and Indians, thrilling rescues along +the seacoast, the daring of picture hunters in the jungle among savage +beasts, and the great risks run in picturing conditions in a land of +earthquakes. The volumes teem with adventures and will be found +interesting from first chapter to last. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS +Or Perils of a Great City Depicted. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE WEST +Or Taking Scenes Among the Cowboys and Indians. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS ON THE COAST +Or Showing the Perils of the Deep. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE JUNGLE +Or Stirring Times Among the Wild Animals. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN EARTHQUAKE LAND +Or Working Amid Many Perils. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AND THE FLOOD +Or Perilous Days on the Mississippi. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AT PANAMA +Or Stirring Adventures Along the Great Canal. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS UNDER THE SEA +Or The Treasure of the Lost Ship. + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + * * * * * + +THE BUNNY BROWN SERIES +By LAURA LEE HOPE +Author of the Popular "Bobbsey Twins" Books + +Wrapper and text illustrations drawn by +FLORENCE ENGLAND NOSWORTHY + +12mo. DURABLY BOUND. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING + +These stories by the author of the "Bobbsey Twins" Books are eagerly +welcomed by the little folks from about five to ten years of age. Their +eyes fairly dance with delight at the lively doings of inquisitive +little Bunny Brown and his cunning, trustful sister Sue. + +Bunny was a lively little boy, very inquisitive. When he did anything, +Sue followed his leadership. They had many adventures, some comical in +the extreme. + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON GRANDPA'S FARM + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE PLAYING CIRCUS + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CAMP REST-A-WHILE + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT AUNT LU'S CITY HOME + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE BIG WOODS + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON AN AUTO TOUR + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR SHETLAND PONY + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE GIVING A SHOW + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CHRISTMAS TREE COVE + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + + * * * * * + + + + +Transcriber's Notes: + + Punctuation has been made consistent with contemporary standards. + + "BY THE SAME AUTHOR" page moved to after Title Page and notices. + + Page 44: "her. her." changed to "her." (arms around her). + + Page 111 "dulness" changed to "dullness" (A dullness seemed to fall). + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE AT SEACOTE*** + + +******* This file should be named 18035-8.txt or 18035-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/0/3/18035 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://www.gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: +http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + diff --git a/18035-8.zip b/18035-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ab66922 --- /dev/null +++ b/18035-8.zip diff --git a/18035-h.zip b/18035-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8fc1bca --- /dev/null +++ b/18035-h.zip diff --git a/18035-h/18035-h.htm b/18035-h/18035-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7fdeebc --- /dev/null +++ b/18035-h/18035-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8764 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Marjorie at Seacote, by Carolyn Wells</title> + <link rel='coverpage' href='images/cover.jpg' /> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center; clear: both;} + p {margin-top: .75em; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; + padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + ins {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} + hr {width: 33%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; clear: both;} + hr.full {width:100%; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + hr.major {width:75%; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + hr.minor {width:30%; margin-top:0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;} + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: x-small; text-align: right; } + .blockquot {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .smcapc {text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps;} + .caption {font-size: 80%;} + .chapter {margin-top: 4em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3em;} + hr.full { width: 100%; } + pre {font-size: 75%;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Marjorie at Seacote, by Carolyn Wells</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Marjorie at Seacote</p> +<p>Author: Carolyn Wells</p> +<p>Release Date: March 21, 2006 [eBook #18035]<br /> +Updated: June 7, 2020</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE AT SEACOTE***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Roger Frank<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (http://www.pgdp.net/)</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + +<table width="350" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Title Page" border="1"> + <col style="width:80%;" /> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 180%;">MARJORIE<br />AT SEACOTE</span> + <br /><br /> + BY + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%;">CAROLYN WELLS</span> + <br /><br /><br /> + <span style="font-size: 70%"> + AUTHOR OF + </span> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 90%"> + THE "PATTY" BOOKS + </span> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <img src="images/illus-emblem.png" alt="emblem" title="" /> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <span style="text-align:center; font-size: 120%"> + GROSSET & DUNLAP + </span> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 80%">PUBLISHERS + + NEW YORK<br /><br /><br /> + </span> + </td> + </tr> +</table> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<p class="center" style="font-size: 80%"> +<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1912, By</span><br /> +DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY</p> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;"> +<img src="images/illus-fp.jpg" alt="["Most Liege Majesty," Began King, Bowing so Low that +his Shoulder Cape Fell off (_page 60_)" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><span class="smcap">"Most Liege Majesty," Began King, Bowing so Low that +his Shoulder Cape Fell off</span> (<i>page 60</i>) +</span> +</div> + +<hr class="major" /> + + +<div class="smcap"> +<table width="280" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="other books" border="1"> + <col style="width:80%;" /> + <tr><td align="center">By The Same Author</td></tr> + <tr><td> + <table width="250" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="other books" border="0"> + <tr><td><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline">Patty Series</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty Fairfield</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty at Home</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty in the City</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty's Summer Days</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty in Paris</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty's Friends</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty's Pleasure Trip</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty's Success</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty's Motor Car</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline">Marjorie Series</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Marjorie's Vacation</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Marjorie's Busy Days</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Marjorie's New Friend</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Marjorie in Command</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Marjorie's Maytime</span></td></tr> + </table> + </td></tr> +</table> +</div> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>Table of Contents</h2> + +<div class="smcap"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<col style="width:10%;" /> +<col style="width:2%;" /> +<col style="width:45%;" /> +<col style="width:10%;" /> +<tr><td align="right">Chapter</td><td> </td><td> </td><td align="right">Page</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">I</td><td> </td><td>Kitty's Dinner</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">II</td><td> </td><td>Tom, Dick, and Harry</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">16</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">III</td><td> </td><td>The Sand Club</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">30</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IV</td><td> </td><td>Sand Court</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">44</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">V </td><td> </td><td>The Jolly Sandboy</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">58</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VI</td><td> </td><td>Two Welcome Guests</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">72</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VII</td><td> </td><td>The Glorious Fourth</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">86</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VIII</td><td> </td><td>A Revelation</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">101</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IX</td><td> </td><td>The Search</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">115</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">X</td><td> </td><td>Jessica Brown</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">129</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XI</td><td> </td><td>The Reunion</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">144</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XII</td><td> </td><td>A Letter of Thanks</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">158</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIII</td><td> </td><td>Thirteen</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">174</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIV</td><td> </td><td>Queen Hester</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">189</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XV</td><td> </td><td>A Motor Ride</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">204</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVI</td><td> </td><td>Red Geraniums</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">218</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVII</td><td> </td><td>What Hester Did</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">232</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVIII</td><td> </td><td>A Fine Game</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">247</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIX</td><td> </td><td>More Fun</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">268</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XX</td><td> </td><td>A Celebration</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">275</a></td></tr> +</table> +</div> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<div> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span> +<h1><a name="MARJORIE_AT_SEACOTE" id="MARJORIE_AT_SEACOTE"></a>MARJORIE AT SEACOTE</h1> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> +<h3>KITTY'S DINNER</h3> +<br /> +</div> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Kitty-Cat Kitty is going away,<br /> +Going to Grandma's, all summer to stay.<br /> +And so all the Maynards will weep and will bawl,<br /> +Till Kitty-Cat Kitty comes home in the fall."<br /> +</p> + + +<p>This affecting ditty was being sung with great gusto by King and +Marjorie, while Kitty, her mood divided between smiles and tears, was +quietly appreciative.</p> + +<p>The very next day, Kitty was to start for Morristown, to spend the +summer with Grandma Sherwood, and to-night the "Farewell Feast" was to +be celebrated.</p> + +<p>Every year one of the Maynard children spent the summer months with +their grandmother, and this year it was Kitty's turn. The visit was +always a pleasant one, and greatly enjoyed by the small visitor, but +there was always a wrench at parting, for the Maynard family were +affectionate and deeply devoted to one another.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> + +<p>The night before the departure was always celebrated by a festival of +farewell, and at this feast tokens were presented, and speeches made, +and songs sung, all of which went far to dispel sad or gloomy feelings.</p> + +<p>The Maynards were fond of singing. They were willing to sing +"ready-made" songs, and often did, but they liked better to make up +songs of their own, sometimes using familiar tunes and sometimes +inventing an air as they went along. Even if not quite in keeping with +the rules for classic music, these airs were pleasing in their own ears, +and that was all that was necessary.</p> + +<p>So, when King and Midget composed the touching lines which head this +chapter and sang them to the tune of "The Campbells are Coming," they +were so pleased that they repeated them many times.</p> + +<p>This served to pass pleasantly the half-hour that must yet elapse before +dinner would be announced.</p> + +<p>"Well, Kit," remarked Kingdon, in a breathing pause between songs, +"we'll miss you lots, o' course, but you'll have a gay old time at +Grandma's. That Molly Moss is a whole team in herself."</p> + +<p>"She's heaps of fun, Kitsie," said Marjorie, "but she's chock-a-block +full of mischief. But you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> won't tumble head over heels into all her +mischiefs, like I did! 'Member how I sprained my ankle, sliding down the +barn roof with her?"</p> + +<p>"No, of course I wouldn't do anything like that," agreed the sedate +Kitty. "But we'll have lots of fun with that tree-house; I'm going to +sit up there and read, on pleasant days."</p> + +<p>"H'm,—lucky,—you know what, King!"</p> + +<p>"H'm,—yes! Keep still, Mops. You'll give it away."</p> + +<p>"Oh, a secret about a present," cried Kitty; "something for the +tree-house, I know!"</p> + +<p>"Maybe 'tis, and maybe 'tain't," answered King, with a mysterious wink +at Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Me buyed present for Kitty," said Rosamond, smiling sweetly; "gold an' +blue,—oh, a bootiful present."</p> + +<p>"Hush, hush, Rosy Posy, you mustn't tell," said her brother. "Presents +are always surprises. Hey, girls, here's Father!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard's appearance was usually a signal for a grand rush, followed +by a series of bear hugs and a general scramble, but to-night, owing to +festive attire, the Maynard quartette were a little more demure.</p> + +<p>"Look out for my hair-ribbons, King!" cried Midget, for without such +warning, hair-ribbons<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> usually felt first the effects of the +good-natured scrimmage.</p> + +<p>And then Mrs. Maynard appeared, her pretty rose-colored gown of soft +silk trailing behind her on the floor.</p> + +<p>"What a dandy mother!" exclaimed King; "all dressed up, and a flower in +her hair!"</p> + +<p>This line sounded singable to Marjorie, so she tuned up:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"All dressed up, and a flower in her hair,<br /> +To give her a hug, I wouldn't dare;<br /> +For she would feel pretty bad, I think,<br /> +If anything happened to that there pink!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>Then King added a refrain, and in a moment they had all joined hands and +were dancing round Mrs. Maynard and singing:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Hooray, hooray, for our mother fair!<br /> +Hooray, hooray, for the flower in her hair!<br /> +All over the hills and far away,<br /> +There's no one so sweet as Mothery May!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>Being accustomed to boisterous adulation from her children, Mrs. Maynard +bore her honors gracefully, and then they all went out to dinner.</p> + +<p>As Maiden of Honor, Kitty was escorted by her father; next came Mrs. +Maynard and Kingdon, and then Marjorie and Rosy Posy. The table<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> had +extra decorations of flowers and pink-shaded candles, and at Kitty's +place was a fascinating looking lot of tissue-papered and ribbon-tied +parcels.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it funny," said sedate and philosophical Kitty, "I love to go to +Grandma's, and yet I hate to leave you all, and yet, I can't do one +without doing the other!"</p> + +<p>"'Tis strange, indeed, Kit!" agreed her father; "as Mr. Shakespeare +says, 'Yet every sweet with sour is tempered still.' Life is like +lemonade, sour and sweet both."</p> + +<p>"It's good enough," said Kitty, contentedly, looking at her array of +bundles. "I guess I'll open these now."</p> + +<p>"That's what they're there for," said Mrs. Maynard, so Kitty excitedly +began to untie the ribbons.</p> + +<p>"I'll go slowly," she said, pulling gently at a ribbon bow, "then +they'll last longer."</p> + +<p>"Now, isn't that just like you, Kit!" exclaimed Marjorie. "I'd snatch +the papers off so fast you couldn't see me jerk."</p> + +<p>"I know you would," said Kitty, simply.</p> + +<p>The sisters were very unlike, for Midget's ways were impulsive and +impatient, while Kitty was slow and careful. But finally the papers came +off, and revealed the lovely gifts.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard had made a pretty silk workbag, which could be spread out, +or gathered up close on its ribbon. When outspread, it showed a store of +needles and thread, of buttons, hooks, tapes,—everything a little girl +could need to keep her clothes in order.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mother, it's <i>perfect</i>!" cried Kitty, ecstatically. "I <i>love</i> those +cunning little pockets, with all <i>sewy</i> things in them! And a darling +silver thimble! And a silver tape measure, and a silver-topped emery! +Oh, I do believe I'll sew <i>all</i> the time this summer!"</p> + +<p>"Pooh, <i>I</i> wouldn't!" said Marjorie. "The things <i>are</i> lovely, but I'd +rather play than sew."</p> + +<p>"Sewing <i>is</i> play, I think," and Kitty fingered over her treasures +lovingly. "Grandma will help me with my patterns, and I'm going to piece +a silk teachest quilt. Oh, Mother, it will be <i>such</i> fun!"</p> + +<p>"Call <i>that</i> fun!" and Marjorie looked disdainfully at her sister. "Fun +is racing around and playing tag, and cutting up jinks generally!"</p> + +<p>"For you it is," Kitty agreed, amiably, "but not for me. I like what I +like."</p> + +<p>"That's good philosophy, Kitty," said her father. "Stick to it always. +Like what you like, and don't be bothered by other people's com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>ments or +opinions. Now, what's in that smallish, flattish, whitish parcel?"</p> + +<p>The parcel in question proved to be a watch, a dear little gold watch. +Kitty had never owned one before, and it almost took her breath away.</p> + +<p>"Mine?" she exclaimed, in wonder. "All mine?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, every bit yours," said Mr. Maynard, smiling at her. "Every wheel +and spring, every one of its three hands, every one of its twelve hours +are all, all yours. Do you like it?"</p> + +<p>"Like it! I can't think of any words to tell you how much I like it."</p> + +<p>"I'll think of some for you," said the accommodating Marjorie. "You +could say it's the grandest, gloriousest, gorgeousest, magnificentest +present you ever had!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I could say that," Kitty agreed, "but I never should have thought +of it. I 'most always say a thing is lovely. Now, what in the world is +this?"</p> + +<p>"This" proved to be a well-stocked portfolio, the gift of King. There +were notepaper and envelopes and a pen and pencils and stamps and +everything to write letters with.</p> + +<p>"I picked out all the things myself," King explained, "because it's +nicer that way than the ready furnished ones. Do you like it, Kit?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, indeedy! And I shall write my first letter to you, because you +gave it to me."</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Oh, Kitty-Cat Kit, a letter she writ,<br /> +And sent it away, to her brother one day,"<br /> +</p> + +<p>chanted Marjorie, and, as was their custom, they all sang the song after +her, some several times over.</p> + +<p>"Now for mine," Midget said, as Kitty slowly untied the next parcel. It +was two volumes of Fairy Tales, which literature was Kitty's favorite +reading.</p> + +<p>"Oh, lovely!" she exclaimed. "On summer afternoons you can think of me, +sitting out in the tree-house reading these. I shall pretend I'm a Fairy +Princess. These are beautiful stories, I can see that already."</p> + +<p>Kitty's quick eye had caught an interesting page, and forgetting all +else, she became absorbed in the book at once. In a moment, the page was +turned, and Kitty read on and on, oblivious to time or place.</p> + +<p>"Hi, there, Kitsie! Come out o' that!" cried King. "You can read all +summer,—<i>now</i> you must associate with your family."</p> + +<p>"I didn't mean to," said Kitty, shutting the book quickly, and looking +round apologetically;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> "but it's all about a fairy godmother, and a +lovely princess lady,—oh, Mopsy, it's <i>fine</i>!"</p> + +<p>A pair of little blue enamelled pins was Rosamond's present, and Kitty +pinned them on her shoulders at once, to see how they looked. All +pronounced the effect excellent, and Rosy Posy clapped her little fat +hands in glee.</p> + +<p>"Mine's the prettiest present!" she said. "Mine's the booflest!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Babykins," said Kitty, "yours is the booflest,—but they're all +lovely."</p> + +<p>The Farewell Feast included all of Kitty's favorite dishes, and as most +of them were also favorites with the other children, it was satisfactory +all round.</p> + +<p>"You must write to us often, Kit," said King; "I gave you those writing +things so you'd be sure to."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will; but I don't know yet where you're all going to be."</p> + +<p>"I don't know yet myself," said Mr. Maynard, "but it will be somewhere +near the sea, if possible. Will you like the seashore, Kiddies,—you +that are going?"</p> + +<p>"I shall," said Marjorie, promptly. "I'll <i>love</i> it. May we go bathing +every day? And can I have a bathing suit,—red, trimmed with white?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I 'spect you can," said her mother, smiling at her. "What color do you +want, King?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I think dark blue would suit my manly beauty! What are you going to +have, Father?"</p> + +<p>"I think dark blue will be our choice, my boy. It swims better than +anything else. But first we must find a roof to cover our heads. I've +about decided on one,—if I can get it. It's a bungalow."</p> + +<p>"What's a bungalow?" asked Marjorie. "I never heard of such a thing."</p> + +<p>"Ho, ho! Never heard of a bungalow!" said King. "Why, a bungalow is +a,—is a,——"</p> + +<p>"Well, is a what?" asked Midget, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Why, it's a bungalow! That's what it is."</p> + +<p>"Fine definition, King!" said his father. "But since you undertook to do +so, see if you can't give its meaning better than that. What <i>is</i> a, +bungalow?"</p> + +<p>"Well, let me see. It's a house,—I guess it's a low, one-storied house, +and that's why they call it bungalow. Is that it?"</p> + +<p>"You're right about the one story; the rest is, I think, your own +invention. Originally, the bungalow was the sort of a house they have in +India, a one-storied affair, with a thatched roof, and verandas all +round it. But the ones they build now, in this country, are often much +more elab<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>orate than that. Sometimes they have one story, sometimes +more. The one I'm trying to get for the summer is at Seacote, and it's +what they call a story and a half. That is, it has an upper floor, but +the rooms are under a slanting roof, and have dormer windows."</p> + +<p>"Sounds good to me," said King. "Do you think you'll catch it, Dad?"</p> + +<p>"I hope so. Some other person has the refusal of it, but he's doubtful +about taking it. So it may yet fall to our lot."</p> + +<p>"I hope so!" cried Marjorie. "At the seashore for a whole summer! My! +what fun! Can we dig in the sand?"</p> + +<p>"Well, rather, my child! That's what the sand is there for. Kitty, you +were at the seashore last summer. Did you dig in the sand?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, every day; and it was lovely. But this year I'm glad I'm going to +Grandma's. It's more restful."</p> + +<p>They all laughed at Kitty's desire for rest, and Marjorie said:</p> + +<p>"<i>I</i> didn't have such a restful time at Grandma's. Except when I +sprained my ankle,—I rested enough then! But you won't do anything like +that, Kit!"</p> + +<p>"I hope not, I'm sure. Nor I won't fall down the well, either!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, we didn't <i>fall</i> down the well. We just <i>went</i> down, to get cooled +off."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm not going to try it. I shall sit in the tree-house and read +every afternoon, and sew with Grandma in the mornings."</p> + +<p>"Kit, you're a dormouse," said Kingdon; "I believe you'd like to sleep +half the year."</p> + +<p>"'Deed I wouldn't. Just because I don't like rambunctious play doesn't +mean I want to sleep all the time! Does it, Father?"</p> + +<p>"Not a bit of it. But you children must 'like what you like' and not +comment on others' 'likes.' See?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said King, understanding the kindly rebuke. "Hullo, Kit, +here's one of your best 'likes'! Here's pink ice-cream coming!"</p> + +<p>This was indeed one of Kitty's dearest "likes," and as none of the +Maynards disliked it, it rapidly disappeared.</p> + +<p>"Now, we'll have an entertainment," said King as, after dinner, they all +went back to the pleasant living-room. "As Kitty is the chief pebble on +the beach this evening, she shall choose what sort of an entertainment. +Games, or what?"</p> + +<p>"No, just a real entertainment," said Kitty; "a programme one, you know. +Each one must sing a song or speak a piece, or something like<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> that. +<i>I'll</i> be the audience, and you can all be performers."</p> + +<p>"All right," said King; "I'll be master of ceremonies. I'll make up the +programme as I go along. Ladies and gentlemen, our first number will be +a speech by the Honorable Edward Maynard. Mr. Maynard will please step +forward."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard stepped. Assuming a pompous air, he made a low bow, first to +Kitty, and then to the others.</p> + +<p>"My dear friends," he said, "we are gathered here together this evening +to extend our farewells and our hearty good wishes to the lady about to +leave us. Sister, thou art mild and lovely, and we hate to see thee go; +but the best of friends must sever, and you'll soon come back, you know. +Listen now to our advices. Kitty, dear, for pity's sake, do not tumble +in the river,—do not tumble in the lake. Many more things I could tell +you as I talk in lovely rhyme, but I think it is my duty to let others +share the time."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard sat down amid great applause, and Kitty said, earnestly, +"You are a lovely poet, Father. I wish you'd give up your other +business, and just write books of poetry."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid, Kitsie, we wouldn't have enough money for pink ice-cream in +that case," said Mr. Maynard, laughing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The next performeress will be Mrs. Maynard," announced the master of +ceremonies.</p> + +<p>Mother Maynard rose, smiling, and with all the airs and graces of a +prima donna, went to the piano. Striking a few preliminary chords, she +began to sing:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Good-bye, Kitty; good-bye, Kitty; good-bye, Kitty,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">You're going to leave us now.</span><br /> +Merrily we say good-bye,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Say good-bye, say good-bye;</span><br /> +Merrily we say good-bye<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To sister Kitty-Kit."</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>This had a pleasant jingle, and was repeated by the whole assembly with +fine effect and a large volume of noise.</p> + +<p>"Miss Marjorie Maynard will now favor us," was the next announcement.</p> + +<p>"This is a poem I made up myself," said Midget, modestly, "and I think +it's very nice:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"When Kitty goes to Grandma's<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I hope she will be good;</span><br /> +And be a lady-girl and do<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Exactly as she should.</span><br /> +'Cause when <i>I go</i> to Grandma's,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I act exceeding bad;</span><br /> +I track up 'Liza's nice clean floor,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And make her hopping mad!"</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>Marjorie's poem was applauded with cheers, as they all recognized its +inherent truth.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We next come to Miss Rosamond Maynard," King went on, "but as she has +fallen asleep, I will ask that the audience kindly excuse her."</p> + +<p>The audience kindly did so, and as it was getting near everybody's +bedtime,—at least, for children,—the whole quartette was started +bedward, and went away singing:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Good-bye, Kitty, you're going to leave us now"—</p> +<hr class="major"/> + +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> +<h3>TOM, DICK, AND HARRY</h3> +</div> + +<p>"Jumping Grasshoppers! What a dandy house!"</p> + +<p>The Maynards' motor swung into the driveway of a large and pleasant +looking place, whose lawn showed some sand spots here and there, and +whose trees were tall pines, but whose whole effect was delightfully +breezy and seashorey.</p> + +<p>"Oh, grandiferous!" cried Marjorie, echoing her brother's enthusiastic +tones, and standing up in the car, better to see their new home.</p> + +<p>Seacote, the place chosen by Mr. Maynard for his family's summering, was +on the southern shore of Long Island, not very far from Rockaway Beach. +It was a sort of park or reservation in which building was under certain +restrictions, and so it was made up of pleasant homes filled with +pleasant people.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, Mr. Maynard had been able to rent the bungalow he wanted, +and it was this picturesque domicile that so roused King's admiration.</p> + +<p>The house was long and low, and surrounded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> by verandas, some of which +were screened by vines, and others shaded by striped awnings.</p> + +<p>But what most delighted the children was the fact that the ocean rolled +its crested breakers up to their very door. Not literally to the door, +for the road ran between the sea and the house, and a boardwalk was +between the road and the sea. But not fifty feet from their front +windows the shining waves were even now dashing madly toward them as if +in tumultuous welcome.</p> + +<p>The servants were already installed, and the open doors seemed to invite +the family to come in and make themselves at home.</p> + +<p>"Let's go straight bang through the whole house," said King, "and then +outdoors afterward."</p> + +<p>"All right," agreed Marjorie, and in their usual impetuous fashion, the +two raced through the house from attic to cellar, though there really +wasn't any attic, except a sort of low-ceiled loft. However, they +climbed up into this, and then down through the various bedrooms on the +second floor, and back to the first floor, which contained the large +living-room, a spacious hall, and the dining-room and kitchen.</p> + +<p>"It's all right," said King, nodding his head in approval. "Now outside, +Midget."</p> + +<p>Outside they flew, and took stock of their sur<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>roundings. Almost an acre +of ground was theirs, and though as yet empty of special interest, King +could see its possibilities.</p> + +<p>"Room for a tennis court," he said; "then I guess we'll have a big +swing, and a hammock, and a tent, and——"</p> + +<p>"And a merry-go-round," supplemented Mr. Maynard, overhearing King's +plans.</p> + +<p>"No, not that, Father," said Marjorie, "but we <i>can</i> have swings and +things, can't we?"</p> + +<p>"I 'spect so, Mopsy. But with the ocean and the beach, I doubt if you'll +stay in this yard much."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's so; I forgot the ocean! Come on, Father, let's go and look +at it."</p> + +<p>So the three went down to the beach, and Marjorie, who hadn't been to +the seashore since she was a small child, plumped herself down on the +sand, and just gazed out at the tumbling waves.</p> + +<p>"I don't care for the swings and things," she said. "I just want to stay +here all the time, and dig and dig and dig."</p> + +<p>As she spoke she was digging her heels into the fine white sand, and +poking her hands in, and burying her arms up to her dimpled elbows.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father, isn't it gee-lorious! Sit down, won't you, and let us bury +you in sand, all but your nose!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not now," said Mr. Maynard, laughing. "Some day you may, when I'm in a +bathing suit. But I don't care for pockets full of sand. Now, I'm going +back to home and Mother. You two may stay down here till luncheon time +if you like."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard went back to the house, and King and Marjorie continued +their explorations. The beach was flat and smooth, and its white sand +was full of shells, and here and there a few bits of seaweed, and +farther on some driftwood, and in the distance a pier, built out far +into the ocean.</p> + +<p>"Did you ever <i>see</i> such a place?" cried Marjorie, in sheer delight.</p> + +<p>"Well, I was at the seashore last year," said King, "while you were at +Grandma's."</p> + +<p>"But it wasn't as nice as this, was it? Say it wasn't!"</p> + +<p>"No; the sand was browner. This is the nicest sand I ever saw. Say, +Mops, let's build a fire."</p> + +<p>"What for? It isn't cold."</p> + +<p>"No, but you always build fires on the beach. It's lots of fun. And +we'll roast potatoes in it."</p> + +<p>"All right. How do we begin?"</p> + +<p>"Well, we gather a lot of wood first. Come on."</p> + +<p>Marjorie came on, and they worked with a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> will, gathering armfuls of +wood and piling it up near the spot they had selected for their fire.</p> + +<p>"That's enough," said Marjorie, for her arms ached as she laid down her +last contribution to their collection.</p> + +<p>"You'll find it isn't much when it gets to burning. But never mind, it +will make a start. I'll skin up to the house and get matches and +potatoes."</p> + +<p>"I'll go with you, 'cause I think we'd better ask Father about making +this fire. It might do some harm."</p> + +<p>"Fiddlesticks! We made a fire 'most every day last summer."</p> + +<p>And, owing to King's knowledge and experience regarding beach fires, his +father told him he might build one, and to be properly careful about not +setting fire to themselves.</p> + +<p>Then they procured potatoes and apples from the kitchen, and raced back +to the beach.</p> + +<p>"Why, where's our wood?" cried Marjorie.</p> + +<p>Not a stick or a chip remained of their carefully gathered wood pile.</p> + +<p>"Some one has stolen it!" said King.</p> + +<p>"No, there's nobody around, except those people over there, and they're +grown-ups. It must have been washed away by a wave."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Pooh, the waves aren't coming up near as far as this."</p> + +<p>"Well, there might have been a big one."</p> + +<p>"No, it wasn't a wave. That wood was stolen, Mops!"</p> + +<p>"But who could have done it? Those grown-up people wouldn't. You can see +from their looks they wouldn't. They're reading aloud. And in the other +direction, there are only some fishermen,—they wouldn't take it."</p> + +<p>"Well, somebody did. Look, here are lots of footprints, and I don't +believe they're all ours."</p> + +<p>Sure enough, on the smooth white sand they could see many footprints, +imprinted all over each other, as if scurrying feet had trodden all +around their precious wood pile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, King, you're just like a detective!" cried Marjorie, in admiration. +"But it's so! These aren't our footprints!"</p> + +<p>She fitted her spring-heeled tan shoes into the prints, and proved at +once that they were not hers. Nor did King's shoes fit exactly, though +they came nearer to it than Marjorie's.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; some fellows came along and stole that wood. Here are two or +three quite different prints."</p> + +<p>"Well, where do they lead to?" said practical Marjorie.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's so. Let's trace them and get the wood back."</p> + +<p>But after leading away from them for a short distance the footprints +became fainter, and in a softer bit of sand disappeared altogether.</p> + +<p>"Pshaw!" said King. "I don't so much care about the wood, but I hate to +lose the trail like this. Let's hunt, Mopsy."</p> + +<p>"All right, but first, let's bury these apples and potatoes, or they'll +be stolen, too."</p> + +<p>"Good idea!" And they buried their treasures in the nice, clean sand, +and marked the place with an inconspicuous stick.</p> + +<p>Then they set out to hunt their lost wood. The beach, though flat and +shelving at the water's edge, rose in a low bluff farther back, and this +offered among its irregular projections many good hiding-places for +their quarry.</p> + +<p>And, sure enough, after some searching, they came suddenly upon three +boys who sat, shaking with laughter, upon a pile of wood.</p> + +<p>The two Maynards glared at them rather angrily, upon which the three +again went off in peals of laughter.</p> + +<p>"That's our wood!" began King, aggressively.</p> + +<p>"Sure it is!" returned the biggest boy, still chuckling.</p> + +<p>"What did you bring it over here for?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Just for fun!"</p> + +<p>"H'm, just for fun! And do you think it would be fun to carry it back +again?"</p> + +<p>"Yep; just's lieve as not. Come on, kids!" And that remarkable boy began +to pick up the sticks.</p> + +<p>"Oh, hold on," said King. "If you're so willing, you needn't do it! Who +are you, anyway?"</p> + +<p>"Well," said the biggest boy, suddenly straightening himself up and +bowing politely to Marjorie, "we're your neighbors. We live in that +green house next to yours. And we're named Tom, Dick, and Harry. Yes, I +know you think those names sound funny, but they're ours all the same. +Thomas, Richard, and Henry Craig,—at your service! I'm Tom. This is +Dick, and this is Harry."</p> + +<p>He whacked his brothers on the shoulder as he named them, and they +ducked forward in polite, if awkward salutation.</p> + +<p>"And did you really take our wood?" said Marjorie, with an accusing +glance, as if surprised that such pleasant-spoken boys could do such a +thing.</p> + +<p>"Yes, we did. We wanted to see what sort of stuff you were made of. You +know Seacote people are sort of like one big family, and we wanted to +know how you'd behave about the wood.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> You've been fine, and now we'll +cart it back where we found it. If you had got mad about it, we wouldn't +touch a stick to take it back,—would we, fellows?"</p> + +<p>"Nope," said the other two, and the Maynards could see at once that Tom +was the captain and ringleader of the trio.</p> + +<p>"Well," said King, judicially, "if you hadn't been the sort you are, I +<i>should</i> have got mad. But I guess you're all right, and so you <i>may</i> +take it back. But we don't help you do it,—see? I'm Kingdon Maynard, +and this is my sister Marjorie. You fellows took our wood, and now +you're going to return it. Is that right?"</p> + +<p>"Right-o!" said Tom. "Come on, fellows."</p> + +<p>The three boys flew at it, and King and Midget sat on the sand and +watched them till the wood was restored to its original position.</p> + +<p>"All right," said King; "you boys'll do. Now, come on and roast potatoes +with us."</p> + +<p>Thus, all demands of honor having been complied with, the five proceeded +to become friends. The boys built the fire, and gallantly let Marjorie +have the fun of putting the potatoes and apples in place.</p> + +<p>The Craig boys had nice instincts, and while they were rather +rough-and-tumble among themselves, they treated King more decorously, +and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> seemed to consider Marjorie as a being of a higher order, made to +receive not only respect, but reverent homage.</p> + +<p>"You see, we never had a sister," said Tom; "and we're a little bit +scared of girls."</p> + +<p>"Well, I have three," said King, "so you see I haven't such deep awe of +them. But Midget won't hurt you, so don't be <i>too</i> scared of her."</p> + +<p>Marjorie smiled in most friendly fashion, for she liked these boys, and +especially Tom.</p> + +<p>"How old are you?" she asked him, in her frank, pleasant way.</p> + +<p>"I'm fourteen," replied Tom, "and the other kids are twelve and ten."</p> + +<p>"King's fourteen,—'most fifteen," said Midget; "and I'll be thirteen in +July. So we're all in the same years. I wish our Kitty was here. She's +nearly eleven, but she isn't any bigger than Harry."</p> + +<p>Harry smiled shyly, and poked at the potatoes with a stick, not knowing +quite what to say.</p> + +<p>"You see," King explained, "Midget is the best sort of a girl there is. +She's girly, all right, and yet she's as good as a boy at cutting up +jinks or doing any old kind of stunts."</p> + +<p>The three Craigs looked at Marjorie in speechless admiration.</p> + +<p>"I never knew that kind," said Tom, thought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>fully. "You see, we go to a +boys' school, and we haven't any girl cousins, or anything; and the only +girls I ever see are at dancing class, or in a summer hotel, and then +they're all frilled up, and sort of airy."</p> + +<p>"I love to play with boys," said Marjorie, frankly, "and I guess we'll +have a lot of fun this summer."</p> + +<p>"I guess we <i>will</i>! Are you going to stay all summer?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, till September, when school begins."</p> + +<p>"So are we. Isn't it funny we live next door to each other?"</p> + +<p>"Awful funny," agreed Marjorie, pulling a very black potato out of the +red-hot embers. "This is done," she went on, "and I'm going to eat it."</p> + +<p>"So say we all of us," cried King. "One done,—all done! Help +yourselves, boys!"</p> + +<p>So they all pulled out the black, sooty potatoes, with more delighted +anticipations than would have been roused by the daintiest dish served +at a table.</p> + +<p>"Ow!" cried Marjorie, flinging down her potato, and sticking her finger +in her mouth. "Ow! that old thing <i>popped</i> open, and burned me awfully!"</p> + +<p>"Too bad, Mops!" said King, with genuine<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> sympathy, but the Craig boys +were more solicitous.</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh! I'm so sorry," cried Tom. "Does it hurt <i>terribly</i>?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, it does," said Midget, who was not in the habit of complaining +when she got hurt, but who was really suffering from the sudden burn.</p> + +<p>"Let me tie it up," said Dick, shyly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, do," said Tom. "Dick is our good boy. He always helps everybody +else."</p> + +<p>"But what can we tie it up with?" said Marjorie. "My handkerchief is all +black from wiping off that potato."</p> + +<p>"I,—I've got a clean one," and Dick, blushing with embarrassment, took +a neatly folded white square from his pocket.</p> + +<p>"Would you look at that!" said Tom. "I declare Dicky always has the +right thing at the right time! Good for you, boy! Fix her up."</p> + +<p>Quite deftly Dick wrapped the handkerchief round Marjorie's finger, and +secured it with a bit of string from another pocket.</p> + +<p>"You ought to have something on it," he said, gravely. "Kerosene is +good, but as we haven't any, it will help it just to keep the air away +from it, till you go home."</p> + +<p>"Goodness!" exclaimed Midget. "You talk like a doctor."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm going to be a doctor when I grow up," said Dick.</p> + +<p>"He is," volunteered Harry; "he cured the cat's broken leg, and he +mended a bird's wing once."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I did," admitted Dick, modestly blushing at his achievements. "Are +you going right home because of your finger?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed! We never stop for hurts and things, unless they're bad +enough for us to go to bed. Give me another potato, and you open it for +me, won't you, Dick?"</p> + +<p>"Yep," and Marjorie was immediately supplied with the best of the +potatoes and apples, carefully prepared for her use.</p> + +<p>"Aren't there any other girls in Seacote?" she inquired.</p> + +<p>"There's Hester Corey," answered Tom; "but we don't know her very well. +She isn't nice, like you are. And I don't know of any others, though +there may be some. Most of the people in the cottages haven't any +children,—or else they're grown up,—big girls and young ladies. And +there's a few little babies, but not many of our age. So that's why +we're so glad you came."</p> + +<p>"And that's why you stole our wood!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, truly. We thought that'd be a good way to test your temper."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It was a risky way," said King, thinking it over.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know. I knew, if you were the right sort, you'd take it all +right; and if you weren't the right sort, we didn't care how you took +it."</p> + +<p>"That's so," agreed Marjorie.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> +<h3>THE SAND CLUB</h3> +</div> + +<p>Life at Seacote soon settled down to its groove, and it was a very +pleasant groove. There was always plenty of fun to be had. Bathing every +day in the crashing breakers, digging in the sand, building beach fires, +talking to the old fishermen, were all delightful pursuits. And then +there were long motor rides inland, basket picnics in pine groves, and +excursions to nearby watering-places.</p> + +<p>The Craig boys turned out to be jolly playfellows, and they and the +Maynards became inseparable chums. Marjorie often wished one of them had +been a girl, but at the same time, she enjoyed her unique position of +being the only girl in the crowd. The boys deferred to her as to a +princess, and she ruled them absolutely.</p> + +<p>Of course the senior Craigs and Maynards became good friends also, and +the two ladies especially spent many pleasant hours together.</p> + +<p>Baby Rosamond rarely played with the older children, as she was too +little to join in their vigorous games, often original with themselves, +and decidedly energetic. The beach was their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> favorite playground. They +never tired of digging in the sand, and they had a multitude of spades +and shovels and hoes for their various sand performances. Some days they +built a fort, other days a castle or a pleasure ground. Their sand-works +were extensive and elaborate, and it often seemed a pity that the tide +or the wind should destroy them over night.</p> + +<p>"I say, let's us be a Sand Club," said Tom one day. "We're always +playing in the sand, you know."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Marjorie, instantly seeing delightful possibilities. +"We'll call ourselves Sand Crabs, for we're always scrambling through +the sand."</p> + +<p>"And we're jolly as sandboys!" said King. "I don't know what sandboys +really are, but they're always jolly, and so are we."</p> + +<p>"I'd like something more gay and festive," Marjorie put in; "I mean like +Court Life, or something where we could dress up, and pretend things."</p> + +<p>"I know what you mean," said Dick, grasping her idea. "Let's have Sand +Court, and build a court and a throne, and we'll all be royal people and +Marjorie can be queen."</p> + +<p>"Well, let's all have sandy names," suggested Tom. "Marjorie can be +Queen Sandy. And<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> we'll call our court Sandringham Palace. You know +there is one, really."</p> + +<p>"You can be the Grand Sandjandrum!" said King, laughing.</p> + +<p>"No, you be that," said Tom, unselfishly.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; <i>you've</i> got to. I'll be a sand piper, and play the court +anthems."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Marjorie, "and Harry can be a sand crab, for he just +scuttles through the sand all the time. What'll Dick be?"</p> + +<p>King looked at Dick. "We'll call him Sandow," he suggested, and they all +laughed, for Dick was a frail little chap, without much muscular +strength. But the name stuck to him, and they always called him Sandow +thereafter.</p> + +<p>"I wish we could make our palace where it would stay made," said +Marjorie. "We don't want to make a new one every day."</p> + +<p>"That's so," said Tom. "If we only could find a secret haunt."</p> + +<p>"I know a kind of a one," said Dick; "'way back in our yard, near where +it joins yours, is a deepy kind of a place, and it's quite sandy."</p> + +<p>"Just the thing!" cried Marjorie. "I know that place. Come on!"</p> + +<p>She was off like a deer, and the rest followed. A few moments' scamper +brought them to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> place, and all declared it was just the very spot +for a palace.</p> + +<p>"I'd like beach sand better, though," said Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"We'll bring all you want," declared Tom. "We'll take a wheelbarrow, and +bring heaps up from the beach."</p> + +<p>The Sand Club worked for days getting their palace in order. The two big +boys wheeled many loads of sand up from the beach, and Marjorie and the +two other boys arranged it in shape.</p> + +<p>Dick was clever at building, and he planned a number of fine effects. Of +course, their palace had no roof or walls, but the apartments were +partitioned off with low walls of sand, and there were sand sofas and +chairs, and a gorgeous throne.</p> + +<p>The throne was a heap of sand, surmounted by a legless armchair, found +in the Craigs' attic, and at court meetings draped with pink cheesecloth +and garlands of flowers. The whole palace was really a "secret haunt," +for a slight rise of ground screened it from view on two sides and trees +shaded the other side.</p> + +<p>The parents of both families were pleased with the whole scheme, for it +kept the children occupied, and they could always be found at a moment's +notice.</p> + +<p>Sand tables were built, and on them were bits<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> of old dishes and broken +vases, all of which were desirable because they could stay out in the +rain and not be harmed. Moreover, they were handy in case of a feast. At +last preparations were complete and they decided to open the court next +day.</p> + +<p>"We must have a flag," said Marjorie. "I'll make it. The court colors +are red and yellow, and our emblem will be,—what shall our emblem be?"</p> + +<p>"A pail of sand," suggested Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I can cut out a pail of red flannel, and sew it on to a yellow +flag. I'll make that this afternoon, and we'll hold court to-morrow +morning at ten o'clock. We must all wear some red and yellow. Sashes +will do for you boys, and I'll have,—well, I'll fix up a rig of some +kind."</p> + +<p>Marjorie was a diligent little worker when she chose to be, and that +afternoon she made a very creditable flag, showing a pail, red; on a +field, yellow. She made also sashes for them all, of red and yellow +cheesecloth, and she made herself a court train of the same material, +which trailed grandly from her shoulders.</p> + +<p>Next morning the Sand Club assembled on the Maynards' veranda, to march +to Sandringham Palace.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Craig had helped out the costumes of her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> royal children, and the +Grand Sandjandrum was gorgeous in a voluminous yellow turban, with a red +cockade sticking up on one side.</p> + +<p>Sandow and the Sand Crab had soldier hats made of red and yellow paper, +and big sailor collars of the same colors.</p> + +<p>The Sand Piper wore his sash jauntily with a huge shoulder knot, and he, +too, had a cockaded headgear.</p> + +<p>Marjorie, as Queen Sandy, wore her trailing court robe and a crown of +yellow paper with red stars on it. She had a sceptre, and Sandow carried +the flag.</p> + +<p>The Sand Piper marched ahead, playing on a tuneful instrument known as a +kazoo. Next came the Grand Sandjandrum, then the Queen, then the Sand +Crab, and finally, Sandow with the flag.</p> + +<p>Slowly and with great dignity the procession filed out toward the +palace. King was playing the Star Spangled Banner, or thought he was. It +sounded almost as much like Hail Columbia,—but it didn't really matter, +and they're both difficult tunes, anyway.</p> + +<p>Blithely they stepped along, and prepared to enter the palace with a +flourish of trumpets, as it were, when King's music stopped suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Great Golliwogs!" he cried. "Look at that!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Look at what?" said Tom, who was absorbed in the grand march.</p> + +<p>But he looked, and they all looked, and five angry exclamations sounded +as they saw only the ruins of the beloved Sandringham Palace.</p> + +<p>Somebody had utterly demolished it. The low walls were broken and +scattered, the sand tables and chairs were torn down, and the throne was +entirely upset.</p> + +<p>"Who did this?" roared Tom.</p> + +<p>But as nobody knew the answer, there was no reply.</p> + +<p>"It couldn't have been any of your servants, could it?" asked King of +the Craigs. "I know it wasn't any of ours."</p> + +<p>"No; it wasn't ours, either," said Tom. "Could it have been your little +sister?"</p> + +<p>"Mercy, no!" cried Marjorie. "Rosy Posy isn't that sort of a child. Oh, +I do think it's awful!" and forgetting her royal dignity, Queen Sandy +began to cry.</p> + +<p>"Why, Mops," said King, kindly; "brace up, old girl. Don't cry."</p> + +<p>"I'm not a cry baby," said Midget, smiling through her tears. "I'm just +crying 'cause I'm so <i>mad</i>! I'm mad clear through! How <i>could</i> anybody +be so ugly?"</p> + +<p>"I'm mad, too," declared Tom, slowly, "but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> I know who did it, and it's +partly my fault, I s'pose."</p> + +<p>"Your fault!" exclaimed Midget. "Why, Tom, how can it be?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you see it was this way. Yesterday afternoon Mrs. Corey came to +call on my mother, and she brought Hester with her."</p> + +<p>"That red-headed girl?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and she has a temper to match her hair! Mother made me talk to +her, and, as I didn't know what else to talk about, I told her about our +Sand Club, and about the Court to-day and everything. And she wanted to +belong to the club, and I told her she couldn't, because it was just the +Maynards and the Craigs. And she was madder'n hops, and she coaxed me, +and I still said no, and then she said she'd get even with us somehow."</p> + +<p>"But, Tom," said King, "we don't know that girl to speak to. We hardly +know her by sight."</p> + +<p>"But we do. We knew her when we were here last summer, but, you see, +this year we've had you two to play with, so we've sort of neglected +her,—and she doesn't like it."</p> + +<p>"But that's no reason she should spoil our palace," and Marjorie looked +sadly at the scene of ruin and destruction.</p> + +<p>"No; and of course I'm not sure that she did<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> do it. But she said she'd +do something to get even with you."</p> + +<p>"With me? Why, she doesn't know me at all."</p> + +<p>"That's what she's mad about. She says you're stuck up, and you put on +airs and never look at her."</p> + +<p>"Why, how silly! I don't know her, but somehow, from her looks, I <i>know</i> +I shouldn't like her."</p> + +<p>"No, you wouldn't, Marjorie. She's selfish, and she's ill-tempered. She +flies into a rage at any little thing, and,—well, she isn't a bit like +you Maynards."</p> + +<p>"<i>No!</i> and I'm glad of it! I wouldn't <i>want</i> to be like such a stuck-up +thing!"</p> + +<p>These last words were spoken by a strange voice, and Marjorie looked +round quickly to see a shock of red hair surmounting a very angry little +face just appearing from behind the small hill, beneath whose +overhanging shadow they had built their palace.</p> + +<p>"Why, Hester Corey!" shouted Tom. "What are you doing here?"</p> + +<p>"I came to see how you like your old sand-house!" she jeered, mockingly, +and making faces at Marjorie between her words. Marjorie was utterly +astonished. It was her first experience with a child of this type, and +she didn't know just how to take her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> + +<p>The newcomer was a little termagant. Her big blue eyes seemed to flash +with anger, and as she danced about, shaking her fist at Marjorie and +pointing her forefinger at her, she cried, tauntingly, "Stuck up! +Proudy!"</p> + +<p>Marjorie grew indignant. She had done nothing knowingly to provoke this +wrath, so she faced the visitor squarely, and glared back at her.</p> + +<p>"I'd rather be stuck up than to be such a spiteful thing as you are!" +she declared. "Did <i>you</i> tear down this palace that we took such trouble +to build?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I did!" said Hester. "And if you build it again, I'll tear it down +again,—so, there, now!"</p> + +<p>"You'll do no such thing!" shouted Tom.</p> + +<p>"Huh, Smarty! What have you got to say about it?"</p> + +<p>The crazy little Hester flew at Tom and pounded him vigorously on the +back.</p> + +<p>"I hate you!" she cried. "I <i>hate</i> you!"</p> + +<p>As a matter of fact, her little fists couldn't hurt the big, sturdy boy, +but her intense anger made him angry too.</p> + +<p>"You, Hester Corey!" he cried. "You leave me alone!"</p> + +<p>King stood a little apart, with his hands in his pockets, looking at the +combatants.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Say, we've had about enough of this," he said, speaking quietly, and +without excitement. "We Maynards are not accustomed to this sort of +thing. We squabble sometimes, but we never get really angry."</p> + +<p>"Goody-goody boy!" said Hester, sneeringly, and making one of her worst +faces at him. For some reason this performance struck King as funny.</p> + +<p>"Do it again," he said. "How do you ever squink up your nose like that! +Bet you can't do it three times in succession."</p> + +<p>The audacious Hester tried it, and the result was so ludicrous they all +laughed.</p> + +<p>"Now look here," went on King, "we're not acquainted with you, but we +know you're Hester Corey. We know you spoiled our Sand Palace, just out +of angry spite. Now, Hester Corey, you've got to be punished for that. +We're peaceable people ourselves, but we're just, also. We were about to +have a nice celebration, but you've put an end to that before it began. +So, instead, we're going to have a trial. You're the prisoner, and +you've pleaded guilty,—at least, you've confessed your crime. Queen +Sandy, get into that throne,—never mind if it is upset,—set it up +again. Grand Sandjandrum, take your place on that mussed up sand heap. +You two other chaps,—stand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> one each side of the prisoner as sentinels. +I'll conduct this case, and Queen Sandy will pronounce the sentence. +It's us Maynards that Hester Corey seems to have a grudge against, so +it's up to us Maynards to take charge of the case. Prisoner, stand on +that board there."</p> + +<p>"I won't do it!" snapped Hester, and the red locks shook vigorously.</p> + +<p>"You will do it," said King, quietly, and for some reason or other +Hester quailed before his glance, and then meekly stood where he told +her to.</p> + +<p>"Have you anything to say for yourself?" King went on. "Any excuse to +offer for such a mean, hateful piece of work?"</p> + +<p>Hester sulked a minute, then she said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, I was mad at you, because you all have such good times, and +wouldn't let me in them."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by that? You never asked to come in."</p> + +<p>"I did. I asked Tom Craig yesterday, and he wouldn't ask you."</p> + +<p>"Then why are you mad at us?"</p> + +<p>"Because you're so proud and exclusive. You think yourselves so great; +you think nobody's as good as you are!"</p> + +<p>"That isn't true, Hester," said King, quite<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> gently; "and even if it +were, are you proving yourself better than we are by cutting up this +mean, babyish trick? If you want us to like you, why not make yourself +likeable, instead of horrid and hateful?"</p> + +<p>This was a new idea to Hester, and she stared at King as if greatly +interested.</p> + +<p>"That's right," he went on. "If people want people to like them, they +must be likeable. They must be obliging and kind and pleasant, and not +small and spiteful."</p> + +<p>"You haven't been very nice to me," muttered Hester.</p> + +<p>"We haven't had a chance. And before we get a chance you upset +everything by making us dislike you! What kind of common sense is that?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe you could forgive me," suggested Hester, hopefully.</p> + +<p>"Maybe we could, later on. But we're for fair play, and you treated us +unfairly. So now, you've got to be punished. Queen Sandy, Grand +Sandjandrum, which of you can suggest proper punishment for this +prisoner of ours?"</p> + +<p>Tom thought for a moment, then he said:</p> + +<p>"Seems 's if she ought to put this palace back in order, just as it was +when she found it,—but that's too hard work for a girl."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll help her," said Harry, earnestly. "I'm sorry for her."</p> + +<p>"Sorry for her!" cried Tom, with blazing eyes. "<i>Sorry</i> for the girl +that spoiled our palace!"</p> + +<p>"Well, you see," went on Harry, "she's sorry herself now."</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> +<h3>SAND COURT</h3> +</div> + + +<p>With one accord, they all looked at Hester. Sure enough, it was easily +to be seen that she was sorry. All her anger and rage had vanished, and +she stood digging one toe into the sand, and twisting from side to side, +with her eyes cast down, and two big tears rolling slowly down her +cheeks.</p> + +<p>Marjorie sprang up from her wabbly throne, and running to Hester, threw +her arms around +<ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'her. her.'">her.</ins> +</p> + +<p>"Don't cry, Hester," she said. "We'll all forgive you. I think you lost +your temper and I think you're sorry now, aren't you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, yes, I am!" sobbed Hester. "But I envied the good times you +had, and when Tom wouldn't let me into your club, I got so mad I didn't +know what to do."</p> + +<p>"There, there, don't cry any more," and Midget smoothed the tangled red +mop, and tried to comfort the bad little Hester.</p> + +<p>Tom looked rather disappointed.</p> + +<p>"I say," he began, "she did an awful mean thing, and she ought to +be——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hold on a minute, Tom," said Marjorie. "I'm Queen of this club, and +what I say goes! Is that right, my courtiers?"</p> + +<p>She looked round at the boys, smiling in a wheedlesome way, and King +said, "Right, O Queen Sandy! Right always and ever, in the hearts of +your gentlemen-in-waiting."</p> + +<p>"You bet you are!" cried Tom, quick to follow King's lead. "Our noble +Queen has but to say the word, and it is our law. Therefore, O Queen, we +beg thee to mete out a just punishment to this prisoner within our +gates."</p> + +<p>"Hear ye! Hear ye!" said Midget, with great dramatic fervor. "I hereby +forgive this prisoner of ours, because she's truly sorry she acted like +the dickens. And as a punishment, I condemn her to rebuild this royal +palace, but, following Harry's example, we will all help her with the +work."</p> + +<p>Then King burst forth into song:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Hooray, Hooray, for our noble Queen,<br /> +The very best monarch that ever was seen.<br /> +There's nobody quite so perfectly dandy,<br /> +As our most gracious, most noble Queen Sandy!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>They all repeated this chorus, and the Queen bowed and smiled at her +devoted court.</p> + +<p>"And also," her Royal Highness went on, "we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> hereby take into our club +Miss Hester Corey as a new member. I'm glad to have another girl in +it,—and what I say goes!"</p> + +<p>This time Tom made up the song:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"What she says, goes!<br /> +She's sweet as a rose,<br /> +From head to toes,<br /> +So what she says, goes!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Miss Hester Corey is now a member," said Midget, "and her name +is,—is——"</p> + +<p>"Sand Witch," suggested Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said King; "you expect witches to cut up tricks."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Hester. "Call me Sand Witch, and you'll see there are +good witches as well as bad."</p> + +<p>"Come on, then," said Marjorie, "and show us how you can work. Let's put +this palace back into shape again as quick as scat!"</p> + +<p>They all fell to work, and it didn't take so very long after all. Hester +was conquered by the power of Marjorie's kindness, and she was meek as a +lamb. She did whatever she was told, and was a quick and willing worker.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Midget, after it was all in order once more, "now we'll have +our celebration. You see, we have six in our court now, instead of +five,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> and I think it's nicer. I'll give the Sand Witch my sash to wear, +and she can be my first lady-in-waiting."</p> + +<p>This position greatly pleased Hester, and she took her place at the side +of the enthroned Queen, while Tom stood at her other side. King played a +grand tune, and they all sang.</p> + +<p>The song was in honor of the flag-raising, and was hastily composed by +Marjorie for the occasion:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Our Flag, our Flag, our Sand Club Flag!<br /> +Long may she wave, long may she wag!<br /> +And may our Sand Club ever stand<br /> +A glory to our Native Land."<br /> +</p> + +<p>Tom persisted in singing "a glory to our native <i>sand</i>," and King said +<i>strand</i>, but after all, it didn't matter.</p> + +<p>Then Sandow, bearing the flag, stepped gravely forward, and the boys all +helped to plant it firmly in the middle of Sand Court, while the Queen +and her lady-in-waiting nodded approval.</p> + +<p>"Ha, Courtiers! I prithee sit!" the Queen commanded, when the flag was +gaily waving in the breeze.</p> + +<p>Her four courtiers promptly sat on the ground at her feet, and the Queen +addressed them thus:</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen-in-waiting of Sandringham Palace,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> there are much affairs of +state now before us. First must we form our club, our Sand Club."</p> + +<p>"Most noble Queen," and Tom rose to his feet, "have I your permission to +speak?"</p> + +<p>"Speak!" said the Queen, graciously, waving her sceptre at him.</p> + +<p>"Then I rise to inquire if this is a secret organization."</p> + +<p>"You bet it is!" cried King, jumping up. "The very secretest ever! If +any one lets out the secrets of these secret meetings, he shall be +excommunicated in both feet!"</p> + +<p>"A just penalty!" said Tom, gravely.</p> + +<p>"Is all well, O fair Queen? Do you agree?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I agree," said the Queen, smiling. "But I want to know what these +secrets are to be about."</p> + +<p>"That's future business," declared King. "Just now we have to elect +officers, and all that."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Marjorie, "but you must be more courtly about it. Say +it more,—you know how I mean."</p> + +<p>"As thus," spoke up the lady-in-waiting, dropping on one knee before the +Queen.</p> + +<p>"What is the gracious will of your Royal Highness in the matter of +secretary and treasurer, O Queen!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, that's better. Well, my court, to tell you the truth, I don't +think that we need a secretary and such things, because it isn't a +regular club. Let us content ourselves with our present noble offices. +Grand Sandjandrum, what are the duties of thy high office?"</p> + +<p>"No duties, but all pleasures, when serving thee, O noble and gracious +Queen!"</p> + +<p>"That's fine," said Midget, clapping her hands. "Hither, Sir Sand Piper! +What are thy duties at, court?"</p> + +<p>"Your Majesty," said King, bowing low, "it is my humble part to play the +pipes, or to lay the pipes, as the case may be. I do not smoke pipes, +but, if it be thy gracious wish, I can blow fair soap bubbles from +them."</p> + +<p>"Sand Piper, I see you know your business," said the Queen. "Ha! Sand +Crab, what dost thou do each day?"</p> + +<p>"Just scramble around in the sand," replied Harry, and suiting the +action to the word, he gave such a funny scrambling performance that +they all applauded.</p> + +<p>"Right well done, noble Sand Crab," commented the smiling Queen. "And +thou, O Sandow?"</p> + +<p>"I do all the strong-arm work required in the palace," said Dick, +doubling up his little fist, and trying to make it look large and +powerful.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, thee, my fair lady-in-waiting, what dost thou do in this, my +court?"</p> + +<p>Hester shook back her mop of red curls, and her eyes danced as she +answered, gaily:</p> + +<p>"I am the Court Sand Witch! I cut up tricks of all sorts, as doth become +a witch. Aye, many a time will I cause enchantments to fall upon thee, +one and all! I am a magic witch, and I can cast spells!"</p> + +<p>Hester waved her arms about, and swayed from side to side, her eyes +fixed in a glassy stare, and her red curls bobbing.</p> + +<p>"Good gracious!" cried Marjorie. "You're like a witch I saw on the stage +once in a fairy pantomime. Say, Hester, let's have a pantomime +entertainment some day."</p> + +<p>"All right. My mother'll help us. She's always getting up private +theatricals and things like that. She says I inherit her dramatic +talent."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Tom, warningly; "but don't you turn your dramatic +talent toward tearing down our palace again."</p> + +<p>"Of course I won't, now I'm a member."</p> + +<p>"Of course she won't," agreed Marjorie. "Now, my courtiers, and +lady-in-waiting, there's another subject to come before your royal +attention. We must have a Court Journal."</p> + +<p>"What's that?" inquired Harry.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why, a sort of a paper, you know, with all the court news in it."</p> + +<p>"There isn't any."</p> + +<p>"But there will be. We're not fairly started yet. Now who'll write this +paper?"</p> + +<p>"All of us," suggested Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yes; but there must be one at the head of it,—sort of editor, you +know."</p> + +<p>"Guess it better be King," said Tom, thoughtfully. "He knows the most +about writing things."</p> + +<p>"All right," agreed King. "I'll edit the paper, only you must all +contribute. We'll have it once a week, and everybody must send me some +contribution, if it's only a little poem or something."</p> + +<p>"I can't write poems," said Harry, earnestly, "but I can gather up +news,—and like that."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Marjorie, "that's what I mean. But it must be news about us +court people, or maybe our families."</p> + +<p>"Can't we make it up?" asked Hester.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I s'pose so, if you make it real court like and grand sounding."</p> + +<p>"What shall we call our paper?" asked King.</p> + +<p>"Oh, just the <i>Court Journal</i>," replied Midget.</p> + +<p>"I don't think so," objected Hester. "I think it ought to have a name +like <i>The Sand Club</i>."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> + +<p>"<i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>," exclaimed Tom. "How's that?"</p> + +<p>"But two of us are girls!" said Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"That doesn't matter, it's just the name of the paper, you know. And it +sounds so gay and jolly."</p> + +<p>"I like it," declared King, and so they all agreed to the name.</p> + +<p>"Now, my courtiers and noble friends," said their Queen, "it's time we +all scooted home to luncheon. My queen-dowager mother likes me to be on +time for meals. Also, my majesty and my royal sand piper can't come back +to play this afternoon. But shall this court meet to-morrow morning?"</p> + +<p>"You bet, your Majesty!" exclaimed Tom, with fervor.</p> + +<p>"That isn't very courtly language, my Grand Sandjandrum."</p> + +<p>"I humbly beg your Majesty's pardon, and I prostrate myself in humble +humility!" And Tom sprawled on his face at Marjorie's feet.</p> + +<p>"Rise, Sir Knight," said the gracious Queen, and then the court +dispersed toward its various homes.</p> + +<p>"Well, we had the greatest time this morning you ever heard of!" +announced Marjorie as, divested of her royal trappings and clad in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> a +fresh pink gingham, she sat at the luncheon table.</p> + +<p>"What was it all about, Moppets?" asked Mrs. Maynard.</p> + +<p>So King and Marjorie together told all about the intrusion of Hester on +their celebration, and how they had finally taken her into the Sand Club +as a member.</p> + +<p>"I think my children behaved very well," said Mrs. Maynard, looking at +the two with pride.</p> + +<p>"I did get sort of mad at first, Mother," Marjorie confessed, not +wanting more praise than was her just due.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't blame you!" declared King. "Why, that girl made most +awful faces at Mops, and talked to her just horrid! If she hadn't calmed +down afterward we couldn't have played with her at all."</p> + +<p>"I've heard about that child," said Mrs. Maynard. "She has most awful +fits of temper, I'm told. Mrs. Craig says that Hester will be as good +and as sweet as a lamb for days,—and then she'll fly into a rage over +some little thing. I'm glad you children are not like that."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad, too," said King. "We're not angels, but if we acted up like +Hester did at first we couldn't live in the house with each other!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Her mother is an actress," observed Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Midget, you're mistaken," said her mother. "I know Mrs. Corey, +and she isn't an actress at all, and never was. But she is fond of +amateur theatricals, and she is president of a club that gives little +plays now and then."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's it," said King. "Hester said her mother had dramatic +talent, and she had inherited it. Have you dramatic talent, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, King," said Mrs. Maynard, laughing. "Your father and I +have joined their dramatic club, but it remains to be seen whether we +can make a success of it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mother!" cried Marjorie. "Are you really going to act in a play? +Oh, can we see you?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know yet, Midget. Probably it will be an entertainment only for +grown-ups. We've just begun rehearsals."</p> + +<p>"Have we dramatic talent, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"Not to any astonishing degree. But, yes, I suppose your fondness for +playing at court life and such things shows a dramatic taste."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's great fun, Mother! I just love to sit on that throne with my +long trail wopsed on the floor beside me, and my sceptre sticking up, +and my courtiers all around me,—oh, Mother, I think I'd like to be a +real queen!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, you see, Midget, you were born in a country that doesn't employ +queens."</p> + +<p>"And I'm glad of it!" cried Marjorie, patriotically. "Hooray! for the +land of the free and the home of the brave! I guess I don't care to be a +real queen, I guess I'll be a president's wife instead. Say, Mother, +won't you and Father write us some poems for <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>?"</p> + +<p>"What is that, Midget?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's our court journal,—and you and Father do write such lovely +poetry. Will you, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I 'spect so."</p> + +<p>"Oh, goody! When you say 'I 'spect so,' you always <i>do</i>. Hey, King, Rosy +Posy ought to have a sandy kind of a name, even if she doesn't come to +our court meetings."</p> + +<p>"'Course she ought. And she can come sometimes, if she doesn't upset +things."</p> + +<p>"She can't upset things worse'n Hester did."</p> + +<p>"No; but I don't believe Hester will act up like that again."</p> + +<p>"She may, Marjorie," said Mrs. Maynard. "I've heard her mother say she +can't seem to curb Hester's habit of flying into a temper. So just here, +my two loved ones, let me ask you to be kind to the little girl, and if +she gets angry, don't flare back at her, but try 'a soft answer.'"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> + +<p>"But, Mother," said King, "that isn't so awful easy! And, anyway, I +don't think she ought to do horrid things,—like tumbling down our +palace,—and then we just forgive her, and take her into the club!"</p> + +<p>"Why not, King?"</p> + +<p>King looked a little nonplussed.</p> + +<p>"Why," he said, "why,—because it doesn't seem fair."</p> + +<p>"And does it seem fairer for you to lose your temper too, and try what +children call 'getting even with her'?"</p> + +<p>"Well, Mother, it <i>does</i> seem fairer, but I guess it isn't very,—very +<i>noble</i>."</p> + +<p>"No, son, it isn't. And I hope you'll come to think that sometimes +nobility of action is better than mere justice."</p> + +<p>"I see what you mean, Mother, and somehow, talking here with you, it all +seems true enough. But when we get away from you, and off with the boys +and girls, these things seem different. Were you always noble when you +were little, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"No, Kingdon dear, I wasn't always. But my mother tried her best to +teach me to be,—so don't you think I ought to try to teach you?"</p> + +<p>"Sure, Mothery! And you bet we'll do our bestest to try to learn. Hey, +Mops?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, indeedy! I <i>want</i> to do things right, but I seem to forget just +when I ought to remember."</p> + +<p>"Well, when you forget, come home and tell Mother all about it, and +we'll take a fresh start. You're pretty fairly, tolerably, moderately +good children after all! Only I want you to grow a little speck better +each day."</p> + +<p>"And we <i>will</i>!" shouted King and Marjorie together.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> +<h3>"THE JOLLY SANDBOY"</h3> +</div> + +<p>The Sand Club was not very strict in its methods or systems. Some days +it met, and some days it didn't. Sometimes all the court was present, +and sometimes only three or four of them.</p> + +<p>But everything went on harmoniously, and there were no exhibitions of +ill temper from the Sand Witch.</p> + +<p>In fact, Hester was absorbed in doing her part toward the first number +of <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>.</p> + +<p>The child was quite an adept at drawing and painting, and she was making +several illustrations for their court journal. One, representing +Marjorie seated on her sand throne, was really clever, and there were +other smaller pictures, too.</p> + +<p>Kingdon worked earnestly to get the paper into shape. He had +contributions from all the club, and from Mr. and Mrs. Maynard also. He +had a small typewriter of his own, and he laboriously copied the +contributions on fair, white pages, and, with Hester's pictures +interspersed, bound them all into a neat cover of red paper.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> + +<p>This Hester ornamented with a yellow sand-pail, emblem of their club, +and tied it at the top with a yellow ribbon. Altogether, the first +number of <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i> was a strikingly beautiful affair.</p> + +<p>And the court convened, in full court dress, to hear it read.</p> + +<p>The court wardrobes had received various additions. Often a courtier +blossomed out in some new regalia, always of red or yellow, or both.</p> + +<p>The several mothers of the court frequently donated old ribbons, +feathers, or flowers, from discarded millinery or other finery, and all +these were utilized by the frippery loving courtiers.</p> + +<p>Hester had contrived a witch costume, which was greatly admired. A red +skirt, a yellow shawl folded cornerwise, and a very tall peaked hat of +black with red and yellow ribbons, made the child look like some weird +creature.</p> + +<p>Marjorie's tastes ran rather to magnificent attire, and she accumulated +waving plumes, artificial flowers, and floating gauze veils and +draperies.</p> + +<p>The boys wore nondescript costumes, in which red jerseys and yellow +sashes played a prominent part, while King achieved the dignity of a +mantle, picturesquely slung from one shoulder. Many badges and orders +adorned their breasts, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> lances and spears, wound with gilt paper, +added to the courtly effect.</p> + +<p>"My dearly beloved Court," Marjorie began, beaming graciously from her +flower decked throne, "we are gathered together here to-day to listen to +the reading of our Court Journal,—a noble paper,—published by our +noble courtier, the Sand Piper, who will now read it to us."</p> + +<p>"Hear! Hear!" cried all the courtiers.</p> + +<p>"Most liege Majesty," began King, bowing so low that his shoulder cape +fell off. But he hastily swung it back into place and went on. "Also, +most liege lady-in-waiting, our noble Sand Witch, we greet thee. And we +greet our Grand Sandjandrum, and our noble Sandow, and our beloved Sand +Crab. We greet all, and everybody. Did I leave anybody out of this +greeting?"</p> + +<p>"No! No!"</p> + +<p>"All right; then I'll fire away. The first article in this paper is an +editorial,—I wrote it myself because I am editor-in-chief. You're all +editors, you know, but I'm the head editor."</p> + +<p>"Why not say headitor?" suggested Tom.</p> + +<p>"Good idea, friend Courtier! I'm the headitor, then. And this is my +headitorial. Here goes! 'Courtiers and Citizens: This journal, called +<i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>, shall relate from time to time the doings of our +noble court. It shall tell of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> the doughty deeds of our brave knights, +and relate the gay doings of our fair ladies. It shall mention news of +interest, if any, concerning the inhabitants of Seacote in general, and +the families of this court in particular. Our politics are not confined +to any especial party, but our platform is to grow up to be presidents +ourselves.' This ends my headitorial."</p> + +<p>Great applause followed this masterpiece of journalistic literature, and +the Sand Piper proceeded:</p> + +<p>"I will next read the column of news, notes, and social events, as +collected by our energetic and capable young reporter, the Sand Crab:</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>"'The Queen and her lady-in-waiting went bathing in the ocean this +morning. Our noble Queen was costumed in white, trimmed with blue, and +the Sand Witch in dark blue trimmed with red. Both noble ladies squealed +when a large breaker knocked them over. The whole court rushed to their +rescue, and no permanent damage resulted.</p> + +<p>"Three gentlemen courtiers of this court, who reside in the same castle, +had ice-cream for dinner last night. The colors were pink and white. It +was exceeding good.</p> + +<p>"A very young princess, a sister of our beloved Queen, went walking +yesterday afternoon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> with her maid of honor. The princess wore a big +white hat with funny ribbon bunches on it. Also white shoes.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Sears has had his back fence painted. (We don't know any Mr. Sears, +and he hasn't any back fence, but we are making up now, as our real news +has given out and our column isn't full.)</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Black spent Sunday with her mother-in-law, Mrs. Green. (See +above.)</p> + +<p>"Mr. Van Winkle is building a gray stone mansion of forty rooms on +Seashore Drive. We think it is quite a pretty house.</p> + +<p>"This is all the news I can find for this time. Yours truly.—<span class="smcap">The +Sand Crab</span>.'"</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>"Noble Sand Crab, we thank you for your fine contribution to our midst," +announced the Queen, and the Sand Crab burrowed in the sand and kicked +in sheer delight at such praise.</p> + +<p>"The next," announced the Sand Piper, "is an original poem by our most +liege majesty, the Queen. It's pretty fine, I think.</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Most noble Court, I greet you now,<br /> +From Grand Sandjandrum to small Sandow.<br /> +From old Sand Piper, and gay Sand Witch,<br /> +To Sand Crab, with hair as black as pitch.<br /> +I hope our Court will ever be<br /> +Renowned for its fun and harmony.<br /> +And as I gaze on this gorgeous scene,<br /> +I'm glad I am your beloved Queen."<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Jinks! that's gay!" exclaimed Tom. "How do you ever do it, Marjorie? I +did a poem, but it doesn't run nice and slick like yours."</p> + +<p>"I'll read it next," said King. "I think it's pretty good.</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"I love the people named <i>Maynard</i>,<br /> +I like to play in their back yard.<br /> +We have a jolly Sand Court,<br /> +Which makes the time fly very short.<br /> +Except going in the ocean bathing,<br /> +There's nothing I like so much for a plaything."<br /> +</p> + +<p>"That's very nice, Tom," said Marjorie, forgetting her rôle.</p> + +<p>"No, it isn't. It seems as if it ought to be right, and then somehow it +isn't. Bathing and plaything are 'most alike, and yet they sound awful +different."</p> + +<p>"That's so. Well, anyway, it's plenty good enough, and it's all true, +Tom."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's all true."</p> + +<p>"Then it must be right, 'cause there's a quotation or something that +says truth is beauty. We wouldn't want all our poems to be just alike, +you know."</p> + +<p>"No, I s'pose not," and Tom felt greatly encouraged by Marjorie's kind +criticism.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Next," said King, "is our Puzzle Department. It's sort of queer, but +it's Sandow's contribution, and he said to put it in, and he'd explain +about it. So here it is.</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>"'<span class="smcap">Sandy Prize Puzzle.</span> Prize, a musical top, donated by the +author. Question: Is the number of sands on the seashore odd or even? +Anybody in this court who can answer this question truthfully will +receive the prize. Signed, <span class="smcap">Sandow.</span>'"</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>"That's nonsense," cried Hester. "How can anybody tell whether we answer +truthfully or not?"</p> + +<p>"I can tell," said Sandow, gravely. "Whoever first answers it truthfully +will get the prize."</p> + +<p>"But it's ridiculous," said King. "In the first place, how much seashore +do you mean? Only that here at Seacote, or all the Atlantic shore? Or +all the world?"</p> + +<p>Dick considered. "I mean all the seashore in all the world," he said, at +last.</p> + +<p>"Then that's silly, too," said Tom, "for how far does the seashore go? +Just to the edge of the ocean, or all the way under?"</p> + +<p>"All the way under," replied Dick, solemnly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then you really mean all the sand in all the world!"</p> + +<p>"Yes; that's it. Of course, all the sand in all the world numbers a +certain number of grains. Now, is that number odd or even?"</p> + +<p>"You're crazy, Dick!" said Hester, but Marjorie said, "No, he isn't +crazy; I think there's a principle there somewhere, but I can't work it +out."</p> + +<p>"I guess you can't!" said King. "I give it up."</p> + +<p>"So do I!" declared Tom, and at last they all gave it up.</p> + +<p>"Now you must answer it yourself, Dick," said King.</p> + +<p>"Then nobody gets the prize," objected Sandow.</p> + +<p>"No, you keep it yourself. Have you got one, anyhow?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, a nice musical top Uncle John sent to me. I've never used it much, +it's as good as new. I <i>wish</i> somebody would guess."</p> + +<p>Nobody did, and Dick sighed.</p> + +<p>"Bet you can't answer your old puzzle, yourself," said Hester.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I can," averred Dick, "but you must ask it to me."</p> + +<p>"All right," said King. "Mr. Sandow, honor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>able and noble courtier of +Sand Court, is the number of sea sands odd or even? Answer truthfully +now."</p> + +<p>"I don't know," replied Dick, "and that's the truth!"</p> + +<p>How they all laughed! It was a quibble, of course, but the Maynard +children were surprised at themselves that they hadn't seen through the +catch.</p> + +<p>Dick sat on the sand, rocking back and forth with laughter.</p> + +<p>"The witch ought to have guessed it," he cried; "or else the Queen ought +to."</p> + +<p>"Yes, my courtier, we ought," Marjorie admitted. "You caught us fairly, +and we hereby give you the post of wizard of this court. Sand Piper, +what's next in your journal?"</p> + +<p>"The next is a poem by the Honorable Edward Maynard. That is, he wrote +part of it, and then, as he had to go to New York on business, his +honorable wife finished it. Here it is:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Royal Courtiers, great and grand,<br /> +Ruling o'er your court of sand,<br /> +Take this greeting from the pen<br /> +Of an humble citizen.<br /> +May you, each one, learn to be<br /> +Filled with true nobility;<br /> +Gentle, loving, brave, and kind,<br /> +Strong of arm and pure of mind.<br /> +May you have a lot of fun,<br /> +And look back, when day is done,<br /> +O'er long hours of merry play<br /> +Filled with laughter blithe and gay.<br /> +May your court of mimic rule<br /> +Teach you lore not learned in school;<br /> +Rule your heart to think no ill,<br /> +Rule your temper and your will."<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Gee, that's real poetry, that is!" exclaimed Tom. "Say, your people are +poets, aren't they?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I think they are," said Marjorie, "but Father says they're not."</p> + +<p>"I'd like a copy of that poem," said Hester, looking very serious.</p> + +<p>"All right," said King, catching the witch's glance. "I'll make you a +nice typewritten copy of it to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"And now, my royal Sand Piper, is there any more poetic lore for us to +listen to?"</p> + +<p>"Aye, my liege Queen, there is one more poem. This is a real poem also, +but it is of the humorous variety. It was composed by the mother of our +royal Sand Witch, and was freely contributed to our paper by that +estimable lady. Methinks she mistook our club for a debating club, and +yet, perhaps not. This may be merely a flight of fancy, such as poets +are very fond of, I am told. I will now read Mrs. Corey's contribution:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"There once was a Debating Club, exceeding wise and great;<br /> +On grave and abstruse questions it would eagerly debate.<br /> +Its members said: 'We are so wise, ourselves we'll herewith dub<br /> +The Great Aristophelean Pythagoristic Club.'<br /> +And every night these bigwigs met, and strove with utmost pains<br /> +To solve recondite problems that would baffle lesser brains.<br /> +They argued and debated till the hours were small and wee;<br /> +And weren't much discouraged if they didn't then agree.<br /> +They said their say, and went their way, these cheerful, pleasant men,<br /> +And then came round next evening, and said it all again.<br /> +Well, possibly, you'll be surprised; but all the winter through<br /> +The questions they debated on numbered exactly two.<br /> +For as they said: 'Of course we can't take up another one,<br /> +Till we have solved conclusively the two that we've begun.'<br /> +They reasoned and they argued, as the evenings wore along;<br /> +And each one thought that he was right, and deemed the others wrong.<br /> +They wrangled and contended, they disputed and discussed,<br /> +They retorted and rebutted, they refuted and they fussed;<br /> +But though their wisdom was profound, and erudite their speech,<br /> +A definite conclusion those men could never reach.<br /> +And so the club disbanded, and they read their last report,<br /> +Which told the whole sad story, though it was exceeding short:<br /> +'Resolved—We are not able to solve these problems two:<br /> +"Does Polly want a cracker?" and "What did Katy do?"'"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Well, isn't that fine!" cried Marjorie. "Why, Hester, your mother is +more a poet than ours."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + +<p>"She does write lovely poetry," said Hester, "but I like your mother's +poem, too, because it,—well, you know what I mean."</p> + +<p>Somehow the children all understood that tempestuous Hester appreciated +the lines that so gently advised the ruling and subduing of an unruly +temper and will, but nobody knew just how to express it.</p> + +<p>So King broke a somewhat awkward silence by saying, heartily, "Yep, we +know!" and all the others said "Yep" in chorus.</p> + +<p>"I think, O Royal Court," the Queen began, "that our first paper is +fine. How often shall we issue <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>?"</p> + +<p>"'Bout once a week, I think," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"All right," agreed King; "and you fellows get your stuff in a little +earlier next week so's I can typewrite it in time."</p> + +<p>"And now, my beloved court," resumed Midget, "I think we have sat still +long enough, and I decree that we have a game of Prisoner's Base. And +what I say goes!"</p> + +<p>There was no dissenting voice. The Queen unpinned her court train from +her shoulders, the Sand Witch laid aside her tall, peaked hat, and the +courtiers discarded such details of their costumes as seemed likely to +impede progress in the game. Prisoner's Base was followed by Hide and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> +Seek, and then it was time for the court to repair to its several homes.</p> + +<p>"It's all so lovely, Marjorie," said Hester. "I'm <i>so</i> glad you let me +play with you."</p> + +<p>"That's all right, Hester, as long as you don't smash things or make +faces at us."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I never will again; truly, Marjorie. I'm going to learn that poem +of your mother's by heart, and I <i>know</i> I'll never lose my temper again, +Good-bye."</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, Hester," and after an affectionate kiss the two girls parted.</p> + +<p>"Goo'-bye, Queenie Sandy," called Tom, as they separated at the turn of +the path.</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, Tom, you old Grand Sandjandrum!" and then the Maynards ran +into their own house.</p> + +<p>"Gently, my lad and lassie; gently!" warned Mrs. Maynard, as her two +young hopefuls flung themselves upon her.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mothery," cried Marjorie, "we had <i>such</i> a good time! And our court +journal was lovely! Want to see it? And King fixed it up so beautifully, +and Hester made such <i>dear</i> pictures for it! Oh, Mother, isn't it +splendid to have so much fun?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dearie," and Mrs. Maynard stroked the flushed brow of her +energetic and excitable daugh<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>ter. "But when you come in from your play, +you must be a little bit quieter and more ladylike. I don't want to +think that these merry companions of yours are making you really +boisterous."</p> + +<p>"They are, though," said King. "I like the Craigs and Hester Corey, but +they sure are the noisy bunch!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, King, not <i>quite</i> so much slang!"</p> + +<p>"No, Mother, we won't get gay! We'll try to please you every way! But +we're feeling rather spry to-day! So please excuse us, Mothery May!"</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> +<h3>TWO WELCOME GUESTS</h3> +</div> + +<p>It was Saturday afternoon. The Maynard children had been told that +guests were expected to dinner, and they must put on festival array.</p> + +<p>And so when King and Marjorie, in white serge and white piqué +respectively, wandered out on to the front veranda, they found their +parents and a very dressy-looking Rosamond there before them.</p> + +<p>"Who are coming to dinner, Mother?" asked Midget.</p> + +<p>"Ask your father, my dear."</p> + +<p>"Why, don't <i>you</i> know, Mother? Well, who are they, Daddy?"</p> + +<p>"Somebody and somebody else," replied Mr. Maynard, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Oho, a secret!" exclaimed Midget. "Then it must be somebody nice! Let's +guess, King."</p> + +<p>"All right. Are they kids or grown-ups, Father?"</p> + +<p>"Grown-ups, my son."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" and Marjorie looked disappointed. "Do we know them?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You have met them, yes."</p> + +<p>"Do they live at Seacote?"</p> + +<p>"They are here for the summer."</p> + +<p>"Where do they live winters?" asked King.</p> + +<p>"Under the Stars and Stripes."</p> + +<p>"Huh! that may mean the Philippines or Alaska!"</p> + +<p>"It may. Have you met many people who reside in those somewhat removed +spots?"</p> + +<p>"Not many," said King, "and that's a fact. Well, are they a lady and +gentleman?"</p> + +<p>"They are."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know!" cried Marjorie. "It's Kitty and Uncle Steve! He said +they'd come down here some time while we're here! Am I right, Father?"</p> + +<p>"Not quite, Mopsy. You see, I said they are grown-ups."</p> + +<p>"Both of them?"</p> + +<p>"Both of them."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't care much who they are, then," declared King. "I don't +see anything in it for us, Mops."</p> + +<p>"No, but we ought to guess them if they're spending the summer here and +we've met them. Of course, it couldn't be Kitty! She isn't spending the +summer here. Is it the Coreys or Craigs, Father?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, neither of those names fit our expected guests."</p> + +<p>"Then it must be some of those people the other side of the pier. I +don't know any more on this side except the fishermen. Is it any of +them?"</p> + +<p>"Well, no. I doubt if they'd care to visit us. But never mind our guests +for the moment; I want you two children to go on an errand for me."</p> + +<p>"Right-o!" said King. "Where?"</p> + +<p>"Walk along the shore road three blocks, then turn inland and walk a +block and a half. Do you know that place with lots of vines all over the +front of the house?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do," said Marjorie, "but nobody lives there."</p> + +<p>"All right. I want you to take a message to Mr. Nobody."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father, what do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Just what I say. You say nobody lives there, and that's the very man I +mean."</p> + +<p>"All right," said King. "We'll go, if you tell us to. Hey, Mops?"</p> + +<p>"'Course we will! What shall we say to Mr. Nobody, Father?"</p> + +<p>"First you must ring the doorbell, and if Nobody opens the door, walk +in."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ho! If Nobody opens the door, how <i>can</i> we walk in?"</p> + +<p>"Walk in. And then if Nobody speaks to you, answer him politely, and say +your father, one Mr. Maynard, desires his advice and assistance."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father, I do believe you're crazy!" exclaimed Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Never mind," said King, "if Father's crazy, we'll be crazy too! What +next, for orders?"</p> + +<p>"After that, be guided by your own common sense and good judgment. +And,—you wouldn't be frightened at Nobody, would you?"</p> + +<p>"No!" declared King. "Nobody could frighten me!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, he could, could he? Well, you are a foolish boy if Nobody could +frighten you!"</p> + +<p>King looked a little confused, and then he laughed and said, "Well, I'd +just as lieve fight Nobody, if he attacks me."</p> + +<p>"There'll be no cause to fight, my boy. Now, skip along, and remember +your message."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Edward Maynard wants advice and assistance from Nobody! Well, +I guess that's right, Father, but it all sounds to me like an April Fool +joke. Come on, Midget."</p> + +<p>As the two children skipped away, King said, thoughtfully, "What does it +all mean, Mops?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I dunno, King. But it means <i>something</i>. It isn't a wild-goose chase, +or an April-fool sort of joke. I know Father has some nice surprise for +us the way his eyes twinkled."</p> + +<p>"Well, but this empty house business seems so silly! I know nobody lives +there, for I passed there a few days ago, and it was all shut up."</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll soon find out," and the children turned the corner toward +the house in question. Sure enough, the blinds were closed and there was +no sign of habitation.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Nobody lives here, all right!" said King as they entered the gate.</p> + +<p>"And such a pretty place, too," commented Marjorie, looking at the +luxuriant vines that ran riot over the front veranda.</p> + +<p>King rang the bell, feeling half-angry and half-silly at the +performance. In a moment the door swung open, but no person was seen.</p> + +<p>"Well!" exclaimed King. "Nobody opened that door!"</p> + +<p>"We must walk in," said Midget. "Father said so."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I hate to! We really haven't any right to go into a strange house +like this!"</p> + +<p>"But Father said to! Come on!" And grasping King's hand, Midget urged +him inside. They stood in the middle of a pretty and attrac<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>tively +furnished hall, but saw or heard no people.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Mr. Nobody!" said Marjorie, still clasping King's hand tightly, +for the situation was a little weird.</p> + +<p>"Hello, yourself!" responded a cheery voice, but they couldn't see any +one.</p> + +<p>The voice reassured King, and he said, humorously, "I see Nobody! How do +you do, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Quite well," answered the same voice, but it was a bit muffled, and +they couldn't judge where it came from. Also it sounded very gay and +laughing, and Marjorie thought it seemed a bit familiar, though she +couldn't place it.</p> + +<p>"My father sent a message," went on King, sturdily. "He says he wants +Nobody's advice and assistance."</p> + +<p>"What a self-reliant man!" said the voice, and then from behind a +portière a laughing face appeared, followed by a man's active body. At +the same time, from an opposite portière, a lady sprang out and took +Marjorie in her arms.</p> + +<p>"Cousin Ethel!"</p> + +<p>"Cousin Jack!"</p> + +<p>And the children laughed in glee as they recognized Mr. and Mrs. Bryant.</p> + +<p>"You dear things!" the lady exclaimed. "I think it's awful to startle +you so, but it's the joke<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> of your father and your Cousin Jack. I was +afraid it would scare you. Did it?"</p> + +<p>"Not exactly," said Marjorie, cuddling in Cousin Ethel's arms, but King +protested:</p> + +<p>"No, indeed!" he declared. "I wasn't scared, but I felt a little queer."</p> + +<p>"You're two Ducky Daddles!" Cousin Ethel cried, and Cousin Jack slapped +King on the shoulder and said, "You're a trump, old man!" and King felt +very grown-up and manly.</p> + +<p>"What's it all about?" he inquired, and Mr. Bryant replied:</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, if you've room for us here in Seacote, we're going to +stay here for a while. In fact, we've taken this shack with such an +intention."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried Marjorie. "You've taken this house for the summer, and +Father knew it, and sent us over here to be surprised!"</p> + +<p>"You've sized up the situation exactly, Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, +who loved to call Midget by this old-fashioned name. "And now, if we +were properly invited, and very strongly urged, we <i>might</i> be persuaded +to go home to dinner with you."</p> + +<p>"Oh," cried Marjorie, a light breaking in upon her, "you're the dinner +guests they're expecting!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We sure are!" said Cousin Jack. "And as this is the first time we've +been invited out to dinner in Seacote, we're impatient to go."</p> + +<p>So they set off for the Maynard house, and Midget led the way with +Cousin Ethel.</p> + +<p>"When did you come?" she inquired.</p> + +<p>"Only this morning, dear. We're not quite set to rights yet, though I +brought my own servants, and they'll soon have us all comfy."</p> + +<p>"And how did you and Father fix up this plan?"</p> + +<p>"He was over here this afternoon, and he and Cousin Jack planned it. +Then, as soon as you left your house, your father telephoned over here, +and we prepared to receive you in that crazy fashion. Of course, Jack +opened the door and stayed behind it. You weren't frightened, were you?"</p> + +<p>"No, not really. But it seemed a little,—a little creepy, you know."</p> + +<p>"Of course it did!" cried Cousin Jack from behind them. "But that house +is so overhung with creepers it makes you feel creepy anyway. I'm going +to call it Creeper Castle."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't!" said Marjorie. "It sounds horrid! Makes you think of +caterpillars and things like that!"</p> + +<p>"So it does! Well, Mehitabel, you name it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> for us. I can't live in a +house without a name."</p> + +<p>"I'd call it Bryant Bower. That sounds flowery and pretty."</p> + +<p>"Just the ticket! You're a genius for names! Bryant Bower it is. What's +the name of your house,—Maynard Mansion?"</p> + +<p>"Maynard Manor is prettier," suggested Cousin Ethel.</p> + +<p>"So it is! Maynard Manor goes! I don't know anybody with prettier +manners than the Maynards, especially the younger generation of them," +and though Cousin Jack spoke laughingly, there was an earnest undertone +in his voice that greatly pleased King and Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Hooray!" cried that hilarious gentleman, as they reached the Maynards' +veranda. "Hello, Ed. How d'ye do, Helen? Here we are! We're returning +your youngsters right side up with care. Why, look who's here!" and +catching up Rosy Posy, he tossed her high in the air, to the little +girl's great delight.</p> + +<p>Dinner was a festive occasion indeed, and afterward they all sat on the +wide veranda and listened to the roar of the waves.</p> + +<p>"This is a restful place," said Cousin Ethel, as she leaned back +comfortably in her wicker rocker.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> + +<p>"So it is," agreed her husband, "but, if you ask <i>me</i>, I think it's +<i>too</i> restful. I like a place with some racket to it, don't you, +Hezekiah?"</p> + +<p>This was his pet name for King, and the boy replied:</p> + +<p>"There's fun enough here, Cousin Jack, if you make it yourself."</p> + +<p>"That's so, is it? Well, I guess I'll try to make some. Let's see, isn't +Fourth of July next week?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is," said Marjorie. "Next week, Wednesday."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's a good day to have fun; and an especially good day for a +racket. What shall we do, kiddies?"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean for us to choose?" asked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"No, Mehitabel; you suggest, and I'll choose. You think of the very +nicest sort of celebrations you know, and I'll select the nicest of them +all."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Midget, thoughtfully, "there's a party or a picnic. How +many people do you mean, Cousin Jack? And do you mean children or +grown-ups?"</p> + +<p>"Now I feel aggrieved, and insulted, and chagrined, and many other awful +things!" Cousin Jack looked so woe-begone that they almost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> thought him +in earnest. "You <i>know</i>, Mehitabel, that I'm but a child myself! I'm not +a grown-up, and I never will be!"</p> + +<p>"That's so!" laughed his wife.</p> + +<p>"And so, us children will have a celebration of the children, for the +children, and by the children! How many perfectly good children do you +know down here?"</p> + +<p>"Not many," said King; "hardly any, in fact, except the Sand Club."</p> + +<p>"The Sand Club! That sounds interesting. Tell me about it."</p> + +<p>So King and Marjorie told all about the Sand Club and its six members, +and Cousin Jack declared that was just enough for his idea of a Fourth +of July celebration.</p> + +<p>"Now for the plan," he went on. "How about a picnic in the woods, which +I see sticking up over there, and then come back to Bryant Bower for +some fireworks later?"</p> + +<p>"I think that sounds beautiful!" said Marjorie, and King entirely +agreed.</p> + +<p>"Why not have the fireworks here?" said Mr. Maynard. "You're too good to +these children, Jack."</p> + +<p>"Not a bit of it. We can have a celebration here some other night. But +I've picked out the glorious Fourth for my own little racketty-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>packetty +party. You see, on that day we can make all the noise we like and not +get arrested."</p> + +<p>"Can we dress up, Cousin Jack?" asked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Sure, child; wear your best bib and tucker, if you like, but I like you +better in your play-clothes."</p> + +<p>"I don't mean that. I mean costumes."</p> + +<p>"Midget is great for dressing up," explained King. "She always wants +some cheesecloth wobbed around her, and veils and feathers on her head."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I see! Why, yes, I rather guess we <i>can</i> dress up."</p> + +<p>"I'll wear a red, white, and blue sash, and a liberty cap," said Midget, +her eyes dancing.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we can do better than that," responded Cousin Jack. "Let's see; +we'll make it a sort of reception affair, and you, Mehitabel, can be the +Goddess of Liberty, or Miss Columbia, whichever you like. Hezekiah, you +can be Uncle Sam! Your respected Cousin Ethel and I will guarantee your +costume."</p> + +<p>"I want to be a somefin'," spoke up Rosamond, who had been allowed to +stay up later than usual, in honor of the guests.</p> + +<p>"So you shall, Babykins. I guess we'll let Sister be Miss Columbia, and +you shall be a dear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> little Goddess of Liberty all your own self! How's +that?" and Cousin Jack beamed at the smiling Rosy Posy.</p> + +<p>"Now, where shall the picnic be?" asked Cousin Ethel, ready to help +along the plans.</p> + +<p>"There's a lovely grove over beyond the pier," said Midget; "we might go +there."</p> + +<p>"The very place!" said Cousin Jack; "and we'll have a sand-pail picnic. +Didn't you say your coat-of-arms was a sand-pail?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's the Emblem of the Club."</p> + +<p>"And a fine emblem for a picnic. We'll have pails of sandwiches and +cakes, and a pail of lemonade, and a pail of ice cream. How's that for +emblems?"</p> + +<p>"Fine!" said King. "Shall I invite the guests?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my boy. Tell them to assemble here at three o'clock, and we'll +depart at once. Tell them all to wear red, white, and blue in honor of +the day."</p> + +<p>"And do we catch firecrackers?"</p> + +<p>"Little ones,—and torpedoes. But no cannon crackers or cap-pistols or +bombs or any firearms. I'm not going to have a hospitalful of gunpowder +victims on my hands the next day."</p> + +<p>"And now," said Mrs. Maynard, "as these wonderful affairs of the nation +seem to be all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> settled, I think you young patriots must skip to bed. +Your father and I would like a few words ourselves with these guests of +ours."</p> + +<p>"Guests of <i>ours</i>," corrected Midget, gayly. "Cousin Jack says he's +never going to grow up!"'</p> + +<p>But after lingering good-nights, the brother and sister, arm in arm, +went into the house.</p> + +<p>"Aren't they dandies!" exclaimed King, as they went upstairs.</p> + +<p>"Gay!" agreed Marjorie. "Won't we have fun on the Fourth! Oh, I was <i>so</i> +surprised to see them, weren't you, King?"</p> + +<p>"Yep. The Craigs will like Cousin Jack, won't they?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, and Hester, too. Good-night, King."</p> + +<p>"Good-night, Mopsy Midget. Here!" and as a final compliment, King pulled +off her hair-ribbon and handed it to her with a dancing-school bow.</p> + +<p>Marjorie gave his hair an affectionate tweak, and with these +good-natured attentions they parted.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> +<h3>THE GLORIOUS FOURTH</h3> +</div> + +<p>The sun rose early on Fourth of July morning. For he knew many patriotic +young hearts were beating with impatience for the great day to begin. +Moreover, he rose clear and bright, and yet he didn't shine down too +hotly for the comfort of those same young people. In fact, it was a +perfect summer day.</p> + +<p>Marjorie sprang out of bed and began to dress, with glad anticipations. +The Bryants were to spend the day at Maynard Manor, until time for the +afternoon picnic, and after the picnic came the reception at Bryant +Bower.</p> + +<p>Midget put on a fresh white piqué, and tied up her mop of curls with +wide bows of red, white, and blue ribbon.</p> + +<p>When all ready she went dancing downstairs, pausing on her way to tap at +King's door.</p> + +<p>"All ready, Kinksie?" she called out.</p> + +<p>"In a minute, Mops. Wait for me!"</p> + +<p>Midget sat down on the staircase window-seat, and in a moment King +joined her there.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hello, Mopsy-Doodle! Merry Fourth of Ju—New Year's!"</p> + +<p>"Hello, yourself! Oh, King, isn't it a gorgeous day? What shall we do +first?"</p> + +<p>"I dunno! We can't shoot things or make much noise, until Father and +Mother get up. It would be mean to wake them."</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw! they can't be asleep through all this racket that is going +on. Hear the shooting all around."</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll see. Let's get outdoors, anyhow."</p> + +<p>The children opened the front door, and there, sitting on the veranda +steps, his head leaning against a pillar, sat Cousin Jack, apparently +sound asleep.</p> + +<p>"Will you look at that!" said King, in a whisper. "Has he been here all +night, do you s'pose?"</p> + +<p>"No, 'course not. But I s'pose he's been here some time. Do you think +he's really asleep?"</p> + +<p>"He looks so. What shall we do with him?"</p> + +<p>"Dress him up," commanded Marjorie, promptly, and pulling off her wide +hair-ribbons, she proceeded to tie one around Cousin Jack's neck, and +one around his head, giving that gentleman a very festive appearance.</p> + +<p>After she had arranged the bows to her satisfaction, Cousin Jack +obligingly woke up,—though,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> as a matter of fact, he hadn't been to +sleep!</p> + +<p>"Why, if here isn't Mehitabel!" he exclaimed; "and Hezekiah, too! What a +surprise!"</p> + +<p>"How do you like your decorations?" asked Marjorie, surveying him with +admiration.</p> + +<p>"Oh, are these ribbons <i>real</i>? I thought I was dreaming, and had a +Fourth of July nightmare."</p> + +<p>"How long have you been here, Cousin Jack?" asked King.</p> + +<p>"Well, I was waking, so I called early; I don't know at what hour, but +I've been long enough alone, so I'm glad you two young patriots came +down to help me celebrate. Polly want a firecracker?" He held out a pack +of small ones to Marjorie, but she declined them.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you; give those to King. I'd rather have torpedoes."</p> + +<p>"All right, my girlie, here you are! And here's a cap to replace the +ribbons you so kindly gave me."</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack drew from his pocket a tissue-paper cap, that had evidently +come in a snapping-cracker. Then he produced another one for King, and +one which he laid aside for Rosy Posy. They were gay red, white, and +blue caps, with cockades and streamers.</p> + +<p>"Now, we'll be a procession," he went on.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> From a nook on the veranda, +where he had hidden them, he produced a drum, a tambourine, and a +cornet.</p> + +<p>The cornet was his own, and he presented the drum to King, and the +tambourine to Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Form in line!" he ordered; "forward,—march!"</p> + +<p>He led the line, and the two children followed.</p> + +<p>Being a good cornet player, Cousin Jack made fine martial music, and +King and Midget had sufficient sense of rhythm to accompany him on the +drum and tambourine. After marching round the house once, Cousin Jack +went up the steps and in at the front door. Upstairs and through the +halls, and down again.</p> + +<p>Nurse Nannie and Rosamond appeared at the nursery door, and were +instructed to fall in line behind the others. Then Sarah, the waitress, +was discovered, looking on from the dining-room, and she, too, was told +to march.</p> + +<p>At last Mr. and Mrs. Maynard appeared, laughing at this invasion of +their morning nap.</p> + +<p>They sat in state in the veranda-chairs, as on a reviewing-stand, while +the grand parade marched and countermarched on the lawn in front of +them.</p> + +<p>"All over!" cried Cousin Jack, at last. "Break ranks!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> + +<p>The company dispersed, and Sarah returned, giggling, to her duties.</p> + +<p>"Such a foine man as Misther Bryant do be!" she said to the cook. +"Shure, he's just like wan of the childher."</p> + +<p>And so he was. Full of patriotic enthusiasm, Cousin Jack set off bombs +and firecrackers, until the elder Maynards declared that their ears +ached, and the roisterers must come in to breakfast.</p> + +<p>"I must go home," announced their guest. "I have a wife and six small +children dependent on me for support."</p> + +<p>As a matter of fact, the Bryants had no children, and Mrs. Maynard +declared she should telephone for Cousin Ethel to come to breakfast, +too, so Cousin Jack consented to stay.</p> + +<p>The breakfast party was an unexpected addition to the day's festivities, +but Mrs. Maynard was equal to the occasion. She scurried around and +found flags to decorate the table, and tied a red, white, and blue +balloon to the back of each chair, which gave the room a gay appearance.</p> + +<p>The vigorous exercise had produced good appetites, and full justice was +done to Ellen's creamed chicken and hot rolls and coffee.</p> + +<p>"Who's for a dip in the ocean?" asked Cousin Jack, when breakfast was +over.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> + +<p>All were included in this pleasing suggestion, and soon a bathing-suited +party threw themselves into the dashing whitecaps.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack tried to teach Marjorie to swim, but it is not easy to learn +to swim in the surf, and she made no very great progress. But Mr. +Maynard and Mr. Bryant swam out to a good distance, and King was allowed +to accompany them, as he already was a fair swimmer.</p> + +<p>Marjorie held fast to the rope, and jumped about, now almost carried +away by a big wave, and now thrown back toward the beach by another.</p> + +<p>It was rather rough bathing, so the ladies of the party and Midget left +the water before the others.</p> + +<p>"<i>Aren't</i> we having fun!" exclaimed Marjorie, as she trudged, dripping, +through the sand, to the bath-house. "Oh, Cousin Ethel, I'm <i>so</i> glad +you came down here."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad, too, dear. I believe Jack enjoys you children more than he +does any of his friends of his own age."</p> + +<p>"Jack's just like a boy," said Mrs. Maynard, "and I think he always will +be. He's like Peter Pan,—never going to grow up."</p> + +<p>And it did seem so. After the bath, Mr. Bryant marched the children down +to the pier for ice cream.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard remonstrated a little, but she was informed that Fourth of +July only came once a year, and extra indulgences were in order.</p> + +<p>So King and Midget and Cousin Jack went gayly along the long pier that +ran far out into the ocean. On either side were booths where trinkets +and seaside souvenirs were sold, and Cousin Jack bought a shell necklace +for Midget, and a shell watch-fob for King.</p> + +<p>Then he ordered a dozen little tin pails sent to his own house.</p> + +<p>"For my picnic," he explained, as Midget looked at him wonderingly. +"It's to be a sand-pail picnic, you know."</p> + +<p>As they neared the ice-cream garden, Marjorie noticed a forlorn-looking +little boy, near the entrance. So wistful did he look, that she turned +around to look at him again.</p> + +<p>"Who's your friend, Mehitabel?" said Mr. Bryant, seeing her glance.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know, Cousin Jack!" she cried, impulsively; "but he seems +so poor and lonesome, and we're all so happy. Couldn't I go without my +ice cream, and let him have it? Oh, please let me!"</p> + +<p>"H'm! he isn't a very attractive specimen of humanity."</p> + +<p>"Well, he isn't very clean, but, see, he has a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> nice face, and big brown +eyes! Oh, do give him some ice cream, Cousin Jack; I'll willingly go +without."</p> + +<p>"I'll go without," said King, quickly; "you can have mine, Mops."</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack looked quizzically at the children.</p> + +<p>"I might say I'd give you each ice cream, and the poor kiddie also. But +that would be my charity. Now, if you two really want to do the poor +little chap a kindness, you may each have a half portion, and give him a +whole plate. How's that?"</p> + +<p>"Fine!" exclaimed Marjorie; "just the thing! But, truly, Cousin Jack, it +isn't <i>much</i> sacrifice for us, for we'll have ice cream at the picnic, +anyhow."</p> + +<p>"That's right, girlie; don't claim any more credit than belongs to you. +Well, next thing is to invite your young friend."</p> + +<p>So Marjorie went over to the poor little boy, and said, kindly:</p> + +<p>"It's Fourth of July, and we'd like you to come and eat ice cream with +us."</p> + +<p>The child's face brightened up, but immediately a look of distrust came +into his eyes, and he said:</p> + +<p>"Say, is youse kiddin' me?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No," said King, for Marjorie didn't know quite what he meant; "we mean +it. We're going to have ice cream, and we want you to have some with +us."</p> + +<p>"Kin I bring me brudder?"</p> + +<p>"Where is he?" asked Cousin Jack, smiling at this new development of the +case.</p> + +<p>"Over dere, wit' me sister. Kin I bring 'em both?"</p> + +<p>Marjorie laughed outright at this, but Mr. Bryant said, gravely:</p> + +<p>"How many in your entire family? Let me know the worst at once!"</p> + +<p>"Dat's all; me brudder an' sister. Kin they come, too?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, if they're fairly clean," and the boy ran to get them. He came +back bringing a boy but little smaller than himself, and a tiny girl.</p> + +<p>Though not immaculate, they were presentable, and soon the six were +seated at a round table.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack conformed to his decree that the Maynard children should +have but a half-portion each, but he added that this was partly due to +his consideration for their health, as well as his willingness that the +charity should be partly theirs. But he told his three guests that they +could eat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> as much as they chose; and noting their generally hungry +appearance, he ordered a first course of sandwiches for them, which +kindness was greatly appreciated.</p> + +<p>"Gee! Youse is a white man!" exclaimed the oldest visitor, as he scraped +his saucer almost through its enamel.</p> + +<p>"What does he mean?" asked Midget, laughing. "Of course, you're a white +man."</p> + +<p>"That's slang, Marjorie, for a desirable citizen."</p> + +<p>"Funny sort of slang," Midget commented; "a white man is plain English, +isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"I mean, he's white clear through," volunteered the boy, whose quick +eyes darted from one face to another of his benefactors.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I can understand that," said Midget, slowly; "it just means you're +good all through, Cousin Jack, and I quite agree to that."</p> + +<p>After the small visitors' hunger was entirely appeased, Cousin Jack +presented them each with a flag and a packet of torpedoes, and sent them +away rejoicing.</p> + +<p>"Poor little scraps of humanity," he said; "I hope, Mehitabel, you'll +always bring a little sunshine into such lives when opportunity presents +itself."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I will, Cousin Jack. Are they very poor?"</p> + +<p>"No, not so very. But they never have any fun, or anything very good to +eat. Of course, you can't be an organized charity, but once in a while, +if you can make a poor child happy by the expenditure of a small sum, do +it."</p> + +<p>"We will," cried King, impressed by Cousin Jack's earnestness. "But we +don't have much money to spend, you know."</p> + +<p>"You have an allowance, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; we each have fifty cents a week, Mops and Kitty and I."</p> + +<p>"Well, Kitty isn't here, so I can't ask her; but I'm going to ask you +two dear friends of mine, to give away one-tenth of your income to +charity. Now, how much would that be?"</p> + +<p>"Five cents a week," replied Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Well, will you do it? Every week give a nickel, or a nickel's worth of +peanuts or lemonade or something to some poor little kiddie who doesn't +have much fun in life? And you needn't do it every week, if it isn't +convenient, but lay aside the nickel each week, and then give a larger +sum, as it accumulates."</p> + +<p>"Sure we will, Cousin Jack," said King, and Midget said, "Yes, indeed! +I'll be glad to. We can most always catch a poor child, somewhere."</p> + +<p>"Well, if not, just save it up till you do. You'll<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> find plenty of +opportunities in the winter, in Rockwell, I'm sure."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir-ee!" said Midget, remembering the poor family whose house +burned down not long ago. "And I'm glad you advised us about this, +Cousin Jack. I'm going to ask the Craig boys and Hester to do it, too."</p> + +<p>"Better be careful, Mehitabel. I can advise you, because we're good +chums, and I'm a little older than you, though I don't look it! But I'm +not sure you ought to take the responsibility of advising your young +friends. You might suggest it to them,—merely suggest it, you know, and +if their agree and their parents agree, why, then, all right. And now +home to our own luncheon. I declare it made me hungry to see those +children eat!"</p> + +<p>Promptly at three o'clock that afternoon the Sand Club gathered for the +Sand-Pail Picnic. By making two trips the Maynards' big motor carried +them all to the picnic grove, about a mile distant.</p> + +<p>Here Cousin Jack provided all sorts of sports for them. At a target, +they shot with bows and arrows, and the boys were allowed a little +rifle-shooting.</p> + +<p>There was that funny game of picking up potatoes with teaspoons, +followed by a rollicking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> romp at Blindman's Buff. Then Cousin Jack +marshalled his young friends into line, and they all sang "Star-Spangled +Banner," and "Columbia," and "America," and cheered, and fired off mild +explosives, and had a real Fourth of July celebration. Then the feast +was brought on.</p> + +<p>The children sat cross-legged on the grass, and each one was given a tin +sand-pail.</p> + +<p>But instead of sand, the pail was found to contain sandwiches and crisp +little cakes known as sand-tarts.</p> + +<p>After these there were served dainty little paper pails, from a +caterer's, filled with ice cream.</p> + +<p>"What a lovely sand picnic!" exclaimed Marjorie, as she sat on the sand, +blissfully disposing of her ice cream. "I'm going to call Cousin Jack, +The Sandman!"</p> + +<p>"Ho! a Sandman puts you to sleep!" cried Tom Craig; "let's get a better +name than that for Mr. Bryant."</p> + +<p>"Call him Sandy Claus," piped up Dick, and they all laughed.</p> + +<p>"A little out of season, but it's all right, my boy," said Cousin Jack. +"Call me anything you like, as long as you call me early and often. Now, +shall we be trotting home again, to continue our revels?"</p> + +<p>With a sigh of utter content, Marjorie climbed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> into the motor, and they +went spinning home to dress for the "Reception."</p> + +<p>At the reception more guests were invited, and Bryant Bower quite +justified its pretty name.</p> + +<p>Japanese lanterns dotted the grounds, and hung among the vines of the +veranda. Flags and bunting were everywhere, and a small platform, draped +with red, white, and blue, had been erected for the receiving party.</p> + +<p>This consisted of King, Midget, and Rosy Posy in patriotic costume.</p> + +<p>King, as Uncle Sam, presented a funny figure with his white beaver hat, +his long-tailed blue coat, and red and white striped trousers. Midget +wore a becoming "Miss Columbia" costume, with a liberty cap and liberty +pole and flag. Rosamond was a chubby little Goddess of Liberty, but she +preferred to run around everywhere, rather than stand still and receive.</p> + +<p>King and Midget did the honors gracefully, and after all the guests had +assembled, they took seats on the lawn to watch the fireworks.</p> + +<p>These were of a fine quality, and as the flowerpots and bombs burst into +stars in the sky both children and grown-ups joined in loud applause.</p> + +<p>There was patriotic music, and more ice cream, and when, at last, it was +all over, the Sand Club<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> went together to thank Cousin Jack for the +entertainment.</p> + +<p>"Glad you liked it," he said, heartily; "and now, scamper home and to +bed, all of you, so your parents won't say I made you lose your beauty +sleep."</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> +<h3>A REVELATION</h3> +</div> + +<p>Marjorie was practising.</p> + +<p>It was a lovely afternoon, and she wanted to go out and play, but her +hour's practising must be done first. She was conscientious about it, +and tried very hard to hold her hands just right, as she counted, +one—two—three—four; one—two—three—four.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Corey, Hester's mother, was calling on Mrs. Maynard, and the two +ladies sat on the veranda, just outside the window near which the piano +stood.</p> + +<p>Marjorie did not listen to their conversation, for it was of no interest +to her, and, too, she was devoting all her attention to her exercises. +Usually, she didn't mind practising, but to-day the Sand Club was +waiting for her, and her practice hour seemed interminable.</p> + +<p>"One—two—three—four," she counted to herself, when something Mrs. +Corey said arrested her attention.</p> + +<p>"Your oldest daughter?" Marjorie heard her exclaim; "you amaze me!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p> + +<p>Midget had no thought of eavesdropping, and as the piano was near the +open window, surely they could hear her practising, and so knew she was +there.</p> + +<p>But Mrs. Maynard answered, in a low, serious voice, "Yes, my oldest +girl. She is not our child. She is a foundling. We adopted her when an +infant."</p> + +<p>"Really?" said Mrs. Corey, much interested. "How did that happen?"</p> + +<p>"Well," said Mrs. Maynard, "my husband desired it, and I consented. She +has grown up a good girl, but of course I can't feel toward her as I +feel toward my own children."</p> + +<p>"No, of course not," agreed Mrs. Corey. "The others are all your own?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, they are my own."</p> + +<p>"She doesn't know this, does she?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, we have never let her suspect it. She thinks I am her mother, +and she thinks I love her as I do my own children. But it is hard for me +to pretend affection for her, when I remember her humble origin."</p> + +<p>"Your husband? Does he care for her?"</p> + +<p>"He feels much as I do. You see, she is not of as fine a nature as our +own children. Of course he can't help seeing that. But we both do our +best for the girl."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good for you, Mrs. Maynard; that's fine!"</p> + +<p>"Do you really think so, Mrs. Corey? I'm afraid that——"</p> + +<p>But Marjorie heard no more. She had stopped her practising at the first +words of these awful disclosures.</p> + +<p>Not her mother's own child! She, Marjorie Maynard! It couldn't be +possible! But as the conversation went on, perfectly audible, though not +in loud tones, she could no longer doubt the truth of what her mother +was saying.</p> + +<p>Dreadful it might be,—unbelievable it might be,—but true it must be.</p> + +<p>"One—two—three—four," mechanically she tried to strike the keys, but +her fingers refused to move.</p> + +<p>She left the piano, and went slowly up to her own room.</p> + +<p>Her pretty room that her mother,—no, that Mrs. Maynard,—had fixed up +for her with flowering chintz hangings and frilly white curtains.</p> + +<p><i>Not</i> her mother! Who, then, was or had been her mother?</p> + +<p>And then Marjorie's calm gave way. She threw herself on her little white +bed, and burying her face in the pillow she sobbed convulsively. Her +thoughts flew to her father,—but no, he wasn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> her father! King wasn't +her brother,—nor Kitty her sister! Nor Rosy Posy——?</p> + +<p>It was all too dreadful. At every fresh thought about it, it grew worse. +Dear old King, she had never realized before how much she loved him. And +Kitty! And Father and Mother! She <i>would</i> call them that, even though +they were no relation to her.</p> + +<p>For a long time Marjorie cried,—great, deep, heart-racking sobs that +wore her out.</p> + +<p>At last she settled down into a calm of despair.</p> + +<p>"I am going away," she said, to herself. "I won't stay here where they +have to <i>pretend</i> they love me! Oh, Mother, <i>Mother</i>!"</p> + +<p>But no one heard the little girl's grief. Mrs. Maynard still sat on the +veranda, talking to Mrs. Corey; King was down at Sand Court; and the +nurse had taken Rosamond out for a walk.</p> + +<p>"I <i>must</i> go away," poor Marjorie went on; "I <i>can't</i> stay here, I +should <i>suffocate</i>!"</p> + +<p>She sat up on the edge of her bed, and clasped her hands in utter +desolation. Where could she go? Not to Cousin Ethel's, she'd only bring +her back home. <i>Home!</i> She hadn't any home,—no <i>real</i> home! She thought +of Grandma Sherwood's, but she wasn't her grandma at all! Then she +thought of Grandma Maynard. That was a curi<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>ous thought, for though +Grandma Maynard wasn't her own grandmother, either, yet, a few months +ago, she had begged Marjorie to live with her and be her little girl. +Surely she must have <i>known</i> that Midget wasn't really her +granddaughter, and yet she had really loved her enough to want her to +live there.</p> + +<p>Then Grandma Maynard wouldn't have to <i>pretend</i> to love her.</p> + +<p>Clearly, that was the only thing to do. She couldn't run away, with no +destination in view.</p> + +<p>She had no claim on Grandma Sherwood or Uncle Steve, but Grandma Maynard +<i>had</i> wanted her,—really <i>wanted</i> her.</p> + +<p>Marjorie looked at the little clock on her dressing table. It was almost +three o'clock. She knew there was a train to New York about three, and +she resolved to go on it.</p> + +<p>At first she thought of taking some things in a bag, but she decided not +to, as she didn't want any of the things the Maynards had given her.</p> + +<p>"Oh," she thought, while the tears came afresh; "my name isn't even +Maynard! I don't know <i>what</i> it is!"</p> + +<p>She put on a blue linen dress, and a blue hat with roses on it. Some +instinct of sadness made her tie her hair with black ribbon.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> + +<p>As she went downstairs, she heard Mrs. Corey say, "I am astounded at +these revelations!" and her mother replied, "Dear friend, I knew you +would be."</p> + +<p>Marjorie wasn't crying then, she felt as if she had no tears left. She +shut her teeth together hard, and went out by a side door. This way she +could reach the street unobserved, and she walked straight ahead to the +railroad station. She had a five-dollar gold piece that Uncle Steve had +sent her on Christmas, and that, with a little silver change, she +carried in her pocketbook. But she left behind her pearl ring and all +the little trinkets or valuables she possessed.</p> + +<p>She felt as if her heart had turned to stone. It wasn't so much anger at +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard as it was that awful sense of desolation,—as if +the world had come to an end.</p> + +<p>At one moment she would think she missed King the most; then with the +thought of her father, a rush of tears would come; and then her poor +little tortured heart would cry out, "Oh, Mother, <i>Mother</i>!"</p> + +<p>She knew perfectly well the way to New York, and though the station +agent looked at her sharply when she bought a ticket, he said nothing. +For Marjorie was a self-possessed little girl, of good manners and quiet +air when she chose to be. With<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> her ticket in her hand, she sat down to +wait for the train. There were few people in the station at that hour, +and no one who knew her.</p> + +<p>When the train came puffing in, she went out and took it, in a +matter-of-fact way, as if quite accustomed to travelling alone.</p> + +<p>Really, she felt very much frightened. She had never been on a train +alone before, and the noise of the cars and the bustle of the people, +and the shouting of the trainmen made her nervous.</p> + +<p>And then, with a fresh flood of woe, the remembrance of <i>why</i> she was +going would come over her, and obliterate all other considerations.</p> + +<p>For perhaps half an hour she kept the tears back bravely enough; but as +she rode on, and realized more and more deeply what it all meant, she +could control herself no longer, and burst into a paroxysm of weeping.</p> + +<p>She was sitting next the window, and, as there were few passengers, no +one was in the seat with her.</p> + +<p>But when she raised her head, exhausted by her outburst of tears, a +burly red-faced man sat beside her.</p> + +<p>"Come, come, little one, what's it all about?" he said.</p> + +<p>His tone was kind, but his personality was not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> pleasant, and Marjorie +felt no inclination to confide in him.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, sir," she said, drawing as far away from him as possible.</p> + +<p>"Now, now, little miss, you can't cry like that, and then say there's +nothing the matter."</p> + +<p>Marjorie wanted to rebuke his intrusion, but she didn't know exactly +what to say, so she turned toward the window and resolutely kept looking +out.</p> + +<p>The trees and fields flying by were not very comforting. Every mile took +her farther away from her dear ones, for they <i>were</i> dear, whether +related to her or not.</p> + +<p>She pressed her flushed cheeks against the cool window pane. She was too +exhausted to cry any more. She seemed to have only enough strength to +say, brokenly, "Oh, Mother, <i>Mother</i>!" and then from sheer weariness of +flesh she fell into a troubled sleep.</p> + +<p>Meantime Marjorie was missed at home. The Sand Club grew tired of +waiting for her, and King went up to the house to investigate the delay.</p> + +<p>He trudged, whistling, up the driveway, and seeing Mrs. Corey, he +whipped off his cap, and greeted her politely.</p> + +<p>"Where's Midget, Mother?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I don't know, son; isn't she with you?"</p> + +<p>"No'm, and I'm tired waiting for her."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is Hester there?" asked Mrs. Corey.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mrs. Corey, Hester's been with us an hour, and we're waiting for +Mopsy. She said she'd come as soon as she finished her practising."</p> + +<p>"She stopped practising some time ago," said Mrs. Corey. "I haven't +heard the piano for half an hour or more."</p> + +<p>"I'll bet she's tucked away somewhere, reading!" exclaimed King; "I'll +hunt her out!"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps she's gone over to Cousin Ethel's," suggested Mrs. Maynard.</p> + +<p>"I'll hunt her up," repeated King, and he went into the house.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie Mops! I say! Come out of that!" he cried, banging at the +closed door of her bedroom.</p> + +<p>Getting no reply, he opened the door and looked in, but she wasn't +there.</p> + +<p>"You old scallywag Mops!" he cried, shaking his fist at her empty room, +"I never knew you to go back on your word before! And you said you'd +come to Sand Court as soon as you could!"</p> + +<p>He looked in the veranda hammock, and in the library, and any place +where he thought Midget might be, absorbed in a book; he inquired of the +servants; and at last he went back to his mother.</p> + +<p>"I can't find Mopsy," he said.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then she <i>must</i> be over at Cousin Ethel's. She does love to go over +there."</p> + +<p>"Well, she oughtn't to go when she's promised to come out with us. I +never knew old Midge to break a promise before."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps Cousin Ethel telephoned for her," suggested Mrs. Maynard. +"Though in that case, she should have told me she was going. Run over +there and see, son."</p> + +<p>"I'll telephone over, that'll be quicker," said King, and ran back into +the house.</p> + +<p>"Nope," he said, returning; "she isn't there, and hasn't been there +to-day. Mother, don't you think it's queer?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, King, it is a little queer. But she can't be far away. +Perhaps she walked down to the train to meet Father."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mother, that would be a crazy thing to do, when she knew we were +waiting for her."</p> + +<p>"Well, maybe she went walking with Rosamond and Nurse Nannie. She's +certainly somewhere around. Run away now, King. Mrs. Corey and I are +busy."</p> + +<p>King walked slowly away.</p> + +<p>"It's pretty queer," he said to Hester and the Craig boys; "Mops is +nowhere to be found."</p> + +<p>"Well, don't look so scared," said Tom; "she can't be kidnapped. If it +was your baby sister,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> that would be different. But Midget has just gone +off on some wild-goose chase,—or she is hiding to tease us."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps she wrote to Kitty," suggested Hester, "and went down to the +post-office to mail it."</p> + +<p>"Not likely," said King. "She knows the postman collects at six o'clock. +Well, I s'pose she <i>is</i> hiding somewhere, reading a book. Won't I give +it to her when I catch her! For she <i>said</i> she'd come out here, right +after her practice hour."</p> + +<p>A <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'dulness'">dullness</ins> +seemed to fall on the Sand Club members present. Not only was +Marjorie their ringleader and moving spirit, but somehow King's +uneasiness impressed all of them, and soon Dick Craig said, "I'm going +home."</p> + +<p>King raised no objection, and, after sitting listlessly around for a few +moments, the others all went home.</p> + +<p>But Tom turned back.</p> + +<p>"I say," he began, "you know Mopsy is somewhere, all right."</p> + +<p>"Of course she's somewhere, Tom, but she never did anything like this +before, and I can't understand it. The only thing I can think of is, +that she's gone down on the pier. But she never goes there alone."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, there's lots of things she might be doing. Come on, let's go down +on the pier and take a look."</p> + +<p>The two boys walked out to the end of the pier and back again, but saw +no sign of Marjorie.</p> + +<p>On their way home, Tom turned in at his own house.</p> + +<p>"Good-by, old chap," he said; "don't look so worried. Midget will be +sitting up laughing at you when you get home."</p> + +<p>King said good-by, and went on. He felt a strange depression of heart, +as if something must have happened to Midget. He knew his mother felt no +alarm, and perhaps it was foolish, but the fact remained that Midge had +never acted like that before. Mr. Maynard came home at six o'clock, and +Marjorie had not yet made an appearance.</p> + +<p>He looked very much alarmed, and at sight of his anxiety, Mrs. Maynard +grew worried.</p> + +<p>"Why, Ed," she exclaimed, "you don't think there's anything wrong, do +you?"</p> + +<p>"I hope not, Helen, but it's so unusual. I can only think of the ocean. +Does she ever go down and sit on the beach alone?"</p> + +<p>"No," said King, positively; "she never does anything like that, alone. +We're always together."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And you hadn't had any quarrel, or anything?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Father; nothing of the sort. She went to practise right after +luncheon, and said she'd be out in an hour."</p> + +<p>"I heard her practising, while Mrs. Corey was here," said Mrs. Maynard, +reminiscently; "but I don't remember just when she stopped."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Mr. Maynard, "it's extraordinary, but I can't think +anything's wrong with the child. You know she always has been +mischievous, and I think she's playing some game on us. We may as well +go to dinner."</p> + +<p>But nobody could eat dinner. The sight of Midget's empty chair began to +seem tragic, and King choked and left the table.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard burst into tears, and rose also. Her husband followed her.</p> + +<p>"Don't worry, Helen," he urged; "she's sure to be safe and sound +somewhere."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know, Ed! Such a thing as this never happened before! Oh, +find her, Ed, <i>do</i> find her!"</p> + +<p>King had run over to the Bryants' and now returned, accompanied by those +two very much alarmed people.</p> + +<p>"We must <i>do</i> something!" exclaimed Cousin Jack. "Of course something +has happened to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> the child! She isn't one to cut up any such game on +purpose. Have you looked in her room?"</p> + +<p>"What for?" asked Mrs. Maynard, helplessly.</p> + +<p>"Why, to see if you can discover anything unusual. I'm going up!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Bryant flew upstairs two steps at a time, and they all followed. But +nothing unusual was to be seen. The pretty room was in order, and no +clothing of any sort was lying about.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard looked in the cupboard.</p> + +<p>"Why, her blue linen is gone!" she said, "and here's the white piqué she +had on at luncheon. And her blue hat is gone; she must have dressed up +to go out somewhere to call, and unexpectedly stayed to dinner."</p> + +<p>"Does she ever do that?" demanded Cousin Jack.</p> + +<p>"She never has before," answered Mrs. Maynard, falling weakly back on +Marjorie's bed. "Why, this pillow is all wet!"</p> + +<p>They looked at each other in consternation. They saw, too, the deep +imprint of a head in the dented pillow. Surely, this meant tragedy of +some sort, for if the child had sobbed so hard, she must have been in +deep trouble.</p> + +<p>"We must find her!" said Cousin Jack, starting for the stairs.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> +<h3>THE SEARCH</h3> +</div> + +<p>It was fortunate that the Bryants were there to take the initiative, for +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard seemed incapable of action. Usually alert and +energetic, they were so stunned at the thought of real disaster to +Marjorie that they sat around helplessly inactive.</p> + +<p>"Come with me, King," said Cousin Jack, going to the telephone in the +library.</p> + +<p>Then he called up every house in Seacote where Marjorie could possibly +have gone, and King helped by suggesting the names of acquaintances.</p> + +<p>But no one could give any news of the little girl; no one whom they +asked had seen or heard of her that afternoon.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack's face grew very white, and his features were drawn, as he +said: "You stay here, Ed, with Helen and Ethel; King and I will go out +for a bit. Come, King."</p> + +<p>Kingdon said nothing; he snatched up his cap and went along silently by +Mr. Bryant's side, trying to keep up with his companion's long, swift +strides.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> + +<p>To the beach they went; it was not yet quite dark, but of course they +saw no sign of Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Are you thinking she might have been washed away by the waves?" asked +King, in a quivering voice.</p> + +<p>"That's all I <i>can</i> think of," replied Mr. Bryant, grimly.</p> + +<p>"But it isn't likely, Cousin Jack. Mopsy is really a heavyweight, you +know. And there's not a very big surf on now."</p> + +<p>"That's so, King. But where <i>can</i> she be?" Then they went and talked +with the fishermen, and then on to the Life-saving Station.</p> + +<p>The big, good-hearted men all knew Marjorie, and all declared she had +not been on the beach that afternoon,—at least, not within their +particular locality.</p> + +<p>Discouraged, Cousin Jack and King turned down toward the pier. Their +inquiries were fruitless; though many people knew Midget, by sight, none +had seen her. There was nothing to do but go back home.</p> + +<p>"Have you found her?" cried Cousin Ethel, as they entered the house.</p> + +<p>"No; but the beach people haven't seen her, so I'm sure there's no +accident of that sort." Cousin Jack wouldn't make use of the word +drowning, but they all knew what he meant.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard sat staring, in a sort of dull apathy. She couldn't realize +that Marjorie was lost, she couldn't believe an accident had befallen +her, yet, where was she?</p> + +<p>"Let's search the house," she said, jumping up suddenly. "I <i>must</i> do +<i>something</i>. Couldn't she have gone somewhere to read quietly, and +fallen asleep?"</p> + +<p>This was a possibility, and the house was searched from top to bottom by +eager hunters. But no Marjorie was found.</p> + +<p>As it neared midnight, the ladies were persuaded to go to bed.</p> + +<p>"You can do nothing, dear, by remaining up," said Mr. Maynard to his +wife. "The Bryants will stay with us to-night, so you and Ethel go to +your rooms, and King, too. Jack and I will stay here in the library for +a while."</p> + +<p>King demurred at being sent away, but his father explained that if he +wanted to help, all he could do was to obey orders. So King went +upstairs, but not to his own room. About an hour later he came down +again, to find his father and Mr. Bryant still sitting in the library +waiting for morning.</p> + +<p>"Father," said King, his eyes shining bright beneath his tousled hair, +"I've been rummaging in Midget's room. I thought I might find out +some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>thing to help us. And she's taken her pocketbook, and the gold +piece Uncle Steve gave her last Christmas. I know, because I know where +she always kept it,—and it's gone."</p> + +<p>"Well, King," said his father, thoughtfully, "what do you make out from +that?"</p> + +<p>"Only that she has gone somewhere especial. I mean somewhere to spend +that money,—not just for a walk on the beach, or down to the pier."</p> + +<p>"That's encouraging," said Cousin Jack, "for if she went away on some +special errand, she's more likely to be safe and sound, somewhere. Did +you notice anything else missing, King?"</p> + +<p>"Not a thing. And you know how wet her pillow was. Well, I think she +heard about some poor person or poor family, and she cried about them, +and then she took her gold piece and went to help them."</p> + +<p>"That's ingenious, King," said Mr. Maynard, "and it may be true. I hope +so, I'm sure. But why should she stay away so long and not let us know?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, the poor family may live at some distance, and not have +any telephone, and they may be ill, or something, and she may be there +yet, helping. You know Mopsy is awful kind-hearted. Remember the +Simpsons' fire? She forgot everything else in caring for them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's so, my son; at any rate, it's the most comforting theory we've +had yet, and I'll go and tell your mother about it. It will help her, I +know."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard went away, and King remained downstairs.</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to bed, Cousin Jack," he said; "I'm old enough now to +stay up with you men, in trouble like this."</p> + +<p>"All right, King. You're showing manly traits, my boy, and I'm proud of +you. Now, old chap, between you and me, I don't subscribe to your +poor-family theory. It's possible, of course, but it doesn't seem +probable to me."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, Cousin Jack, what can we do next?"</p> + +<p>"We can't do anything till morning; then I think we must see the +police."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that seems so awful!"</p> + +<p>"I know, but if it's the means of finding Marjorie?"</p> + +<p>"Then, of course, we'll do it! How early can we see them?"</p> + +<p>"We can telephone as early as we like, I suppose. But I've little +confidence in the powers of the police down here. They're all right to +patrol the beach, but they're not like city policemen."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> + +<p>At last the night wore away, and daybreak came.</p> + +<p>They telephoned the police, and in a few minutes two of them arrived at +the Maynard house for consultation.</p> + +<p>"I know the child well," said one of them, "I often see her about,—a +well-behaved little lady, but full o' fun, too. D'ye think she might +have been kidnapped, now?"</p> + +<p>"It might be," said Mr. Bryant, "though she's pretty big for that. And, +too, she took extra money with her."</p> + +<p>"Then she may have been goin' somewhere by rail."</p> + +<p>"That's so! I never thought of that!" and Cousin Jack almost smiled.</p> + +<p>"But where would she go?" said Mr. Maynard, hopelessly. "She never +travelled alone, and though impulsively mischievous, sometimes, she +wouldn't deliberately run away."</p> + +<p>The policemen went away to begin their quest, and the Maynards and their +guests went to breakfast.</p> + +<p>No one felt like eating, yet each urged the others to do so.</p> + +<p>"Where's Middy?" inquired baby Rosamond, at table. "Middy gone 'way?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear," said Cousin Jack, for no one else<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> could speak. "Middy's +gone away for a little while."</p> + +<p>"I know," said the child, contentedly, "Middy gone to Gramma's to see +Kitty!"</p> + +<p>"Why, perhaps she did!" exclaimed Mr. Maynard.</p> + +<p>But Mrs. Maynard had no such hope. It was too unlike Marjorie to do such +a thing.</p> + +<p>"Well, let's find out," urged King. "Let's get Uncle Steve on the +long-distance wire."</p> + +<p>"Don't alarm Grandma," said Mrs. Maynard. "There's no use stirring her +up, until we know ourselves what has happened."</p> + +<p>"Leave it to me," said Cousin Jack. "I'll find out."</p> + +<p>After some delay, he succeeded in getting Uncle Steve on the telephone. +Then he asked for Kitty.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Susannah!" he cried, assuming a merry voice, in his kind desire +not to alarm her. "This is your Cousin Jack!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, hello, Cousin Jack!" exclaimed Kitty, in delight. "How nice of you +to call me up! How is everybody?"</p> + +<p>"We're well, thank you! How are you all?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, we're all right."</p> + +<p>"Are you lonesome, away from your family?"</p> + +<p>"No, not lonesome, though I'd like to see them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> Tell Midget there are +two hundred incubator chicks now."</p> + +<p>"Well, that <i>is</i> a lot! Now, good-by, Kitsie; I can't run up too big a +telephone bill for your father. We all send love. Be a good girl. +Good-by."</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack hung up the receiver and buried his face in his hands. It +had been a great strain on his nerves to appear gay and carefree to +Kitty, and the implied assurance that Marjorie was <i>not</i> there nearly +made him give way.</p> + +<p>"She isn't there," he said, dully, as he repeated to the family what +Kitty had said. And then the telephone rang, and it was the police +department.</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard took the receiver.</p> + +<p>"We've traced her," came the news, and the father's face grew white with +suspense. "She bought a ticket to New York, and went there on the +three-o'clock train yesterday afternoon. Nothing further is known, as +yet, but as soon as we can get in touch with the conductor of that +train, we will."</p> + +<p>"New York! Impossible!" cried Cousin Ethel, when she heard the message, +and Mrs. Maynard fainted away.</p> + +<p>Marjorie! on a train, going to New York alone!</p> + +<p>"Come on, King," said Cousin Jack, abruptly, and leaving the others to +care for Mrs. Maynard,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> these two strode off again. Straight to the +railroad station they went to interview the agent themselves.</p> + +<p>He corroborated the story. He did not know Marjorie's name, but he +described the child so exactly that there was no room for doubt of her +identity.</p> + +<p>But he could tell them no more. She had bought her ticket and taken the +train in a quiet, matter-of-fact way, as any passenger would do.</p> + +<p>"Did she look as if she had been crying?" asked King, almost crying +himself.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, now you speak of it, her face <i>did</i> look so. Her eyes was +red, and she looked sorter sad. But she didn't say nothin', 'cept to ask +for a ticket to New York."</p> + +<p>"Return ticket?" put in Mr. Bryant.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; a single ticket. Just one way."</p> + +<p>The conductor couldn't be seen until afternoon, as his run was a long +one, and his home far away.</p> + +<p>"I can't understand it," said King, as they walked homeward; "and I +can't believe it. If Midget went to New York alone, she had lost her +mind,—that's all."</p> + +<p>But when they reached home, they found the Maynards quite hopeful. It +had occurred to them that, by some strange freak, Marjorie had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> decided +to visit Grandma Maynard, and had started off there alone.</p> + +<p>"I'm trying to get them on the long-distance," Mr. Maynard announced, +quite cheerily, as they entered.</p> + +<p>"Let me take it," said Cousin Jack. "If she <i>isn't</i> there, we don't want +to alarm them, either."</p> + +<p>"That's so!" said Mr. Maynard. "All right, Jack, take it. Bless you, old +fellow, for your help."</p> + +<p>But when connection had been made, and Cousin Jack found himself in +communication with Grandma Maynard, he didn't know what to say. He +caught at the first pretext he could think of, and said:</p> + +<p>"How do you do, Mrs. Maynard? You don't know me, but I'm Jack Bryant, a +guest at Ed Maynard's house in Seacote. Now, won't you tell me when +Marjorie's birthday comes?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, I've heard of you, Mr. Bryant," said Grandma Maynard, pleasantly. +"I suppose you want to surprise the child with a present or a party. +Well, her birthday is next week,—the fifteenth of July."</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you. She is getting a big girl, isn't she? When,—when did +you see her last?"</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack's voice faltered, but the unsuspecting lady, listening, +didn't notice it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<p>"About two months ago. They were here in May. I love Marjorie, and I +wish I could see her again, but there's little hope of it. She wrote to +me last week that they would be in Seacote all summer."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that is their plan," said Cousin Jack.</p> + +<p>He could say no more, and dropped the receiver without even a good-by.</p> + +<p>But though Grandma Maynard might think him rude or uncourteous, she +could not feel frightened or alarmed for Marjorie's safety, because of +anything he had said.</p> + +<p>"She isn't there," he said, quietly; "but I still think she started for +there, and now we have a direction in which to look."</p> + +<p>But what a direction! Marjorie, alone, going to New York, endeavoring to +find Grandma Maynard's house, and not getting there! Where had she been +all night? Where was she now?</p> + +<p>There were no answers to these questions. And now Mr. Maynard took the +helm. He cast off the apathy that had seemed to paralyze him, and, +rising, he began to talk quickly.</p> + +<p>"Helen," he said, "try to rouse yourself, darling. Keep up a good hope, +and be brave, as you have always been. King, I am going out to find +Marjorie. You cannot go with me, for I want to leave your mother in your +care. You have proved<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> yourself manly in your search for your sister, +continue to do so in caring for your mother. Ethel, I'd be glad if you +would stay here with Helen, and, Jack,—will you come with me?"</p> + +<p>"Of course," replied Mr. Bryant.</p> + +<p>"And, King," his father went on, "keep within sound of the telephone. I +may call you at any moment. Get your sleep, my boy,—if I should be gone +over night,—but sleep here on the library couch, and then the bell will +waken you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Father, I'll look after Mother, and I'll be right here if you call +me. Where are you going?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, my son. I only know I must hunt for Marjorie with such +help and such advice as I can procure. Come on, Jack."</p> + +<p>After affectionate farewells, the two men went away.</p> + +<p>"First for that conductor," said Mr. Maynard. "I cannot wait till +afternoon; I shall try to reach him by telephone or go to his home."</p> + +<p>At length he learned that the conductor lived in Asbury Park. He was off +duty at that hour, and Mr. Maynard tried to get him by telephone, but +the line was out of order.</p> + +<p>"To his house we go, then," and the two men boarded the first possible +train.</p> + +<p>At Asbury Park they found his house, but the conductor's wife, Mrs. +Fischer, said her husband<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> was asleep and she never disturbed him at +that hour of the day, as he had a long run before him, and needed his +rest.</p> + +<p>But after a few words of explanation of their quest, the good lady +became sympathetic and helpful.</p> + +<p>"Of course I'll call him," she cried; "oh, the poor mother! my heart +aches for her!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Fischer came downstairs, rubbing his eyes. It was about noon, and he +was accustomed to sleep soundly until two o'clock.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes," he said, in answer to their queries. "I remember that girl. +I didn't think much about her,—for a good many children travel alone +between stations on the shore road. But, somehow, I don't think that +child went to New York,—no, I don't think she did."</p> + +<p>"Where did she get off?" asked Mr. Maynard, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Ah, that I don't know. You see, the summer crowds are travelling now +and I don't notice individuals much."</p> + +<p>"Can't you tell by your tickets?" asked Mr. Bryant.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I don't see's I can. You know, lots of people <i>did</i> go to New +York on my train, and so, I've lots of New York tickets, but of course I +couldn't tell if I had hers. And yet,—seems to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> me,—just seems to +me,—that child got off at a way station."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Mr. Maynard, with a businesslike air, "I must telephone or +telegraph or go personally to every way station between Seacote and New +York. It's a strange case. I can only think my daughter became suddenly +demented; I can think of no other reason for her conduct. Can you, +Jack?"</p> + +<p>"No, Ed, I can't. And yet, Marjorie is a child who always does +unexpected things. Some crotchet or whimsey of her childish mind <i>might</i> +account for this strange freak, quite naturally."</p> + +<p>"I can't see how. But we will do what we can. Good-day, Mr. Fischer, and +thank you for your help and interest."</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> +<h3>JESSICA BROWN</h3> +</div> + +<p>Meantime, where was Marjorie?</p> + +<p>To go back to where we left her, in the railroad train, she had fallen +asleep from utter exhaustion of nerve and body.</p> + +<p>But her nap was of short duration. She woke with a start, and found, to +her surprise, that she was leaning her head against somebody's shoulder.</p> + +<p>She looked up, to see the red-faced man gravely regarding her, though he +smiled as their eyes met.</p> + +<p>"Feel better, little miss?" he said, and again Marjorie felt a strange +repulsion, though he spoke kindly enough.</p> + +<p>Her mind was bewildered, she was nervous and frightened, yet she had a +positive conviction that she ought not to talk to this strange man. She +did not like his face, even if his voice was kind.</p> + +<p>"Yes, thank you," she said, in distantly polite tones, and again she +squeezed herself over toward the window, and away from her seatmate. She +sat up very straight, trying to act as grown-up as possible, and then +the train stopped at a large station. There were crowds of people +hurrying<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> and scurrying about on the platform, and Marjorie was almost +sure she had reached Jersey City, where she knew she must change for New +York.</p> + +<p>She wanted to inquire, but the conductor was not in sight, and she +didn't like to ask the man beside her.</p> + +<p>So she rose, as if to leave the car.</p> + +<p>The red-faced man rose also, and stepped back as she passed him. In a +moment she found herself on the platform, and the train soon went on. +Everything about the station looked unfamiliar, and glancing up, she saw +by a large sign that she was at Newark! She had never before been in +Newark, though she knew in a general way where it was. She went +uncertainly into the station, and looked at the clock. It was after +five. Marjorie knew she could take another train, and proceed to Jersey +City, and so to New York, but her courage had failed her, and she +couldn't bear the thought of travelling any further.</p> + +<p>And yet, how could she stay where she was? Also, she began to feel very +hungry. The exhaustion caused by her emotional grief, and her wearisome +journey, made her feel hollow and faint.</p> + +<p>She sank down on a seat in the waiting-room, sadly conscious of her +lonely and desolate situation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p> + +<p>She tried to summon anew her natural pluck and independence.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie Maynard!" she said, to herself, and then stopped,—overwhelmed +by the thought that she had no right even to that name!</p> + +<p>Presently a voice beside her said: "Now, little miss, won't you let me +help you?"</p> + +<p>She turned sharply, and looked the red-faced man in the eyes.</p> + +<p>He didn't look very refined, he didn't even look good, but the sound of +a friendly voice was like a straw held out to a drowning man.</p> + +<p>"How can you help me?" she said, miserably.</p> + +<p>"Well, fust off, where've ye set out fur?"</p> + +<p>The man was uncultured, but there was a note of sincerity in his speech +that impressed Marjorie, now that she was so friendless and alone.</p> + +<p>"New York," she replied.</p> + +<p>"Why'd ye get out at Newark?"</p> + +<p>"I made a mistake," she confessed.</p> + +<p>"An' what be ye goin' to do now?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know."</p> + +<p>"Ah, jest what I thought! An' then ye ask, how kin I help ye?"</p> + +<p>"Well, how can you?"</p> + +<p>Under the spur of his strong voice, Marjorie's spirits had revived the +least bit, and she spoke bravely to him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, that's more peart-like. Wal, in the fust place I kin take ye home +with me, an' my old woman'll keep ye fer the night, an' I guess that's +what ye need most."</p> + +<p>"Where do you live?"</p> + +<p>"'Bout five miles out in the country."</p> + +<p>"How do you get there?"</p> + +<p>"Wal, I ain't got none o' them autymobiles, nor yet no airship; but I've +got a old nag that can do the piece in an hour or so."</p> + +<p>"Why do you want to take me home with you?" asked Marjorie, for she +couldn't help a feeling that there was something wrong.</p> + +<p>"Why, bless your heart, child, bekase you're alone and forlorn and +hungry and all done out. An' it's my privit opinion as how ye've run +away from home."</p> + +<p>"No, not that," said Midget, sadly; "I haven't any home."</p> + +<p>"Ye don't say so! Wal, wal, never mind fer to-night. You go 'long with +me, an' Zeb Geary, he'll look after ye fer a spell, anyhow."</p> + +<p>There was no mistaking the kindness now, and Marjorie looked up into the +man's red face with trust and gratitude.</p> + +<p>"I'd be glad to go with you and stay till to-morrow," she said; "but +first I want to own up that I didn't 'zactly trust you,—but now I do."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Wal, wal, thet shows a nice sperrit! Now, you come along o' me, an' +don't try to talk nor nothin'. Jest come along."</p> + +<p>He took Midget's hand, and they went down the steps, and along the +street for a block or two, to a sort of livery stable.</p> + +<p>"Set here a minute," said Mr. Geary, and he left Marjorie on a bench, +which stood outside, against the building.</p> + +<p>After a time he returned, with an ancient-looking vehicle, known as a +Rockaway, and a patient, long-suffering horse.</p> + +<p>"Git in back," he said, and Marjorie climbed in, too tired and sad to +care much whither she might be taken.</p> + +<p>They jogged along at a fair pace, but Mr. Geary, on the front seat, +offered no conversation, merely looking back occasionally, as if to +assure himself that his guest was still with him.</p> + +<p>After a mile or two, Marjorie began to think more coherently.</p> + +<p>She wondered what she would have done if she hadn't chanced to fall in +with this kind, if rough, friend.</p> + +<p>She wondered whether she could ever have reached Grandma Maynard's house +in safety, for the crowds and confusion were much worse than<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> she had +anticipated, and in New York they would be worse still.</p> + +<p>At any rate, she would gladly accept shelter and hospitality for the +night, and continue her journey next day, during the earlier hours.</p> + +<p>It was well after six o'clock when the jogging old horse turned into a +lane, and finally stopped at a somewhat tumble-down porch. An old woman +appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron.</p> + +<p>"Wal, Zeb," she called out, "did ye get back?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Sary, an' I brought ye a visitor for the night."</p> + +<p>"A what! Wal, I do declar'!" and Mrs. Geary stepped down and peered into +the back seat of the Rockaway. "Who in creation is that?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," returned her husband.</p> + +<p>"Ye don't know! I swan, Zeb Geary, you must be plumb crazy! Whar'd ye +get her?"</p> + +<p>"Thar, thar, now, Sary, don't be askin' questions, but take the pore +lamb in, an' cuddle her up some. She's plumb beat out!"</p> + +<p>"Come on, dearie," said the old wife, who had caught sight of Marjorie's +winsome face and sad eyes. "Come along o' me,—I'll take keer o' ye."</p> + +<p>Marjorie let herself be helped from the rickety old vehicle, and went +with her hostess, in at the kitchen door.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> + +<p>It wasn't an attractive kitchen, such as Eliza's, at Grandma Sherwood's; +it was bare and comfortless-looking, though clean and in good order.</p> + +<p>"Now, now, little miss," said Mrs. Geary, hobbling about, "fust of all, +let's get some supper down ye. When did ye eat last?"</p> + +<p>"This noon," said Marjorie, and then, at the remembrance of the happy, +merry luncheon table at Seacote, she put her head down on her arms, and +sobbed as if she had never cried before.</p> + +<p>"Bless 'ee, bless 'ee, now, my lamb; don't go fer to take on so. There, +there, have a sup o' warm milk! Oh, my! my!"</p> + +<p>In deference to Mrs. Geary's solicitude, Marjorie tried hard to conquer +her sobs, and had finally succeeded, when Mr. Geary came in.</p> + +<p>"Don't bother her any to-night, Mother," he said, after a sharp glance +at Marjorie; "she's all on edge. Feed her up good, and tuck her into +bed."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes; here, my lamb, here's a nice soft-boiled egg for your tea. +You'll like that, now?"</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Marjorie, her great, dark eyes looking weird in the +dimly lighted kitchen.</p> + +<p>After a satisfying supper, Mrs. Geary took the child up to a low, +slant-ceiled room, that was as bare and clean as the kitchen. The old +woman bathed Marjorie's face and hands with unexpected<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> gentleness, and +then helped her to undress. She brought a coarse, plain nightgown of her +own, but it was clean and soft, and felt comfortable to the tired child.</p> + +<p>Then she was tucked between coarse sheets, on a hard bed, but so weary +was she that it seemed comfortable.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Geary patted her arm and hummed softly an old hymn-tune, and poor +little Marjorie dropped asleep almost at once.</p> + +<p>"What do you make of it, Father?" asked the old woman, returning to the +kitchen.</p> + +<p>"She run away from her home fer some reason. Said she hadn't got no +home. Stepmother, I shouldn't wonder. We'll find out to-morrow, an' I'll +tote her back."</p> + +<p>"Mebbe there'll be a reward."</p> + +<p>"Mebbe so. But we'll do our best by her, reward or no. But if so be they +is one, I'll be mighty glad, fer I had pore luck sellin' that hay +to-day."</p> + +<p>"Wal, chirk up, Father; mebbe things'll grow brighter soon."</p> + +<p>"Mebbe they will, Sary,—mebbe they will."</p> + +<p>In her unaccustomed surroundings, Marjorie woke early. The sun was just +reddening the eastern horizon, and the birds were chirping in the +trees.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> + +<p>She had that same sinking of the heart, that same feeling of desolation, +but she did not cry, for her nerves were rested, and her brain +refreshed, by her night's sleep. She lay in her poor, plain bed and +considered the situation.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't matter," she said, sternly, to herself, "how bad I feel +about it, it's true. I'm not a Maynard, and never was. I don't know who +I am, or what my name is. And I don't believe I'd better go to Grandma +Maynard's. Perhaps she doesn't know I'm not really her granddaughter, +and then she wouldn't want me, after all. For I'd have to tell her. So I +just believe I'll earn my own living and be self-supporting."</p> + +<p>This plan appealed to Marjorie's imagination. It seemed grand and noble +and heroic. Moreover, she was very much in earnest, and in this crisp, +early morning she felt braver and stronger than she had felt the night +before.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she thought on, "I ought to earn my living,—for I've no claim on +Fa—on Mr. Maynard. Perhaps these people here can find me some work to +do. At any rate, I'll ask them."</p> + +<p>She jumped up, and dressed herself, for she heard Mr. and Mrs. Geary +already in the kitchen.</p> + +<p>"My stars!" said her hostess, as she appeared; "how peart you look! +Slept good, didn't ye?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Fine!" said Midget; "good-morning, both of you. Can't I help you?"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Geary was transferring baked apples from a pan to an old cracked +platter. Though unaccustomed to such work, Marjorie was quick and deft +at anything, and in a moment she had the apples nicely arranged and +placed on the table. She assisted in other ways, and chattered gayly as +she worked.</p> + +<p>Too gayly, Mrs. Geary thought, and she glanced knowingly at her husband, +for they both realized Marjorie's flow of good spirits was forced,—not +spontaneous.</p> + +<p>After breakfast was over, Midget said, "Now, I'll wash up the dishes, +Mrs. Geary, and you sit down and take a little rest."</p> + +<p>"Land sake, child! I ain't tired. An' you ain't used to this work, I see +you ain't."</p> + +<p>"That doesn't matter. I can do it, and I must do something to pay for my +board,—I have very little money."</p> + +<p>"Hear the child talk! Wal, you kin help me with the work, a little, an' +then we must come to an understandin'."</p> + +<p>Marjorie worked with a nervous haste that betrayed her inexperience as +well as her willingness, and after a time the plain little house was in +order.</p> + +<p>Mr. Geary came in from doing his out-of-door<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> "chores," and Marjorie saw +the "understandin'" was about to be arrived at. But she was prepared; +she had made up her mind as to her course, and was determined to pursue +it.</p> + +<p>"Now, fust of all," said Mr. Geary, kindly, but with decision, "what is +your name?"</p> + +<p>"Jessica Brown," said Marjorie, promptly.</p> + +<p>She had already assured herself that as she had no real right to the +name she had always used, she was privileged to choose herself a new +one. Jessica had long been a favorite with her, and Brown seemed +non-committal.</p> + +<p>Mr. Geary looked at her sharply, but she said the name glibly, and +Jessica was what he called "highfalutin" enough to fit her evident +station in life, so he made no comment.</p> + +<p>"Where do you live?" he went on.</p> + +<p>"I have no home," said Marjorie, steadily; "I am a findling."</p> + +<p>"A what?"</p> + +<p>"A findling,—from the asylum."</p> + +<p>The term didn't sound <i>quite</i> right to her,—but she couldn't think of +the exact word,—and having used it, concluded to stick to it.</p> + +<p>Zeb Geary was not highly educated, but this word, so soberly used, +struck his humorous sense, and he put his brawny hand over his mouth to +hide his smiles.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yep," he said, after a moment, "I understand,—I do. And whar'd ye set +out fer?"</p> + +<p>"I started for New York, but I've decided not to go there."</p> + +<p>"Oh, ye hev, hev ye? An' jes' what do ye calkilate to do?"</p> + +<p>"Well, Mr. Geary," Marjorie looked troubled,—"and Mrs. Geary, I'd +<i>like</i> to stay here for a while. I'll work for you, and you can pay me +by giving me food and lodging. I s'pose I wouldn't be worth very much at +first, but I'd learn fast,—you know,—I do everything fast,—Mother +always said so,—I,—I mean, the lady I used to live with, said so. And +I'd try very hard to please you both. If you'd let me stay a while, +perhaps you'd learn to like me. You see, I've <i>got</i> to earn my own +living, and I haven't anywhere to go, and not a friend in the world but +you two."</p> + +<p>These astonishing words, from the pretty, earnest child, in the dainty +and fashionable dress of the best people, completely floored the old +country couple.</p> + +<p>"Well, I swan!" exclaimed Mr. Geary, while Mrs. Geary said, "My stars!" +twice, with great emphasis.</p> + +<p>"Please," Marjorie went on, "please give me a trial; for I've been +thinking it over, and I don't see what I can possibly do but 'work out.' +Isn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> that what you call it? And if I learn some with you, I might work +out in New York, later on."</p> + +<p>"Bless your baby heart!" exclaimed Mrs. Geary, wiping her eyes which +were moist from conflicting emotions. "Stay here you shall, if you want +to,—though land knows we can't well afford the keep of another."</p> + +<p>"Oh, are you too poor to keep me?" cried Marjorie, dismayed. "I don't +want to be a burden to you. I thought I could help enough to pay for my +'keep.'"</p> + +<p>"So ye kin, dearie,—so ye kin," said old Zeb, heartily. "We'll fix it +some way, Mother, at least for the present. Now, Jessiky, don't ye +worrit a mite more. We'll take keer on ye, and the work ye'll do'll +more'n pay fer all ye'll eat."</p> + +<p>This was noble-hearted bluff on Zeb's part, for he was hard put to it to +get food for himself and his old wife.</p> + +<p>He was what is known as "shif'less." He worked spasmodically, and spent +hours dawdling about, accomplishing nothing, on his old neglected farm.</p> + +<p>But, somehow, a latent ambition and energy seemed to reawaken in his old +heart, and he determined to make renewed efforts to "get ahead" for this +pretty child's sake. And meantime, if she liked to think she was +helping, by such work as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> those dainty little hands could do, he was +willing to humor her.</p> + +<p>Beside all this, Zeb didn't believe her story. He still thought she had +run away from a well-to-do home; and he believed it was because of an +unloving stepmother.</p> + +<p>But he was not minded to worry the child further with questions at the +present time, and it was part of his nature calmly to await +developments.</p> + +<p>"Let it go at that, Mother," he advised. "Take Jessiky as your +maid-of-all-work, on trial,"—he smiled at his wife over Marjorie's +bowed head,—"an' ef she's a good little worker, we'll keep her fer the +present."</p> + +<p>"My stars!" said Mrs. Geary, and then sat in helpless contemplation of +these surprising events.</p> + +<p>"And I <i>will</i> be a good worker!" declared Marjorie, "and perhaps, +sometime, we can sort of decorate the house, and make it sort of,—sort +of prettier."</p> + +<p>"We can't spend nothin'," declared Mr. Geary, "'cause we ain't got +nothin' to spend. So don't think we kin, little miss."</p> + +<p>"No," said Marjorie, smiling at him, "but I mean, decorate with wild +flowers, or even branches of trees, or pine cones or things like that."</p> + +<p>A lump came in Midget's throat, as she remem<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>bered how often she had +"decorated" with these things in honor of some gay festivity at home.</p> + +<p>Oh, what were they doing there, now? Had they missed her? Would they +look for her? They <i>never</i> could find her tucked away here in the +country.</p> + +<p>And Kitty! What <i>would</i> she say when she heard of it? And <i>all</i> of them! +And Mother,—<i>Mother</i>!</p> + +<p>But all this heart outcry was silent. Her kind old friends heard no word +or murmur of complaint or dissatisfaction. If the forlorn old house were +distasteful to Marjorie, she didn't show it; if her room seemed to her +uninhabitable, nobody knew it from her. She ran out to the fields, and +returned with an armful of ox-eyed daisies, and bunches of clover; and, +with some grapevine trails, she made a real transformation of the dingy, +bare walls.</p> + +<p>"Well, I swan!" Mr. Geary said, when he saw it; and his wife exclaimed, +"My stars!"</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> +<h3>THE REUNION</h3> +</div> + +<p>After leaving the conductor's house in Asbury Park, Mr. Maynard and Mr. +Bryant went to a telephone office, and pursued the plan of calling up +every railroad station along the road between Seacote and New York.</p> + +<p>But no good news was the result. It was difficult to get speech with the +station men, and none of them especially remembered seeing a little girl +of Marjorie's description get off the train.</p> + +<p>"What can we do next?" asked Mr. Maynard, dejectedly; "I can't go home +and sit down to wait for police investigation. I doubt if they could +ever find Marjorie. I <i>must</i> do something."</p> + +<p>"It seems a formidable undertaking," said Mr. Bryant, "to go to each of +these way stations; and yet, Ed, I can't think of anything else to do. +We have traced her to the train, and on it. She must have left it +somewhere, and we must discover where."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard looked at his watch.</p> + +<p>"Jack," he said, "it is nearly time for that very train to stop here. +Let us get on that, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> we may get some word of her from the trainmen +other than the conductor."</p> + +<p>"Good idea! and meanwhile we'll have just time to snatch a sandwich +somewhere; which we'd better do, as you've eaten nothing since +breakfast."</p> + +<p>"Neither have you, old chap; come on."</p> + +<p>After a hasty luncheon, the two men boarded at Asbury Park, the same +train which Marjorie had taken at Seacote the day before. Conductor +Fischer greeted them, and called his trainmen, one by one, to be +questioned.</p> + +<p>"Sure!" said one of them, at last, "I saw that child, or a girl dressed +as you describe, get off this train at Newark. She was a plump little +body, and pretty, but mighty woe-begone lookin'. She was in comp'ny with +a big, red-faced man, a common, farmer-lookin' old fellow. It struck me +queer at the time, them two should be mates."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard's heart sank. This looked like kidnapping. But the knowledge +of where Marjorie had alighted was help of some sort, at least.</p> + +<p>After discussing further details of her dress and appearance, Mr. +Maynard concluded that it was, indeed, Midget who had left the train at +Newark with the strange man, and so he concluded to get off there also.</p> + +<p>"We're on the trail, now," said Jack Bryant, cheerily; "we're sure to +find her."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard, though not quite so hopeful, felt a little encouraged, and +impatiently the two men sprang off the train at Newark. Into the station +they went and interviewed an attendant there.</p> + +<p>"Yep," he replied, "I seen that kid. She was with old Zeb Geary, an' it +got me, what he was doin' with a swell kid like her!"</p> + +<p>"Where did they go?" asked Mr. Maynard, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I dunno. Prob'ly he went home. He lives out in the country, and he +takes a little jaunt down to the shore now and then. He's sort of +eccentric,—thinks he can sell his farm stuff to the hotel men, better'n +any other market."</p> + +<p>"How can I get to his house?"</p> + +<p>"Wanter see Zeb, do you? Well, he has his own rig, not very nobby, but +safe. I guess you could get a rig at that stable 'cross the way. An' +they can tell you how to go."</p> + +<p>"Couldn't I get a motor-car?"</p> + +<p>"Likely you could. Go over there and ask the man."</p> + +<p>The station attendant had duties, and was not specially interested in a +stranger's queries, so, having rewarded him, as they thought he +deserved, the two men hastened over to the livery stable.</p> + +<p>"Zeb Geary?" said the stable keeper. "Why, yes, he lives five miles out +of town. He leaves his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> old horse here when he goes anywhere on the +train. It's no ornament to my place, but I keep it for the old fellow. +He's a character in his way. Yes, he went out last night and a little +girl with him."</p> + +<p>"Could we get a motor here, to go out there?"</p> + +<p>"Right you are! I've good cars and good chauffeurs."</p> + +<p>In a few moments, therefore, Mr. Maynard and Mr. Bryant were speeding +away toward Zeb Geary, and, as they hoped, toward Marjorie.</p> + +<p>While the car was being made ready, Mr. Maynard had telephoned to King +that they had news of Marjorie, and hoped soon to find her. He thought +best to relieve the minds of the dear ones at home to this extent, even +if their quest should prove fruitless, after all.</p> + +<p>"I can't understand it," said Mr. Maynard, as they flew along the +country roads. "This Geary person doesn't sound like a kidnapper, yet +why else would Midget go with him?"</p> + +<p>"I'm only afraid it <i>wasn't</i> Marjorie," returned Mr. Bryant. "But we +shall soon know."</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>Marjorie had worked hard all day. Partly because she wanted to prove +herself a good worker, and partly because, if she stopped to think, her +troubles seemed greater than she could bear.</p> + +<p>But a little after five o'clock everything was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> done, supper prepared, +and the child sat down on the kitchen steps to rest. She was tired, sad, +and desolate. The slight excitement of novelty was gone, the bravery and +courage of the morning hours had disappeared, and a great wave of +homesickness enveloped her very soul. She was too lonely and homesick +even to cry, and she sat, a pathetic, drooped little figure, on the old +tumble-down porch.</p> + +<p>She heard the toot of a motor-horn, but it was a familiar sound to her, +and she paid no attention to it. Then she heard it again, very near, and +looked up to see her father and Cousin Jack frantically waving, as the +car fairly flew, over many minor obstacles, straight to that kitchen +doorway.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie!" cried Mr. Maynard, leaping out before the wheels had fairly +stopped turning, and in another instant she was folded in that dear old +embrace.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father, Father!" she cried, hysterically clinging to him, "take me +home, take me home!"</p> + +<p>"Of course I will, darling," said Mr. Maynard's quivering voice, as he +held her close and stroked her hair with trembling fingers. "That's what +we've come for. Here's Cousin Jack, too."</p> + +<p>And then Midget felt more kisses on her forehead, and a hearty pat on +her back, as a voice, not quite steady, but determinedly cheerful, +said:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> +"Brace up now, Mehitabel, we want you to go riding with us."</p> + +<p>Marjorie looked up, with a sudden smile, and then again buried her face +on her father's shoulder and almost strangled him as she flung her arms +round his neck. Then she drew his head down, while she whispered faintly +in his ear. Three times she had to repeat the words before he could +catch them:</p> + +<p>"Are you my father?" he heard at last. The fear flashed back upon him +that Midget's mind was affected, but he only held her close to him, and +said, gently, "Yes, Marjorie darling, my own little girl," and the quiet +assurance of his tone seemed to content her.</p> + +<p>"Wal, wal! an' who be you, sir?" exclaimed a gruff voice, and Mr. +Maynard looked up to see Zeb Geary approaching from the barn.</p> + +<p>"You are Mr. Geary, I'm sure," said Cousin Jack, advancing; "we have +come for this little girl."</p> + +<p>"Wal, I'm right down glad on't! I jest knew that purty child had a home +and friends, though she vowed she hadn't."</p> + +<p>"And you've been kind to her, and we want to thank you! And this is Mrs. +Geary?"</p> + +<p>"Yep, that's Sary. Come out here, Mother, and see what's goin' on."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> + +<p>Out of shyness, Mrs. Geary had watched proceedings from the kitchen +window, but fortified by her husband's presence, she appeared in the +doorway.</p> + +<p>"They've been so good to me, Father," said Marjorie, still nestling in +his sheltering arms.</p> + +<p>"Wal, we jest done what we could," said Mrs. Geary. "I knowed that +Jessiky belonged to fine people, but she didn't want to tell us nothin', +so we didn't pester her."</p> + +<p>"And we ain't askin' nothin' from you, neither," spoke up Zeb. "She's a +sweet, purty child, an' as good as they make 'em. An' when she wants to +tell you all about it, she will. As fer us,—we've no call to know."</p> + +<p>"Now, that's well said!" exclaimed Mr. Bryant, holding out his hand to +the old man. "And, for the present, we're going to take you at your +word. If you agree, we're going to take this little girl right off with +us, because her mother is anxiously awaiting news of her safety. And +perhaps, sometime later, we'll explain matters fully to you. Meantime, I +hope you'll permit us to leave with you a little expression of our +appreciation of your real kindness to our darling, and our gratitude at +her recovery."</p> + +<p>A few whispered words passed between the two gentlemen, and then, after +a moment's manipula<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>tion of his fountain pen and checkbook, Mr. Bryant +handed to old Zeb Geary a slip of paper that took his breath away.</p> + +<p>"I can't rightly thank you, sir," he said, brokenly; "I done no more'n +my duty; but if so be's you feel to give me this, I kin only say, Bless +ye fer yer goodness to them that has need!"</p> + +<p>"That's all right, Mr. Geary," said Cousin Jack, touched by the old +man's emotion; "and now, Ed, let's be going."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Geary brought Marjorie's hat and her little purse, and in another +moment they were flying along the country road toward Newark.</p> + +<p>Marjorie said nothing at all, but cuddled into her father's arm, and now +and then drew long, deep sighs, as if still troubled.</p> + +<p>But he only held her closer, and murmured words of endearment, leaving +her undisturbed by questions about her strange conduct.</p> + +<p>In Newark they telephoned the joyful news to Mrs. Maynard, and then took +the first train to Seacote.</p> + +<p>All through the two-hour ride, Marjorie slept peacefully, with her +father's arm protectingly round her.</p> + +<p>The two men said little, being too thankful that their quest was +successfully ended.</p> + +<p>"But I think her mind is all right," whispered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> Mr. Maynard, as Mr. +Bryant leaned over from the seat behind. "She has some kind of a crazy +notion in her head,—but when she's thoroughly rested and wide awake, we +can straighten it all out."</p> + +<p>The Maynards' motor was waiting at Seacote station, and after a few +moments' ride, Marjorie was again in the presence of her own dear +people.</p> + +<p>"Mother, <i>Mother</i>!" she cried, in a strange, uncertain voice, and flew +to the outstretched arms awaiting her.</p> + +<p>Though unnerved herself, Mrs. Maynard clasped her daughter close and +soothed the poor, quivering child.</p> + +<p>"<i>Are</i> you my mother?" wailed Marjorie, in agonized tones; "<i>are</i> you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my child, <i>yes</i>!" and there was no doubting that mother-voice.</p> + +<p>"Then why,—<i>why</i> did you tell Mrs. Corey I was a findling?"</p> + +<p>"Tell Mrs. Corey <i>what</i>?"</p> + +<p>"Why, when I was practising, you were talking to her, and I heard you +tell her that you took me from an asylum when I was a baby,—and that I +didn't really belong to you and Father?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Marjorie! Oh, my baby!" and dropping into the nearest armchair, +with Marjorie in her lap, Mrs. Maynard laughed and cried together.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, Ed," she exclaimed, looking at her husband, "it's those +theatricals! Listen, Marjorie, darling. Our Dramatic Club is going to +give a play called 'The Stepmother,' and Mrs. Corey and I were learning +our parts. That's what you heard!"</p> + +<p>"Truly, mother?"</p> + +<p>"Truly, of course, you little goosie-girl! And so you ran away?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I couldn't stay here if I wasn't your little girl,—and +Father's,—and King's sister,—and all. And you said I was different +from your own children and,——"</p> + +<p>"There, there, darling, it's all right now. And we'll hear the rest of +your story to-morrow. Now, we're going to have some supper, and then +tuck you in your own little bed where you belong. Have you had your +supper?"</p> + +<p>"No,—but I set the table," and Marjorie began to smile at the +recollection of the Geary kitchen. "You see, Mother, I've been +maid-of-all-work."</p> + +<p>"And now you've come back to be maid-of-all-play, as usual," broke in +Cousin Jack, who didn't want the conversation to take a serious turn, +for all present were under stress of suppressed emotion.</p> + +<p>"I say, Mops, you ought to have known better," was King's brotherly +comment, but he pulled<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> off her black hair-ribbons in the old, +comforting way, and Midget grinned at him.</p> + +<p>"Let's dispense with these trappings of woe," said Cousin Jack, dropping +the black ribbons in a convenient waste-basket.</p> + +<p>So Midget went out to supper without any ribbons, her mop of curls +tumbling all over her head and hanging down her shoulders.</p> + +<p>"My, but I'm hungry!" she said, as she saw once again her own home +table, with its pretty appointments and appetizing food.</p> + +<p>"You bet you are!" said King, appreciatively; "tell us what you had to +eat in the rural district."</p> + +<p>"Boiled beef," said Midget, smiling; "and gingerbread and turnips!"</p> + +<p>"Not so awful worse," commented King.</p> + +<p>"No? Well, s'pose you try it once! I like these croquettes and Saratoga +potatoes a whole heap better!"</p> + +<p>"Well, I 'spect I do, too. I say, Mops, I'm glad you didn't break your +word to come out and play,—at least, not intentionally."</p> + +<p>"No, I never break my word. But I guess if you thought you didn't have +any father or mother or brother or sister, you'd forget all about going +out to play, too."</p> + +<p>"I haven't any brother," said King, looking very sad and forlorn.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll be a brother to you," declared Cousin Jack, promptly; "you behaved +like a man, last night, old fellow,—and I'm proud to claim you as a man +and a brother."</p> + +<p>"Pooh, I didn't do anything," said King, modestly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you did," said his mother. "You were fine, my son. And I never +could have lived through to-day without you, either."</p> + +<p>"Dear old Kingsy-wingsy!" said Midget, looking at him with shining eyes. +And then,—for it was their long-established custom,—she tweaked his +Windsor scarf untied.</p> + +<p>As this was a mark of deep affection, King only grinned at her and +retied it, with an ease and grace born of long practice.</p> + +<p>"Well, Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, "I always said you were a child who +could do the most unexpected things. Here you've been and turned this +whole house upside down and had us all nearly crazy,—and here you are +back again as smiling as a basket of chips. And yet you did nothing for +which any one could blame you!"</p> + +<p>"Indeed they <i>can't</i> blame her!" spoke up Mrs. Maynard; "the child +thought I was talking to Mrs. Corey, instead of reading my part in the +play. Marjorie sha'n't be blamed a bit!"</p> + +<p>"That's just what I said," repeated Cousin<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> Jack, smiling at the +mother's quick defense of her child; "why, if anybody told me I was +a,—what do you call it?—a findling,—I'd run away, too!"</p> + +<p>"Don't run away," said Cousin Ethel, laughing. "I'd have to run with +you, or you'd get lost for keeps. And I'd rather stay here. But I think +we must be starting for Bryant Bower, and leave this reunited family to +get along for awhile without our tender care."</p> + +<p>"But don't think we don't realize how much we are indebted to you," said +Mr. Maynard, earnestly, for the two good friends in need had been +friends indeed to the distracted parents.</p> + +<p>"Well, you can have a set of resolutions engrossed and framed for us," +said Cousin Jack, "or, better yet, you can give me a dollar bill, in +full of all accounts. By the way, Mehitabel, it's lucky you came home +from your little jaunt in time for your birthday. I incidentally learned +that it will be here soon, and we're going to have a celebration that +will take the roof right off this house!"</p> + +<p>"All right, Cousin Jack; I'm ready for anything, now that I know I've +got a father and mother."</p> + +<p>"And a brother," supplemented King, "and <i>such</i> a brother!" He rolled +his eyes as if in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> ecstasy at the thought of his own perfections, and +Marjorie lovingly pinched his arm.</p> + +<p>"And a couple of sisters," added Cousin Ethel; "I like to speak up for +the absent."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and two dearest, darlingest cousins," said Marjorie, gleefully. +"Oh, I think I've got the loveliest bunch of people in the whole +world!"</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2> +<h3>A LETTER OF THANKS</h3> +</div> + +<p>"Mother," said Marjorie, the next day, "what is a bread-and-butter +letter?"</p> + +<p>"Why, dearie, that's a sort of a humorous term for a polite note of +acknowledgment, such as one writes to a hostess after making a visit."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's what I thought. So I'm going to write one to Mrs. Geary."</p> + +<p>"You may, if you like, my child; but, you know your father gave those +old people money for their care of you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know; but that's different. And I think they'd appreciate a +letter."</p> + +<p>"Very well, write one, if you like. Shall I help you?"</p> + +<p>"No, thank you. King and I are going to do it together."</p> + +<p>"What did you call it, Mops?" asked her brother, as she returned to the +library, where he sat, awaiting her.</p> + +<p>"A bread-and-butter letter; Mother says it's all right."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, but you had other things to eat besides bread and butter."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but that's just the name of it. Now, how would you begin it, King?"</p> + +<p>"'Dear Mrs. Geary,' of course."</p> + +<p>"Well, but I want it to be to him, too. He was real nice,—in his queer +way. And if he hadn't looked after me, where would I have been?"</p> + +<p>"That's so. Well, say, 'Dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary, both.'"</p> + +<p>So Marjorie began:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>"'Dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both:<br /> +"'This is a bread-and-butter letter—— '"</p> +</div> + +<p>"I tell you, Mops, they won't like it. They're not up in social doings, +and they won't understand that bread and butter means all the things. I +think you ought to put 'em all in."</p> + +<p>"Well, I will then. How's this?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>"'—and a turnip letter, and a boiled-beef letter, and a +baked-apple letter, and a soft-boiled egg letter.'"</p></div> + +<p>"That's better. It may not sound like the fashionable people write, but +it will please them. Now thank them for taking care of you." +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'I thank you a whole heap for being so good to me, and speaking +kindly to me in the railroad train, when I wasn't so very polite to +you.'"</p></div> + +<p>"Weren't you, Mops?"</p> + +<p>"No; I squeezed away from him, 'cause I thought he was rough and rude."</p> + +<p>"Well, you can't tell him that."</p> + +<p>"No; I'll say this:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'I wasn't very sociable, Sir, because I have been taught not to +talk to strangers, but, of course, those rules, when made, did not +know I would be obliged to run away.'"</p></div> + +<p>"You weren't <i>obliged</i> to, Midget."</p> + +<p>"Yes I was, King! I just simply <i>couldn't</i> stay here if I didn't belong, +could I? Could you?"</p> + +<p>"No, I s'pose not. I'd go off and go to work."</p> + +<p>"Well, isn't that what I did?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'But you were kind and good to me, Mr. Geary and Mrs. Geary Both, +and I am very much obliged. I guess I didn't work very well for +you, but I am out of practice, and I haven't much talent for +houseworking, anyway. <i>You</i> seem to have, dear Mrs. Geary.'</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's a sort of a compliment, King. Really, she isn't a very good +housekeeper."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right. It's like when people say you have musical +talent, and you know you play like the dickens."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do. Well, now I'll finish this, then we can go down to the +beach."</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'And so, dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both, I write to say I am much +obliged——'</p></div> + +<p>"Oh, my gracious, King, I ought to tell them how it happened. About my +mistake, you know, thinking Mother was talking in earnest."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't tell 'em all that, you'll <i>never</i> get it done. But I suppose +they are curious to know. Well, cut it short."</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'You see, dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both, I am not a findling, as I +supposed.'"</p></div> + +<p>"That's not findling, Midget,—you mean foundling."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so. And, anyway, they mean just the same,—I'm going to +leave it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'I find I have quite a large family, with a nice father and +mother, some sisters and a brother. You saw my father. Also, I have +lovely cousins and four grand-parents and an uncle. So you see I am +well supplied with this world's goods. So now, good-by, dear Mr. +and Mrs. Geary Both, and with further thanks and obliges, I am,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p> + +<p style="text-align:right">"'Your friend,<br /> +"'<span class="smcap">Marjorie Maynard</span>. +</p> + +<p>"'P.S. The Jessica Brown was a made-up name.'</p></div> + +<p>"Do you think that's all right, King?"</p> + +<p>"Yep, it's fine! Seal her up, and write the address and leave it on the +hall table, and come on."</p> + +<p>And so the "bread-and-butter" letter went to Mr. and Mrs. Geary both, +and was kept and treasured by them as one of their choicest possessions.</p> + +<p>"I knew she was a little lady by the way she pretended not to notice our +poor things," said old Zeb.</p> + +<p>"I knew by her petticoats," said his wife.</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>And so the episode of Marjorie's runaway passed into history. Mrs. +Maynard, at first, wanted to give up her part in the play of "The +Stepmother," but she was urged by all to retain it, and so she did. As +Mr. Maynard said, it was the merest coincidence that Marjorie overheard +the words without knowing why they were spoken,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> and there was no +possibility of such a thing ever happening again. So Mrs. Maynard kept +her part in the pretty little comedy, but she never repeated those +sentences that had so appalled poor Marjorie, without a thrill of sorrow +for the child and a thrill of gladness for her quick and safe +restoration to them.</p> + +<p>And the days hurried on, bringing Marjorie's birthday nearer and nearer.</p> + +<p>On the fifteenth of July she would be thirteen years old.</p> + +<p>"You see," said Cousin Jack, who was, as usual, Director General of the +celebration, "you see, Mehitabel, thirteen is said to be an unlucky +number."</p> + +<p>"And must I be unlucky all the year?" asked Marjorie, in dismay.</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, my child. We will eradicate the unluck from the +number,—we will cut the claws of the tiger,—and draw the fangs of the +serpent. In other words, we shall so override and overrule that foolish +superstition about thirteen being unlucky that we shall prove the +contrary."</p> + +<p>"Hooray for you, Cousin Jack! I'm lucky to have you around for this +particular birthday, I think."</p> + +<p>"You're always lucky, Mehitabel, and you always will be. You see, this +business they call<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> Luck is largely a matter of our own will-power and +determination. Now, I propose to consider thirteen a lucky number, and +before your birthday is over, you'll agree with me, I know."</p> + +<p>"I 'spect I shall, Cousin Jack. And I'm much obliged to you."</p> + +<p>"That's right, Mehitabel. Always be grateful to your elders. They do a +lot for you."</p> + +<p>"You needn't laugh, Cousin Jack. You're awful good to me."</p> + +<p>"Good to myself, you mean. Not having any olive-branches of my own, I +have to play with my neighbors'. As I understand it, Mehitabel, you're +to have a party on this birthday of yours."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir-ee, sir! Mother says I can invite as many as I like. You know +there are lots of girls and boys down here that I know, but I don't know +them as well as I do the Craigs and Hester. But at a party, I'll ask +them all."</p> + +<p>"All right. Now, this is going to be a Good-Luck Party, to counteract +that foolish thirteen notion. You don't need to know all about the +details. Your mother and I will plan it all, and you can just be the +lucky little hostess."</p> + +<p>So Marjorie was not admitted to the long confabs between her mother and +Cousin Jack. She didn't mind, for she knew perfectly well that +delightful plans were being made for the party, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> they would all be +carried out. But there was much speculation in Sand Court as to what the +fun would be.</p> + +<p>"I know it will be lovely," said Hester, with a sigh. "You are the +luckiest girl I ever saw, Marjorie. You always have all the good times."</p> + +<p>"Why, Hester, don't you have good times, too?"</p> + +<p>"Not like you do. Your mother and father, and those Bryants just do +things for you all the time. I don't think it's fair!"</p> + +<p>"Well, your mother does things for you,—all mothers do," said Tom +Craig.</p> + +<p>"Not as much as Marjorie's. My mother said so. She said she never saw +anything like the way Marjorie Maynard is petted. And it makes her stuck +up and spoiled!"</p> + +<p>"Did your mother say my sister was stuck-up and spoiled?" demanded King, +flaring up instantly.</p> + +<p>"Well,—she didn't say just that,—but she is, all the same!" And Hester +scowled crossly at Midget.</p> + +<p>"Why, Hester Corey, I am not!" declared Marjorie. "What do I do that's +stuck-up?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you think yourself so smart,—and you always want to boss +everything."</p> + +<p>"Maybe I am too bossy," said Marjorie, rue<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>fully, for she knew that she +loved to choose and direct their games.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you are! and I'm not going to stand it!"</p> + +<p>"All right, Hester Corey, you can get out of this club, then," said Tom, +glaring at her angrily; "Marjorie Maynard is Queen, anyway, and if she +hasn't got a right to boss, who has?"</p> + +<p>"Well, she's been Queen long enough. Somebody else ought to have a +chance."</p> + +<p>"Huh!" spoke up Dick; "a nice queen you'd make, wouldn't you? I s'pose +that's what you want! You're a bad girl, Hester Corey!"</p> + +<p>"I am not, neither!"</p> + +<p>"You are, too!"</p> + +<p>"Jiminy Crickets!" exclaimed King; "can't this Club get along without +scrapping? If not, the Club'd better break up. I'm ashamed of you, Dick, +to hear you talk like that!"</p> + +<p>"Hester began it," said Dick, sullenly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; blame it all on Hester!" cried that angry maiden, herself; +"blame everything on Hester, and nothing on Marjorie. Dear, sweet, angel +Marjorie!"</p> + +<p>"Now, Hester Corey, you stop talking about my sister like that, or I'll +get mad," stormed King. "She's Queen of this Club, and she's got a right +to boss. And you needn't get mad about it, either."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You can be Queen, if you want to, Hester," said Midget, slowly. "I +guess I am a pig to be Queen all the time."</p> + +<p>"No, you're not!" shouted Tom. "If Hester's Queen, I resign myself from +this Club! So there, now!"</p> + +<p>"Go on, and resign!" said Hester; "nobody cares. I'm going to be Queen, +Marjorie said I could. Give me your crown, Marjorie."</p> + +<p>Midget didn't want to give up her crown a bit, but she had a strong +sense of justice, and it did seem that Hester ought to have her turn at +being Queen. So she began to lift the crown from her head, when King +interposed:</p> + +<p>"Don't you do it, Midget! We can't change Queens in a minute, like that! +If we <i>do</i> change, it's got to be by election and nomination and things +like that."</p> + +<p>"It isn't!" screamed Hester; "I won't have it so! I'm going to be +Queen!"</p> + +<p>She fairly snatched the crown from Marjorie's head, and whisked it onto +her own head.</p> + +<p>As it had been made to fit Midget's thick mop of curls, it was too big +for Hester, and came down over her ears, and well over her eyes.</p> + +<p>"Ho! ho!" jeered Dick; "a nice Queen you look! Ho! ho!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> + +<p>But by this time Hester was in one of her regular tantrums.</p> + +<p>"I <i>will</i> be Queen!" she shrieked; "I will, I tell you!"</p> + +<p>"Come on, Mops, let's go home," said King, quietly.</p> + +<p>The Maynard children were unaccustomed to outbursts of temper, and King +didn't know exactly what to say to the little termagant.</p> + +<p>"All right, we'll go home, too," said Tom; "come on, boys!"</p> + +<p>They all started off, leaving Hester in solitary possession of Sand +Court.</p> + +<p>The child, when in one of her rages, had an ungovernable temper, and, +left alone, she vented it by smashing everything she could. She upset +the throne, tore down the decorations, and flew around like a wildcat.</p> + +<p>Marjorie, who had turned to look at her, said:</p> + +<p>"You go on, King; I'm going back to speak to Hester."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid she'll hurt you," objected King.</p> + +<p>"No, she won't; I'll be kind to her."</p> + +<p>"All right, Midge; a soft answer turneth away rats, but I don't know +about wildcats!"</p> + +<p>"Well, you go on." And Marjorie turned, and went back to Sand Court.</p> + +<p>"Say, Hester," she began a little timidly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Go away from here, Stuck-up! Spoiled child! I don't want to see you!"</p> + +<p>As a matter of fact, Hester presented a funny sight. She was a plain +child, and her shock of red hair was straight and untractable. Her +scowling face was flushed with anger, and the gold paper crown was +pushed down over one ear in ridiculous fashion.</p> + +<p>Marjorie couldn't help laughing, which, naturally, only irritated Hester +the more.</p> + +<p>"Yes, giggle!" she cried; "old Smarty-Cat! old Proudy!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Hester, don't!" said Midget, bursting into tears. "How can you be +so cross to me? I don't mean to be stuck-up and proud, and I don't think +I am. You can be Queen if you want to, and we'll have the election thing +all right. Please don't be so mean to me!"</p> + +<p>"Can I be Queen?" demanded Hester, a little mollified; "can I, really?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, if the boys agree. They have as much say as I do."</p> + +<p>"They don't either! You have all the say! You always do! Now, promise +you'll make the boys let me be Queen, or,—or I won't play!"</p> + +<p>Hester ended her threat rather lamely, as she couldn't think of any dire +punishment which she felt sure she could carry out.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I promise," said Marjorie, who really felt it was just that Hester +should be Queen for a time.</p> + +<p>"All right, then," and Hester's stormy face cleared a little. "See that +you keep your promise."</p> + +<p>"I always keep my promises," said Marjorie, with dignity; "and I'll tell +you what I think of <i>you</i>, Hester Corey! I think you ought to be +Queen,—it <i>isn't</i> fair for me to be it all the time. But I think you +might have asked me in a nicer way, and not call names, and smash things +all about! There, that's what I think!" and Marjorie glared at her in +righteous indignation.</p> + +<p>"Maybe I ought," said Hester, suddenly becoming humble, as is the way of +hot-tempered people after gaining their point. "I've got an awful +temper, Marjorie, but I can't help it!"</p> + +<p>"You <i>can</i> help it, Hester; you don't try."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's all very well for you to talk! You never have anything to +bother you! Nothing goes wrong, and everybody spoils you! Why should +<i>you</i> have a bad temper?"</p> + +<p>"Now, Hester, don't be silly! You have just as good a home and just as +kind friends as I have."</p> + +<p>"No, I haven't! Nobody likes me. And everybody likes you. Why, the Craig +boys think you're made of gold!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> + +<p>Marjorie laughed. "Well, Hester, it's <i>your</i> own fault if they don't +think you are, too. But how can they, when you fly into these rages and +tear everything to pieces?"</p> + +<p>"Well, they make me so mad, I have to! Now, I'm going home, and I'm +going to stay there till you do as you promised, and get the boys to let +me be Queen."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll try——" began Marjorie, but Hester had flung the torn gilt +crown on the ground, and stalked away toward home. Midget picked up the +crown and tried to straighten it out, but it was battered past repair.</p> + +<p>"I'll make a new one," she thought, "and I'll try to make the boys agree +to having Hester for Queen. But I don't believe Tom will. I know it's +selfish for me to be Queen all the time, and I don't want to be +selfish."</p> + +<p>Seeing Hester go away, Tom came back, and reached Sand Court just as +Midget was about to leave.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Queen Sandy!" he called out; "wait a minute. I saw that spitfire +going away, so I came back. Now, look here, Mopsy Maynard, don't you let +that old crosspatch be Queen!"</p> + +<p>"I can't, unless we all elect her," returned Midget, smiling at Tom; +"but I wish you would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> agree to do that. It isn't fair, Tom, for me to +be Queen all the time."</p> + +<p>"Why isn't it? It's your Club! You got it up, and Hester came and poked +herself in where she wasn't wanted."</p> + +<p>"Well, we took her in, and now we ought to be kind to her."</p> + +<p>"Kind to such an old Meany as she is!"</p> + +<p>"Don't call her names, Tom. I don't believe she can help flying into a +temper, and then, when she gets mad, she doesn't care what she says."</p> + +<p>"I should think she didn't! Well, make her Queen if you want to, but if +you do, you can get somebody else to take my place."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Tom, don't act like that," and Marjorie looked at him, with +pleading eyes.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I <i>will act</i> like that! Just exactly like that! I won't belong to +any Court that Hester Corey is queen of!"</p> + +<p>Marjorie sighed. What <i>could</i> she do with this intractable boy? And, she +almost knew that King would feel the same way. Perhaps, if she could win +Tom over to her way of thinking, King might be more easily influenced.</p> + +<p>"Tom," she began, "don't you like me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do. You're the squarest girl I ever knew."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then, don't you think you might do this much for me?"</p> + +<p>"What much?"</p> + +<p>"Why, just let Hester be Queen for a while."</p> + +<p>"No, I don't. That wouldn't be any favor to you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it would. If I ask you, and you refuse, I'll think you're real +unkind. And yet you say you like me!"</p> + +<p>Marjorie had struck a right chord in the boy's heart. He didn't want +Hester for Queen, but still less did he want to refuse Midget her +earnest request.</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw!" he said, digging his toe in the sand; "if you put it that +way, I'll <i>have</i> to say yes. Don't put it that way, Midget."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I <i>will</i> put it that way! And if you're my friend, you'll say yes, +yourself, and then you'll help me to make the other boys say yes. Will +you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I s'pose so," said Tom, looking a little dubious.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2> +<h3>THIRTEEN!</h3> +</div> + +<p>Marjorie's thirteenth birthday dawned bright and clear.</p> + +<p>Her opening eyes rested on some strange thing sticking up at the foot of +her bed, but a fully-awakened glance proved it to be a big No. 13, +painted on a square of white pasteboard, and decorated with painted +four-leaved clovers.</p> + +<p>The motto "Good Luck" was traced in ornamental letters, and the whole +was in a narrow wood frame.</p> + +<p>"That's my birthday greeting from Cousin Jack and Cousin Ethel!" +Marjorie said to herself; "I recognize her lovely painting, and it's +just like them, anyway. I'll hang that on my bedroom wall, till I'm as +old as Methusaleh."</p> + +<p>"Happy Birthday, darling!" said her mother, coming in, and sitting on +the side of the bed; "many happy returns of the day."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dearie Mother! I'm so glad I've got you! and I'm <i>so</i> glad you're +really my very own mother! Give me thirteen kisses, please, ma'am!"</p> + +<p>"Merry Birthday, Midget!" called her father,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> through the crack of the +door. "You two had better stop that love-feast and get down to +breakfast!"</p> + +<p>So Marjorie sprang up, and made haste with her bathing and dressing, so +that in less than half an hour she was dancing downstairs to begin her +Lucky Birthday. Her presents were heaped round her plate, and the +parcels were so enticing in appearance, that she could scarcely eat for +impatience.</p> + +<p>"Breakfast first," decreed her father, "or I fear you'll become so +excited you'll never eat at all."</p> + +<p>So Marjorie contented herself with pinching and punching the bundles, +while she ate peaches and cream and cereal.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what <i>is</i> in this squnchy one?" she cried, feeling of a loosely +done-up parcel. "It smells so sweet, and it crackles like silk!"</p> + +<p>"Kitty sent that," answered her mother, smiling, "and she wrote me that +she made it herself."</p> + +<p>But at last the cereal-saucer was empty, and the ribbons could be +untied.</p> + +<p>Kitty's gift proved to be a lovely bag, of pink and blue Dresden silk.</p> + +<p>"What's it for?" asked King, not much impressed with its desirability.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, for anything!" cried Marjorie. "Handkerchiefs,—or +hair-ribbons,—or,—or just to hang up and look pretty."</p> + +<p>"Pretty foolish," opined King, but he greeted with joy the opening of +the next bundle.</p> + +<p>"Jumping Hornets!" he exclaimed; "isn't that a beauty! <i>Just</i> what I +wanted!"</p> + +<p>"Whose birthday is this, anyhow?" laughed Marjorie, as she carefully +unrolled the tissue-paper packing from a fine microscope. Uncle Steve +had sent it, and it was both valuable and practical, and a thing the +children had long wished for.</p> + +<p>"Well, you'll let a fellow take a peep once in a while, won't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, if you'll be goody-boy," said Midget, patronizingly.</p> + +<p>Grandma Sherwood's gift was a cover for a sofa-pillow, of rich Oriental +fabric, embroidered in gold thread.</p> + +<p>"Just the thing for my couch, at home," said Midget, greatly pleased.</p> + +<p>"Just the thing to pitch at you, after it gets stuffed," commented King. +"Go on, Mops, open the big one."</p> + +<p>The big one proved to be a case, from Mother and Father, containing a +complete set of brushes and toilet articles for Marjorie's +dressing-table.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> They were plain shapes, of ivory, with her monogram on +each in dark blue.</p> + +<p>"Gorgeous!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands. "Just what I longed +for,—and so much nicer than silver, 'cause that has to be cleaned every +minute. Oh, Mothery, they are lovely, and Fathery, too. Consider +yourselves kissed thirteen hundred times! Oh, what's this?"</p> + +<p>"That's my present," said King. "Open it carefully, Mops."</p> + +<p>She did so, and revealed a pincushion, but a pincushion so befrilled and +belaced and beflowered one could scarce tell what it was.</p> + +<p>"I picked it out myself," said King, with obvious pride in his +selection. "I know how you girls love flummadiddles, and I took the very +flummadiddlyest the old lady had. Like it, Mops?"</p> + +<p>"Like it! I <i>love</i> it! I adore it! And it will go fine with this beauty +ivory set."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you'll have a Louis Umpsteenth boudoir, when you get back to +Rockwell."</p> + +<p>"I shan't use it down here," said Marjorie, fingering the pretty trifle, +"for the sea air spoils such things. But when I get home I'll fix my +room all up gay,—may I, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"I 'spect so. It's time you had a new wallpaper, anyway, and we'll get +one with little pink rosebuds to match King's pincushion."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Bryants' gift came next.</p> + +<p>It was in a small jeweller's box, and was a slender gold neck chain and +pendant, representing a four-leafed clover in green enamel on gold, on +one petal of which were the figures thirteen in tiny diamonds.</p> + +<p>"Oh, ho! Diamonds!" cried King. "You're altogether too young to wear +diamonds, Mops. Better give it to me for a watch fob."</p> + +<p>"I'm not, am I, Father?" said Marjorie, turning troubled eyes to her +father.</p> + +<p>"No, Midget. Not those little chips of stones. A baby could wear those. +And by the way, where is Baby's gift?"</p> + +<p>"My p'esent!" cried Rosy Posy, who had sat until now silent, in +admiration of the unfolding wonders. "My p'esent, Middy! It's a +palumasol!"</p> + +<p>"Then it's this long bundle," said Marjorie, and she unwrapped a +beautiful little parasol of embroidered white linen.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Rosy Posyeums!" she cried. "This is <i>too booful</i>! I never saw such +a pretty one!"</p> + +<p>"Me buyed it! Me and Muvver! Oh, it's <i>too</i> booful!" and the baby kicked +her fat, bare legs in glee at her own gift.</p> + +<p>Grandma and Grandpa Maynard sent a silver frame, containing their +photographs, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> Grandma sent also a piece of fine lace, which was to +be laid away until Marjorie was old enough to put it to use. It was her +custom to send such a piece each year, and Marjorie's collection was +already a valuable one.</p> + +<p>There were many small gifts and cards from friends in Rockwell, and from +some of the Seacote children, and when all were opened, Midget begged +King to help her take them to the living-room, where they might be +displayed on a table.</p> + +<p>And then the Bryants arrived, and the house rang with their greetings +and congratulations.</p> + +<p>"Unlucky Midget!" cried Cousin Jack. "Poor little unlucky Mopsy Midget +Mehitabel! Oh, what a sad fate to be thirteen years old, and to be so +loaded down with birthday gifts that you don't know where you're at!</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Mopsy Midget Mehitabel May<br /> +Has come to a most unlucky day!<br /> +Nothing will happen but feasting and fun,<br /> +And gifts,—pretty nearly a hundred and one!<br /> +Jolly good times, and jolly good wishes,<br /> +A jolly good party with jolly good dishes.<br /> +Every one happy and everything bright,<br /> +Good Luck is here—and bad Luck out of sight.<br /> +'Tis the luckiest day that ever was seen,<br /> +For Marjorie Maynard is just thirteen!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Oh, Cousin Jack, what a beautiful birthday poem! I'm sure there +<i>couldn't</i> be a luckier little girl than I! I've got everything!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And we've got <i>you</i>!" cried her father, catching her in his arms with a +heart full of gratitude that she was safe at home with them.</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>The party was to begin at four o'clock, and the guests were invited to +stay until seven. In good season Marjorie was dressed, and down on the +veranda ready to receive her little friends.</p> + +<p>She wore a pretty, thin white frock, with delicate embroidery, and the +pendant that had been her birthday gift.</p> + +<p>The family were all assembled when she came down, and though it would be +half an hour before they could expect the guests, they all seemed filled +with eager anticipation.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" asked Midget, looking from one smiling face to +another.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, nothing!" said King, trying to look unconcerned.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, nothing," said Cousin Jack, pulling a wry face.</p> + +<p>But Mrs. Maynard said, "There's another birthday surprise for you, +Marjorie dear. It has just come, and it's in the living-room. Go and +hunt for it."</p> + +<p>Marjorie danced into the house, and they all followed. She began looking +about for some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> small object, peering into vases and under books, till +her father said:</p> + +<p>"Look for something larger, Midget; something quite large."</p> + +<p>"And be careful of your frock," warned her mother, for Midget was down +on her hands and knees, looking under the big divan.</p> + +<p>"Keep on your feet!" advised King. "And look everywhere."</p> + +<p>"Pooh! If I keep on my feet, I can't find anything big!" exclaimed +Midget. "Where could it be hidden?"</p> + +<p>"That's for you to find out!" returned King.</p> + +<p>"I'll give you a hint," said Cousin Jack. "Turn, Mehitabel, turn."</p> + +<p>Marjorie turned slowly round and round, but that didn't help her any.</p> + +<p>"Turn, turn, turn, turn," Cousin Jack kept saying in a monotone, and +suddenly it flashed on Marjorie that he meant for her to turn something +else beside herself.</p> + +<p>She turned the key of a bookshelf door, and opened it, but found nothing +but books.</p> + +<p>"Turn, turn, turn, turn," droned Cousin Jack.</p> + +<p>"Oh," thought Marjorie, "the closet!" and flying to the door of a large +closet in the room, she turned the knob, the door flew open, and there +she saw,—Uncle Steve and Kitty!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, Kit!" she cried, and in a moment the two girls were so tangled up +that detriment to their party frocks seemed inevitable.</p> + +<p>But they were persuaded to separate before too much damage was done, and +then Marjorie turned to greet Uncle Steve.</p> + +<p>"I daren't rumple your fine feathers," he said, standing 'way off, and +extending his fingertips to her. "But I'm <i>terrible</i> glad to see you, +and to find that you've grown up as good as you are beautiful."</p> + +<p>This made Marjorie laugh, for she didn't think she was either.</p> + +<p>"How <i>did</i> you happen to come?" she cried, for she couldn't realize that +Kitty was really there.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it was just a stroke of good luck," said Cousin Jack. "You know +to-day is your lucky day."</p> + +<p>"'Deed it is!" declared Marjorie. "Come on, Kit, let's go and sit in the +swing till the people come to the party."</p> + +<p>The sisters had time for a short, merry chat, and then the guests began +to arrive. There were about twenty-five boys and girls, and with the +grown-ups this made quite a party.</p> + +<p>It was fun, indeed, to have both Cousin Jack and Uncle Steve present, +for these two men just devoted themselves to the cause, and made so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> +much fun and merriment that they seemed like big children themselves.</p> + +<p>They gave a burlesque wrestling match on the lawn that sent the young +people off into peals of laughter. They made up funny dialogue, and were +always playing good-natured tricks on some of the children. Then Cousin +Jack said:</p> + +<p>"Now we will play the Good Luck game. Into the hall, all of you!"</p> + +<p>The children scampered into the hall, and on the wall they saw a large +placard which read:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td>"Pins</td><td align="right">one</td></tr> +<tr><td>Hairpins</td><td align="right">two</td></tr> +<tr><td>Four-leafed clovers</td><td align="right">five</td></tr> +<tr><td>Horse-shoes</td><td align="right">ten</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pennies</td><td align="right">fifteen</td></tr> +<tr><td>Black cats</td><td align="right">twenty-five."</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>Each guest was given a small fancy basket, with ribbons tied to the +handle. Then they were instructed to hunt all the rooms on the lower +floor, the veranda, and the nearby lawns, and gather into their baskets +such of the above mentioned articles as they could find. A prize would +be given to the one who had the most valuable collection, according to +the values given on the placard.</p> + +<p>At the word "go!" they scuttled away, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> hunted eagerly, now and then +stooping to pick up a pin from the floor, or reaching up to get a +horseshoe from the mantelpiece. The rooms had been literally sown with +the small objects; the clovers and horseshoes being cut from pasteboard +and painted, and the black cats being tiny china, wooden, or bronze +affairs.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack must have had an immense store of these findings, for the +baskets filled rapidly, and yet there seemed always more to be found.</p> + +<p>"How are you getting along, Hester?" asked Marjorie as she met her.</p> + +<p>"Can't find any hardly. I never have any luck! I s'pose you have a +basket full!"</p> + +<p>"Nearly," said Marjorie, laughing at Hester's ill-nature in the midst of +the others' merriment.</p> + +<p>"Say, Hester, I'll tell you what! I'll change baskets with you. Want +to?"</p> + +<p>"Will you?" and Hester's eyes sparkled. "Oh, Marjorie, will you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will, on condition that you'll be nice and pleasant, and not go +around looking as cross as a magpie!"</p> + +<p>"All right, give me your basket," and Hester put on a very bright smile +in anticipation of winning the game.</p> + +<p>"What did you do that for?" asked Kitty, who saw the transfer of +baskets.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, because. Never mind now, Kit, I'll tell you to-morrow," and Midget +danced away with Hester's almost empty basket hanging from her arm.</p> + +<p>She picked up a few more things here and there, and then Cousin Jack +rang a bell to announce that the game was over. The baskets, each having +its owner's name on a card tied to it, were all put on the hall table, +and Mrs. Maynard and Cousin Ethel appraised the contents, while the +children went to another game.</p> + +<p>This time Uncle Steve conducted affairs. Several tables in the +living-room were surrounded by the players, and each was given a paper +and pencil.</p> + +<p>"I see," Uncle Steve began, "that this is a Good Luck party. So each of +you write the words 'good luck' at the top of your paper. Have you done +so? Good! Now, I hope you will all of you have all good luck always, but +if you can't get it all, get part. So try your hand at it by making +words of four letters out of those two words you have written. Use each +letter only once,—unless it is repeated, like <i>o</i> in 'good.' However, +that's the only one that <i>is</i> a repeater, so use the others only once in +any word you make. The words must be each of four letters,—no more and +no less. And they must all be good, common,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> well-known English words. +Now go ahead, and the best list takes a prize."</p> + +<p>How the children scribbled! How they nibbled their pencils and thought! +How they whispered to each other to ask if such a word was right!</p> + +<p>Marjorie was quick at puzzles, but she didn't think it would be polite +to take the prize at her own party, so she didn't hand in her list. +Neither did Kitty nor King. So when the lists were handed in, Uncle +Steve rapidly looked them over.</p> + +<p>"The longest list," he announced, "contains ten words."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear!" sighed Hester. "Isn't that just my bad luck! I had nine."</p> + +<p>"So did I," said several others, but it was Tom Craig's list that had +ten, so he received the prize. His list, as Uncle Steve read it out, +was: Cook, loud, duck, cool, cold, lock, look, dock, clod, gold. The +prize was a box of candy made in the shape of a four-leafed clover, so +it was really four boxes.</p> + +<p>Tom generously offered to pass the sweets around at once, but Uncle +Steve advised him not to, as supper would be served pretty soon.</p> + +<p>The children all liked the game, and clamored for a repetition of it, +but Cousin Jack said it was his turn for a game now, and if they'd all +stay at the tables, he'd give it to them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p> + +<p>"This is my own game," he said, "because it is called jackstraws, and my +name is Jack. I am not a man of straw, however, as you'd soon find if +you tried to knock me over! The game is almost like ordinary jackstraws, +but with slight additions."</p> + +<p>Then there were passed around bunches of jackstraws for each table. They +were just like ordinary jackstraws, except they were of different +colors, and a little card told how to count. White ones were one; red +ones, two; blue ones, five; silver ones, ten; and gold ones, twenty. +Then one marked Good Luck counted fifteen, and another, marked +<i>thirteen</i>, counted twenty-five. This proved that thirteen was <i>not</i> an +unlucky number!</p> + +<p>It's always fun to play jackstraws, and the children went at it with a +zest. Midget, at the next table, was not surprised to hear Hester +complaining, "Oh, you joggled me! That isn't fair! I ought to have +another turn! I <i>never</i> have any luck!" Marjorie smiled across at her, +and, seeming to remember the condition of the basket exchange, Hester +tried to smile, and succeeded fairly well.</p> + +<p>Milly Fosdick won that prize, and they all laughed when it turned out to +be a straw hat of Indian make. It was of gay pattern basket work, and +adorned with beads and feathers. Milly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> was delighted with it, and said +she should always keep it as a souvenir.</p> + +<p>By that time the ladies had completed their task, and the prize for the +Good Luck hunt fell to Hester Corey. This was the prettiest prize of +all, being a beautifully illustrated copy of Grimms' "Fairy Tales," and +Hester was enchanted with it. She took it eagerly, and never seemed to +think for a moment that perhaps it wasn't quite fairly won; nor did she +thank Marjorie for the assistance she gave.</p> + +<p>Then they all went out to supper. And such a supper as it was! The table +was decorated with green four-leafed clovers, and gilt horseshoes, and +black cats, and yellow new moons. And every one had a little rabbit's +foot, mounted like a charm, for a souvenir; and also a bright lucky +penny of that very year.</p> + +<p>And the sandwiches were cut like clovers, and the cakes like new moons, +and the ice-cream was shaped like horseshoes, and everybody wished +everybody else good luck all through Marjorie's thirteenth year. And +when the young guests went away they all sang:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Good luck, ladies; good luck, ladies;<br /> +Good luck, ladies;<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">We're going to leave you now."</span><br /> +</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2> +<h3>QUEEN HESTER</h3> +</div> + +<p>"Kit's my bestest birthday present," declared Marjorie, as they sat +together in the veranda swing the morning after the party.</p> + +<p>Kitty pulled her sister's curls in absent-minded affection, and +remarked, thoughtfully:</p> + +<p>"Mopsy, I don't seem to care much for that red-headed Hester girl."</p> + +<p>"She's a queer thing," Marjorie returned, "but I sort of like her, too. +You see, Kit, she has a fearful temper, and she can't help being +spiteful."</p> + +<p>"Oh, fiddlesticks, Mops! Anybody can help being spiteful if they want +to."</p> + +<p>"No, she can't, Kit. She flies into a rage over nothing. And then she's +sorry afterward."</p> + +<p>"Will she be at the Sand Court thing, or whatever you call it, to-day?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, all the club will be there. Come on, let's go."</p> + +<p>The sisters ran down to Sand Court and found King and the Craig boys +already there.</p> + +<p>"Old Crosspatch hasn't come yet," observed Dick, after they had all said +"Hello!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Dick," said Midget, "I wish you wouldn't call our Sand Witch such +unkind names."</p> + +<p>"Well, she <i>is</i> a crosspatch."</p> + +<p>"Well, never mind if she is. Don't let's call names, anyway."</p> + +<p>And then Hester arrived. It was easily seen she was prepared for a fray. +She was not smiling, and she said "Hello" with a very sour expression of +face. Then she turned to Midget.</p> + +<p>"Did you make me a new crown?" she said. "Are you going to let me be +Queen?"</p> + +<p>"We have to vote about that," returned Marjorie, "and I do hope, my +courtiers, that we won't have any squabbling before our royal visitor, +Miss Princess Sand,—Sand—well, San Diego is the only name I can think +of for Kit!"</p> + +<p>"Hail, Princess Sandeago!" cried Tom, and all the courtiers ducked +almost to the ground in low bows.</p> + +<p>"Now," went on Marjorie, "our first business this morning is the +election of a new Queen."</p> + +<p>"Queens aren't elected," growled Tom, "they,—they,—what <i>do</i> they do? +Oh, they succeed!"</p> + +<p>"That's exactly what they do!" cried Midget. "And <i>I'm</i> going to +succeed! I mean I'm going to succeed in my plan of having Hester succeed +me! I asked Father about elections, and he said people could be +instructed to vote a certain way. So I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> hereby instruct you all, my +beloved courtiers, to vote for a new Queen. The same to be our beloved +Sand Witch."</p> + +<p>"Beloved grandmother!" exclaimed Tom, irrepressibly.</p> + +<p>"No, my Grand Sandjandrum," went on Midget, looking sternly at him, "she +isn't your grandmother, but she's to be your new sovereign, so you may +as well make up your mind to it."</p> + +<p>As Hester began to think Midget was going to make the change, whether +the boys wanted to or not, she suddenly became very light-hearted and +smiled at everybody.</p> + +<p>"I'll be a good Queen," she said, ingratiatingly, "and I'll do whatever +you want me to."</p> + +<p>And then King waked up to the fact that since Midget desired this +change, and since it might have the effect of keeping Hester pleasant +and good-natured, perhaps it was a good plan after all. So he said:</p> + +<p>"All right; I'll vote as Queen Sandy instructs."</p> + +<p>Tom looked at him in surprise, and then, remembering he had practically +promised to do as Marjorie asked, he said:</p> + +<p>"Well, I will too. But only on condition that the new Queen promises to +be pleasant and nice all the time."</p> + +<p>"I will," declared Hester, earnestly, her face<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> fairly radiant now at +the thought of wearing the crown.</p> + +<p>"You ought to take an oath of office and say so," advised Kitty, who was +critically watching the proceedings.</p> + +<p>"What's that mean?" demanded Hester.</p> + +<p>"Why, swear that you won't lose your temper."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wouldn't <i>swear</i>!" cried Hester, in dismay.</p> + +<p>"Kit doesn't mean bad swearing," explained King. "She means official +swearing, or something like that. All Queens do it, and juries, and +presidents, and everything. It's only promising or vowing."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll promise or vow," agreed Hester, "but I won't swear."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Marjorie. "You must hold up both hands, and say 'I +promise or vow to be a good Queen and not get mad at my courtiers.' Say +it now."</p> + +<p>So Hester raised both hands as high as she could and repeated Marjorie's +words.</p> + +<p>"Now you've taken your oath of office, and you're queen," said Kitty, +who was unconsciously taking charge of affairs. "Where's the crown, +Mops?"</p> + +<p>"The new Queen tore it up the other day," said Midget, demurely.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then she must make a new one," commanded Kitty. "Never mind; for to-day +this will do."</p> + +<p>The Princess San Diego hastily twisted some vines into a wreath, and +laid it gently on the brilliant locks of the new Queen.</p> + +<p>"I crown you Queen Sandy!" she said, dramatically.</p> + +<p>"It's all right, Kit," said King, looking quizzical, "but just how do +you happen to be running this court?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I might as well," returned Kitty carelessly. "I don't think the +rest of you are very good at it."</p> + +<p>"That's so," admitted Tom. "I guess we do squabble a lot."</p> + +<p>"It isn't only that," said Kitty, "but you don't have much order and +ceremony."</p> + +<p>"I've noticed that," put in Dick. "We just talk every-day sort of talk. +I think we ought to be grander."</p> + +<p>"So do I," agreed Kitty. "Here, Hester, give me that crown; I'll be +Queen for to-day, and show you how."</p> + +<p>There was nothing bumptious or even dictatorial in Kitty's manner; she +merely wanted to show them how a Queen ought to act. So she put the vine +wreath on her own head, and breaking a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> branch from a tall shrub nearby +for a sceptre, she seated herself on the dilapidated throne.</p> + +<p>"I pray you sit," she said, condescendingly, to her court. "Ha! where is +my page?"</p> + +<p>"There is no page, O Queen," said the Grand Sandjandrum, looking +mortified.</p> + +<p>"Thus I create one!" announced Kitty, calmly. "Sand Crab, kneel before +me!"</p> + +<p>Harry sprang forward to obey, and kneeled at Kitty's feet.</p> + +<p>"Thus I anoint thee page!" declared the Queen, dramatically tapping him +three times on his shoulder. "Rise, Sir Page, and attend upon me!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, ma'am! What shall I do?" asked the new page, greatly flustered.</p> + +<p>"Stand thou here at my right hand. It may be I might have an errand or +two now and then."</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, O Queen!" declaimed Dick, who was catching the spirit of +Kitty's rule.</p> + +<p>"Well spoke, fair sir. Stand thou there, I prithee. And now, Courtiers, +is there any business to be discussed?"</p> + +<p>"Nay, O Queen," said Tom, "we but wait thy pleasure."</p> + +<p>"Then my pleasure is now to install the new Queen. And, prithee, my +courtiers, when that the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> new Queen is enthroned, then does the receding +Queen become the Sand Witch?"</p> + +<p>"Yea, O fair Queen," said Marjorie, coming up with mincing steps and +bowing before Kitty. "From now on I am the Sand Witch of this court, and +I humbly beg thy favor."</p> + +<p>"Favor be thine!" announced the temporary Queen. "And now, O my +courtiers, lead to me Queen Hester Sandy, Queen of Sand Court!"</p> + +<p>Reconciled at last to this state of things, King and Tom sprang to +escort Hester. Dick and Harry marched gravely behind, while Midget +stalked along ahead, and thus quite an imposing procession approached +Queen Kitty and ranged themselves before her.</p> + +<p>"O Queen," Kitty began, "you have already taken oath of office, O Queen! +So now naught remains but to take the seat of royalty, the honored +throne of Sand Court, O Queen!"</p> + +<p>And then Hester scored her success. She stepped up on the sand mound +that was the throne, and bowed her head while Kitty transferred the vine +wreath that represented the crown. Then Hester drew herself up +majestically, waved her sceptre, and declaimed:</p> + +<p>"I, the Queen of Sand Court, accept this honor that is thus thrust upon +me!"</p> + +<p>There were some astonished faces among the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> courtiers at this speech, +but nobody interrupted.</p> + +<p>"I, Queen Sandy, promise to be a good Queen to my beloved courtiers, and +never to lose my temper or speak cross, but to emulate the sweet and +sunlighty disposition of our departing and beloved Queen, who is now a +Sand Witch. Wherefore, my courtiers, I beseech your fealty and faith, +and I present my compliments, and the compliments of this court to our +visitor, the Princess San Diego. This lovely lady has been a great help, +and we now salute her. I bid thee all salute!"</p> + +<p>They all saluted by bowing low to Kitty; indeed, the page bowed so low +that he tumbled over, but soon scrambled up again.</p> + +<p>"And now," went on Queen Sandy, "I bid thee salute our Sand Witch. She +is a witch of goodness and joy. We all love her, the court honors her, +and one and all we now salute her!"</p> + +<p>More low bows followed, and then the court resumed its upright attitude +and awaited orders.</p> + +<p>"There is no more saluting necessary," explained the gracious Queen. +"You boy courtiers can't expect it. Now the court is dismissed and the +Sand Club will play something."</p> + +<p>The Queen came down from the throne, and courtly manners and speeches +were laid aside.</p> + +<p>"Let's fix up the court instead of playing,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> suggested Kitty, and as +all thought this a good idea, they went at it.</p> + +<p>Everybody worked with a will, for it was fun to get the court in order +again, and Kitty and Midget were so fond of fixing up and decorating +that when the task was over, Sand Court was far handsomer than ever +before.</p> + +<p>Shell borders outlined the throne and the courtier's seat, and the old +legless chair was so draped with cheesecloth and green vines that it was +a picture in itself. Then it was luncheon time, and the courtiers said +good-bye and parted to go to their homes.</p> + +<p>"She's a funny girl," said Kitty, as the Maynard trio reached their +house. "As soon as she got what she wanted, she was sweet as pie. But if +you hadn't given up the Queen to her, Mops, she would have been madder'n +hops."</p> + +<p>"I know it," said Midget, "but that wasn't the reason I did it. I did it +'cause I thought it was fairer for her to have a turn at being Queen."</p> + +<p>"And it was," said Kitty, judicially. "I think you did right, Mopsy; +but, all the same, she'll never keep that promise to be sweet and +pleasant."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Kitty, she'll have to! Why, she vowed it!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw, she'll get mad and forget all about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> that vow. Say, Mops, +what do you think? I've learned to make cake."</p> + +<p>"You have! Who taught you?"</p> + +<p>"Eliza did, up at Grandma's. It was fine. I'll teach you, if you like."</p> + +<p>"Do!" urged King. "Then Midge can make little cakes for the Sand Club. +Ellen makes 'em sometimes, but she says it's a bother."</p> + +<p>Permission being granted by Mrs. Maynard, the girls tried cake-making +that very afternoon.</p> + +<p>"I'll help yez, shall I?" asked Ellen, as the two energetic damsels +raided her pantry.</p> + +<p>"No, Ellen," said Marjorie. "Miss Kitty is going to teach me. You +go,—go—why, Ellen, you take an afternoon out!"</p> + +<p>"It isn't me day out, Miss Midget, but I'll go to me room, an' if yez +wants me, yez can send Sarah afther me, sure."</p> + +<p>"Can I help?" asked King, who wanted to be in the fun.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you can stone raisins," said Kitty, kindly.</p> + +<p>At home in Rockwell, Marjorie had always been chief directress in all +their doings, but down here Kitty was more like a visitor, and the +others politely deferred to her. So King went contentedly to work, +stoning raisins, and the girls made the cake.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I didn't bring my recipe book," said Kitty, "but I guess I remember how +to make it. You see, Eliza is going to teach me to make lots of things, +so I've quite a big book for recipes."</p> + +<p>"How many have you so far?" asked Midget, greatly interested.</p> + +<p>"Well, only this one; but it's sponge cake, you know. I shall have more +later."</p> + +<p>"Yes, of course," said Midget, politely, and suddenly feeling that her +younger sister was getting very grown-up, with her recipe book and her +sponge cake.</p> + +<p>"Now," proceeded Kitty, "if I'm to show you, Midget, you must pay close +attention."</p> + +<p>"I will,—oh, I will!"</p> + +<p>"First, you break the eggs, and separate them, white from yolk, like +this,—see!"</p> + +<p>But whether she was rattled at having such an interested audience, or +whether she was not very expert as yet, Kitty couldn't make the eggs +"separate" neatly. Every one she broke persisted in spilling out its +yellow and white together.</p> + +<p>"Let me try," said Marjorie, but her efforts were not much more +successful. Bits of shell would fall in the bowl, and even if she got +most of the white in safely, some yellow would spill in, too.</p> + +<p>"Does it matter much?" asked King.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't believe so," said Kitty. "I guess we'll beat the eggs all +up together, white and yellow both."</p> + +<p>Kitty put in the Dover eggbeater with an air of experience, and whisked +its wheel "round and round."</p> + +<p>"Let me in, too," said Midget. "There's another beater I found in the +cupboard."</p> + +<p>There was room in the big bowl for both beaters, and the two girls +whizzed the wheels around like mad.</p> + +<p>"Hold on!" cried King. "You're flirting that yellow stuff all over!"</p> + +<p>"Well, anyway, it's well beaten," declared Kitty, looking at the frothy +yellow mass with satisfaction. "Now we put in the flour,—no, the sugar, +I think."</p> + +<p>"Butter?" suggested Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"No, there's no butter in it. This is <i>sponge</i> cake."</p> + +<p>Properly subdued, Marjorie awaited orders.</p> + +<p>"Sugar," Kitty decided at last; "and bring a cup."</p> + +<p>Midget brought the cup, and Kitty measured the sugar, and dumped it into +the bowl of egg.</p> + +<p>"I can't think whether it's three or four cups full," she said, holding +a cup full uncertainly over the bowl.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Dump it in!" advised King. "I like 'em pretty sweet."</p> + +<p>So in went the sugar, and Midget was allowed to stir, while Kitty +measured flour.</p> + +<p>"We have to sift this four times," she announced, with an air of great +wisdom. "I'll do this part."</p> + +<p>She did, but she was so energetic about it, and the flour sieve so +uncertain on its three iron legs, that much of the flour flew over the +table, the floor, and the clothing of the workers.</p> + +<p>"Hold up, Kit!" cried Marjorie, as a cloud of flour almost blinded her. +"I can't see to beat, if you fly that flour around so!"</p> + +<p>"Well, it has to be sifted four times," apologized Kitty, and turned it +into the sieve again.</p> + +<p>Much was lost in transit, and King declared it was already sifted as +fine as it would ever be, but Kitty was unmoved by comment or criticism.</p> + +<p>"Now it's all right," she said, peering into the pan of finally prepared +flour, and ignoring the white dust that was all over everything. "But +first a cup of hot water must go in."</p> + +<p>"I'll pour it," said King, rising quickly, and taking the tea-kettle +from Kitty, who was in imminent danger of scalding herself.</p> + +<p>"Just a cup full!" said Kitty, warningly, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> the hot water ran over the +brimming cup and fell to the floor.</p> + +<p>"Never mind," said King, "we'll only use what's in the cup," and +carrying it as carefully as possible he poured it into the bowl of +batter that Marjorie was faithfully beating.</p> + +<p>"Oh, not all at once!" cried Kitty. "It should have been put in little +by little."</p> + +<p>"Can't help it now," said Midget, cheerfully. "I guess it won't matter. +Now in with the flour, Kit; and you must have baking powder."</p> + +<p>"I don't think Eliza put in any baking powder," said Kitty, dubiously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, she <i>must</i> have!" said Midget. "That's what baking powder is +for,—to bake with. It's on that shelf, Kitty."</p> + +<p>Kitty was uncertain about the baking powder, so took Marjorie's advice.</p> + +<p>"But I don't know how much," she said, as she opened the tin box.</p> + +<p>"About a tablespoonful to a cup of flour," said Marjorie. "I think I +heard Mother say that once." She was not at all sure, but she greatly +wanted to help Kitty if possible.</p> + +<p>"All right," said Kitty, and having already put in three cups of flour, +she added to the mixture three heaping tablespoonfuls of baking powder.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now for the raisins," she said.</p> + +<p>"I didn't know sponge cake ever had raisins in it," said Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't, usually," said Kitty, "but I thought it would add an extra +touch."</p> + +<p>She stirred them in, and then they poured the batter into a cake tin.</p> + +<p>"It does look lovely," said Midget, tasting it with a spoon. "It tastes +pretty good, but not as good as it looks. I guess it'll be lovely when +it's baked. Open the oven, King."</p> + +<p>King threw open the oven door with a flourish, and the girls pushed the +big pan inside.</p> + +<p>"Shut it quick!" warned Kitty. "The cake falls unless you do! It must +bake three-quarters of an hour."</p> + +<p>And then they all waited patiently for the time to take it out.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2> +<h3>A MOTOR RIDE</h3> +</div> + +<p>"Isn't it done yet?" asked King, after half an hour had elapsed.</p> + +<p>"Nope," returned Kitty, positively. "It can't be done till +three-quarters of an hour, and it's only a half."</p> + +<p>"Smells done!" exclaimed Marjorie, sniffing "I believe it's burning, +Kit."</p> + +<p>"Pshaw, it can't be burning. That isn't a hot fire, is it, King?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied King, after removing one of the range covers and +scrutinizing the fire. "That's what the cook books call a moderate +fire."</p> + +<p>"Then that's all right," and Kitty wagged her head in satisfaction. +"Sponge cake requires a mod-rit fire."</p> + +<p>"But it's leaking out, Kitty!" cried Marjorie, dancing about the +kitchen. "Oh, look, it's leaking out!"</p> + +<p>Sure enough, smoke was coming out through the edges of the oven door, +and a sticky substance began to ooze through.</p> + +<p>"The door isn't shut quite tight," began Kitty,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> but before she could +finish, King flung the oven door wide open.</p> + +<p>"Better see what's up!" he said, and as the smoke poured out in a +volume, and then cleared away a little, a strange sight confronted them.</p> + +<p>The cake dough had apparently multiplied itself by ten, if not more. It +had risen and run all over the sides of the pan, had dripped down +through the grating to the bottom of the oven, and had bubbled up from +there all over the sides and door. In fact the oven was lined with a +sticky, sizzling, yellow material that had turned brown in some places, +and was burned black in others.</p> + +<p>"Something must have gone wrong," said Kitty, calmly, as she looked at +the ruins. "I was almost sure it didn't need any baking powder. That's +what blew it up so."</p> + +<p>"H'm," said King. "I don't believe I care for any. Wonder what became of +the raisins?"</p> + +<p>"You can see them here and there," said Marjorie. "Those burned black +spots are raisins. Phew! how it smokes! I'm going out."</p> + +<p>"Let's call Ellen," said Kitty, "she said to."</p> + +<p>Being summoned, Ellen arrived on the scene of action.</p> + +<p>"Arrah, Miss Kitty," she said; "shure, an' I thought ye cuddent make +cake. Now, why did ye<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> thry, an' put all in such a pother? Belikes ye +want to make me throuble."</p> + +<p>"No, Ellen," said Kitty, smiling at her. "I didn't do it purposely for +that. I thought it would be good. You see, I did make it once, and it +was good."</p> + +<p>"Ah, go 'long wid yez,—all of yez! Shure I'll be afther clanin' up. An' +niver a shcold I'll shcold yez if ye'll kape outen o' my kitchen afther +this."</p> + +<p>"Good for you, Ellen!" shouted King. "I thought you'd raise a row! Nice +Ellen, good Ellen! Good-bye, Ellen!"</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, ye bad babies! I'll make ye some tea-cakes now as ye can +eat!"</p> + +<p>"Isn't she a duck!" exclaimed Kitty.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's 'cause you're sort of company. If you hadn't been here, and +we'd done that she'd have tuned up, all right!"</p> + +<p>This was King's opinion, and Marjorie agreed with him. "We never go in +the kitchen," she said. "I guess Ellen was so surprised she didn't know +<i>what</i> to say."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Kitty, quite undisturbed by the circumstances, "you see, at +Grandma's, Eliza helps me, and sort of superintends what I put in."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I see," said King. "Now you do a lot of cooking after you get back +there, Kit, and try to learn your recipes better."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p> + +<p>Kitty laughed and promised, and then the three children wandered into +the dining-room to see what their elders were doing.</p> + +<p>"Can't we start at once?" Cousin Ethel was saying. "Oh, here are the +kiddies now! Come in, you three blessings in disguise! Do you want to go +on a jamboree?"</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked Kitty.</p> + +<p>"Oh, a lovely motor ride, with two cars, and stay all night, and lots of +lovely things like that!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, goody!" cried Marjorie. "Are we really going? Mother's been talking +about a trip like that!"</p> + +<p>"I guess we will," said Mr. Maynard. "We haven't had an Ourday for some +time. How would you like to take the opportunity for one while we have +Kitty-girl among us?"</p> + +<p>"Gorgiferous! Gay!" cried Marjorie, and King threw his cap high in the +air and caught it deftly on his head.</p> + +<p>"When do we start?"</p> + +<p>"As soon as we can get off," said Mr. Maynard, looking at his watch. +"Scamper, you kiddies, and get into appropriate rigs."</p> + +<p>"Oh, what fun!" cried Marjorie, as they flew upstairs. "What shall we +wear, Mothery?"</p> + +<p>"You'll find your frocks laid out in your rooms," said Mrs. Maynard, who +was prepared<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> for this question. "Then put on your motor coats and take +your motor bonnets with you,—but you needn't wear them unless you +choose."</p> + +<p>The girls danced away, and soon were in full regalia. They went flying +downstairs to learn more of the particulars of the trip. Nurse Nannie +and Rosy Posy were on the porch waiting, the little one greatly excited +at thought of the journey.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what a grand Ourday, Father!" cried Midget, giving him one of her +most ferocious "bear hugs." "We have so much vacation down here, I +thought we wouldn't catch any Ourdays!"</p> + +<p>"Well, this is an extra thrown in for good measure. I suppose you don't +care, Midget, which car you ride in?"</p> + +<p>"Not a bit! We keep together, don't we?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, as much as possible. Cousin Jack will drive his own car, and +Pompton, of course, will drive ours."</p> + +<p>"It all happened so swift I can hardly realize it," said Kitty. "Only a +minute or two ago I was making cake in the kitchen, and now here I am!"</p> + +<p>"Making <i>what</i>?" asked King, teasingly, but when he saw Kitty look red +and embarrassed he turned the subject.</p> + +<p>Kitty had told her mother about the cake episode, but Mrs. Maynard said +it was an accident<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> due to inexperience, and nothing further need be +said about it.</p> + +<p>"I'll divide up the passengers," said Cousin Jack as, with the two cars +standing in front of the door, no one knew just which to get in.</p> + +<p>"Ethel and I will take Marjorie and King with us, for I think Kitty will +want to ride with her mother, and Babykins, too."</p> + +<p>"All right," agreed Mr. Maynard, and then he packed Uncle Steve and Mrs. +Maynard and Kitty on the back seat, Nannie and Rosamond next in front, +and he climbed up beside Pompton.</p> + +<p>Some suitcases and a basket of light luncheon were stowed away, and off +they started, Ellen and Sarah waving to them from the steps as they flew +down the drive. It was a perfect day for motoring. Not too hot, not too +breezy, and no dust.</p> + +<p>Their destination was Lakewood, but for quite a distance their road lay +along by the shore before they turned inland.</p> + +<p>Marjorie sat back, beside Cousin Ethel, and King sat in front with +Cousin Jack.</p> + +<p>"Let's play Roadside Euchre," said Midget.</p> + +<p>"We go too fast for that," said King. "We couldn't see the things to +count them."</p> + +<p>"What is it, Mehitabel?" asked Cousin Jack. "We aren't going so very +fast."</p> + +<p>"Why, you count the things on each side of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> the road. You and I are on +the right, you know, Cousin Jack, so we count all on this side. Then +Cousin Ethel and King count all on their side."</p> + +<p>"All what?"</p> + +<p>"Well, a horse and vehicle counts one; a vehicle with two horses counts +two; and a horse without any wagon or carriage counts five. An +automobile counts ten; a herd of cows, fifteen; and a load of hay, +twenty. A cat in a window counts twenty-five, and people count five +apiece. Any animal, not a horse counts ten."</p> + +<p>"But, as I am driving," said Cousin Jack, "I can turn either side, and +so make them count as I like."</p> + +<p>"No, you must turn just as you would, anyway. Of course, as you turn to +the right, King and Cousin Ethel will count most of the vehicles we +pass; but we'll make up some other way. Oh, here's a flock of chickens! +I forgot to tell you, chickens count one each."</p> + +<p>The motor seemed to go right through the flock of chickens, but Cousin +Jack was a careful driver and didn't harm one of them. There was a +terrific squawking and peeping and clucking as the absurd bipeds ran +about in an utterly bewildered manner. The children and Cousin Ethel +managed to count them fairly well, but Cousin Jack had to manage his +motor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How many?" he asked as the last hen was left behind.</p> + +<p>"Fourteen for our side," announced Midget, triumphantly.</p> + +<p>"And nine for us," said King. "Never mind, we'll make up later."</p> + +<p>But they kept fairly even. To be sure, when they met motor-cars, or any +vehicles, they had to turn out to the right, which gave the count to +King's side.</p> + +<p>But on the other hand, motors sometimes passed them from behind, and if +they went along on the right side they were Marjorie's count. Houses +were as apt to be on one side as the other, and these added their count +of dogs, cats, chickens, and cows, as well as occasional human beings.</p> + +<p>Going through small towns was the most fun, for then it required quick +counting to get all that belonged to them.</p> + +<p>A flock of birds on either side was counted, but a flock of birds that +crossed their path was omitted, as it would have counted the same for +each.</p> + +<p>The game grew more and more exciting. Sometimes one side would be more +than a hundred ahead, and then the balance would swing back the other +way. About six o'clock they neared Lakewood.</p> + +<p>"The game stops as we turn into the main<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> street," said Cousin Jack, +"and the prize is this: whichever of you two children win shall select +the dessert at the hotel dinner to-night."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Marjorie, "but it isn't only us children. We each have +a partner who must help us in the selection."</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack agreed to this, and in a moment the car swung into the main +street of Lakewood.</p> + +<p>Midget and King, who had kept account of their hundreds on a bit of +paper, began to add up, and it was soon found that Marjorie and Cousin +Jack's side had won by about two hundred points.</p> + +<p>"Good work!" cried King. "We losers congratulate you, and beg you'll +remember that we love ice cream!"</p> + +<p>They were following the Maynards' <i>big</i> car, and soon both cars stopped +and all alighted and went into a beautiful hotel called +"Holly-in-the-Woods."</p> + +<p>"Oh, how lovely!" whispered Marjorie to Kitty, as she squeezed her +sister's arm. "Isn't this fun, Kit?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so!" returned Kitty. "The best Ourday ever!"</p> + +<p>Then the children were whisked away to tidy up for dinner, and fresh +white frocks were found in the suitcases. Midget and Kitty tied each +other's ribbons, and soon were ready to go down<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>stairs again. The +Bryants met them in the hall, and took them down.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it like Fairyland!" said Marjorie, enchanted by the palms and +flowers and lights and music. She had never before been in such an +elaborate hotel, and she wanted to see it all.</p> + +<p>They walked about, and looked at the various beautiful rooms, and then +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard came, and they all went to the dining-room.</p> + +<p>A table had been reserved for them, and Marjorie felt very grown up and +important as the waiter pushed up her chair. After their long ride, +their appetites were quite in order to do justice to the good things put +before them, and when it was time for dessert, Cousin Jack announced +that he and Marjorie were a committee of two to select it.</p> + +<p>"Though of course," he added, "any one who doesn't care for what we +choose is entirely at liberty to choose something else."</p> + +<p>So the two gravely studied the menu, and kept the others in suspense +while they read over the long list. Many names were in French, but +Marjorie skipped those.</p> + +<p>"Ice cream," Kitty kept whispering, in low but distinct stage whispers; +and at last Cousin Jack proposed to Midget that they choose what was +billed as a "Lakewood Souvenir."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p> + +<p>Marjorie had no idea what this might be, but she agreed, for she felt +sure it was something nice.</p> + +<p>And so it was, for it turned out to be ice cream, but so daintily put up +in a little box that it was like a present. The box was carved with +crinkly paper, and had a pretty picture of Lakewood scenery framed in +gilt on the top. After every one had eaten his ice cream, the boxes were +carried away as souvenirs.</p> + +<p>Then they all went out and sat on the terrace while the elders had +coffee. The three children did not drink coffee, so they were allowed to +run around the grounds a little.</p> + +<p>"How long are we going to stay here?" asked Kitty.</p> + +<p>"Till to-morrow afternoon, I think," replied King. "I heard Father say +he thought he'd do that."</p> + +<p>"I think it's beautiful," said Midget, "but I'd just as lieve be riding, +wouldn't you, Kit?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't care. I like 'em both,—first one and then the other."</p> + +<p>Kitty was of a contented disposition, and usually liked everything. But +the other two were also easily pleased, and the three agreed that they +didn't care whether they were motoring or staying at the lovely hotel.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, then, little Maynards, bed for yours!" announced their father, as +he came strolling out to find them.</p> + +<p>"Father," said Marjorie, grasping his hand, "is this really an Ourday?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Midget; of course it is. You don't mind the Bryants sharing it, do +you?"</p> + +<p>"No, not a bit. Only,—to-morrow can't I ride with you? If it's our +Ourday, I like better to be by you."</p> + +<p>"Of course you can!" cried Mr. Maynard, heartily. "We'll fix it +somehow."</p> + +<p>"But don't tell Cousin Ethel and Cousin Jack that I don't want to ride +with them," went on Midget, "because it might hurt their feelings. But +you know,—when I thought I didn't have any father,—I thought about all +our Ourdays, and——"</p> + +<p>Midget's voice broke, and Mr. Maynard caught her to him.</p> + +<p>"My darling little girl," he said, "I'm so glad you're back with us for +our Ourdays, and you shall ride just where you want to."</p> + +<p>"Let her take my place," said Kitty, kindly. "I'd just as lieve go in +the other car, and I don't wonder Midget feels like that."</p> + +<p>So it was settled that Kitty should ride with the Bryants next day, and +then the three children were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> sent to bed, while the elders stayed up a +few hours later.</p> + +<p>The girls had a large room, with two beds, and with a delightful +balcony, on which a long French window opened.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it wonderful?" said Marjorie, softly, as she stepped over the +sill, and stood in the soft moonlight, looking down on the hotel flower +gardens.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeedy," agreed Kitty; "I say, Mops, I'd like to jump down, flip! +into that geranium bed!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Kitty, what a goose you are! Don't do such a thing!"</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to. I only said I'd like to; and I'd play it was a +sea,—a geranium sea, and I'd swim around in it."</p> + +<p>"Kit, you're crazy! Come on to bed, before you do anything foolish."</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to do it, really, Mops! but I like to imagine it. I'd +waft myself off of this balcony, and waft down to the scarlet of the +geraniums and fall in."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and be picked up with two broken legs and a sprained ankle!"</p> + +<p>"Well—and then I'd see a little boat, on the red geranium sea,—I'd be +a fairy, you know,—and I'd get in the little boat——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You come and get in your little bed, Miss Kitty," said Nannie, from the +window, and laughing gayly, the two girls went in and went to bed.</p> + +<p>"Anyway, I'm going to dream of that red geranium bed," announced Kitty, +as she cuddled into the smooth, white sheets.</p> + +<p>"All right," said Midget, drowsily; "dream anything you like."</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2> +<h3>RED GERANIUMS</h3> +</div> + + +<p>Wearied by the journey, and the fun of it, Marjorie fell at once into a +deep, quiet sleep. Kitty's sleep was deep, too, but not quiet. The child +tossed around and waved her arms, muttering about a geranium sea, and a +little boat on it.</p> + +<p>Nurse Nannie puttered about the room for some time, picking up things, +and laying out the girls' clothes for the next day. Then she put out the +lights and went away to her own room.</p> + +<p>It was, perhaps, ten o'clock when Kitty threw back the bedclothing, and +slowly got out of bed. She was sound asleep, and she walked across the +room with a wavering, uncertain motion, but went straight to the French +window, which was still part way open.</p> + +<p>Kitty had sometimes walked in her sleep before, but it was not really a +habit with her, and the family had never thought it necessary to +safeguard her.</p> + +<p>It was a still, warm night, and when she stepped out on the balcony, +there was no breeze or waft of cool air to awaken her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> + +<p>She paused at the low rail of the little balcony, and murmured, "Oh, the +lovely soft red flowers! I will lie down on them!" and over the railing +she went, plump down into the geranium bed!</p> + +<p>As is well known, a fall is not apt to hurt a somnambulist, for the +reason that in sleep the muscles are entirely relaxed; but the jar woke +Kitty, and she found herself, clad only in her little white nightgown, +lying in the midst of the red blossoms.</p> + +<p>She did not scream; on the contrary, she felt a strange sense of delight +in the odorous flowers and the scent of the warm, soft earth.</p> + +<p>But in a moment she realized what had happened, and scrambled up into a +sitting posture.</p> + +<p>"My gracious! it's Kit!" exclaimed a voice, and from among the group of +people on the veranda Cousin Jack ran down to her. The others followed, +and in a moment Kitty was surrounded by her own people. She flew to her +mother's arms, and Cousin Ethel quickly drew off her own evening wrap +and put it around Kitty.</p> + +<p>"How <i>did</i> you happen to fall?" asked her father, who soon saw she was +not hurt, or even badly jarred.</p> + +<p>"I was asleep, I guess," Kitty returned; "anyway I dreamed that I wanted +to jump in the red geranium sea,—so I jumped."</p> + +<p>"You jumped! out of the window?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes,—that is, off of the little balcony. You see, I was asleep until I +landed. Then I found out where I was."</p> + +<p>Kitty was quite calm about it, and cuddled into the folds of Cousin +Ethel's satin cloak, while she told her story.</p> + +<p>"Of course, I shouldn't have jumped if I had been awake," she said; "but +you can't help what you do in your sleep, can you?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Uncle Steve; "you weren't a bit to blame, Kitsie, and I'm +thankful you came down so safely. But I think that window must be +fastened before you go to sleep again. One such escapade is enough for +one night."</p> + +<p>The other guests on the veranda looked curiously at the group, but Kitty +was protected from view by her own people, and, too, the big cloak hid +all deficiencies of costume.</p> + +<p>"Well, we have to get used to these unexpected performances," said Mr. +Maynard, "but I do believe my children are more ingenious than others in +trumping up new games."</p> + +<p>"We are," said Kitty, "but usually it's Midget who does the crazy +things. King and I don't cut up jinks much."</p> + +<p>"That's so," agreed Uncle Steve. "Last summer Miss Mischief kept us all +in hot water. But this year, Kitsie has been a model of propriety.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> She +never walks out of second-story windows when she's at our house. I guess +I'd better take her back there."</p> + +<p>"Not to-morrow," said Kitty. "Wait till next day, won't you, Uncle +Steve?"</p> + +<p>"All right; day after to-morrow, then. But we mustn't stay away from +Grandma longer than that."</p> + +<p>"And now I think our adventurous little explorer must go back to her +dreams," said Mrs. Maynard. "Who wants to carry her upstairs?"</p> + +<p>As Uncle Steve was the biggest and strongest of the three men, he picked +up the young sleepwalker, and started off with her. Mrs. Maynard +followed, and they soon had Kitty safely in bed again, with the French +window securely fastened against any further expeditions.</p> + +<p>The mother sat by the little girl until she went to sleep, and this time +her slumber was untroubled by dreams of geranium seas with fairy boats +on them.</p> + +<p>Next morning, Marjorie was greatly interested in Kitty's story.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Kit," she exclaimed, "I wish I had seen you step off! Though, of +course, if I <i>had</i> seen you, you wouldn't have done it! For I should +have waked you up. Well, it's a wonder you didn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> smash yourself. Come +on, let's hurry down and look at that flower bed."</p> + +<p>But by the time the girls got down there, the hotel gardener had remade +the flower bed, and it now looked as if no one had ever set foot on it.</p> + +<p>"Pshaw!" said Marjorie, "they've fixed it all up, and we can't even see +where you landed. Did it make a big hole, Kit?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, Mops. About as big as I am, I suppose. Can't you imagine +it?"</p> + +<p>Marjorie laughed. "Yes, I can imagine you landing there, in your +nightgown and bare feet! How you must have looked!"</p> + +<p>"I s'pose I did. But, somehow, Mops, when I found myself there, it +didn't seem queer at all. I just wanted to float on the red flowers."</p> + +<p>"Kit, I do believe you're half luny," observed King; "you have the +craziest ideas. But I'm jolly glad you didn't get hurt, you old +sleep-trotter!" and the boy pulled his sister's curls to express his +deep affection and gratitude for her safety.</p> + +<p>Kitty was none the worse for her fall. The soft loam of the newly made +flower bed had received her gently, and not even a bruise had resulted.</p> + +<p>But the elders decided that hereafter the exits from Kitty's bedroom +must be properly safeguarded at night, as no one could tell when the +impulse of sleep-walking might overtake her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p> + +<p>There was plenty to do at Lakewood. Uncle Steve took the children for a +brisk walk through the town, and bought them souvenirs of all sorts. The +shops displayed tempting wares, and the girls were made happy by bead +necklaces and pretty little silk bags, while King rejoiced in queer +Indian relics found in a curio shop. Then back to the hotel, for a game +of tennis and a romp with Cousin Jack, and in the afternoon a long motor +ride, with occasional stops for ice cream soda or peanuts.</p> + +<p>And the next day Kitty and Uncle Steve went home. They concluded to take +the train from Lakewood, and not return again to Seacote.</p> + +<p>"Grandma will be getting anxious to see us," Uncle Steve declared. "I +did not intend to stay as long as this when I left home."</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, old Kitsie," said Midget; "don't walk into any more red seas, +and write to me often, won't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will, Midge; but you don't write very often, yourself."</p> + +<p>"I know it; it's a sort of a bother to write letters. But I love to get +them."</p> + +<p>"Well, the summer will be over pretty soon," returned Kitty, "and then +we'll all be back in Rockwell."</p> + +<p>The Maynard children were philosophical, and so they parted with cheery +good-byes, and the train<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> steamed away with Uncle Steve and Kitty waving +from the window.</p> + +<p>"Now, for our own plans," said Mr. Maynard. "What shall we do next, +Jack?"</p> + +<p>"I know what I'd like," said Cousin Ethel.</p> + +<p>"What is it, my Angel?" asked her husband. "You may most certainly have +anything you want."</p> + +<p>"Well, instead of going right back to Seacote, I'd like to go to +Atlantic City."</p> + +<p>"You would!" said Mr. Bryant. "And would you like to go around by +Chicago, and stop at San Francisco on your way home?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Cousin Ethel, laughing; "and I don't think Atlantic City is +so very far. We could go there to-day, stay over to-morrow, and back to +Seacote the day after. What do you think, Jack?"</p> + +<p>"I think your plan is great! And I'm more than ready to carry it out, if +these Maynards of ours agree to it."</p> + +<p>"I'd like it," declared Marjorie. "I've never been to Atlantic City."</p> + +<p>"But it isn't exactly a summer place, is it?" asked Mrs. Maynard.</p> + +<p>"Neither is Lakewood," said Cousin Ethel. "But it's a cool spell just +now, and I think it would be lots of fun to run down there."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p> + +<p>"All right," said Mr. Maynard, "let's run."</p> + +<p>And run they did. Considering they had nine people and two motors, and +several suitcases to look after, they displayed admirable expedition in +getting started, and just at dusk they came upon the brilliant radiance +of the lights of Atlantic City.</p> + +<p>"This was a fine idea of yours, Ethel," said Mrs. Maynard. "This place +looks very attractive."</p> + +<p>"Oh, isn't it!" cried Marjorie. "I think it's grand! Can't we stay up +late to-night, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"You may stay up till nine o'clock, Midget, and we'll go down and see +the crowds on the Boardwalk."</p> + +<p>So after dinner they went down to the gay thoroughfare known as the +Boardwalk. It was crowded with merry, laughing, chattering people, and +Midget danced along in an ecstasy of enjoyment.</p> + +<p>"I never saw such a lot of people!" she exclaimed. "Where are they all +going?"</p> + +<p>"Nowhere in particular," said her father. "They're just out here to look +at each other and enjoy themselves."</p> + +<p>"See those funny chairs, on rollers," went on Midget. "Oh, can't we ride +in them? Everybody else does."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course we must," said her father. "It's part of the performance."</p> + +<p>He engaged three rolling chairs, and as each chair held two people, he +said, "How shall we divide up?"</p> + +<p>"I'll take Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, "and Hezekiah can go with my +wife. Then you two elder Maynards can use the third. How's that?"</p> + +<p>This arrangement was satisfactory and they started off, a strong man +pushing each chair.</p> + +<p>"Don't you think this is fun, Cousin Jack?" asked Marjorie, as she +watched the crowds and the lights, and Old Ocean rolling big black waves +up on the shore.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mehitabel, I think it's gay. There's a certain something at this +place that you never see anywhere else."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's quite different from Seacote, isn't it? Everybody here seems +to be in a hurry."</p> + +<p>"That's only because it's such a big and lively crowd. Here we are at +the pier. I think we'd better go in and hear the music."</p> + +<p>So they dismissed the chairmen, and went far down the long pier to +listen to a concert.</p> + +<p>A children's dance was being held, and Marjorie sat down, enraptured at +the sight.</p> + +<p>Lots of boys and girls about her own age, in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> fancy costumes, were +dancing and pirouetting in time with the fine music. One little girl, +especially, Marjorie admired. She was a pretty child, in a white frock +and blue sash, and she wore a wreath of small rosebuds on her curly, +flaxen hair. She seemed to be the best of all the dancers, and twice she +danced alone, doing marvellous fancy steps and receiving great applause +from the audience.</p> + +<p>"Isn't she lovely!" exclaimed Midget. "I wish I could dance like that."</p> + +<p>"You never can, Mopsy," said King. "You're too heavy. That girl is a +featherweight."</p> + +<p>"She looks nice," said Midget. "I'd like to know her."</p> + +<p>And then, as it was nearing nine o'clock, they left the dancing +pavilion, and made their way back to their hotel.</p> + +<p>Marjorie kept close to her parents, for the crowd seemed to grow denser +all the time, and if she lost sight of her people, she feared she'd be +swept away from them forever.</p> + +<p>They were staying at Madden Hall, and as they reached it, there, too, +music was being played, and some people were dancing in the big +ballroom. But there were no children about, so Midget trotted off to bed +cheerfully, with lots of pleasant anticipations for the morrow.</p> + +<p>At breakfast, next morning, she was looking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> around the dining room, +when she spied the same little girl who had danced so prettily the night +before.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mother," she exclaimed, "there she is! That pretty girl that +danced. See, at the next table but two. Yes, it <i>is</i> the same one!"</p> + +<p>"Sure it is," agreed King. "She's staying here. Perhaps we can get +acquainted with her, Mops."</p> + +<p>"Could we, Mother? Would it be right?"</p> + +<p>"We'll see about it," said Mrs. Maynard, smiling at her impulsive +daughter. After breakfast the Maynard party walked out on the veranda, +and Midget soon saw the little girl, in a big rocking chair not far +away.</p> + +<p>"May I go over and speak to her, Mother?" she said.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, Midget, if you like. She looks like a nice child. Run along."</p> + +<p>So Midget went over and took the next rocking chair, for there were many +chairs, ranged in long rows.</p> + +<p>"I came over to talk to you," she said; "I saw you dance last night, and +I think you do dance lovely."</p> + +<p>"Do you?" said the little girl. She seemed diffident, but pleased at +Marjorie's words. "You see, it was a Children's Carnival, and Mamma let<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> +me dance. I never danced in a place like that before, and I was a little +scared at first."</p> + +<p>"You didn't look scared. You just looked lovely. What's your name? +Mine's Marjorie Maynard. I live in Rockwell, when I'm home."</p> + +<p>"Mine's Ruth Rowland, and I live in Philadelphia, when I'm home. But +we're spending the summer in Seacote. We just came down here for a +week."</p> + +<p>"In Seacote! Why, that's where we're spending the summer. We have a +house on Fairway Avenue."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know that house. I remember seeing you there when I've passed by. +Isn't it funny that we should happen to meet here! We live farther down, +past the pier, you know."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know. Will you come to see me after we both get back there?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed I will. When are you going back?"</p> + +<p>"To-morrow, I think. When are you?"</p> + +<p>"In a few days. Do you know Cicely Ross?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't know very many children in Seacote. Do you know the Craig +boys?"</p> + +<p>"No. I guess we don't know the same people. But I know Hester Corey, and +you do, too, 'cause I've seen her playing in your yard."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, Hester plays with us a lot."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p> + +<p>"She's a funny girl, isn't she?"</p> + +<p>"Well, she's nice sometimes, and sometimes she isn't. Here's my brother +King. King, this is Ruth Rowland, and what do you think? She lives in +Seacote! I mean, for the summer she's staying there."</p> + +<p>"Good!" cried King. "We can play together then, after we go back."</p> + +<p>The three children rapidly became good friends, and soon Ruth proposed +that they all go for a ride in a roller chair.</p> + +<p>"They have wide chairs," she said, "that will hold all three of us."</p> + +<p>Midget ran to ask her mother if they might do this, but Mrs. Maynard was +not willing that the children should go alone.</p> + +<p>"But Nannie and Rosamond may go, too, in another chair," she said, "and +then I shall feel that you are looked after."</p> + +<p>So down to the Boardwalk they went, and Nurse Nannie and Rosy Posy took +one chair, and the three children took another. They selected a wide one +which gave them plenty of room, and off they started.</p> + +<p>It was a lovely, clear day, and the blue sky and the darker blue ocean +met at the far distant horizon, with whitecaps dotted all over the +crests of the waves. A few ships and steamers were to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> be seen, but +mostly the children's attention was attracted to the scenes on shore.</p> + +<p>"I thought it was lovely last night," said Midget, "but it's even nicer +now. The booths and shops are so gay and festive, and the ladies all +look so pretty in their summer frocks and bright parasols."</p> + +<p>They stopped occasionally, for soda water or candy, and once they +stopped at a camera place and had their pictures taken in the rolling +chairs.</p> + +<p>King proposed this, because he saw a great many people doing it, and as +the man finished up the pictures at once, the children were delighted +with the postcards.</p> + +<p>"I'll send one to Kit," said Midget, "she'll love it. And I'll send one +to Grandma Maynard."</p> + +<p>Ruth had several of the pictures, too, and she said she should send some +to friends in Philadelphia.</p> + +<p>"She's an awfully nice girl," said Marjorie to her mother, when telling +of their morning's doings. "I'm so glad she's at Seacote. We're going to +have lots of fun when we get back."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad, too," said Mrs. Maynard. "For you have so few acquaintances +there, and Ruth is certainly a very sweet child."</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2> +<h3>WHAT HESTER DID</h3> +</div> + +<p>"I won't have her!" declared Hester. "I'm Queen of this Court, and I +won't have any new members taken in. You had no right, Marjorie Maynard, +to ask her to belong, without consulting me!"</p> + +<p>"Why, Hester, I had so! You may be Queen, but you don't own the whole +Sand Club! And Ruth Rowland is a lovely girl. How can you dislike her, +when you know how sweet and pretty she is. She says she knows you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do know her. Stuck-up, yellow-haired thing!"</p> + +<p>Sand Court was in full session, and all had been going on amicably until +Marjorie had chanced to mention meeting Ruth at Atlantic City, and said +she had asked her to come to the Sand Club meetings. At this, Hester had +flown into one of her rages, and declared that Ruth should not become a +member of their little circle.</p> + +<p>"Look here, Hester Corey," said Tom Craig, "you promised, if you could +be Queen, to be al<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>ways sweet and pleasant. Do you call this keeping +your promise?"</p> + +<p>"Pooh, who cares! I only promised, if the club stayed just the same. If +you're going to put in a lot of new members without asking me, my +promise doesn't count."</p> + +<p>"Ruth isn't 'a lot,'" said Marjorie, laughing at Hester's fury.</p> + +<p>But her laughter only made Queen Sandy more angry than ever.</p> + +<p>"I don't care if she isn't! She's a new member, and I won't have <i>any</i> +new members,—so, there, now!"</p> + +<p>"Say, Hester," began King, "I don't think you're boss of this club. Just +because you're Queen, you don't have any more say than the Grand +Sandjandrum, or me, or anybody."</p> + +<p>"I do, too! A Queen has <i>all</i> the say,—about everything! And I say +there sha'n't be any more people in this club, and so there sha'n't!"</p> + +<p>Hester stamped her foot and shook her fist and wagged her head in the +angriest possible way, and if the others hadn't been so exasperated by +her ill-temper they must have laughed at the funny picture she made. Her +new crown was tumbled sideways, her hair ribbons had come off, and her +face, flushed red and angry, was further disfigured by a disagreeable +scowl.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p> + +<p>And just at this moment Ruth arrived. She came in, smiling, neatly +dressed in a clean print frock, and broad straw hat with a wreath of +flowers round it.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Marjorie," she said, a little shyly, for she didn't know the +Craig boys, and she couldn't help seeing that Hester was in a fit of +temper.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Ruth," said Marjorie, running to her, and taking her by the +hand. "Come on in; this is Sand Court. These are the Craig boys,—Tom, +Dick, and Harry. And this is our Queen,—but I think you know Hester +Corey."</p> + +<p>"Yes," began Ruth, but Hester cried out: "I don't want her to know me! +She sha'n't join our club, I say!"</p> + +<p>Ruth looked bewildered at first, and then her sweet little face wrinkled +up, and the tears came into her big blue eyes.</p> + +<p>"Don't cry, Ruth," said Midget, putting her arm round her; "Hester is +sort of mad this morning, but I guess she'll get over it. Don't mind +her."</p> + +<p>"I won't get over it," screamed Hester. "I'm not going to have Ruth +Rowland in this club!"</p> + +<p>"For goodness gracious sakes, children, what <i>is</i> the matter?"</p> + +<p>A grown-up voice exclaimed these words, and then Mr. Jack Bryant entered +Sand Court. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> took in the situation at a glance, but pretended to be +ignorant of the true state of things.</p> + +<p>"What's up, O Queen?" he said, addressing Hester. "Oh, sunny-faced, +honey-voiced Queen of Sand Court, what, I prithee, is up?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing," growled Hester, looking sullen.</p> + +<p>"Nay, nay, not so, sweet Queen; I bethink me there is much up, indeed! +Else why these unusual consternations on the faces of thy courtiers?"</p> + +<p>Of course, Cousin Jack knew all about the doings of Sand Court. He had +often been with them, and delighted them all by talking "Court +language," but to-day nobody responded to his pleasantry. Ruth and +Marjorie were on the verge of tears, the boys were all angry at Hester, +and Hester herself was in one of her wildest furies.</p> + +<p>She refused to answer Cousin Jack, and sat on her throne, shrugging her +shoulders and twitching about, with every cross expression possible on +her pouting face. Mr. Bryant became more serious.</p> + +<p>"Children," he said, "this won't do. This Sand Club is a jolly, +good-natured club, usually, and now that I see you all at sixes and +sevens, I want to know what's the matter. Midget, will you tell me?"</p> + +<p>"I want Ruth Rowland to be in our club," said Marjorie, +straightforwardly; "and Hester doesn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> want her. And Hester says that +because she is Queen, we must all do as she says."</p> + +<p>"Ah, ha; urn, hum. Well, Hester, my dear child, <i>why</i> don't you want +Ruth in the club?"</p> + +<p>"Because I don't!" and the Queen looked more disagreeable than ever.</p> + +<p>"Because you <i>don't</i>! Well, now, you see, my dear, that is just no +reason at all, so Ruth can be a member, as far as you're concerned."</p> + +<p>"No, she can't! I won't have her in!"</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because I don't like her!"</p> + +<p>"Ah, now we're getting at it. And suppose any of the club shouldn't like +you; then you couldn't be a member, could you?"</p> + +<p>"They <i>do</i> like me!" declared Hester.</p> + +<p>"<i>Like</i> you! like <i>you</i>! A girl that flies into rages, and says unkind +things? Oh, no, nobody could like a girl like that! Now, I'll fix it. +You, Hester, won't have Ruth in the club, you say. Well, then if you're +not in the club yourself, of course Ruth could come in. So, the rest of +the club can choose which of you two girls they'd rather have, as it +seems impossible to have you both. King, as the oldest, I'll ask you +first. Will you choose to have Hester or Ruth in this club?"</p> + +<p>"Ruth," said King, promptly. "She doesn't quarrel all the time."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Next, Tom. Which do you choose?"</p> + +<p>"Ruth," replied Tom.</p> + +<p>"Why, Tom Craig!" cried Hester, in surprise; "you never saw that girl +till to-day!"</p> + +<p>"No, but I've seen you," he replied; "and I can tell you, Hester, I'm +tired of these scraps you're always putting up! I believe we'll have +better times with Ruth Rowland."</p> + +<p>"Marjorie," Cousin Jack went on, "which girl do you choose?"</p> + +<p>"I'd like them both," said Midget, who couldn't quite bring herself to +denounce Hester entirely.</p> + +<p>"But Hester won't have Ruth. You must choose one or the other."</p> + +<p>"Then I choose Ruth, Cousin Jack. For Hester does make me a lot of +trouble."</p> + +<p>Midget sighed deeply, for, truly, Hester had caused strife in the club +from its very beginning.</p> + +<p>The two smaller boys voted decidedly for Ruth, and then Cousin Jack +turned to Hester.</p> + +<p>"You see," he said, but not unkindly, "the club has unanimously +expressed its preference for Ruth. I don't see that you can do anything +but take your hat and go home."</p> + +<p>Hester looked at him in amazement.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" she cried. "I <i>won't</i> go home! I'm Queen, and I'll +stay here and <i>be</i> Queen! Ruth can go home!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No," said Mr. Bryant, more decidedly this time; "Ruth is not going +home. You're to go home, Hester. I happen to know that the Maynard +children and the Craig boys have already shown patience and +unselfishness toward your tyranny and unreasonableness—now, they're not +going to be imposed on any longer. I'll have a voice in this matter +myself. Either you'll stay in the club and agree to have Ruth for a +member also, and be pleasant and kind to her, or else you can take your +hat and go home."</p> + +<p>Mr. Bryant spoke quietly, but very firmly. He knew all the club had been +through, in putting up with Hester's tantrums, and he thought it only +fair that they should be relieved of this troublesome member.</p> + +<p>"I won't have Ruth in," she repeated, but she dropped her eyes before +Mr. Bryant's stern glance.</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry, Hester, but if you won't have Ruth in, then you must go +home, yourself, and I will ask you to go at once."</p> + +<p>"All right, I'm glad to go!" and Hester pulled off her crown and threw +it on the ground, and stamped on it. Then she broke in two her pretty +gilt sceptre, and threw that down. She flung her hat on her head and +marched out of Sand Court with angry glances at each one. She flirted +her skirts and twitched her shoulders, and though she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> said nothing, she +was as furious a little girl as can well be imagined.</p> + +<p>Ruth was almost frightened, for she was unaccustomed to such scenes. Nor +were the Maynards used to them, except as they had seen Hester in her +rages now and then.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack looked after the child a little sadly. He was sorry that she +could behave so, but he had made up his mind that Midget and King had +been imposed on by Hester for a long time, and he had determined to put +a stop to it. The advent of Ruth gave a good opportunity, and he availed +himself of it.</p> + +<p>A silence fell on them all. They watched Hester as she slowly went out +of Sand Court.</p> + +<p>But as she started across the lawn, she saw a garden hose with which a +man had been sprinkling the grass. He had gone off and left it lying on +the ground, partly turned off.</p> + +<p>Hester picked it up, turned it on to run full force, and whirling +herself quickly around pointed it straight at Ruth. In a moment the +child was-soaked,—her pretty fresh dress hung limp and wet, her curls +were drenched, and the swift stream of water in her face almost knocked +her over.</p> + +<p>Marjorie sprang to Ruth's side, and received a drenching herself.</p> + +<p>King ran to Hester to take the hose from her,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> but she turned it full in +his face and sent him sprawling to the ground.</p> + +<p>The Craig boys were treated the same way, and when Mr. Bryant +manœuvred to get behind Hester and pinion her arms, she wheeled and +sent the splashing stream all over him.</p> + +<p>"You little vixen!" cried Cousin Jack, as, unheeding the water, he +grasped her right arm.</p> + +<p>But the child was wonderfully agile and like an eel she squirmed out of +his grasp, and wielding her ungainly weapon with her left hand, she +again sprayed the water on the two girls.</p> + +<p>"You stop that, Hester Corey!" yelled King, as he scrambled to his feet, +and in another moment he and Cousin Jack succeeded in getting the hose +away from Hester.</p> + +<p>"She ought to have it turned on her!" said Cousin Jack, looking at the +little fury, now dancing up and down in her angry rage. "But, I don't +want anything more to do with you, miss. Go home at once, and tell your +mother all that has happened."</p> + +<p>Glad to get away without further reprimand, Hester, her wrath spent now, +walked slowly across the lawn and out of the gate.</p> + +<p>"She's a terror!" Cousin Jack commented; "now forget it, kiddies, and +let's go into the house and get dried out. Are you girlies much wet?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not so awfully," replied Marjorie. "Mostly our hair and, oh, yes, the +front of Ruth's skirt is soaked!"</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll build a fire in the library, and hang ourselves up to dry. +Come on, all you Sand boys and girls."</p> + +<p>They went in the house, and while they dried their hair and clothes, +Cousin Jack told them funny stories and made no mention of Hester or of +the Sand Club.</p> + +<p>"Now we're going to play a game," he announced, after everybody was dry, +and the fire had died away to ashes. "Here are the things to play it +with."</p> + +<p>He produced what looked like some rolls of ribbon, and six pairs of +scissors. But it wasn't ribbon, it was the white paper that comes rolled +in with ribbon, when bought by the piece. This paper was about an inch +wide and he had enough to cut six pieces, each about ten feet long.</p> + +<p>These pieces he fastened by one end to the wainscoting with thumb tacks, +and giving the other end of each piece to one of the children, he bade +them stand in a row, far enough away to hold their paper strips out +straight across the room.</p> + +<p>Then, at his given signal, each one was to begin to cut, with the +scissors, straight through the middle of the paper, lengthwise, the game +being to cut<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> clear to the end without tearing the paper. Of course, if +carefully done, this would divide each paper into two strips of equal +width.</p> + +<p>But the game was also to see which reached the end first, and the winner +was promised a prize. If the scissors inadvertently cut off either +strip, the player was "out."</p> + +<p>"Go!" cried Cousin Jack, "and strive only for the greatest speed +consistent with safety. If you go too fast, you're very likely to snip +off your strips; and if you go too slow, somebody else will beat you. +Hurry up, Ruth, you're going evenly, but you'll never get there at that +rate! Oh, hold up, Harry! if you go so fast you'll snip it off. You're +terribly close to one edge, now! Ah, there you go! one strip is chopped +right off. Well, never mind, my boy, stand here by me, and watch the +others. What, Tom out, too? Well, well, Tom, the more haste the less +speed! Careful, Midget, you'll be out in a minute. There you go! Out it +is, for Mehitabel! Well, we have three still in the running. Easy does +it, King! You're getting along finely. Hurry up, Ruth. You can go faster +than that, and still be safe. Dick just says nothing and saws wood. +That's it, Dick, slow and sure!"</p> + +<p>Those who were "out" watched the others with breathless interest. It +would have been an easy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> task had there been no competition. To cut a +long paper into two strips is not difficult, but to cut that paper in +haste, with others looking on and commenting, is more trying. The +scissors seem bewitched. The paper twists and curls, and one's fingers +seem to be all thumbs. King was doing well, but he gave an impatient +jerk as the paper curled round his finger, and then he was out.</p> + +<p>Dick worked steadily, and Ruth plodded slowly along.</p> + +<p>As they neared the end at the same time the watchers grew greatly +excited.</p> + +<p>"I bet on Ruth!" cried King; "go it, Ruth! get up! g'lang there!"</p> + +<p>"Go on, Dick," cried Marjorie. "Clk! Clk! go 'long!"</p> + +<p>On sped the cutters, but just as it seemed as if they must finish at the +same time, Dick gave a little nervous jerk at his paper, and it tore +right off.</p> + +<p>"Oh," said Midget, "you're out, Dicksie!"</p> + +<p>And then Ruth, slowly and carefully, cut the last few inches of her +paper, and held up her two strips triumphantly. She looked so sweet and +happy about it that they all declared she ought to have been the winner, +and Dick said, shyly: "I'm glad you won."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p> + +<p>The prize was a shell box that Cousin Jack had brought from Atlantic +City, and Ruth dimpled with pleasure as she took it.</p> + +<p>"Thank you so much, Mr. Bryant," she said, prettily; "I never won a +prize before, and I shall always keep it."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you won it, Ruth," said Cousin Jack, "and I want you to let it +help you forget any unpleasantness of to-day. Will you forget all that +happened at Sand Court, and just remember that the Maynards and the +Craigs are kind and polite children, and never mind about anybody else. +And come again some time, and play in Sand Court, won't you? And I'll +promise you a good and pleasant time."</p> + +<p>Ruth agreed gladly to all this, and then she went home, so happy that +the memory of her pleasant hours made her almost forget Hester's +rudeness.</p> + +<p>"Now, kiddies," said Mr. Bryant, after she had gone, "I want you, too, +to forget all about Hester's performance. Don't talk it over, and don't +say hard things of Hester. Just forget it, and think about something +nice."</p> + +<p>"All right, Cousin Jack," said Midget, "we'll do as you say. Come on, +boys, let's race down to the beach!"</p> + +<p>The children ran away, and after a consulta<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>tion with Mrs. Maynard, Mr. +Bryant set out to make a call on Mrs. Corey.</p> + +<p>His was not a pleasant task, but he felt it his duty to tell her frankly +of Hester's behavior, and to say that Mr. and Mrs. Maynard couldn't +allow her further to impose on their children. Mrs. Corey didn't resent +this decree, but she was greatly pained at the necessity therefor.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to do with Hester," she said, sadly. "The child has +always been subject to those ungovernable rages. I hope she will outgrow +them. I feel sorry for her, for it is not really her fault. She tries to +be more patient, and sometimes succeeds; then suddenly her temper breaks +out at most unexpected moments."</p> + +<p>Mr. Bryant did not say what he thought; that Hester was a spoiled child, +and that had her mother taught her how sinful such a temper was, she +could have learned to control it, at least, to a degree.</p> + +<p>But he said that the Maynards could not allow Hester to come to Sand +Court any more, unless with the thorough understanding and agreement +that Ruth was to be a member of the Sand Club, and that Marjorie was to +be Queen again. He said that Hester had forfeited all right to be Queen, +and that as Midget practically formed the club, the right to be Queen +was hers.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Corey agreed to all this, expressed great chagrin that Hester had +acted so rudely, and promised to talk to the child and try to induce a +better spirit of kindness and good comradeship.</p> + +<p>And Cousin Jack went away, feeling that he had served the little +Maynards a good turn, if it had been a difficult and unpleasant duty to +perform.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> +<h3>A FINE GAME</h3> +</div> + +<p>One Saturday morning, the Maynards and the Bryants sat on the veranda of +"Maynard Manor," and every one of them was gazing at the sky.</p> + +<p>"It will,—I know it will," said Mrs. Maynard, hopelessly.</p> + +<p>"It won't,—I know it won't!" exclaimed Marjorie, smiling at her mother.</p> + +<p>"It's bound to," declared Cousin Jack, "and there's no use thinking it +won't!"</p> + +<p>Of course, they were talking about the rain, which hadn't yet begun to +fall, but which, judging from the ominous gray sky and black clouds, +would soon do so.</p> + +<p>"Yep, there are the first drops now!" cried King, as some black spots +suddenly appeared on the veranda steps.</p> + +<p>"Yep! that settles it!" Marjorie agreed, "we'll have to give up the +trip. What can we do, nice, instead?"</p> + +<p>They had planned an all-day motor trip. Mr. Maynard was always at home +on Saturdays, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> he liked nothing better than to take his family and +friends for a ride.</p> + +<p>"The nicest thing just now would be to scoot indoors!" said Cousin Jack, +as the drops came faster and thicker, and a gust of wind sent the rain +dashing at them.</p> + +<p>So they all scurried into the house, and gathered in the big living-room +to discuss the situation.</p> + +<p>"It does seem too bad to have it rain on a Saturday," said Cousin Ethel, +looking regretfully out of the window.</p> + +<p>"Rain, rain, go away, come again another day," chanted Midget, drumming +on the pane with her finger tips.</p> + +<p>"Oh, if I were a kiddy, I shouldn't mind it," said Cousin Jack, +teasingly, to Marjorie. "There are lots of things you can play. But us +poor grown-ups have no fun to look forward to but motoring, and now we +can't do that."</p> + +<p>"Oh, if I were a grown-up, <i>I</i> shouldn't mind it," said Midget, laughing +back at him. "Grown-ups can do anything they like, but kiddies have to +do as they're told."</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes," and Cousin Jack sighed deeply, "but we have sorrows and cares +that you know nothing of."</p> + +<p>"Yes," returned Marjorie, "and <i>we</i> have sor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>rows and cares that <i>you</i> +know nothing of! I'd like you to change places with us for a day, and +see——"</p> + +<p>"All right, we will!" exclaimed Cousin Jack. "That's a fine game! For +to-day, we grown-ups will be the children and you and King can play +mother and father to us!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, what larks!" cried King. "Let's begin right away! Will you, +Mother?"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard laughed. "I'll try it," she said, "but not for all day. Say +till afternoon."</p> + +<p>"Well, till five o'clock this afternoon," suggested Marjorie; "will you, +Father, will you?"</p> + +<p>"I'll play any game the rest play," said good-natured Mr. Maynard. "What +do you want me to do?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you must obey us implicitly! King is Father, and I'm Mother, and +you four are our children; Helen and Ed, and Ethel and Jack, your names +are! Oh, what fun! King, what shall we do first?"</p> + +<p>"Hear their lessons, I guess. Now, my dears, I know it's vacation, but +you really ought to study a little each day, to keep your minds from +rusting out."</p> + +<p>This was a favorite speech of Mrs. Maynard's, and as King quoted it, +with a twinkle in his eye,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> it was recognized at once, at least, by the +four Maynards.</p> + +<p>"All right," cried Marjorie, dancing about in excitement, "sit in a row, +children. Why, Ed, your hands are a sight! Go at once, and wash them, my +boy, and never appear before me again with such an untidy appearance!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard obediently left the room, and when he returned a few moments +later, his hands were immaculately clean. Also, he was munching a cooky, +apparently with great delight.</p> + +<p>"Give me one!" demanded Cousin Jack.</p> + +<p>"And me!" "And me!" begged both the ladies, trying to act like eager +children. Mr. Maynard drew more cookies from his pockets and gave them +to the others, not, however, including King and Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Now, children, finish your cookies, but don't drop crumbs on the +floor," said Midget, choking with laughter at Cousin Jack, who was +cramming large bits of his cake into his mouth.</p> + +<p>"Please, Mother, may I go and get a drink of water?" he mumbled.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Jack, go. And then don't ever take such big bites of cooky again! +You children have the worst manners I ever saw!"</p> + +<p>And then each one had to have a drink of water, and there was much +laughter and scrambling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> before they were again in order for their +lessons.</p> + +<p>"Geography, first," said King, picking up a magazine to serve as a +pretended text-book.</p> + +<p>"Edward, bound Missouri."</p> + +<p>"Missouri is bounded on the north,—by,—by,—Kansas, I guess."</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! he doesn't know his lesson! let me say it!" exclaimed Cousin +Jack. "Missouri is bounded on the north by Kentucky, on the east by +Alabama, on the south by New Jersey, and on the west by Philadelphia. It +is a great cotton-growing state, and contains six million inhabitants, +mostly Hoosiers."</p> + +<p>"Fine!" cried Marjorie, "every word correct! Next, Ethel, what is the +Capital of the United States?"</p> + +<p>"Seacote," said Cousin Ethel, laughing.</p> + +<p>"Sure it is!" agreed King; "now that's enough jography. Next, we'll have +arithmetic. Helen, how much is eighteen times forty-seven?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," said Mrs. Maynard, helplessly.</p> + +<p>"Don't know your multiplication table! Fie, fie, my dear! You must stay +in after school and study it. Edward, how much <i>is</i> eighteen times +forty-seven?"</p> + +<p>"Six hundred and fifty-nine, Father."</p> + +<p>"Right, my boy! Go up head."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, I'll give an example," said Midget. "If Edward has three eggs and +Jack has two eggs, how many have they together?"</p> + +<p>"Can't do it!" declared Cousin Jack, "'cause Ed and I are never together +at breakfast, and that's the only time we have eggs!"</p> + +<p>"Then here's another!" cried Midget; "how can you divide thirteen apples +evenly among four people?"</p> + +<p>"You can't!" said Cousin Jack, "that's the answer."</p> + +<p>"No, it isn't! Who knows?"</p> + +<p>"Invite in nine more people," suggested Mr. Maynard.</p> + +<p>"No; that's not it! Oh, it's easy! Don't you know, Mother? I mean, +<i>Helen</i>?"</p> + +<p>But they all gave it up, so Marjorie announced the solution, which is, +"Make apple sauce!"</p> + +<p>"History lesson, now," said King. "Edward, who discovered America?"</p> + +<p>"Pocahontas," replied Mr. Maynard.</p> + +<p>"Right. Who was Pocahontas?"</p> + +<p>"A noble Indian Princess, who was born July 29th, 1563."</p> + +<p>"Very good. Ethel, describe the Battle of Bunker Hill."</p> + +<p>"I can't; I wasn't there."</p> + +<p>"You should have gone," reprimanded King,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> severely. "Didn't you read +the newspaper accounts of it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but I didn't believe them."</p> + +<p>"Jack Bryant, can you describe this famous battle?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. It was fought under the shadow of the Bunker Hill Monument. +At sundown the shadow ceased, so they all said, 'Disperse ye rebels, and +lay down your arms!' So they laid down their arms and went to sleep."</p> + +<p>"Very well done, Master Bryant. Now, we're going to speak pieces. Each +pupil will speak a piece or write a composition. You may take your +choice."</p> + +<p>"I'll speak a piece! Let me speak first!" exclaimed Cousin Ethel, +jumping up and down. "May I speak now, Teacher!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Ethel, dear," said Midget, kindly; "you may speak your piece +first. Stand up here, by me. Make your bow."</p> + +<p>So Cousin Ethel came up to Marjorie, and acted like a very shy and +bashful child. She put her finger in her mouth, and dropped her eyes and +wriggled about, and picked at her skirt, until everybody was in peals of +laughter.</p> + +<p>"Be quiet, children," said Midget, trying to control her own face. "Now, +everybody sit still while Ethel Bryant recites."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p> + +<p>Cousin Ethel made a very elaborate dancing-school bow, and then, swaying +back and forth in school-child fashion, she recited in a monotonous +singsong, these lines:</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 20%;">"MUD PIES</p> +<p class="blockquot"> +"The grown-ups are the queerest folks; they never seem to know<br /> +That mud pies always have to be made just exactly so.<br /> +You have to have a nice back yard, a sunny pleasant day,<br /> +And then you ask some boys and girls to come around and play.<br /> +You mix some mud up in a pail, and stir it with a stick;<br /> +It mustn't be a bit too thin—and not a bit too thick.<br /> +And then you make it into pies, and pat it with your hand,<br /> +And bake 'em on a nice flat board, and my! but they are grand!" +</p> + +<p>Mrs. Bryant declaimed, with suitable gestures, and finally sat down on +the floor and made imaginary mud pies, in such a dear, childish way that +her audience was delighted, and gave her really earnest encores.</p> + +<p>"Do you know another piece, Ethel?" asked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Yes, ma'am," and Mrs. Bryant resumed her shy voice and manner.</p> + +<p>"Then you may recite it, as your little schoolmates seem anxious to have +you do so."</p> + +<p>So again, Mrs. Bryant diffidently made her bow, and recited, with real +dramatic effect:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p> + +<p style="margin-left: 20%;">"AN UNVISITED LOCALITY</p> +<p class="blockquot"> +"I wisht I was as big as men,<br /> +To see the Town of After Ten;<br /> +I've heard it is so bright and gay,<br /> +It's almost like another day.<br /> +But to my bed I'm packed off straight<br /> +When that old clock strikes half-past eight!<br /> +It's awful hard to be a boy<br /> +And never know the sort of joy<br /> +That grown-up people must have when<br /> +They're in the Town of After Ten.<br /> +I'm sure I don't know what they do,<br /> +For shops are closed, and churches too.<br /> +Perhaps with burglars they go 'round,<br /> +And do not dare to make a sound!<br /> +Well, soon I'll be a man, and then<br /> +I'll see the Town of After Ten!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Oh, Cousin Ethel, you're lovely!" cried Marjorie, forgetting her rôle +for the moment. But King took it up.</p> + +<p>"Yes, little Ethel," he said, "you recite very nicely, for such a young +child. Now, go to your seat, and Helen Maynard may recite next."</p> + +<p>"Mine is a Natural History Poem," said Mrs. Maynard, coming up to the +teacher's desk. "It is founded on fact, and it is highly instructive."</p> + +<p>"That's nice," said King. "Go ahead with it."</p> + +<p>So Mrs. Maynard made her bow and though not bashful, like Mrs. Bryant, +she was very funny, for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> she pretended to forget her lines, and +stammered and hesitated, and finally burst into pretended tears. But, +urged on and encouraged by the teachers, she finally concluded this gem +of poesy:</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 20%;">"THE WHISTLING WHALE</p> +<p class="blockquot"> +"A whistling whale once built his nest<br /> +On the very tiptop of a mountain's crest.<br /> +He wore a tunic and a blue cocked hat,<br /> +And for fear of mice he kept a cat.<br /> +The whistling whale had a good-sized mouth,<br /> +It measured three feet from north to south;<br /> +But when he whistled he puckered it up<br /> +Till it was as small as a coffee-cup.<br /> +The people came from far and near<br /> +This wonderful whistling whale to hear;<br /> +And in a most obliging way<br /> +He stood on his tail and whistled all day."<br /> +</p> + +<p>"That's a truly noble poem," commented King, as she finished. "Take your +seat, Helen; you have done splendidly, my little girl!"</p> + +<p>"Now, Teddy Maynard, it's your turn," said Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"After Jacky," declared Mr. Maynard, and nothing would induce him to +precede his friend.</p> + +<p>"Mine is about a visit I paid to the Zoo," said Mr. Bryant, looking +modest. "I wrote it myself for a composition, but it turned out to be +poetry. I never can tell how my compositions are going to turn out."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Recite it," said Marjorie, "and we'll see if we like it."</p> + +<p>"It's about wild animals," went on Cousin Jack, "and it tells of their +habits."</p> + +<p>"That's very nice," said King, condescendingly; "go ahead, my boy."</p> + +<p>So Cousin Jack recited this poem:</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 20%;">"THE WAYS OF THE WILD</p> +<p class="blockquot"> +"There's nothing quite so nice to do<br /> +As pay a visit to the zoo,<br /> +And see beasts that, at different times,<br /> +Were brought from strange and distant climes.<br /> +I love to watch the tapirs tape;<br /> +I stand intent, with mouth agape.<br /> +Then I observe the vipers vipe;<br /> +They're a most interesting type.<br /> +I love to see the beavers beave;<br /> +Indeed, you scarcely would believe<br /> +That they can beave so cleverly,<br /> +Almost as well as you or me.<br /> +And then I pass along, and lo!<br /> +Panthers are panthing to and fro.<br /> +And in the next cage I can see<br /> +The badgers badging merrily.<br /> +Oh, the dear beasties at the zoo,<br /> +What entertaining things they do!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"That's fine!" exclaimed Midget. "I didn't know we were going to have a +<i>real</i> entertainment!"</p> + +<p>"Very good, Jacky!" pronounced King. "I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> shall mark you ten in +declamation. You're a good declaimer. Now, Teddy Maynard, it's your +turn."</p> + +<p>"Mine is real oratory," declared Mr. Maynard, as he rose from his seat. +"But I find that so many fine oratorical pieces fizzle out after their +first lines, that I just pick out the best lines and use them for +declamation. Now, you can see how well my plan works."</p> + +<p>He struck an attitude, bowed to each of his audience separately, cleared +his throat impressively, and then began to declaim in a stilted, stagey +voice, and with absurd dramatic gestures:</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 20%;">"THE ART OF ELOCUTION</p> +<p class="blockquot"> +"The noble songs of noble deeds of bravery or glory<br /> +Are much enhanced if they're declaimed with stirring oratory.<br /> +I love sonorous words that roll like billows o'er the seas;<br /> +These I recite like Cicero or like Demosthenes.<br /> +<br /> +"And so, from every poem what is worthy I select;<br /> +I use the phrases I like best, the others I reject;<br /> +And thus, I claim, that I have found the logical solution<br /> +Of difficulties that attend the art of elocution.<br /> +<br /> +"Whence come these shrieks so wild and shrill? Across the sands o' Dee?<br /> +Lo, I will stand at thy right hand and keep the bridge with thee!<br /> +For this was Tell a hero? For this did Gessler die?<br /> +'The curse is come upon me!' said the Spider to the Fly.<br /> +<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> +"When Britain first at Heaven's command said, 'Boatswain, do not tarry;<br /> +The despot's heel is on thy shore, and while ye may, go marry.'<br /> +Let dogs delight to bark and bite the British Grenadiers,<br /> +Lars Porsena of Clusium lay dying in Algiers!<br /> +<br /> +"Old Grimes is dead! Ring out, wild bells! And shall Trelawney die?<br /> +Then twenty thousand Cornishmen are comin' thro' the rye!<br /> +The Blessed Damozel leaned out,—she was eight years old <i>she said</i>!<br /> +Lord Lovel stood at his castle gate, whence all but him had fled.<br /> +<br /> +"Rise up, rise up, Xarifa! Only three grains of corn!<br /> +Stay, Lady, stay! for mercy's sake! and wind the bugle horn.<br /> +The glittering knife descends—descends—Hark, hark, the foeman's cry!<br /> +The world is all a fleeting show! Said Gilpin, 'So am I!'<br /> +<br /> +"The sea! the sea! the open sea! Roll on, roll on, thou deep!<br /> +Maxwelton braes are bonny, but Macbeth hath murdered sleep!<br /> +Answer me, burning shades of night! what's Hecuba to me?<br /> +Alone stood brave Horatius! The boy—oh, where was he?"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father!" cried Marjorie, as Mr. Maynard finished, "did you really +make that up? Or did you find it in a book?"</p> + +<p>But Mr. Maynard wouldn't tell, and only accepted the praise heaped upon +him, with a foolish smirk, like an embarrassed schoolboy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, children, school is out," said Midget, "and it's about luncheon +time. So go and tidy yourselves up to come to the table. You're always +sending us to tidy up, Mother, so now you can see what a nuisance it is! +Run along, and come back as quickly as you can, for luncheon is nearly +ready."</p> + +<p>The four grown-ups went away to tidy up, and King and Midget made +further plans for this new game. It was still raining, so there was no +hope of going motoring, and they concluded they were having enough fun +at home to make up for it.</p> + +<p>But when the four "children" returned, they looked at them a moment in +silent astonishment, and then burst into shrieks of laughter.</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard and Mr. Bryant had transformed themselves into boys, by +brushing their hair down very wet and straight, and wearing large, round +collars made of white paper, and tied with enormous bows. They looked +funny enough, but the two ladies were funnier still. Mrs. Maynard had +her hair in two long pigtails tied with huge ribbons, and Cousin Ethel +had her hair in bunches of curls, also tied with big bows. They both +wore white bib aprons, and carried foolish-looking dolls which they had +made out of pillows, tied round with string.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You <i>dear</i> children!" cried Midget; "I think you are lovely! Come along +to luncheon."</p> + +<p>The "children" politely let King and Midget go first, and they followed, +giggling. Sarah, the waitress, was overcome with amusement, but she +managed to keep a straight face, as the comical-looking procession filed +in.</p> + +<p>King and Marjorie appropriated their parents' seats, and the others sat +at the sides of the table.</p> + +<p>"No, Helen, dear," said Midget, "you can't have any tea. It isn't good +for little girls. You may have a glass of milk, if you wish."</p> + +<p>"I don't think these lobster croquettes are good for Jack," said King, +looking wisely at Midget; "they're very rich, and he's subject to +indigestion."</p> + +<p>"I am not!" declared Cousin Jack, looking longingly at the tempting +croquettes, for which Ellen was famous.</p> + +<p>"There, there, my child," said Marjorie; "don't contradict your father. +Perhaps he could have a half of one, King."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that would scarcely make him ill," and King gave Cousin Jack a +portion of one small croquette, which he ate up at once, and found to be +merely an aggravation.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no! no pie for Edward," said Marjorie, when a delicious lemon +meringue made its appear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span>ance. "Pie is entirely unsuitable for children! +He may have a nice baked apple."</p> + +<p>And Mr. Maynard was plucky enough to eat his baked apple without a +murmur, for he remembered that often he had advised Mrs. Maynard against +giving the children pie.</p> + +<p>To be sure, the pie would not harm the grown people, but Mr. Maynard had +agreed to "play the game," and it was his nature to do thoroughly +whatever he undertook.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2> +<h3>MORE FUN</h3> +</div> + +<p>"Now, Helen," said Marjorie, as they left the dining-room, "you must +practise for an hour."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mother, I don't feel a bit like it! Mayn't I skip it to-day?"</p> + +<p>This was, in effect, a speech that Marjorie often made, and she had to +laugh at her mother's mimicry.</p> + +<p>But she straightened her face, and said, "No, my child; you must do your +practising, or you won't be ready for your lesson when the teacher comes +to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"All right, Mother," said Mrs. Maynard, cheerfully, and sitting down at +the piano, she began to rattle off a gay waltz.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Helen," remonstrated Marjorie, "that won't do! You must play +your scales and exercises. See, here's the book. Now, play that page +over and over for an hour."</p> + +<p>Marjorie did hate those tedious "exercises," and she was glad for her +mother to see how poky it was to drum at them for an hour. As a rule, +Marjorie did her practising patiently enough, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> sometimes she +revolted, and it made her chuckle to see Mrs. Maynard carefully picking +out the "five-finger drills."</p> + +<p>"Keep your hands straight, Helen," she admonished her mother. "Keep the +backs of them so level that a lead pencil wouldn't roll off. I'll get a +lead pencil."</p> + +<p>"No, don't!" exclaimed Mrs. Maynard, in dismay. She liked to play the +piano, but she was far from careful to hold her hands in the position +required by Midget's teacher.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think I'd better, Helen. If you contract bad habits, it's so +difficult to break them."</p> + +<p>Roguish Marjorie brought a lead pencil, and laid it carefully across the +back of her mother's hand, from which it immediately rolled off.</p> + +<p>"Now, Helen, you must hold your hand level. Try again, dearie, and if it +rolls off, pick it up and put it back in place."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard made a wry face, and the other grown-ups laughed, to see +the difficulty she experienced with the pencil.</p> + +<p>"One—two—three—four," she counted, aloud.</p> + +<p>"Count to yourself, Helen," said Marjorie. "It's annoying to hear you do +that!"</p> + +<p>This, too, was quoted, for Mrs. Maynard had often objected to the +monotonous drone of Marjorie's counting aloud.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p> + +<p>But the mother began to see that a child's life has its own little +troubles, and she smiled appreciatively at Midget, as she picked up the +pencil from the floor for the twentieth time, and replaced it on the +back of her hand, now stiff and lame from the unwonted restraint.</p> + +<p>"You dear old darling!" cried Midget, flying over and kissing the +patient musician; "you sha'n't do that any longer! I declare, King, it's +clearing off, after all! Let's take the children out for a walk."</p> + +<p>"Very well, we will. Oh, here comes Ruth! Come in, Ruth."</p> + +<p>Ruth Rowland came in, and looked greatly mystified at the appearance of +the elder members of the group before her.</p> + +<p>But King and Midget explained what was going on, and said:</p> + +<p>"And you can be Aunt Ruth, come to call on us and our children."</p> + +<p>Ruth's eyes danced with fun, and she sat down, saying to Marjorie, "I'm +glad to see the children looking so well; have any of them the +whooping-cough? I hear it's around some."</p> + +<p>"I have," declared Cousin Jack, and then he began to cough and whoop in +a most exaggerated imitation of the whooping-cough. Indeed, in his +paroxysms, he almost turned somersaults.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I hab a bad cold id by head," declared Mr. Maynard, and he began a +series of such prodigious sneezes that all the others screamed with +laughter.</p> + +<p>"Well, your children aren't so very well, after all, are they?" +commented Ruth, as they watched the two men cutting up their capers.</p> + +<p>"The girls are," said Marjorie, looking affectionately at her two +"daughters."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm not!" declared Mrs. Maynard; "I have a fearful toothache," and +she held her cheek in her hand, and rocked back and forth, pretending +dreadful pain.</p> + +<p>"And I have the mumps!" announced Cousin Ethel, puffing out her pretty +pink cheeks, to make believe they were swollen with that ailment.</p> + +<p>"Well, you're a crowd of invalids!" said King; "I believe some fresh air +would do you good. Out you all go, for a walk. Get your hats, kiddies, +and be quick about it."</p> + +<p>The grown-ups scampered away to get their hats, and the ladies put up +their hair properly and took off their white aprons.</p> + +<p>The two men discarded their big collars and ties, but the game was not +yet over, and the group went gayly out and down toward the beach.</p> + +<p>"May we go in bathing, Mother?" asked Mr. Maynard.</p> + +<p>"Not in bathing, my son," returned Marjorie;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> "the waves are too strong. +But, if you wish, you may all take off your shoes and stockings and go +'paddling.'"</p> + +<p>However, none of the quartette of "children" accepted this permission, +so they all sat on the sand and built forts.</p> + +<p>"Now, I guess we'll all go to the pier, and get ice cream," said King. +"How would you like that, kiddies?"</p> + +<p>"Fine!" said Cousin Jack. "It's getting warmer, and I'm hungering for +ice cream. Come on, all."</p> + +<p>"Gently, my boy, gently," said King, as Cousin Jack scrambled to his +feet, upsetting sand all over everybody. "Now, walk along nicely and +properly, don't go too fast, and we'll reach the pier in good time."</p> + +<p>"Turn out your toes," directed Marjorie; "hold up your head, Ethel. +Don't swing your arms, Edward."</p> + +<p>As a matter of fact the four grown people found it a little difficult to +follow these bits of good advice they had so often given carelessly to +the children, and they marched along rather stiffly.</p> + +<p>"Try to be a little more graceful, Helen," said King, and they all +laughed, for Mrs. Maynard was really a very graceful lady, and was +spoiling her gait by over-attention to Midget's rules. At<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> the pier, +King selected a pleasant table, and ranged his party around it.</p> + +<p>"Bring three plates of ice cream, and four half-portions," he directed +the waiter. And when it was brought, he calmly gave the four small +pieces to his parents and the Bryants.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack's face fell, for he was warm and tired, and he wanted more +than a spoonful of the refreshing delicacy. But a surreptitious glance +at his watch showed him it was almost five o'clock; so he accepted his +plate without a murmur.</p> + +<p>"It's very nice, Mother," he said demurely, eating it by tiny bits, +scraped from the edges as he had sometimes seen Marjorie do, when her +share had been limited to half a plate.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you like it, son," she returned; "don't eat too fast,—hold +your spoon properly,—take small bites of cake."</p> + +<p>Ruth was convulsed by this new sort of fun, and asked Marjorie if they +had ever played the game before.</p> + +<p>"No," Cousin Jack answered for her, "and I'm jolly well sure we never +will again! I've had enough of being 'a child again, just for to-night!' +And, if you please, ladies and gentlemen, it's now five o'clock! the jig +is up! the game is played out! the ball is over! Here, waiter; bring +some ice cream, please. Full-sized plates, all around!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p> + +<p>The amused waiter hurried away on his errand, and Mr. and Mrs. Maynard +sat up suddenly, as if relieved of a great responsibility.</p> + +<p>"Bring some cake, too," said Mrs. Maynard, "and a pot of tea. Don't you +want some tea, Ethel?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed, I do, Helen; I'm exhausted. Jack, if you ever propose such a +game again!"</p> + +<p>"I didn't propose it, my dear! Now, will you look at that! Everything +always gets blamed on me!"</p> + +<p>And now there was plenty of ice cream for everybody, and the children +were allowed to have all they wanted, and they were all glad to get back +to their rightful places again.</p> + +<p>"But it was fun!" said Marjorie, and then she told Ruth all about the +funny things they had done before she arrived on the scene.</p> + +<p>Then they all walked around by Ruth's house to take her home, and then +they walked around by Bryant Bower to take the Bryants home, and then +the Maynards went home themselves.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to write Kit all about it," said Marjorie; "she'd have loved +that game, if she'd been here."</p> + +<p>"She loves any make-believe game," said King. "You write to her, Midget; +I've got to write up <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i> paper."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I should think you had! You haven't done one for two weeks."</p> + +<p>"I know it; but it's because nobody sends in any contributions. I can't +make it all up alone."</p> + +<p>"'Course you can't. When I write to Kitty, I'll ask her if she hasn't +some things we could put in it. She and Uncle Steve are always making up +poetry and stories."</p> + +<p>"Good idea, Mops! Tell her to be <i>sure</i> to send me a lot of stuff, first +thing she does!"</p> + +<p>"Well, I will;" and Marjorie set to work at her letter.</p> + +<p>It was finished by dinner time, for Marjorie's letters to her sister +were not marked by any undue precision of style or penmanship, and as +Marjorie laid it on the hall table to be mailed, she told King that she +had given Kitty his message.</p> + +<p>"Father," said Midget, at dinner, that night, "what day did Cousin Jack +say was Pocahontas' birthday?"</p> + +<p>"I don't remember, my dear; but I'm quite sure he doesn't really know, +nor any one else. I fancy he made up that date."</p> + +<p>"Well, do you know of anybody, anybody nice and celebrated, whose +birthday comes about now?"</p> + +<p>"The latter part of July? No, Midget, I don't. Why?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, 'cause I think it would be nice to have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> a celebration, and you +can't celebrate without a hero."</p> + +<p>"Do you call Pocahontas a hero?" asked King, quizzically.</p> + +<p>"Well, she's a heroine,—it's all the same. When do you s'pose her +birthday was, Father?"</p> + +<p>"I've no idea, Midget; and Cousin Jack hasn't, either. But if you want +to celebrate her, you can choose any day. You see, it isn't like a +birthday that's celebrated every year, Washington's, Lincoln's, or +yours. If you're just going to celebrate once, you can take one day as +well as another."</p> + +<p>"Oh, can I, Father? Then, we'll have it next week. I'll choose August +first,—that's a nice day."</p> + +<p>"What's it all about, Midge?" asked King.</p> + +<p>"Oh, nothing; only I took a notion for a celebration. We had such good +times on Fourth of July and on my birthday, I want another birthday."</p> + +<p>"I think it's a good idea to choose some uncelebrated person like +Pocahontas," said Mrs. Maynard; "for if you don't celebrate her I doubt +if anybody ever will."</p> + +<p>"And you see we can have it all sort of Indian," went on Midget. "You +know we've a good many Indian baskets and beads and things,—and, +Father, couldn't you build us a wigwam?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, a whole reservation, if you like."</p> + +<p>"No, just one wigwam. And we'll only have the Sand Club. I don't mean to +have a party."</p> + +<p>"All right, I'm in for it," declared King, and right after dinner, the +two set to work making plans for the celebration.</p> + +<p>"Cousin Jack will help, I know," said Marjorie; "remember how he played +Indians with us, up in Cambridge, last year?"</p> + +<p>"Yep, 'course I do. He'll be fine! He always is."</p> + +<p>"Let's telephone, and ask him right away."</p> + +<p>"All right;" and in a few moments Cousin Jack's cheery "Hello!" came +over the wire.</p> + +<p>"Well!" he exclaimed, "if it isn't those Maynard scamps again! Now, see +here, Mehitabel, it's time you and Hezekiah went to bed. It's nearly +nine o'clock."</p> + +<p>"But, Cousin Jack, I just want to ask you something."</p> + +<p>"Not to-night, my Angel Child. Whatever you ask me to-night, I shall say +no to! Besides, I'm reading my paper, and I can't be disturbed."</p> + +<p>"But, Cousin Jack——"</p> + +<p>"The Interstate Commerce Commission has to-day handed down a decision in +favor of——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, King, he's reading out of his newspaper, just to tease us! You try +him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p> + +<p>King took the telephone. "Please, Cousin Jack, listen a minute," he +said.</p> + +<p>But all the reply he heard was:</p> + +<p>"Ephraim Hardenburg has been elected chairman of the executive committee +of the Great Coal Tar Company, to succeed James H.——"</p> + +<p>King hung up the receiver in disgust.</p> + +<p>"No use," he said; "Cousin Jack just read more of that newspaper stuff! +Never mind, Midget, we can wait till we see him. I guess I will scoot to +bed, now; I'm awful sleepy."</p> + +<p>But when Cousin Jack heard of their project, a day or two later, he was +more than willing to help with the celebration.</p> + +<p>"Well, I just guess!" he cried. "We'll have a jamboree that'll make all +the good Indians wish they were alive now, instead of four hundred +thousand years ago! We'll have a wigwam and a wampum and a tomahawk and +all the ancient improvements! Hooray for Pocahontas!"</p> + +<p>"Gracious, Jack! you're the biggest child of the lot!" exclaimed Mrs. +Maynard, who sat on the veranda, watching the enthusiasm going on.</p> + +<p>"Of course, I am, ma'am! I'm having a merry playtime this summer with my +little friends, and as I have to work hard all winter, I really need +this vacation."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course you do! But don't let those two energetic children wear you +out."</p> + +<p>"No, ma'am! More likely I'll wear them out. Now, for the wigwam, +kiddies. Have you a couple of Navajo blankets?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, we have! and a Bulgarian one, or whatever you call it, to piece +out," cried Midget, as she ran to get them.</p> + +<p>"Just the thing!" declared Cousin Jack. "Put them aside, we won't use +them till the day of the show. 'Cause why? 'Cause it <i>might</i> rain,—but, +of course it won't. Now, for feathers,—we want lots of feathers."</p> + +<p>"Old hat feathers?" asked Midget.</p> + +<p>"Ostrich plumes? Nay, nay, me child. Good stiff quill feathers,—turkey +feathers preferred. Well, never mind those,—I'll fish some up from +somewhere. Now, blankets for the braves and fringed gowns for the +squaws. I'll show you how, Mehitabel, and you and your respected mother +can do the sewing act."</p> + +<p>Well, Cousin Jack planned just about everything, and he and the children +turned the house upside down in their quest for materials. But Mrs. +Maynard didn't mind. She was used to it, for the Maynard children would +always rather "celebrate" than play any ordinary game.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2> +<h3>A CELEBRATION</h3> +</div> + +<p>The first of August was a perfect day for their celebration.</p> + +<p>They had concluded to hold a Sand Court session first, for the simple +reason that so much matter for <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i> had arrived from +Kitty that King said his paper was full, and he thought it would be nice +to help along the celebration.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack declined an invitation to be present at the reading, saying +that the Pocahontas part was all he could stand, so the Court convened +without him. Ruth was Queen for the day. This was for no particular +reason, except that Marjorie thought it would be a pleasure to the +little new member, so she insisted on Ruth's wearing the crown.</p> + +<p>Very dainty and sweet the little Queen looked, with her long flaxen +curls hanging down from the extra gorgeous gilt-paper crown, that +Marjorie had made specially for this occasion.</p> + +<p>As the session began, a meek little figure ap<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>peared at the Court +entrance, and there was Hester!</p> + +<p>"Now, you Hester!" began Tom Craig, but Hester said:</p> + +<p>"Oh, please let me come! I <i>will</i> be good. I won't say a single cross +word, or boss, or anything."</p> + +<p>"All right, Hester," said Midget, kindly, "come on in. If the Queen says +you may we'll all say so. Do you, O Queen?"</p> + +<p>Ruth looked doubtful for a minute, for she was a little afraid of +Hester's uncertain temper; but, seeing Marjorie's pleading look, she +consented.</p> + +<p>"All right," she said; "if Hester won't throw water on me."</p> + +<p>"No, I won't!" declared Hester, earnestly.</p> + +<p>"Well," said King, "just as long as Hester behaves herself she may stay. +If she carries on like fury, she's got to go home."</p> + +<p>Hester sat down and folded her hands in her lap, looking so excessively +meek that they all had to laugh at her.</p> + +<p>"Now," said the Queen, "we're gathered here together, my loyal subjects, +to listen to,—to, what do you call it?"</p> + +<p>"<i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>," prompted King.</p> + +<p>"<i>The Jolly Sandbag</i>," said the Queen, misunderstanding.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span></p> + +<p>But she was soon put right, and King proceeded to read his paper.</p> + +<p>"It's 'most all done by Uncle Steve and Kitty," he said, "and it's so +nice, I thought you'd all like to hear it."</p> + +<p>"We would," they said, and so King began.</p> + +<p>"Uncle Steve's part is all about animals," he said. "It's a sort of +Natural History, I guess. First is a poem about the Camel.</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"The camel is a curious beast;<br /> +He roams about all through the East.<br /> +He swiftly scours the desert plain,<br /> +And then he scours it back again.<br /> +<br /> +"The camel's legs are very slim,<br /> +And he lets people ride on him.<br /> +Across the sandy waste he flies,<br /> +And kicks the waste in people's eyes.<br /> +<br /> +"He kneels for people to get on,<br /> +Then pulls his legs up, one by one;<br /> +But here's what troubles them the worst—<br /> +To know which leg he'll pull up first.<br /> +<br /> +"Sometimes, when he is feeling gay,<br /> +The camel likes to run away;<br /> +And, as he's just indulged that whim,<br /> +I can't write any more of him."<br /> +</p> + +<p>"I think that's lovely," said the Queen, enthusiastically. "Your uncle +is a real poet, isn't he?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Our family all can write poetry," said Marjorie, seriously. "Father and +Mother both write beautiful verses."</p> + +<p>"Now, here's the next one," went on King. "This is about all sorts of +different animals,—and it's funny, too:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"The whale is smooth, and black as jet<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His disposition sweet;</span><br /> +He neatly combs his hair, and yet<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He will not wipe his feet.</span><br /> +<br /> +"The wombat's clever and polite,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And kind as he can be;</span><br /> +And yet he doesn't bow quite right<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">When he goes out to tea.</span><br /> +<br /> +"The snake is bright and understands<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Whatever he is taught;</span><br /> +And yet he never will shake hands<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">As cordial people ought.</span><br /> +<br /> +"'Most everybody loves the newt;<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But I've heard people tell,</span><br /> +That though he's handy with a flute<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He can't sew very well.</span><br /> +<br /> +"So animals, as you may see,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Some grave defects display;</span><br /> +They're not like human beings. We<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Are perfect every way."</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's a fine one!" cried Hester. "Mayn't I copy that, and have it +to keep?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course," said King. "I'll make you a copy on the typewriter. Now, +here's a silly one. I mean nonsensical, you know. But I like it:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"THE FUNNY FLAPDOODLE<br /> +<br /> +"There was a Flapdoodle of France,<br /> +Who loved to cut capers and dance;<br /> +He had one red shoe<br /> +And the other was blue,<br /> +And how he could shuffle and prance!<br /> +<br /> +"One day he was kicking so high<br /> +That a breeze blew him up in the sky;<br /> +The breeze was so strong<br /> +It blew him along<br /> +Till the Flapdoodle just seemed to fly.<br /> +<br /> +"He flew 'way up into the stars,<br /> +And, somehow, he landed on Mars.<br /> +Said the Flapdoodle: 'I<br /> +Do not like to fly;<br /> +I think I'll go back on the cars.'<br /> +<br /> +"So a railroad was rapidly built,<br /> +And they wrapped him all up in a quilt;<br /> +For the Flapdoodle said:<br /> +'If I stick out my head<br /> +I fear that I'll somehow get kilt!'<br /> +<br /> +"The railroad train whizzed very fast,<br /> +But they landed him safely at last;<br /> +And through future years<br /> +He related, with tears,<br /> +The dangers through which he had passed."<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, that's the best of all!" said Midget; "I love that kind of funny +verses. Isn't Uncle Steve clever to write like that! Any more, King?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, one more. It isn't about animals, but it's a sort of a nonsense +poem, too. It's called 'A Queer Hospital.'</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"There's a hospital down on Absurdity Square,<br /> +Where the queerest of patients are tended with care.<br /> +<br /> +"When I made them a visit I saw in a crib<br /> +A little Umbrella who had broken his rib.<br /> +<br /> +"And then I observed in the very next bed<br /> +A bright little Pin who had bumped his poor head.<br /> +<br /> +"They said a new cure they'd decided to try<br /> +On an old Needle, totally blind in one eye.<br /> +<br /> +"I was much interested, and soon I espied<br /> +A Shoe who complained of a stitch in her side.<br /> +<br /> +"And a sad-looking patient who seemed in the dumps<br /> +Was a Clock, with a swell face because of the mumps.<br /> +<br /> +"Then I tried very hard, though I fear 'twas in vain<br /> +To comfort a Window who had a bad pane.<br /> +<br /> +"And I paused just a moment to cheerily speak<br /> +With a pale Cup of Tea who was awfully weak.<br /> +<br /> +"As I took my departure I met on the stair<br /> +A new patient, whom they were handling with care,<br /> +A victim perhaps of some terrible wreck—<br /> +'Twas a Squash who had fatally broken his neck."<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span></p> + +<p>"This is the nicest <i>Jolly Sandboy</i> paper we've had yet," said Tom, as +King finished.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is," agreed Marjorie. "But I thought Kit wrote some of it, +King."</p> + +<p>"She did. I'll read hers now. It's an alphabet, all about us down here. +Kitty wrote it, but she says Uncle Steve helped her a little bit with +some of the lines. It's called 'The Seacote Alphabet.'</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"A is the Automobile we all love.<br /> +B is the Boat in the water we shove.<br /> +C is the Coast that stretches along.<br /> +D is for Dick, our Sandow so strong.<br /> +E's cousin Ethel, so sweet and refined.<br /> +F, Father Maynard, indulgent and kind.<br /> +G, Grandma Sherwood, who dresses in drab.<br /> +H is for Hester and Harry Sand Crab.<br /> +I, for Ice Cream, the Maynards' mainstay.<br /> +J, Cousin Jack, always ready to play.<br /> +K is for King, and for Kitty, (that's me).<br /> +L is for Lakewood, where I went to sea.<br /> +M, Mother Maynard, and Marjorie, too.<br /> +N for Nurse Nannie, who has lots to do.<br /> +O for the Ocean, with big breakers bold.<br /> +P for the Pier, where candy is sold.<br /> +Q for Queen Sandy, in regal array.<br /> +R, Rosy Posy, so dainty and gay.<br /> +S is for Seacote, and Sand Court beside.<br /> +T is for Tom, the trusty and tried.<br /> +U, Uncle Steve, who's helping me write.<br /> +V for these Verses we send you to-night.<br /> +W, the Waves, that dash with such fuss.<br /> +X the Excitement when one catches us.<br /> +Y for You Youngsters, I've given your names.<br /> +Z is the Zeal you show in your games."<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My! isn't that scrumptious!" exclaimed Hester. "You're a terribly smart +family, Marjorie."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know," said Midget, modestly. "Kit's pretty clever at +writing rhymes, but King and I can't do it much. We make up songs +sometimes, but Kitty makes the best ones."</p> + +<p>"I wish I could do it," said Ruth; "but I couldn't write a rhyming thing +at all."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's all there is in <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i> this week," said King. +"I didn't write any myself, and the things you others gave me, I've +saved for next week. Now, shall we go and celebrate Pocahontas' +birthday?"</p> + +<p>"Is it really her birthday?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"No, we're just pretending it is. But you see, poor Poky never had her +birthday celebrated; I mean,—not legally, like Washington,—so we're +going to give her a chance."</p> + +<p>The Sand Club trooped up to the house, and found Cousin Jack waiting for +them. He was a little surprised to see Hester, but he greeted her +pleasantly, and Hester looked so meek and mild, one would hardly believe +she had a high temper at all. A wigwam had been built on the lawn, and +though it was only a few poles covered with blankets, it looked very +Indian and effective.</p> + +<p>The Maynards had contrived costumes for all,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> and in a few moments the +girls had on gay-fringed skirts and little shawls, with gaudy +headdresses, and the boys had a nondescript Indian garb, and wonderful +feathered headpieces, that hung grandly down their backs like Big +Chiefs.</p> + +<p>Also they had pasteboard tomahawks, and Cousin Jack taught them a +war-whoop that was truly ear-splitting.</p> + +<p>"First," said Mr. Bryant, "we'll all sing the Blue Juniata, as that is a +pretty Indian song, and so, sort of appropriate to Pocahontas."</p> + +<p>So they all sang it, with a will, and the song of "The Indian Girl, +Bright Alfarata," was, in a way, a tribute to Pocahontas.</p> + +<p>"Now," Mr. Bryant went on, "some one must tell the story of Pocahontas. +Harry, will you do it?"</p> + +<p>But the Sand Crab was too shy to speak in public, so Cousin Jack asked +Ruth to do it.</p> + +<p>"I don't know it very well," said Ruth, "but I guess it was like this: +Captain John Smith was about to be tommyhawked all to pieces by admiring +Indians. As the fell blows were about to fell, up rushes a beautiful +Indian maiden, with her black hair streaming in the breeze. 'Fear thou +not!' she said, wildly; 'I will save thee!' Whereupon she flang herself +upon him, and hugged him till he couldn't be reached by his tormentors. +The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> wild Indians were forced to desist, or else pierce to the heart +their own Pocahontas, beloved daughter of their tribe. So they released +Captain John Smith, and so Pocahontas married Captain John Rolfe +instead, and they lived happy ever after. Hence is why we celebrate her +birthday."</p> + +<p>Ruth clearly enjoyed the telling of this tale, and threw herself into it +with dramatic fervor.</p> + +<p>The others listened, enthralled by her graphic recital and thrilling +diction.</p> + +<p>"My!" exclaimed Midget, as she finished, "I didn't know you knew so many +big words, Ruth."</p> + +<p>"I didn't, either," said Ruth, calmly; "they sort of came to me as I +went along."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's just as smart as writing poetry," declared King, and Ruth +was greatly pleased at the compliments.</p> + +<p>"Now, my dear young friends," Cousin Jack said, by way of a speech, "the +exercises will now begin. As you know, we are celebrating the birthday +of a noble Indian Princess. Therefore, our sports or diversions will all +be of an Indian character. First, we will have an Indian Club Drill."</p> + +<p>He produced Indian clubs for all, the boys' being heavier ones than the +girls.</p> + +<p>These were new to the Maynards, but Cousin Jack soon taught them how to +use them, and instructed them in a simple drill.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p> + +<p>Hester learned more quickly than Marjorie, for she was more lithe and +agile, and swung her clubs around with greater ease. Ruth seemed to know +instinctively how to use them, which was partly due to her proficiency +in fancy dancing. But they all learned, and greatly enjoyed the +interesting exercise.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack presented the children with the clubs they used, and they +promised to practise with them often.</p> + +<p>"It'll be good for you growing young people," said Mr. Maynard, "and you +can form a sort of a Pocahontas Club."</p> + +<p>Then he had a gramophone brought out to the lawn, and they whisked their +clubs about to inspiriting Indian music.</p> + +<p>"Now, I dare say you're tired," said Cousin Jack, "for Indian club +exercise is a strain on the muscles. So sit in a circle on the grass, +and we'll all smoke pipes of peace and swap stories for a while."</p> + +<p>The "pipes of peace" turned out to be pipes made of chocolate, so they +were all willing to "smoke" them.</p> + +<p>"Mine's a pipe of pieces!" said Midget, as she broke the stem in bits, +and ate them one by one.</p> + +<p>The others followed her example, and the pipes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> had disappeared before +the story-telling fairly began.</p> + +<p>But Cousin Jack told them some thrilling Indian tales, and so interested +were his hearers that they gathered close about him, and listened in +absorbed silence.</p> + +<p>"Was that true, Cousin Jack?" asked King, after an exciting yarn.</p> + +<p>"Well, it's in a story-book written by James Fenimore Cooper. You're old +enough to read his books now, and if I were you children, I'd ask my +parents to buy me some of Cooper's works."</p> + +<p>"I'm going to do that," cried Hester, her eyes dancing at the thought of +reading such stories for herself. "I never heard of them before."</p> + +<p>"Well, you're young yet to read novels, but Cooper's are all right for +you. You might read one aloud in your Sand Club."</p> + +<p>"Yes, we will!" said King. "That'll be fine. Then one book would do for +us all. Or we might each get one, and then lend them around to each +other. My, we're getting lots of new ideas from our celebration. Indian +club exercises and Cooper's stories are worth knowing about."</p> + +<p>"And now," said Cousin Jack, "if you're rested, suppose we march along +Indian File, and see if we can come across an Indian Meal."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ho, ho!" laughed King, "I don't want to eat Indian meal!"</p> + +<p>"We'll see what it is before we decide," said Midget, judicially. "What +is Indian File, Cousin Jack?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that only means single file, or one by one. <i>Not</i> like the Irishman +who said to his men, 'March togither, men! be twos as far as ye go, an' +thin be wans!' I want you to go 'be wans' all the way."</p> + +<p>So, in single file, they followed Cousin Jack's lead to the wigwam, +which they hadn't yet entered. He turned back the flap of the tent, and +there was room for all inside. On a table there there were eight Indian +baskets, of pretty design. On lifting the covers, each was found to +contain an "Indian Meal."</p> + +<p>The meal was a few dainty little sandwiches and cakes, and a peach and a +pear, all wrapped in pretty paper napkins, with an Indian's head on the +corner.</p> + +<p>Exercise had given the children good appetites, and they were quite +ready to do full justice to the "Indian Meal."</p> + +<p>Sarah brought out lemonade, and later ice cream, so, as Midget said, it +really was a party after all.</p> + +<p>Of course, the children kept the baskets and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> the pretty napkins as +souvenirs, and when the guests went home, they said they were glad they +didn't know the real date of Pocahontas' birthday, for it <i>might</i> have +been in the winter, and then they couldn't have had nearly as much fun.</p> + +<p>"And it's lucky we decided on this day," said Cousin Jack, after the +children had gone, "for to-morrow Ethel and I go back to Cambridge."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Cousin Jack, not really!" cried Midget, in dismay.</p> + +<p>"Yes, kiddy; we've changed our summer plans suddenly, and we're going to +Europe next week. So we leave here to-morrow. And sorry, indeed, are we +to leave our Maynard friends."</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry, too," said Midget, "<i>awfully</i> sorry, but I'm glad we've had +you down here as long as we have. You've been awful good to us, Cousin +Jack."</p> + +<p>"You've been good to me, Mehitabel. And when I wander through the +interesting places abroad, I shall write letters to you, and when I come +home again, I'll bring you a souvenir from every place I've been to."</p> + +<p>"Well, you're just the dearest Cousin Jack in all the world!" said +Midget, and she gave him a big hug and kiss to corroborate her words.</p> + +<p>"And you're just the dearest Mopsy Midget Mehitabel!" he said, returning +her caress.</p> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<p class="center"> + <span style="font-size: 140%">THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS SERIES</span> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%">By VICTOR APPLETON</span> + <br /> + <span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 80%"> + <br /> + 12mo. DURABLY BOUND. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING</span> +</p> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<p>Moving pictures and photo plays are famous the world over, and in this +line of books the reader is given a full description of how the films +are made—the scenes of little dramas, indoors and out, trick pictures +to satisfy the curious, soul-stirring pictures of city affairs, life in +the Wild West, among the cowboys and Indians, thrilling rescues along +the seacoast, the daring of picture hunters in the jungle among savage +beasts, and the great risks run in picturing conditions in a land of +earthquakes. The volumes teem with adventures and will be found +interesting from first chapter to last.</p> + +<p> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS<br /> +Or Perils of a Great City Depicted.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE WEST<br /> +Or Taking Scenes Among the Cowboys and Indians.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS ON THE COAST<br /> +Or Showing the Perils of the Deep.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE JUNGLE<br /> +Or Stirring Times Among the Wild Animals.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN EARTHQUAKE LAND<br /> +Or Working Amid Many Perils.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AND THE FLOOD<br /> +Or Perilous Days on the Mississippi.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AT PANAMA<br /> +Or Stirring Adventures Along the Great Canal.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS UNDER THE SEA<br /> +Or The Treasure of the Lost Ship.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<p class="smcapc">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</p> +<hr class="full" /> + +<p class="center"> + <span style="font-size: 140%">THE BUNNY BROWN SERIES</span> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%">By LAURA LEE HOPE</span> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%">Author of the Popular "Bobbsey Twins" Books</span> + <br /><br /> + <span style="font-size: 80%">Wrapper and text illustrations drawn by + <br />FLORENCE ENGLAND NOSWORTHY<br /></span> + <span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 80%"> + <br /> + 12mo. DURABLY BOUND. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING</span> +</p> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<p>These stories by the author of the "Bobbsey Twins" Books are eagerly +welcomed by the little folks from about five to ten years of age. Their +eyes fairly dance with delight at the lively doings of inquisitive +little Bunny Brown and his cunning, trustful sister Sue.</p> + +<p>Bunny was a lively little boy, very inquisitive. When he did anything, +Sue followed his leadership. They had many adventures, some comical in +the extreme.</p> + +<p> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON GRANDPA'S FARM<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE PLAYING CIRCUS<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CAMP REST-A-WHILE<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT AUNT LU'S CITY HOME<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE BIG WOODS<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON AN AUTO TOUR<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR SHETLAND PONY<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE GIVING A SHOW<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CHRISTMAS TREE COVE +</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<p class="smcapc">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</p> +<hr class="full" /> + +<div class="tnote"> +<h3>Transcriber’s Notes</h3> +<p>Punctuation has been made regular and consistent with contemporary standards.</p> +<p>Corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections. +Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text +will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p> +</div> + +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE AT SEACOTE***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 18035-h.txt or 18035-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/0/3/18035">http://www.gutenberg.org/1/8/0/3/18035</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution.</p> + + + +<pre> +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license)</a>. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a> + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/</a> + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL</a> + +*** END: FULL LICENSE *** +</pre> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/18035-h/images/cover.jpg b/18035-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c765438 --- /dev/null +++ b/18035-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/18035-h/images/illus-emblem.png b/18035-h/images/illus-emblem.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..25c5ddb --- /dev/null +++ b/18035-h/images/illus-emblem.png diff --git a/18035-h/images/illus-fp.jpg b/18035-h/images/illus-fp.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3df40da --- /dev/null +++ b/18035-h/images/illus-fp.jpg diff --git a/18035.txt b/18035.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5b26340 --- /dev/null +++ b/18035.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8657 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Marjorie at Seacote, by Carolyn Wells + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Marjorie at Seacote + + +Author: Carolyn Wells + + + +Release Date: March 21, 2006 [eBook #18035] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE AT SEACOTE*** + + +E-text prepared by Roger Frank and the Project Gutenberg Online +Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net/) + + + +MARJORIE AT SEACOTE + +by + +CAROLYN WELLS + +Author of the "Patty" Books + + + + + + + +[Illustration: "MOST LIEGE MAJESTY," BEGAN KING, BOWING SO LOW THAT +HIS SHOULDER CAPE FELL OFF. (_page 60_)] + + + + +Grosset & Dunlap +Publishers New York +Copyright, 1912, by +Dodd, Mead and Company + + + * * * * * + + +BY THE SAME AUTHOR + +PATTY SERIES + + PATTY FAIRFIELD + PATTY AT HOME + PATTY IN THE CITY + PATTY'S SUMMER DAYS + PATTY IN PARIS + PATTY'S FRIENDS + PATTY'S PLEASURE TRIP + PATTY'S SUCCESS + PATTY'S MOTOR CAR + +MARJORIE SERIES + + MARJORIE'S VACATION + MARJORIE'S BUSY DAYS + MARJORIE'S NEW FRIEND + MARJORIE IN COMMAND + MARJORIE'S MAYTIME + + + * * * * * + + + +CONTENTS + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I KITTY'S DINNER 1 + + II TOM, DICK, AND HARRY 16 + + III THE SAND CLUB 30 + + IV SAND COURT 44 + + V "THE JOLLY SANDBOY" 58 + + VI TWO WELCOME GUESTS 72 + + VII THE GLORIOUS FOURTH 86 + + VIII A REVELATION 101 + + IX THE SEARCH 115 + + X JESSICA BROWN 129 + + XI THE REUNION 144 + + XII A LETTER OF THANKS 158 + + XIII THIRTEEN! 174 + + XIV QUEEN HESTER 189 + + XV A MOTOR RIDE 204 + + XVI RED GERANIUMS 218 + + XVII WHAT HESTER DID 232 + + XVIII A FINE GAME 247 + + XIX MORE FUN 263 + + XX A CELEBRATION 275 + + + + + +MARJORIE AT SEACOTE + +CHAPTER I + +KITTY'S DINNER + + + "Kitty-Cat Kitty is going away, + Going to Grandma's, all summer to stay. + And so all the Maynards will weep and will bawl, + Till Kitty-Cat Kitty comes home in the fall." + +This affecting ditty was being sung with great gusto by King and +Marjorie, while Kitty, her mood divided between smiles and tears, was +quietly appreciative. + +The very next day, Kitty was to start for Morristown, to spend the +summer with Grandma Sherwood, and to-night the "Farewell Feast" was to +be celebrated. + +Every year one of the Maynard children spent the summer months with +their grandmother, and this year it was Kitty's turn. The visit was +always a pleasant one, and greatly enjoyed by the small visitor, but +there was always a wrench at parting, for the Maynard family were +affectionate and deeply devoted to one another. + +The night before the departure was always celebrated by a festival of +farewell, and at this feast tokens were presented, and speeches made, +and songs sung, all of which went far to dispel sad or gloomy feelings. + +The Maynards were fond of singing. They were willing to sing +"ready-made" songs, and often did, but they liked better to make up +songs of their own, sometimes using familiar tunes and sometimes +inventing an air as they went along. Even if not quite in keeping with +the rules for classic music, these airs were pleasing in their own ears, +and that was all that was necessary. + +So, when King and Midget composed the touching lines which head this +chapter and sang them to the tune of "The Campbells are Coming," they +were so pleased that they repeated them many times. + +This served to pass pleasantly the half-hour that must yet elapse before +dinner would be announced. + +"Well, Kit," remarked Kingdon, in a breathing pause between songs, +"we'll miss you lots, o' course, but you'll have a gay old time at +Grandma's. That Molly Moss is a whole team in herself." + +"She's heaps of fun, Kitsie," said Marjorie, "but she's chock-a-block +full of mischief. But you won't tumble head over heels into all her +mischiefs, like I did! 'Member how I sprained my ankle, sliding down the +barn roof with her?" + +"No, of course I wouldn't do anything like that," agreed the sedate +Kitty. "But we'll have lots of fun with that tree-house; I'm going to +sit up there and read, on pleasant days." + +"H'm,--lucky,--you know what, King!" + +"H'm,--yes! Keep still, Mops. You'll give it away." + +"Oh, a secret about a present," cried Kitty; "something for the +tree-house, I know!" + +"Maybe 'tis, and maybe 'tain't," answered King, with a mysterious wink +at Marjorie. + +"Me buyed present for Kitty," said Rosamond, smiling sweetly; "gold an' +blue,--oh, a bootiful present." + +"Hush, hush, Rosy Posy, you mustn't tell," said her brother. "Presents +are always surprises. Hey, girls, here's Father!" + +Mr. Maynard's appearance was usually a signal for a grand rush, followed +by a series of bear hugs and a general scramble, but to-night, owing to +festive attire, the Maynard quartette were a little more demure. + +"Look out for my hair-ribbons, King!" cried Midget, for without such +warning, hair-ribbons usually felt first the effects of the +good-natured scrimmage. + +And then Mrs. Maynard appeared, her pretty rose-colored gown of soft +silk trailing behind her on the floor. + +"What a dandy mother!" exclaimed King; "all dressed up, and a flower in +her hair!" + +This line sounded singable to Marjorie, so she tuned up: + + "All dressed up, and a flower in her hair, + To give her a hug, I wouldn't dare; + For she would feel pretty bad, I think, + If anything happened to that there pink!" + +Then King added a refrain, and in a moment they had all joined hands and +were dancing round Mrs. Maynard and singing: + + "Hooray, hooray, for our mother fair! + Hooray, hooray, for the flower in her hair! + All over the hills and far away, + There's no one so sweet as Mothery May!" + +Being accustomed to boisterous adulation from her children, Mrs. Maynard +bore her honors gracefully, and then they all went out to dinner. + +As Maiden of Honor, Kitty was escorted by her father; next came Mrs. +Maynard and Kingdon, and then Marjorie and Rosy Posy. The table had +extra decorations of flowers and pink-shaded candles, and at Kitty's +place was a fascinating looking lot of tissue-papered and ribbon-tied +parcels. + +"Isn't it funny," said sedate and philosophical Kitty, "I love to go to +Grandma's, and yet I hate to leave you all, and yet, I can't do one +without doing the other!" + +"'Tis strange, indeed, Kit!" agreed her father; "as Mr. Shakespeare +says, 'Yet every sweet with sour is tempered still.' Life is like +lemonade, sour and sweet both." + +"It's good enough," said Kitty, contentedly, looking at her array of +bundles. "I guess I'll open these now." + +"That's what they're there for," said Mrs. Maynard, so Kitty excitedly +began to untie the ribbons. + +"I'll go slowly," she said, pulling gently at a ribbon bow, "then +they'll last longer." + +"Now, isn't that just like you, Kit!" exclaimed Marjorie. "I'd snatch +the papers off so fast you couldn't see me jerk." + +"I know you would," said Kitty, simply. + +The sisters were very unlike, for Midget's ways were impulsive and +impatient, while Kitty was slow and careful. But finally the papers came +off, and revealed the lovely gifts. + +Mrs. Maynard had made a pretty silk workbag, which could be spread out, +or gathered up close on its ribbon. When outspread, it showed a store of +needles and thread, of buttons, hooks, tapes,--everything a little girl +could need to keep her clothes in order. + +"Oh, Mother, it's _perfect_!" cried Kitty, ecstatically. "I _love_ those +cunning little pockets, with all _sewy_ things in them! And a darling +silver thimble! And a silver tape measure, and a silver-topped emery! +Oh, I do believe I'll sew _all_ the time this summer!" + +"Pooh, _I_ wouldn't!" said Marjorie. "The things _are_ lovely, but I'd +rather play than sew." + +"Sewing _is_ play, I think," and Kitty fingered over her treasures +lovingly. "Grandma will help me with my patterns, and I'm going to piece +a silk teachest quilt. Oh, Mother, it will be _such_ fun!" + +"Call _that_ fun!" and Marjorie looked disdainfully at her sister. "Fun +is racing around and playing tag, and cutting up jinks generally!" + +"For you it is," Kitty agreed, amiably, "but not for me. I like what I +like." + +"That's good philosophy, Kitty," said her father. "Stick to it always. +Like what you like, and don't be bothered by other people's comments or +opinions. Now, what's in that smallish, flattish, whitish parcel?" + +The parcel in question proved to be a watch, a dear little gold watch. +Kitty had never owned one before, and it almost took her breath away. + +"Mine?" she exclaimed, in wonder. "All mine?" + +"Yes, every bit yours," said Mr. Maynard, smiling at her. "Every wheel +and spring, every one of its three hands, every one of its twelve hours +are all, all yours. Do you like it?" + +"Like it! I can't think of any words to tell you how much I like it." + +"I'll think of some for you," said the accommodating Marjorie. "You +could say it's the grandest, gloriousest, gorgeousest, magnificentest +present you ever had!" + +"Yes, I could say that," Kitty agreed, "but I never should have thought +of it. I 'most always say a thing is lovely. Now, what in the world is +this?" + +"This" proved to be a well-stocked portfolio, the gift of King. There +were notepaper and envelopes and a pen and pencils and stamps and +everything to write letters with. + +"I picked out all the things myself," King explained, "because it's +nicer that way than the ready furnished ones. Do you like it, Kit?" + +"Yes, indeedy! And I shall write my first letter to you, because you +gave it to me." + + "Oh, Kitty-Cat Kit, a letter she writ, + And sent it away, to her brother one day," + +chanted Marjorie, and, as was their custom, they all sang the song after +her, some several times over. + +"Now for mine," Midget said, as Kitty slowly untied the next parcel. It +was two volumes of Fairy Tales, which literature was Kitty's favorite +reading. + +"Oh, lovely!" she exclaimed. "On summer afternoons you can think of me, +sitting out in the tree-house reading these. I shall pretend I'm a Fairy +Princess. These are beautiful stories, I can see that already." + +Kitty's quick eye had caught an interesting page, and forgetting all +else, she became absorbed in the book at once. In a moment, the page was +turned, and Kitty read on and on, oblivious to time or place. + +"Hi, there, Kitsie! Come out o' that!" cried King. "You can read all +summer,--_now_ you must associate with your family." + +"I didn't mean to," said Kitty, shutting the book quickly, and looking +round apologetically; "but it's all about a fairy godmother, and a +lovely princess lady,--oh, Mopsy, it's _fine_!" + +A pair of little blue enamelled pins was Rosamond's present, and Kitty +pinned them on her shoulders at once, to see how they looked. All +pronounced the effect excellent, and Rosy Posy clapped her little fat +hands in glee. + +"Mine's the prettiest present!" she said. "Mine's the booflest!" + +"Yes, Babykins," said Kitty, "yours is the booflest,--but they're all +lovely." + +The Farewell Feast included all of Kitty's favorite dishes, and as most +of them were also favorites with the other children, it was satisfactory +all round. + +"You must write to us often, Kit," said King; "I gave you those writing +things so you'd be sure to." + +"Yes, I will; but I don't know yet where you're all going to be." + +"I don't know yet myself," said Mr. Maynard, "but it will be somewhere +near the sea, if possible. Will you like the seashore, Kiddies,--you +that are going?" + +"I shall," said Marjorie, promptly. "I'll _love_ it. May we go bathing +every day? And can I have a bathing suit,--red, trimmed with white?" + +"I 'spect you can," said her mother, smiling at her. "What color do you +want, King?" + +"Oh, I think dark blue would suit my manly beauty! What are you going to +have, Father?" + +"I think dark blue will be our choice, my boy. It swims better than +anything else. But first we must find a roof to cover our heads. I've +about decided on one,--if I can get it. It's a bungalow." + +"What's a bungalow?" asked Marjorie. "I never heard of such a thing." + +"Ho, ho! Never heard of a bungalow!" said King. "Why, a bungalow is +a,--is a,----" + +"Well, is a what?" asked Midget, impatiently. + +"Why, it's a bungalow! That's what it is." + +"Fine definition, King!" said his father. "But since you undertook to do +so, see if you can't give its meaning better than that. What _is_ a +bungalow?" + +"Well, let me see. It's a house,--I guess it's a low, one-storied house, +and that's why they call it bungalow. Is that it?" + +"You're right about the one story; the rest is, I think, your own +invention. Originally, the bungalow was the sort of a house they have in +India, a one-storied affair, with a thatched roof, and verandas all +round it. But the ones they build now, in this country, are often much +more elaborate than that. Sometimes they have one story, sometimes +more. The one I'm trying to get for the summer is at Seacote, and it's +what they call a story and a half. That is, it has an upper floor, but +the rooms are under a slanting roof, and have dormer windows." + +"Sounds good to me," said King. "Do you think you'll catch it, Dad?" + +"I hope so. Some other person has the refusal of it, but he's doubtful +about taking it. So it may yet fall to our lot." + +"I hope so!" cried Marjorie. "At the seashore for a whole summer! My! +what fun! Can we dig in the sand?" + +"Well, rather, my child! That's what the sand is there for. Kitty, you +were at the seashore last summer. Did you dig in the sand?" + +"Yes, every day; and it was lovely. But this year I'm glad I'm going to +Grandma's. It's more restful." + +They all laughed at Kitty's desire for rest, and Marjorie said: + +"_I_ didn't have such a restful time at Grandma's. Except when I +sprained my ankle,--I rested enough then! But you won't do anything like +that, Kit!" + +"I hope not, I'm sure. Nor I won't fall down the well, either!" + +"Oh, we didn't _fall_ down the well. We just _went_ down, to get cooled +off." + +"Well, I'm not going to try it. I shall sit in the tree-house and read +every afternoon, and sew with Grandma in the mornings." + +"Kit, you're a dormouse," said Kingdon; "I believe you'd like to sleep +half the year." + +"'Deed I wouldn't. Just because I don't like rambunctious play doesn't +mean I want to sleep all the time! Does it, Father?" + +"Not a bit of it. But you children must 'like what you like' and not +comment on others' 'likes.' See?" + +"Yes, sir," said King, understanding the kindly rebuke. "Hullo, Kit, +here's one of your best 'likes'! Here's pink ice-cream coming!" + +This was indeed one of Kitty's dearest "likes," and as none of the +Maynards disliked it, it rapidly disappeared. + +"Now, we'll have an entertainment," said King as, after dinner, they all +went back to the pleasant living-room. "As Kitty is the chief pebble on +the beach this evening, she shall choose what sort of an entertainment. +Games, or what?" + +"No, just a real entertainment," said Kitty; "a programme one, you know. +Each one must sing a song or speak a piece, or something like that. +_I'll_ be the audience, and you can all be performers." + +"All right," said King; "I'll be master of ceremonies. I'll make up the +programme as I go along. Ladies and gentlemen, our first number will be +a speech by the Honorable Edward Maynard. Mr. Maynard will please step +forward." + +Mr. Maynard stepped. Assuming a pompous air, he made a low bow, first to +Kitty, and then to the others. + +"My dear friends," he said, "we are gathered here together this evening +to extend our farewells and our hearty good wishes to the lady about to +leave us. Sister, thou art mild and lovely, and we hate to see thee go; +but the best of friends must sever, and you'll soon come back, you know. +Listen now to our advices. Kitty, dear, for pity's sake, do not tumble +in the river,--do not tumble in the lake. Many more things I could tell +you as I talk in lovely rhyme, but I think it is my duty to let others +share the time." + +Mr. Maynard sat down amid great applause, and Kitty said, earnestly, +"You are a lovely poet, Father. I wish you'd give up your other +business, and just write books of poetry." + +"I'm afraid, Kitsie, we wouldn't have enough money for pink ice-cream in +that case," said Mr. Maynard, laughing. + +"The next performeress will be Mrs. Maynard," announced the master of +ceremonies. + +Mother Maynard rose, smiling, and with all the airs and graces of a +prima donna, went to the piano. Striking a few preliminary chords, she +began to sing: + + "Good-bye, Kitty; good-bye, Kitty; good-bye, Kitty, + You're going to leave us now. + Merrily we say good-bye, + Say good-bye, say good-bye; + Merrily we say good-bye + To sister Kitty-Kit." + +This had a pleasant jingle, and was repeated by the whole assembly with +fine effect and a large volume of noise. + +"Miss Marjorie Maynard will now favor us," was the next announcement. + +"This is a poem I made up myself," said Midget, modestly, "and I think +it's very nice: + + "When Kitty goes to Grandma's + I hope she will be good; + And be a lady-girl and do + Exactly as she should. + 'Cause when _I go_ to Grandma's, + I act exceeding bad; + I track up 'Liza's nice clean floor, + And make her hopping mad!" + +Marjorie's poem was applauded with cheers, as they all recognized its +inherent truth. + +"We next come to Miss Rosamond Maynard," King went on, "but as she has +fallen asleep, I will ask that the audience kindly excuse her." + +The audience kindly did so, and as it was getting near everybody's +bedtime,--at least, for children,--the whole quartette was started +bedward, and went away singing: + + "Good-bye, Kitty, you're going to leave us now"-- + + + + +CHAPTER II + +TOM, DICK, AND HARRY + + +"Jumping Grasshoppers! What a dandy house!" + +The Maynards' motor swung into the driveway of a large and pleasant +looking place, whose lawn showed some sand spots here and there, and +whose trees were tall pines, but whose whole effect was delightfully +breezy and seashorey. + +"Oh, grandiferous!" cried Marjorie, echoing her brother's enthusiastic +tones, and standing up in the car, better to see their new home. + +Seacote, the place chosen by Mr. Maynard for his family's summering, was +on the southern shore of Long Island, not very far from Rockaway Beach. +It was a sort of park or reservation in which building was under certain +restrictions, and so it was made up of pleasant homes filled with +pleasant people. + +Fortunately, Mr. Maynard had been able to rent the bungalow he wanted, +and it was this picturesque domicile that so roused King's admiration. + +The house was long and low, and surrounded by verandas, some of which +were screened by vines, and others shaded by striped awnings. + +But what most delighted the children was the fact that the ocean rolled +its crested breakers up to their very door. Not literally to the door, +for the road ran between the sea and the house, and a boardwalk was +between the road and the sea. But not fifty feet from their front +windows the shining waves were even now dashing madly toward them as if +in tumultuous welcome. + +The servants were already installed, and the open doors seemed to invite +the family to come in and make themselves at home. + +"Let's go straight bang through the whole house," said King, "and then +outdoors afterward." + +"All right," agreed Marjorie, and in their usual impetuous fashion, the +two raced through the house from attic to cellar, though there really +wasn't any attic, except a sort of low-ceiled loft. However, they +climbed up into this, and then down through the various bedrooms on the +second floor, and back to the first floor, which contained the large +living-room, a spacious hall, and the dining-room and kitchen. + +"It's all right," said King, nodding his head in approval. "Now outside, +Midget." + +Outside they flew, and took stock of their surroundings. Almost an acre +of ground was theirs, and though as yet empty of special interest, King +could see its possibilities. + +"Room for a tennis court," he said; "then I guess we'll have a big +swing, and a hammock, and a tent, and----" + +"And a merry-go-round," supplemented Mr. Maynard, overhearing King's +plans. + +"No, not that, Father," said Marjorie, "but we _can_ have swings and +things, can't we?" + +"I 'spect so, Mopsy. But with the ocean and the beach, I doubt if you'll +stay in this yard much." + +"Oh, that's so; I forgot the ocean! Come on, Father, let's go and look +at it." + +So the three went down to the beach, and Marjorie, who hadn't been to +the seashore since she was a small child, plumped herself down on the +sand, and just gazed out at the tumbling waves. + +"I don't care for the swings and things," she said. "I just want to stay +here all the time, and dig and dig and dig." + +As she spoke she was digging her heels into the fine white sand, and +poking her hands in, and burying her arms up to her dimpled elbows. + +"Oh, Father, isn't it gee-lorious! Sit down, won't you, and let us bury +you in sand, all but your nose!" + +"Not now," said Mr. Maynard, laughing. "Some day you may, when I'm in a +bathing suit. But I don't care for pockets full of sand. Now, I'm going +back to home and Mother. You two may stay down here till luncheon time +if you like." + +Mr. Maynard went back to the house, and King and Marjorie continued +their explorations. The beach was flat and smooth, and its white sand +was full of shells, and here and there a few bits of seaweed, and +farther on some driftwood, and in the distance a pier, built out far +into the ocean. + +"Did you ever _see_ such a place?" cried Marjorie, in sheer delight. + +"Well, I was at the seashore last year," said King, "while you were at +Grandma's." + +"But it wasn't as nice as this, was it? Say it wasn't!" + +"No; the sand was browner. This is the nicest sand I ever saw. Say, +Mops, let's build a fire." + +"What for? It isn't cold." + +"No, but you always build fires on the beach. It's lots of fun. And +we'll roast potatoes in it." + +"All right. How do we begin?" + +"Well, we gather a lot of wood first. Come on." + +Marjorie came on, and they worked with a will, gathering armfuls of +wood and piling it up near the spot they had selected for their fire. + +"That's enough," said Marjorie, for her arms ached as she laid down her +last contribution to their collection. + +"You'll find it isn't much when it gets to burning. But never mind, it +will make a start. I'll skin up to the house and get matches and +potatoes." + +"I'll go with you, 'cause I think we'd better ask Father about making +this fire. It might do some harm." + +"Fiddlesticks! We made a fire 'most every day last summer." + +And, owing to King's knowledge and experience regarding beach fires, his +father told him he might build one, and to be properly careful about not +setting fire to themselves. + +Then they procured potatoes and apples from the kitchen, and raced back +to the beach. + +"Why, where's our wood?" cried Marjorie. + +Not a stick or a chip remained of their carefully gathered wood pile. + +"Some one has stolen it!" said King. + +"No, there's nobody around, except those people over there, and they're +grown-ups. It must have been washed away by a wave." + +"Pooh, the waves aren't coming up near as far as this." + +"Well, there might have been a big one." + +"No, it wasn't a wave. That wood was stolen, Mops!" + +"But who could have done it? Those grown-up people wouldn't. You can see +from their looks they wouldn't. They're reading aloud. And in the other +direction, there are only some fishermen,--they wouldn't take it." + +"Well, somebody did. Look, here are lots of footprints, and I don't +believe they're all ours." + +Sure enough, on the smooth white sand they could see many footprints, +imprinted all over each other, as if scurrying feet had trodden all +around their precious wood pile. + +"Oh, King, you're just like a detective!" cried Marjorie, in admiration. +"But it's so! These aren't our footprints!" + +She fitted her spring-heeled tan shoes into the prints, and proved at +once that they were not hers. Nor did King's shoes fit exactly, though +they came nearer to it than Marjorie's. + +"Yes, sir; some fellows came along and stole that wood. Here are two or +three quite different prints." + +"Well, where do they lead to?" said practical Marjorie. + +"That's so. Let's trace them and get the wood back." + +But after leading away from them for a short distance the footprints +became fainter, and in a softer bit of sand disappeared altogether. + +"Pshaw!" said King. "I don't so much care about the wood, but I hate to +lose the trail like this. Let's hunt, Mopsy." + +"All right, but first, let's bury these apples and potatoes, or they'll +be stolen, too." + +"Good idea!" And they buried their treasures in the nice, clean sand, +and marked the place with an inconspicuous stick. + +Then they set out to hunt their lost wood. The beach, though flat and +shelving at the water's edge, rose in a low bluff farther back, and this +offered among its irregular projections many good hiding-places for +their quarry. + +And, sure enough, after some searching, they came suddenly upon three +boys who sat, shaking with laughter, upon a pile of wood. + +The two Maynards glared at them rather angrily, upon which the three +again went off in peals of laughter. + +"That's our wood!" began King, aggressively. + +"Sure it is!" returned the biggest boy, still chuckling. + +"What did you bring it over here for?" + +"Just for fun!" + +"H'm, just for fun! And do you think it would be fun to carry it back +again?" + +"Yep; just's lieve as not. Come on, kids!" And that remarkable boy began +to pick up the sticks. + +"Oh, hold on," said King. "If you're so willing, you needn't do it! Who +are you, anyway?" + +"Well," said the biggest boy, suddenly straightening himself up and +bowing politely to Marjorie, "we're your neighbors. We live in that +green house next to yours. And we're named Tom, Dick, and Harry. Yes, I +know you think those names sound funny, but they're ours all the same. +Thomas, Richard, and Henry Craig,--at your service! I'm Tom. This is +Dick, and this is Harry." + +He whacked his brothers on the shoulder as he named them, and they +ducked forward in polite, if awkward salutation. + +"And did you really take our wood?" said Marjorie, with an accusing +glance, as if surprised that such pleasant-spoken boys could do such a +thing. + +"Yes, we did. We wanted to see what sort of stuff you were made of. You +know Seacote people are sort of like one big family, and we wanted to +know how you'd behave about the wood. You've been fine, and now we'll +cart it back where we found it. If you had got mad about it, we wouldn't +touch a stick to take it back,--would we, fellows?" + +"Nope," said the other two, and the Maynards could see at once that Tom +was the captain and ringleader of the trio. + +"Well," said King, judicially, "if you hadn't been the sort you are, I +_should_ have got mad. But I guess you're all right, and so you _may_ +take it back. But we don't help you do it,--see? I'm Kingdon Maynard, +and this is my sister Marjorie. You fellows took our wood, and now +you're going to return it. Is that right?" + +"Right-o!" said Tom. "Come on, fellows." + +The three boys flew at it, and King and Midget sat on the sand and +watched them till the wood was restored to its original position. + +"All right," said King; "you boys'll do. Now, come on and roast potatoes +with us." + +Thus, all demands of honor having been complied with, the five proceeded +to become friends. The boys built the fire, and gallantly let Marjorie +have the fun of putting the potatoes and apples in place. + +The Craig boys had nice instincts, and while they were rather +rough-and-tumble among themselves, they treated King more decorously, +and seemed to consider Marjorie as a being of a higher order, made to +receive not only respect, but reverent homage. + +"You see, we never had a sister," said Tom; "and we're a little bit +scared of girls." + +"Well, I have three," said King, "so you see I haven't such deep awe of +them. But Midget won't hurt you, so don't be _too_ scared of her." + +Marjorie smiled in most friendly fashion, for she liked these boys, and +especially Tom. + +"How old are you?" she asked him, in her frank, pleasant way. + +"I'm fourteen," replied Tom, "and the other kids are twelve and ten." + +"King's fourteen,--'most fifteen," said Midget; "and I'll be thirteen in +July. So we're all in the same years. I wish our Kitty was here. She's +nearly eleven, but she isn't any bigger than Harry." + +Harry smiled shyly, and poked at the potatoes with a stick, not knowing +quite what to say. + +"You see," King explained, "Midget is the best sort of a girl there is. +She's girly, all right, and yet she's as good as a boy at cutting up +jinks or doing any old kind of stunts." + +The three Craigs looked at Marjorie in speechless admiration. + +"I never knew that kind," said Tom, thoughtfully. "You see, we go to a +boys' school, and we haven't any girl cousins, or anything; and the only +girls I ever see are at dancing class, or in a summer hotel, and then +they're all frilled up, and sort of airy." + +"I love to play with boys," said Marjorie, frankly, "and I guess we'll +have a lot of fun this summer." + +"I guess we _will_! Are you going to stay all summer?" + +"Yes, till September, when school begins." + +"So are we. Isn't it funny we live next door to each other?" + +"Awful funny," agreed Marjorie, pulling a very black potato out of the +red-hot embers. "This is done," she went on, "and I'm going to eat it." + +"So say we all of us," cried King. "One done,--all done! Help +yourselves, boys!" + +So they all pulled out the black, sooty potatoes, with more delighted +anticipations than would have been roused by the daintiest dish served +at a table. + +"Ow!" cried Marjorie, flinging down her potato, and sticking her finger +in her mouth. "Ow! that old thing _popped_ open, and burned me awfully!" + +"Too bad, Mops!" said King, with genuine sympathy, but the Craig boys +were more solicitous. + +"Oh, oh! I'm so sorry," cried Tom. "Does it hurt _terribly_?" + +"Yes, it does," said Midget, who was not in the habit of complaining +when she got hurt, but who was really suffering from the sudden burn. + +"Let me tie it up," said Dick, shyly. + +"Yes, do," said Tom. "Dick is our good boy. He always helps everybody +else." + +"But what can we tie it up with?" said Marjorie. "My handkerchief is all +black from wiping off that potato." + +"I,--I've got a clean one," and Dick, blushing with embarrassment, took +a neatly folded white square from his pocket. + +"Would you look at that!" said Tom. "I declare Dicky always has the +right thing at the right time! Good for you, boy! Fix her up." + +Quite deftly Dick wrapped the handkerchief round Marjorie's finger, and +secured it with a bit of string from another pocket. + +"You ought to have something on it," he said, gravely. "Kerosene is +good, but as we haven't any, it will help it just to keep the air away +from it, till you go home." + +"Goodness!" exclaimed Midget. "You talk like a doctor." + +"I'm going to be a doctor when I grow up," said Dick. + +"He is," volunteered Harry; "he cured the cat's broken leg, and he +mended a bird's wing once." + +"Yes, I did," admitted Dick, modestly blushing at his achievements. "Are +you going right home because of your finger?" + +"No, indeed! We never stop for hurts and things, unless they're bad +enough for us to go to bed. Give me another potato, and you open it for +me, won't you, Dick?" + +"Yep," and Marjorie was immediately supplied with the best of the +potatoes and apples, carefully prepared for her use. + +"Aren't there any other girls in Seacote?" she inquired. + +"There's Hester Corey," answered Tom; "but we don't know her very well. +She isn't nice, like you are. And I don't know of any others, though +there may be some. Most of the people in the cottages haven't any +children,--or else they're grown up,--big girls and young ladies. And +there's a few little babies, but not many of our age. So that's why +we're so glad you came." + +"And that's why you stole our wood!" + +"Yes, truly. We thought that'd be a good way to test your temper." + +"It was a risky way," said King, thinking it over. + +"Oh, I don't know. I knew, if you were the right sort, you'd take it all +right; and if you weren't the right sort, we didn't care how you took +it." + +"That's so," agreed Marjorie. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +THE SAND CLUB + + +Life at Seacote soon settled down to its groove, and it was a very +pleasant groove. There was always plenty of fun to be had. Bathing every +day in the crashing breakers, digging in the sand, building beach fires, +talking to the old fishermen, were all delightful pursuits. And then +there were long motor rides inland, basket picnics in pine groves, and +excursions to nearby watering-places. + +The Craig boys turned out to be jolly playfellows, and they and the +Maynards became inseparable chums. Marjorie often wished one of them had +been a girl, but at the same time, she enjoyed her unique position of +being the only girl in the crowd. The boys deferred to her as to a +princess, and she ruled them absolutely. + +Of course the senior Craigs and Maynards became good friends also, and +the two ladies especially spent many pleasant hours together. + +Baby Rosamond rarely played with the older children, as she was too +little to join in their vigorous games, often original with themselves, +and decidedly energetic. The beach was their favorite playground. They +never tired of digging in the sand, and they had a multitude of spades +and shovels and hoes for their various sand performances. Some days they +built a fort, other days a castle or a pleasure ground. Their sand-works +were extensive and elaborate, and it often seemed a pity that the tide +or the wind should destroy them over night. + +"I say, let's us be a Sand Club," said Tom one day. "We're always +playing in the sand, you know." + +"All right," said Marjorie, instantly seeing delightful possibilities. +"We'll call ourselves Sand Crabs, for we're always scrambling through +the sand." + +"And we're jolly as sandboys!" said King. "I don't know what sandboys +really are, but they're always jolly, and so are we." + +"I'd like something more gay and festive," Marjorie put in; "I mean like +Court Life, or something where we could dress up, and pretend things." + +"I know what you mean," said Dick, grasping her idea. "Let's have Sand +Court, and build a court and a throne, and we'll all be royal people and +Marjorie can be queen." + +"Well, let's all have sandy names," suggested Tom. "Marjorie can be +Queen Sandy. And we'll call our court Sandringham Palace. You know +there is one, really." + +"You can be the Grand Sandjandrum!" said King, laughing. + +"No, you be that," said Tom, unselfishly. + +"No, sir; _you've_ got to. I'll be a sand piper, and play the court +anthems." + +"All right," said Marjorie, "and Harry can be a sand crab, for he just +scuttles through the sand all the time. What'll Dick be?" + +King looked at Dick. "We'll call him Sandow," he suggested, and they all +laughed, for Dick was a frail little chap, without much muscular +strength. But the name stuck to him, and they always called him Sandow +thereafter. + +"I wish we could make our palace where it would stay made," said +Marjorie. "We don't want to make a new one every day." + +"That's so," said Tom. "If we only could find a secret haunt." + +"I know a kind of a one," said Dick; "'way back in our yard, near where +it joins yours, is a deepy kind of a place, and it's quite sandy." + +"Just the thing!" cried Marjorie. "I know that place. Come on!" + +She was off like a deer, and the rest followed. A few moments' scamper +brought them to the place, and all declared it was just the very spot +for a palace. + +"I'd like beach sand better, though," said Marjorie. + +"We'll bring all you want," declared Tom. "We'll take a wheelbarrow, and +bring heaps up from the beach." + +The Sand Club worked for days getting their palace in order. The two big +boys wheeled many loads of sand up from the beach, and Marjorie and the +two other boys arranged it in shape. + +Dick was clever at building, and he planned a number of fine effects. Of +course, their palace had no roof or walls, but the apartments were +partitioned off with low walls of sand, and there were sand sofas and +chairs, and a gorgeous throne. + +The throne was a heap of sand, surmounted by a legless armchair, found +in the Craigs' attic, and at court meetings draped with pink cheesecloth +and garlands of flowers. The whole palace was really a "secret haunt," +for a slight rise of ground screened it from view on two sides and trees +shaded the other side. + +The parents of both families were pleased with the whole scheme, for it +kept the children occupied, and they could always be found at a moment's +notice. + +Sand tables were built, and on them were bits of old dishes and broken +vases, all of which were desirable because they could stay out in the +rain and not be harmed. Moreover, they were handy in case of a feast. At +last preparations were complete and they decided to open the court next +day. + +"We must have a flag," said Marjorie. "I'll make it. The court colors +are red and yellow, and our emblem will be,--what shall our emblem be?" + +"A pail of sand," suggested Tom. + +"Yes; I can cut out a pail of red flannel, and sew it on to a yellow +flag. I'll make that this afternoon, and we'll hold court to-morrow +morning at ten o'clock. We must all wear some red and yellow. Sashes +will do for you boys, and I'll have,--well, I'll fix up a rig of some +kind." + +Marjorie was a diligent little worker when she chose to be, and that +afternoon she made a very creditable flag, showing a pail, red; on a +field, yellow. She made also sashes for them all, of red and yellow +cheesecloth, and she made herself a court train of the same material, +which trailed grandly from her shoulders. + +Next morning the Sand Club assembled on the Maynards' veranda, to march +to Sandringham Palace. + +Mrs. Craig had helped out the costumes of her royal children, and the +Grand Sandjandrum was gorgeous in a voluminous yellow turban, with a red +cockade sticking up on one side. + +Sandow and the Sand Crab had soldier hats made of red and yellow paper, +and big sailor collars of the same colors. + +The Sand Piper wore his sash jauntily with a huge shoulder knot, and he, +too, had a cockaded headgear. + +Marjorie, as Queen Sandy, wore her trailing court robe and a crown of +yellow paper with red stars on it. She had a sceptre, and Sandow carried +the flag. + +The Sand Piper marched ahead, playing on a tuneful instrument known as a +kazoo. Next came the Grand Sandjandrum, then the Queen, then the Sand +Crab, and finally, Sandow with the flag. + +Slowly and with great dignity the procession filed out toward the +palace. King was playing the Star Spangled Banner, or thought he was. It +sounded almost as much like Hail Columbia,--but it didn't really matter, +and they're both difficult tunes, anyway. + +Blithely they stepped along, and prepared to enter the palace with a +flourish of trumpets, as it were, when King's music stopped suddenly. + +"Great Golliwogs!" he cried. "Look at that!" + +"Look at what?" said Tom, who was absorbed in the grand march. + +But he looked, and they all looked, and five angry exclamations sounded +as they saw only the ruins of the beloved Sandringham Palace. + +Somebody had utterly demolished it. The low walls were broken and +scattered, the sand tables and chairs were torn down, and the throne was +entirely upset. + +"Who did this?" roared Tom. + +But as nobody knew the answer, there was no reply. + +"It couldn't have been any of your servants, could it?" asked King of +the Craigs. "I know it wasn't any of ours." + +"No; it wasn't ours, either," said Tom. "Could it have been your little +sister?" + +"Mercy, no!" cried Marjorie. "Rosy Posy isn't that sort of a child. Oh, +I do think it's awful!" and forgetting her royal dignity, Queen Sandy +began to cry. + +"Why, Mops," said King, kindly; "brace up, old girl. Don't cry." + +"I'm not a cry baby," said Midget, smiling through her tears. "I'm just +crying 'cause I'm so _mad_! I'm mad clear through! How _could_ anybody +be so ugly?" + +"I'm mad, too," declared Tom, slowly, "but I know who did it, and it's +partly my fault, I s'pose." + +"Your fault!" exclaimed Midget. "Why, Tom, how can it be?" + +"Well, you see it was this way. Yesterday afternoon Mrs. Corey came to +call on my mother, and she brought Hester with her." + +"That red-headed girl?" + +"Yes; and she has a temper to match her hair! Mother made me talk to +her, and, as I didn't know what else to talk about, I told her about our +Sand Club, and about the Court to-day and everything. And she wanted to +belong to the club, and I told her she couldn't, because it was just the +Maynards and the Craigs. And she was madder'n hops, and she coaxed me, +and I still said no, and then she said she'd get even with us somehow." + +"But, Tom," said King, "we don't know that girl to speak to. We hardly +know her by sight." + +"But we do. We knew her when we were here last summer, but, you see, +this year we've had you two to play with, so we've sort of neglected +her,--and she doesn't like it." + +"But that's no reason she should spoil our palace," and Marjorie looked +sadly at the scene of ruin and destruction. + +"No; and of course I'm not sure that she did do it. But she said she'd +do something to get even with you." + +"With me? Why, she doesn't know me at all." + +"That's what she's mad about. She says you're stuck up, and you put on +airs and never look at her." + +"Why, how silly! I don't know her, but somehow, from her looks, I _know_ +I shouldn't like her." + +"No, you wouldn't, Marjorie. She's selfish, and she's ill-tempered. She +flies into a rage at any little thing, and,--well, she isn't a bit like +you Maynards." + +"_No!_ and I'm glad of it! I wouldn't _want_ to be like such a stuck-up +thing!" + +These last words were spoken by a strange voice, and Marjorie looked +round quickly to see a shock of red hair surmounting a very angry little +face just appearing from behind the small hill, beneath whose +overhanging shadow they had built their palace. + +"Why, Hester Corey!" shouted Tom. "What are you doing here?" + +"I came to see how you like your old sand-house!" she jeered, mockingly, +and making faces at Marjorie between her words. Marjorie was utterly +astonished. It was her first experience with a child of this type, and +she didn't know just how to take her. + +The newcomer was a little termagant. Her big blue eyes seemed to flash +with anger, and as she danced about, shaking her fist at Marjorie and +pointing her forefinger at her, she cried, tauntingly, "Stuck up! +Proudy!" + +Marjorie grew indignant. She had done nothing knowingly to provoke this +wrath, so she faced the visitor squarely, and glared back at her. + +"I'd rather be stuck up than to be such a spiteful thing as you are!" +she declared. "Did _you_ tear down this palace that we took such trouble +to build?" + +"Yes, I did!" said Hester. "And if you build it again, I'll tear it down +again,--so, there, now!" + +"You'll do no such thing!" shouted Tom. + +"Huh, Smarty! What have you got to say about it?" + +The crazy little Hester flew at Tom and pounded him vigorously on the +back. + +"I hate you!" she cried. "I _hate_ you!" + +As a matter of fact, her little fists couldn't hurt the big, sturdy boy, +but her intense anger made him angry too. + +"You, Hester Corey!" he cried. "You leave me alone!" + +King stood a little apart, with his hands in his pockets, looking at the +combatants. + +"Say, we've had about enough of this," he said, speaking quietly, and +without excitement. "We Maynards are not accustomed to this sort of +thing. We squabble sometimes, but we never get really angry." + +"Goody-goody boy!" said Hester, sneeringly, and making one of her worst +faces at him. For some reason this performance struck King as funny. + +"Do it again," he said. "How do you ever squink up your nose like that! +Bet you can't do it three times in succession." + +The audacious Hester tried it, and the result was so ludicrous they all +laughed. + +"Now look here," went on King, "we're not acquainted with you, but we +know you're Hester Corey. We know you spoiled our Sand Palace, just out +of angry spite. Now, Hester Corey, you've got to be punished for that. +We're peaceable people ourselves, but we're just, also. We were about to +have a nice celebration, but you've put an end to that before it began. +So, instead, we're going to have a trial. You're the prisoner, and +you've pleaded guilty,--at least, you've confessed your crime. Queen +Sandy, get into that throne,--never mind if it is upset,--set it up +again. Grand Sandjandrum, take your place on that mussed up sand heap. +You two other chaps,--stand one each side of the prisoner as sentinels. +I'll conduct this case, and Queen Sandy will pronounce the sentence. +It's us Maynards that Hester Corey seems to have a grudge against, so +it's up to us Maynards to take charge of the case. Prisoner, stand on +that board there." + +"I won't do it!" snapped Hester, and the red locks shook vigorously. + +"You will do it," said King, quietly, and for some reason or other +Hester quailed before his glance, and then meekly stood where he told +her to. + +"Have you anything to say for yourself?" King went on. "Any excuse to +offer for such a mean, hateful piece of work?" + +Hester sulked a minute, then she said: + +"Yes, I was mad at you, because you all have such good times, and +wouldn't let me in them." + +"What do you mean by that? You never asked to come in." + +"I did. I asked Tom Craig yesterday, and he wouldn't ask you." + +"Then why are you mad at us?" + +"Because you're so proud and exclusive. You think yourselves so great; +you think nobody's as good as you are!" + +"That isn't true, Hester," said King, quite gently; "and even if it +were, are you proving yourself better than we are by cutting up this +mean, babyish trick? If you want us to like you, why not make yourself +likeable, instead of horrid and hateful?" + +This was a new idea to Hester, and she stared at King as if greatly +interested. + +"That's right," he went on. "If people want people to like them, they +must be likeable. They must be obliging and kind and pleasant, and not +small and spiteful." + +"You haven't been very nice to me," muttered Hester. + +"We haven't had a chance. And before we get a chance you upset +everything by making us dislike you! What kind of common sense is that?" + +"Maybe you could forgive me," suggested Hester, hopefully. + +"Maybe we could, later on. But we're for fair play, and you treated us +unfairly. So now, you've got to be punished. Queen Sandy, Grand +Sandjandrum, which of you can suggest proper punishment for this +prisoner of ours?" + +Tom thought for a moment, then he said: + +"Seems 's if she ought to put this palace back in order, just as it was +when she found it,--but that's too hard work for a girl." + +"I'll help her," said Harry, earnestly. "I'm sorry for her." + +"Sorry for her!" cried Tom, with blazing eyes. "_Sorry_ for the girl +that spoiled our palace!" + +"Well, you see," went on Harry, "she's sorry herself now." + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +SAND COURT + + +With one accord, they all looked at Hester. Sure enough, it was easily +to be seen that she was sorry. All her anger and rage had vanished, and +she stood digging one toe into the sand, and twisting from side to side, +with her eyes cast down, and two big tears rolling slowly down her +cheeks. + +Marjorie sprang up from her wabbly throne, and running to Hester, threw +her arms around her. + +"Don't cry, Hester," she said. "We'll all forgive you. I think you lost +your temper and I think you're sorry now, aren't you?" + +"Oh, yes, yes, I am!" sobbed Hester. "But I envied the good times you +had, and when Tom wouldn't let me into your club, I got so mad I didn't +know what to do." + +"There, there, don't cry any more," and Midget smoothed the tangled red +mop, and tried to comfort the bad little Hester. + +Tom looked rather disappointed. + +"I say," he began, "she did an awful mean thing, and she ought to +be----" + +"Hold on a minute, Tom," said Marjorie. "I'm Queen of this club, and +what I say goes! Is that right, my courtiers?" + +She looked round at the boys, smiling in a wheedlesome way, and King +said, "Right, O Queen Sandy! Right always and ever, in the hearts of +your gentlemen-in-waiting." + +"You bet you are!" cried Tom, quick to follow King's lead. "Our noble +Queen has but to say the word, and it is our law. Therefore, O Queen, we +beg thee to mete out a just punishment to this prisoner within our +gates." + +"Hear ye! Hear ye!" said Midget, with great dramatic fervor. "I hereby +forgive this prisoner of ours, because she's truly sorry she acted like +the dickens. And as a punishment, I condemn her to rebuild this royal +palace, but, following Harry's example, we will all help her with the +work." + +Then King burst forth into song: + + "Hooray, Hooray, for our noble Queen, + The very best monarch that ever was seen. + There's nobody quite so perfectly dandy, + As our most gracious, most noble Queen Sandy!" + +They all repeated this chorus, and the Queen bowed and smiled at her +devoted court. + +"And also," her Royal Highness went on, "we hereby take into our club +Miss Hester Corey as a new member. I'm glad to have another girl in +it,--and what I say goes!" + +This time Tom made up the song: + + "What she says, goes! + She's sweet as a rose, + From head to toes, + So what she says, goes!" + +"Miss Hester Corey is now a member," said Midget, "and her name +is,--is----" + +"Sand Witch," suggested Tom. + +"Yes," said King; "you expect witches to cut up tricks." + +"All right," said Hester. "Call me Sand Witch, and you'll see there are +good witches as well as bad." + +"Come on, then," said Marjorie, "and show us how you can work. Let's put +this palace back into shape again as quick as scat!" + +They all fell to work, and it didn't take so very long after all. Hester +was conquered by the power of Marjorie's kindness, and she was meek as a +lamb. She did whatever she was told, and was a quick and willing worker. + +"Now," said Midget, after it was all in order once more, "now we'll have +our celebration. You see, we have six in our court now, instead of +five, and I think it's nicer. I'll give the Sand Witch my sash to wear, +and she can be my first lady-in-waiting." + +This position greatly pleased Hester, and she took her place at the side +of the enthroned Queen, while Tom stood at her other side. King played a +grand tune, and they all sang. + +The song was in honor of the flag-raising, and was hastily composed by +Marjorie for the occasion: + + "Our Flag, our Flag, our Sand Club Flag! + Long may she wave, long may she wag! + And may our Sand Club ever stand + A glory to our Native Land." + +Tom persisted in singing "a glory to our native _sand_," and King said +_strand_, but after all, it didn't matter. + +Then Sandow, bearing the flag, stepped gravely forward, and the boys all +helped to plant it firmly in the middle of Sand Court, while the Queen +and her lady-in-waiting nodded approval. + +"Ha, Courtiers! I prithee sit!" the Queen commanded, when the flag was +gaily waving in the breeze. + +Her four courtiers promptly sat on the ground at her feet, and the Queen +addressed them thus: + +"Gentlemen-in-waiting of Sandringham Palace, there are much affairs of +state now before us. First must we form our club, our Sand Club." + +"Most noble Queen," and Tom rose to his feet, "have I your permission to +speak?" + +"Speak!" said the Queen, graciously, waving her sceptre at him. + +"Then I rise to inquire if this is a secret organization." + +"You bet it is!" cried King, jumping up. "The very secretest ever! If +any one lets out the secrets of these secret meetings, he shall be +excommunicated in both feet!" + +"A just penalty!" said Tom, gravely. + +"Is all well, O fair Queen? Do you agree?" + +"Yes, I agree," said the Queen, smiling. "But I want to know what these +secrets are to be about." + +"That's future business," declared King. "Just now we have to elect +officers, and all that." + +"All right," said Marjorie, "but you must be more courtly about it. Say +it more,--you know how I mean." + +"As thus," spoke up the lady-in-waiting, dropping on one knee before the +Queen. + +"What is the gracious will of your Royal Highness in the matter of +secretary and treasurer, O Queen!" + +"Yes, that's better. Well, my court, to tell you the truth, I don't +think that we need a secretary and such things, because it isn't a +regular club. Let us content ourselves with our present noble offices. +Grand Sandjandrum, what are the duties of thy high office?" + +"No duties, but all pleasures, when serving thee, O noble and gracious +Queen!" + +"That's fine," said Midget, clapping her hands. "Hither, Sir Sand Piper! +What are thy duties at, court?" + +"Your Majesty," said King, bowing low, "it is my humble part to play the +pipes, or to lay the pipes, as the case may be. I do not smoke pipes, +but, if it be thy gracious wish, I can blow fair soap bubbles from +them." + +"Sand Piper, I see you know your business," said the Queen. "Ha! Sand +Crab, what dost thou do each day?" + +"Just scramble around in the sand," replied Harry, and suiting the +action to the word, he gave such a funny scrambling performance that +they all applauded. + +"Right well done, noble Sand Crab," commented the smiling Queen. "And +thou, O Sandow?" + +"I do all the strong-arm work required in the palace," said Dick, +doubling up his little fist, and trying to make it look large and +powerful. + +"Now, thee, my fair lady-in-waiting, what dost thou do in this, my +court?" + +Hester shook back her mop of red curls, and her eyes danced as she +answered, gaily: + +"I am the Court Sand Witch! I cut up tricks of all sorts, as doth become +a witch. Aye, many a time will I cause enchantments to fall upon thee, +one and all! I am a magic witch, and I can cast spells!" + +Hester waved her arms about, and swayed from side to side, her eyes +fixed in a glassy stare, and her red curls bobbing. + +"Good gracious!" cried Marjorie. "You're like a witch I saw on the stage +once in a fairy pantomime. Say, Hester, let's have a pantomime +entertainment some day." + +"All right. My mother'll help us. She's always getting up private +theatricals and things like that. She says I inherit her dramatic +talent." + +"All right," said Tom, warningly; "but don't you turn your dramatic +talent toward tearing down our palace again." + +"Of course I won't, now I'm a member." + +"Of course she won't," agreed Marjorie. "Now, my courtiers, and +lady-in-waiting, there's another subject to come before your royal +attention. We must have a Court Journal." + +"What's that?" inquired Harry. + +"Why, a sort of a paper, you know, with all the court news in it." + +"There isn't any." + +"But there will be. We're not fairly started yet. Now who'll write this +paper?" + +"All of us," suggested Tom. + +"Yes; but there must be one at the head of it,--sort of editor, you +know." + +"Guess it better be King," said Tom, thoughtfully. "He knows the most +about writing things." + +"All right," agreed King. "I'll edit the paper, only you must all +contribute. We'll have it once a week, and everybody must send me some +contribution, if it's only a little poem or something." + +"I can't write poems," said Harry, earnestly, "but I can gather up +news,--and like that." + +"Yes," said Marjorie, "that's what I mean. But it must be news about us +court people, or maybe our families." + +"Can't we make it up?" asked Hester. + +"Yes, I s'pose so, if you make it real court like and grand sounding." + +"What shall we call our paper?" asked King. + +"Oh, just the _Court Journal_," replied Midget. + +"I don't think so," objected Hester. "I think it ought to have a name +like _The Sand Club_." + +"_The Jolly Sandboy_," exclaimed Tom. "How's that?" + +"But two of us are girls!" said Marjorie. + +"That doesn't matter, it's just the name of the paper, you know. And it +sounds so gay and jolly." + +"I like it," declared King, and so they all agreed to the name. + +"Now, my courtiers and noble friends," said their Queen, "it's time we +all scooted home to luncheon. My queen-dowager mother likes me to be on +time for meals. Also, my majesty and my royal sand piper can't come back +to play this afternoon. But shall this court meet to-morrow morning?" + +"You bet, your Majesty!" exclaimed Tom, with fervor. + +"That isn't very courtly language, my Grand Sandjandrum." + +"I humbly beg your Majesty's pardon, and I prostrate myself in humble +humility!" And Tom sprawled on his face at Marjorie's feet. + +"Rise, Sir Knight," said the gracious Queen, and then the court +dispersed toward its various homes. + +"Well, we had the greatest time this morning you ever heard of!" +announced Marjorie as, divested of her royal trappings and clad in a +fresh pink gingham, she sat at the luncheon table. + +"What was it all about, Moppets?" asked Mrs. Maynard. + +So King and Marjorie together told all about the intrusion of Hester on +their celebration, and how they had finally taken her into the Sand Club +as a member. + +"I think my children behaved very well," said Mrs. Maynard, looking at +the two with pride. + +"I did get sort of mad at first, Mother," Marjorie confessed, not +wanting more praise than was her just due. + +"Well, I don't blame you!" declared King. "Why, that girl made most +awful faces at Mops, and talked to her just horrid! If she hadn't calmed +down afterward we couldn't have played with her at all." + +"I've heard about that child," said Mrs. Maynard. "She has most awful +fits of temper, I'm told. Mrs. Craig says that Hester will be as good +and as sweet as a lamb for days,--and then she'll fly into a rage over +some little thing. I'm glad you children are not like that." + +"I'm glad, too," said King. "We're not angels, but if we acted up like +Hester did at first we couldn't live in the house with each other!" + +"Her mother is an actress," observed Marjorie. + +"Oh, no, Midget, you're mistaken," said her mother. "I know Mrs. Corey, +and she isn't an actress at all, and never was. But she is fond of +amateur theatricals, and she is president of a club that gives little +plays now and then." + +"Yes, that's it," said King. "Hester said her mother had dramatic +talent, and she had inherited it. Have you dramatic talent, Mother?" + +"I don't know, King," said Mrs. Maynard, laughing. "Your father and I +have joined their dramatic club, but it remains to be seen whether we +can make a success of it." + +"Oh, Mother!" cried Marjorie. "Are you really going to act in a play? +Oh, can we see you?" + +"I don't know yet, Midget. Probably it will be an entertainment only for +grown-ups. We've just begun rehearsals." + +"Have we dramatic talent, Mother?" + +"Not to any astonishing degree. But, yes, I suppose your fondness for +playing at court life and such things shows a dramatic taste." + +"Oh, it's great fun, Mother! I just love to sit on that throne with my +long trail wopsed on the floor beside me, and my sceptre sticking up, +and my courtiers all around me,--oh, Mother, I think I'd like to be a +real queen!" + +"Well, you see, Midget, you were born in a country that doesn't employ +queens." + +"And I'm glad of it!" cried Marjorie, patriotically. "Hooray! for the +land of the free and the home of the brave! I guess I don't care to be a +real queen, I guess I'll be a president's wife instead. Say, Mother, +won't you and Father write us some poems for _The Jolly Sandboy_?" + +"What is that, Midget?" + +"Oh, it's our court journal,--and you and Father do write such lovely +poetry. Will you, Mother?" + +"Yes, I 'spect so." + +"Oh, goody! When you say 'I 'spect so,' you always _do_. Hey, King, Rosy +Posy ought to have a sandy kind of a name, even if she doesn't come to +our court meetings." + +"'Course she ought. And she can come sometimes, if she doesn't upset +things." + +"She can't upset things worse'n Hester did." + +"No; but I don't believe Hester will act up like that again." + +"She may, Marjorie," said Mrs. Maynard. "I've heard her mother say she +can't seem to curb Hester's habit of flying into a temper. So just here, +my two loved ones, let me ask you to be kind to the little girl, and if +she gets angry, don't flare back at her, but try 'a soft answer.'" + +"But, Mother," said King, "that isn't so awful easy! And, anyway, I +don't think she ought to do horrid things,--like tumbling down our +palace,--and then we just forgive her, and take her into the club!" + +"Why not, King?" + +King looked a little nonplussed. + +"Why," he said, "why,--because it doesn't seem fair." + +"And does it seem fairer for you to lose your temper too, and try what +children call 'getting even with her'?" + +"Well, Mother, it _does_ seem fairer, but I guess it isn't very,--very +_noble_." + +"No, son, it isn't. And I hope you'll come to think that sometimes +nobility of action is better than mere justice." + +"I see what you mean, Mother, and somehow, talking here with you, it all +seems true enough. But when we get away from you, and off with the boys +and girls, these things seem different. Were you always noble when you +were little, Mother?" + +"No, Kingdon dear, I wasn't always. But my mother tried her best to +teach me to be,--so don't you think I ought to try to teach you?" + +"Sure, Mothery! And you bet we'll do our bestest to try to learn. Hey, +Mops?" + +"Yes, indeedy! I _want_ to do things right, but I seem to forget just +when I ought to remember." + +"Well, when you forget, come home and tell Mother all about it, and +we'll take a fresh start. You're pretty fairly, tolerably, moderately +good children after all! Only I want you to grow a little speck better +each day." + +"And we _will_!" shouted King and Marjorie together. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +"THE JOLLY SANDBOY" + + +The Sand Club was not very strict in its methods or systems. Some days +it met, and some days it didn't. Sometimes all the court was present, +and sometimes only three or four of them. + +But everything went on harmoniously, and there were no exhibitions of +ill temper from the Sand Witch. + +In fact, Hester was absorbed in doing her part toward the first number +of _The Jolly Sandboy_. + +The child was quite an adept at drawing and painting, and she was making +several illustrations for their court journal. One, representing +Marjorie seated on her sand throne, was really clever, and there were +other smaller pictures, too. + +Kingdon worked earnestly to get the paper into shape. He had +contributions from all the club, and from Mr. and Mrs. Maynard also. He +had a small typewriter of his own, and he laboriously copied the +contributions on fair, white pages, and, with Hester's pictures +interspersed, bound them all into a neat cover of red paper. + +This Hester ornamented with a yellow sand-pail, emblem of their club, +and tied it at the top with a yellow ribbon. Altogether, the first +number of _The Jolly Sandboy_ was a strikingly beautiful affair. + +And the court convened, in full court dress, to hear it read. + +The court wardrobes had received various additions. Often a courtier +blossomed out in some new regalia, always of red or yellow, or both. + +The several mothers of the court frequently donated old ribbons, +feathers, or flowers, from discarded millinery or other finery, and all +these were utilized by the frippery loving courtiers. + +Hester had contrived a witch costume, which was greatly admired. A red +skirt, a yellow shawl folded cornerwise, and a very tall peaked hat of +black with red and yellow ribbons, made the child look like some weird +creature. + +Marjorie's tastes ran rather to magnificent attire, and she accumulated +waving plumes, artificial flowers, and floating gauze veils and +draperies. + +The boys wore nondescript costumes, in which red jerseys and yellow +sashes played a prominent part, while King achieved the dignity of a +mantle, picturesquely slung from one shoulder. Many badges and orders +adorned their breasts, and lances and spears, wound with gilt paper, +added to the courtly effect. + +"My dearly beloved Court," Marjorie began, beaming graciously from her +flower decked throne, "we are gathered together here to-day to listen to +the reading of our Court Journal,--a noble paper,--published by our +noble courtier, the Sand Piper, who will now read it to us." + +"Hear! Hear!" cried all the courtiers. + +"Most liege Majesty," began King, bowing so low that his shoulder cape +fell off. But he hastily swung it back into place and went on. "Also, +most liege lady-in-waiting, our noble Sand Witch, we greet thee. And we +greet our Grand Sandjandrum, and our noble Sandow, and our beloved Sand +Crab. We greet all, and everybody. Did I leave anybody out of this +greeting?" + +"No! No!" + +"All right; then I'll fire away. The first article in this paper is an +editorial,--I wrote it myself because I am editor-in-chief. You're all +editors, you know, but I'm the head editor." + +"Why not say headitor?" suggested Tom. + +"Good idea, friend Courtier! I'm the headitor, then. And this is my +headitorial. Here goes! 'Courtiers and Citizens: This journal, called +_The Jolly Sandboy_, shall relate from time to time the doings of our +noble court. It shall tell of the doughty deeds of our brave knights, +and relate the gay doings of our fair ladies. It shall mention news of +interest, if any, concerning the inhabitants of Seacote in general, and +the families of this court in particular. Our politics are not confined +to any especial party, but our platform is to grow up to be presidents +ourselves.' This ends my headitorial." + +Great applause followed this masterpiece of journalistic literature, and +the Sand Piper proceeded: + +"I will next read the column of news, notes, and social events, as +collected by our energetic and capable young reporter, the Sand Crab: + + * * * * * + +"'The Queen and her lady-in-waiting went bathing in the ocean this +morning. Our noble Queen was costumed in white, trimmed with blue, and +the Sand Witch in dark blue trimmed with red. Both noble ladies squealed +when a large breaker knocked them over. The whole court rushed to their +rescue, and no permanent damage resulted. + +"Three gentlemen courtiers of this court, who reside in the same castle, +had ice-cream for dinner last night. The colors were pink and white. It +was exceeding good. + +"A very young princess, a sister of our beloved Queen, went walking +yesterday afternoon with her maid of honor. The princess wore a big +white hat with funny ribbon bunches on it. Also white shoes. + +"Mr. Sears has had his back fence painted. (We don't know any Mr. Sears, +and he hasn't any back fence, but we are making up now, as our real news +has given out and our column isn't full.) + +"Mrs. Black spent Sunday with her mother-in-law, Mrs. Green. (See +above.) + +"Mr. Van Winkle is building a gray stone mansion of forty rooms on +Seashore Drive. We think it is quite a pretty house. + +"This is all the news I can find for this time. Yours truly.--THE +SAND CRAB.'" + + * * * * * + +"Noble Sand Crab, we thank you for your fine contribution to our midst," +announced the Queen, and the Sand Crab burrowed in the sand and kicked +in sheer delight at such praise. + +"The next," announced the Sand Piper, "is an original poem by our most +liege majesty, the Queen. It's pretty fine, I think. + + "Most noble Court, I greet you now, + From Grand Sandjandrum to small Sandow. + From old Sand Piper, and gay Sand Witch, + To Sand Crab, with hair as black as pitch. + I hope our Court will ever be + Renowned for its fun and harmony. + And as I gaze on this gorgeous scene, + I'm glad I am your beloved Queen." + +"Jinks! that's gay!" exclaimed Tom. "How do you ever do it, Marjorie? I +did a poem, but it doesn't run nice and slick like yours." + +"I'll read it next," said King. "I think it's pretty good. + + "I love the people named _Maynard_, + I like to play in their back yard. + We have a jolly Sand Court, + Which makes the time fly very short. + Except going in the ocean bathing, + There's nothing I like so much for a plaything." + +"That's very nice, Tom," said Marjorie, forgetting her role. + +"No, it isn't. It seems as if it ought to be right, and then somehow it +isn't. Bathing and plaything are 'most alike, and yet they sound awful +different." + +"That's so. Well, anyway, it's plenty good enough, and it's all true, +Tom." + +"Yes, it's all true." + +"Then it must be right, 'cause there's a quotation or something that +says truth is beauty. We wouldn't want all our poems to be just alike, +you know." + +"No, I s'pose not," and Tom felt greatly encouraged by Marjorie's kind +criticism. + +"Next," said King, "is our Puzzle Department. It's sort of queer, but +it's Sandow's contribution, and he said to put it in, and he'd explain +about it. So here it is. + + * * * * * + +"'SANDY PRIZE PUZZLE. Prize, a musical top, donated by the +author. Question: Is the number of sands on the seashore odd or even? +Anybody in this court who can answer this question truthfully will +receive the prize. Signed, SANDOW.'" + + * * * * * + +"That's nonsense," cried Hester. "How can anybody tell whether we answer +truthfully or not?" + +"I can tell," said Sandow, gravely. "Whoever first answers it truthfully +will get the prize." + +"But it's ridiculous," said King. "In the first place, how much seashore +do you mean? Only that here at Seacote, or all the Atlantic shore? Or +all the world?" + +Dick considered. "I mean all the seashore in all the world," he said, at +last. + +"Then that's silly, too," said Tom, "for how far does the seashore go? +Just to the edge of the ocean, or all the way under?" + +"All the way under," replied Dick, solemnly. + +"Then you really mean all the sand in all the world!" + +"Yes; that's it. Of course, all the sand in all the world numbers a +certain number of grains. Now, is that number odd or even?" + +"You're crazy, Dick!" said Hester, but Marjorie said, "No, he isn't +crazy; I think there's a principle there somewhere, but I can't work it +out." + +"I guess you can't!" said King. "I give it up." + +"So do I!" declared Tom, and at last they all gave it up. + +"Now you must answer it yourself, Dick," said King. + +"Then nobody gets the prize," objected Sandow. + +"No, you keep it yourself. Have you got one, anyhow?" + +"Yes, a nice musical top Uncle John sent to me. I've never used it much, +it's as good as new. I _wish_ somebody would guess." + +Nobody did, and Dick sighed. + +"Bet you can't answer your old puzzle, yourself," said Hester. + +"Yes, I can," averred Dick, "but you must ask it to me." + +"All right," said King. "Mr. Sandow, honorable and noble courtier of +Sand Court, is the number of sea sands odd or even? Answer truthfully +now." + +"I don't know," replied Dick, "and that's the truth!" + +How they all laughed! It was a quibble, of course, but the Maynard +children were surprised at themselves that they hadn't seen through the +catch. + +Dick sat on the sand, rocking back and forth with laughter. + +"The witch ought to have guessed it," he cried; "or else the Queen ought +to." + +"Yes, my courtier, we ought," Marjorie admitted. "You caught us fairly, +and we hereby give you the post of wizard of this court. Sand Piper, +what's next in your journal?" + +"The next is a poem by the Honorable Edward Maynard. That is, he wrote +part of it, and then, as he had to go to New York on business, his +honorable wife finished it. Here it is: + + "Royal Courtiers, great and grand, + Ruling o'er your court of sand, + Take this greeting from the pen + Of an humble citizen. + May you, each one, learn to be + Filled with true nobility; + Gentle, loving, brave, and kind, + Strong of arm and pure of mind. + May you have a lot of fun, + And look back, when day is done, + O'er long hours of merry play + Filled with laughter blithe and gay. + May your court of mimic rule + Teach you lore not learned in school; + Rule your heart to think no ill, + Rule your temper and your will." + +"Gee, that's real poetry, that is!" exclaimed Tom. "Say, your people are +poets, aren't they?" + +"Why, I think they are," said Marjorie, "but Father says they're not." + +"I'd like a copy of that poem," said Hester, looking very serious. + +"All right," said King, catching the witch's glance. "I'll make you a +nice typewritten copy of it to-morrow." + +"And now, my royal Sand Piper, is there any more poetic lore for us to +listen to?" + +"Aye, my liege Queen, there is one more poem. This is a real poem also, +but it is of the humorous variety. It was composed by the mother of our +royal Sand Witch, and was freely contributed to our paper by that +estimable lady. Methinks she mistook our club for a debating club, and +yet, perhaps not. This may be merely a flight of fancy, such as poets +are very fond of, I am told. I will now read Mrs. Corey's contribution: + + "There once was a Debating Club, exceeding wise and great; + On grave and abstruse questions it would eagerly debate. + Its members said: 'We are so wise, ourselves we'll herewith dub + The Great Aristophelean Pythagoristic Club.' + And every night these bigwigs met, and strove with utmost pains + To solve recondite problems that would baffle lesser brains. + They argued and debated till the hours were small and wee; + And weren't much discouraged if they didn't then agree. + They said their say, and went their way, these cheerful, + pleasant men, + And then came round next evening, and said it all again. + Well, possibly, you'll be surprised; but all the winter through + The questions they debated on numbered exactly two. + For as they said: 'Of course we can't take up another one, + Till we have solved conclusively the two that we've begun.' + They reasoned and they argued, as the evenings wore along; + And each one thought that he was right, and deemed the others wrong. + They wrangled and contended, they disputed and discussed, + They retorted and rebutted, they refuted and they fussed; + But though their wisdom was profound, and erudite their speech, + A definite conclusion those men could never reach. + And so the club disbanded, and they read their last report, + Which told the whole sad story, though it was exceeding short: + 'Resolved--We are not able to solve these problems two: + "Does Polly want a cracker?" and "What did Katy do?"'" + +"Well, isn't that fine!" cried Marjorie. "Why, Hester, your mother is +more a poet than ours." + +"She does write lovely poetry," said Hester, "but I like your mother's +poem, too, because it,--well, you know what I mean." + +Somehow the children all understood that tempestuous Hester appreciated +the lines that so gently advised the ruling and subduing of an unruly +temper and will, but nobody knew just how to express it. + +So King broke a somewhat awkward silence by saying, heartily, "Yep, we +know!" and all the others said "Yep" in chorus. + +"I think, O Royal Court," the Queen began, "that our first paper is +fine. How often shall we issue _The Jolly Sandboy_?" + +"'Bout once a week, I think," said Tom. + +"All right," agreed King; "and you fellows get your stuff in a little +earlier next week so's I can typewrite it in time." + +"And now, my beloved court," resumed Midget, "I think we have sat still +long enough, and I decree that we have a game of Prisoner's Base. And +what I say goes!" + +There was no dissenting voice. The Queen unpinned her court train from +her shoulders, the Sand Witch laid aside her tall, peaked hat, and the +courtiers discarded such details of their costumes as seemed likely to +impede progress in the game. Prisoner's Base was followed by Hide and +Seek, and then it was time for the court to repair to its several homes. + +"It's all so lovely, Marjorie," said Hester. "I'm _so_ glad you let me +play with you." + +"That's all right, Hester, as long as you don't smash things or make +faces at us." + +"Oh, I never will again; truly, Marjorie. I'm going to learn that poem +of your mother's by heart, and I _know_ I'll never lose my temper again, +Good-bye." + +"Good-bye, Hester," and after an affectionate kiss the two girls parted. + +"Goo'-bye, Queenie Sandy," called Tom, as they separated at the turn of +the path. + +"Good-bye, Tom, you old Grand Sandjandrum!" and then the Maynards ran +into their own house. + +"Gently, my lad and lassie; gently!" warned Mrs. Maynard, as her two +young hopefuls flung themselves upon her. + +"Oh, Mothery," cried Marjorie, "we had _such_ a good time! And our court +journal was lovely! Want to see it? And King fixed it up so beautifully, +and Hester made such _dear_ pictures for it! Oh, Mother, isn't it +splendid to have so much fun?" + +"Yes, dearie," and Mrs. Maynard stroked the flushed brow of her +energetic and excitable daughter. "But when you come in from your play, +you must be a little bit quieter and more ladylike. I don't want to +think that these merry companions of yours are making you really +boisterous." + +"They are, though," said King. "I like the Craigs and Hester Corey, but +they sure are the noisy bunch!" + +"Oh, King, not _quite_ so much slang!" + +"No, Mother, we won't get gay! We'll try to please you every way! But +we're feeling rather spry to-day! So please excuse us, Mothery May!" + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +TWO WELCOME GUESTS + + +It was Saturday afternoon. The Maynard children had been told that +guests were expected to dinner, and they must put on festival array. + +And so when King and Marjorie, in white serge and white pique +respectively, wandered out on to the front veranda, they found their +parents and a very dressy-looking Rosamond there before them. + +"Who are coming to dinner, Mother?" asked Midget. + +"Ask your father, my dear." + +"Why, don't _you_ know, Mother? Well, who are they, Daddy?" + +"Somebody and somebody else," replied Mr. Maynard, smiling. + +"Oho, a secret!" exclaimed Midget. "Then it must be somebody nice! Let's +guess, King." + +"All right. Are they kids or grown-ups, Father?" + +"Grown-ups, my son." + +"Oh!" and Marjorie looked disappointed. "Do we know them?" + +"You have met them, yes." + +"Do they live at Seacote?" + +"They are here for the summer." + +"Where do they live winters?" asked King. + +"Under the Stars and Stripes." + +"Huh! that may mean the Philippines or Alaska!" + +"It may. Have you met many people who reside in those somewhat removed +spots?" + +"Not many," said King, "and that's a fact. Well, are they a lady and +gentleman?" + +"They are." + +"Oh, I know!" cried Marjorie. "It's Kitty and Uncle Steve! He said +they'd come down here some time while we're here! Am I right, Father?" + +"Not quite, Mopsy. You see, I said they are grown-ups." + +"Both of them?" + +"Both of them." + +"Well, I don't care much who they are, then," declared King. "I don't +see anything in it for us, Mops." + +"No, but we ought to guess them if they're spending the summer here and +we've met them. Of course, it couldn't be Kitty! She isn't spending the +summer here. Is it the Coreys or Craigs, Father?" + +"No, neither of those names fit our expected guests." + +"Then it must be some of those people the other side of the pier. I +don't know any more on this side except the fishermen. Is it any of +them?" + +"Well, no. I doubt if they'd care to visit us. But never mind our guests +for the moment; I want you two children to go on an errand for me." + +"Right-o!" said King. "Where?" + +"Walk along the shore road three blocks, then turn inland and walk a +block and a half. Do you know that place with lots of vines all over the +front of the house?" + +"Yes, I do," said Marjorie, "but nobody lives there." + +"All right. I want you to take a message to Mr. Nobody." + +"Oh, Father, what do you mean?" + +"Just what I say. You say nobody lives there, and that's the very man I +mean." + +"All right," said King. "We'll go, if you tell us to. Hey, Mops?" + +"'Course we will! What shall we say to Mr. Nobody, Father?" + +"First you must ring the doorbell, and if Nobody opens the door, walk +in." + +"Ho! If Nobody opens the door, how _can_ we walk in?" + +"Walk in. And then if Nobody speaks to you, answer him politely, and say +your father, one Mr. Maynard, desires his advice and assistance." + +"Oh, Father, I do believe you're crazy!" exclaimed Marjorie. + +"Never mind," said King, "if Father's crazy, we'll be crazy too! What +next, for orders?" + +"After that, be guided by your own common sense and good judgment. +And,--you wouldn't be frightened at Nobody, would you?" + +"No!" declared King. "Nobody could frighten me!" + +"Oh, he could, could he? Well, you are a foolish boy if Nobody could +frighten you!" + +King looked a little confused, and then he laughed and said, "Well, I'd +just as lieve fight Nobody, if he attacks me." + +"There'll be no cause to fight, my boy. Now, skip along, and remember +your message." + +"Yes, Mr. Edward Maynard wants advice and assistance from Nobody! Well, +I guess that's right, Father, but it all sounds to me like an April Fool +joke. Come on, Midget." + +As the two children skipped away, King said, thoughtfully, "What does it +all mean, Mops?" + +"I dunno, King. But it means _something_. It isn't a wild-goose chase, +or an April-fool sort of joke. I know Father has some nice surprise for +us the way his eyes twinkled." + +"Well, but this empty house business seems so silly! I know nobody lives +there, for I passed there a few days ago, and it was all shut up." + +"Well, we'll soon find out," and the children turned the corner toward +the house in question. Sure enough, the blinds were closed and there was +no sign of habitation. + +"Mr. Nobody lives here, all right!" said King as they entered the gate. + +"And such a pretty place, too," commented Marjorie, looking at the +luxuriant vines that ran riot over the front veranda. + +King rang the bell, feeling half-angry and half-silly at the +performance. In a moment the door swung open, but no person was seen. + +"Well!" exclaimed King. "Nobody opened that door!" + +"We must walk in," said Midget. "Father said so." + +"Oh, I hate to! We really haven't any right to go into a strange house +like this!" + +"But Father said to! Come on!" And grasping King's hand, Midget urged +him inside. They stood in the middle of a pretty and attractively +furnished hall, but saw or heard no people. + +"Hello, Mr. Nobody!" said Marjorie, still clasping King's hand tightly, +for the situation was a little weird. + +"Hello, yourself!" responded a cheery voice, but they couldn't see any +one. + +The voice reassured King, and he said, humorously, "I see Nobody! How do +you do, sir?" + +"Quite well," answered the same voice, but it was a bit muffled, and +they couldn't judge where it came from. Also it sounded very gay and +laughing, and Marjorie thought it seemed a bit familiar, though she +couldn't place it. + +"My father sent a message," went on King, sturdily. "He says he wants +Nobody's advice and assistance." + +"What a self-reliant man!" said the voice, and then from behind a +portiere a laughing face appeared, followed by a man's active body. At +the same time, from an opposite portiere, a lady sprang out and took +Marjorie in her arms. + +"Cousin Ethel!" + +"Cousin Jack!" + +And the children laughed in glee as they recognized Mr. and Mrs. Bryant. + +"You dear things!" the lady exclaimed. "I think it's awful to startle +you so, but it's the joke of your father and your Cousin Jack. I was +afraid it would scare you. Did it?" + +"Not exactly," said Marjorie, cuddling in Cousin Ethel's arms, but King +protested: + +"No, indeed!" he declared. "I wasn't scared, but I felt a little queer." + +"You're two Ducky Daddles!" Cousin Ethel cried, and Cousin Jack slapped +King on the shoulder and said, "You're a trump, old man!" and King felt +very grown-up and manly. + +"What's it all about?" he inquired, and Mr. Bryant replied: + +"Well, you see, if you've room for us here in Seacote, we're going to +stay here for a while. In fact, we've taken this shack with such an +intention." + +"Oh!" cried Marjorie. "You've taken this house for the summer, and +Father knew it, and sent us over here to be surprised!" + +"You've sized up the situation exactly, Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, +who loved to call Midget by this old-fashioned name. "And now, if we +were properly invited, and very strongly urged, we _might_ be persuaded +to go home to dinner with you." + +"Oh," cried Marjorie, a light breaking in upon her, "you're the dinner +guests they're expecting!" + +"We sure are!" said Cousin Jack. "And as this is the first time we've +been invited out to dinner in Seacote, we're impatient to go." + +So they set off for the Maynard house, and Midget led the way with +Cousin Ethel. + +"When did you come?" she inquired. + +"Only this morning, dear. We're not quite set to rights yet, though I +brought my own servants, and they'll soon have us all comfy." + +"And how did you and Father fix up this plan?" + +"He was over here this afternoon, and he and Cousin Jack planned it. +Then, as soon as you left your house, your father telephoned over here, +and we prepared to receive you in that crazy fashion. Of course, Jack +opened the door and stayed behind it. You weren't frightened, were you?" + +"No, not really. But it seemed a little,--a little creepy, you know." + +"Of course it did!" cried Cousin Jack from behind them. "But that house +is so overhung with creepers it makes you feel creepy anyway. I'm going +to call it Creeper Castle." + +"Oh, don't!" said Marjorie. "It sounds horrid! Makes you think of +caterpillars and things like that!" + +"So it does! Well, Mehitabel, you name it for us. I can't live in a +house without a name." + +"I'd call it Bryant Bower. That sounds flowery and pretty." + +"Just the ticket! You're a genius for names! Bryant Bower it is. What's +the name of your house,--Maynard Mansion?" + +"Maynard Manor is prettier," suggested Cousin Ethel. + +"So it is! Maynard Manor goes! I don't know anybody with prettier +manners than the Maynards, especially the younger generation of them," +and though Cousin Jack spoke laughingly, there was an earnest undertone +in his voice that greatly pleased King and Marjorie. + +"Hooray!" cried that hilarious gentleman, as they reached the Maynards' +veranda. "Hello, Ed. How d'ye do, Helen? Here we are! We're returning +your youngsters right side up with care. Why, look who's here!" and +catching up Rosy Posy, he tossed her high in the air, to the little +girl's great delight. + +Dinner was a festive occasion indeed, and afterward they all sat on the +wide veranda and listened to the roar of the waves. + +"This is a restful place," said Cousin Ethel, as she leaned back +comfortably in her wicker rocker. + +"So it is," agreed her husband, "but, if you ask _me_, I think it's +_too_ restful. I like a place with some racket to it, don't you, +Hezekiah?" + +This was his pet name for King, and the boy replied: + +"There's fun enough here, Cousin Jack, if you make it yourself." + +"That's so, is it? Well, I guess I'll try to make some. Let's see, isn't +Fourth of July next week?" + +"Yes, it is," said Marjorie. "Next week, Wednesday." + +"Well, that's a good day to have fun; and an especially good day for a +racket. What shall we do, kiddies?" + +"Do you mean for us to choose?" asked Marjorie. + +"No, Mehitabel; you suggest, and I'll choose. You think of the very +nicest sort of celebrations you know, and I'll select the nicest of them +all." + +"Well," said Midget, thoughtfully, "there's a party or a picnic. How +many people do you mean, Cousin Jack? And do you mean children or +grown-ups?" + +"Now I feel aggrieved, and insulted, and chagrined, and many other awful +things!" Cousin Jack looked so woe-begone that they almost thought him +in earnest. "You _know_, Mehitabel, that I'm but a child myself! I'm not +a grown-up, and I never will be!" + +"That's so!" laughed his wife. + +"And so, us children will have a celebration of the children, for the +children, and by the children! How many perfectly good children do you +know down here?" + +"Not many," said King; "hardly any, in fact, except the Sand Club." + +"The Sand Club! That sounds interesting. Tell me about it." + +So King and Marjorie told all about the Sand Club and its six members, +and Cousin Jack declared that was just enough for his idea of a Fourth +of July celebration. + +"Now for the plan," he went on. "How about a picnic in the woods, which +I see sticking up over there, and then come back to Bryant Bower for +some fireworks later?" + +"I think that sounds beautiful!" said Marjorie, and King entirely +agreed. + +"Why not have the fireworks here?" said Mr. Maynard. "You're too good to +these children, Jack." + +"Not a bit of it. We can have a celebration here some other night. But +I've picked out the glorious Fourth for my own little racketty-packetty +party. You see, on that day we can make all the noise we like and not +get arrested." + +"Can we dress up, Cousin Jack?" asked Marjorie. + +"Sure, child; wear your best bib and tucker, if you like, but I like you +better in your play-clothes." + +"I don't mean that. I mean costumes." + +"Midget is great for dressing up," explained King. "She always wants +some cheesecloth wobbed around her, and veils and feathers on her head." + +"Oh, I see! Why, yes, I rather guess we _can_ dress up." + +"I'll wear a red, white, and blue sash, and a liberty cap," said Midget, +her eyes dancing. + +"Oh, we can do better than that," responded Cousin Jack. "Let's see; +we'll make it a sort of reception affair, and you, Mehitabel, can be the +Goddess of Liberty, or Miss Columbia, whichever you like. Hezekiah, you +can be Uncle Sam! Your respected Cousin Ethel and I will guarantee your +costume." + +"I want to be a somefin'," spoke up Rosamond, who had been allowed to +stay up later than usual, in honor of the guests. + +"So you shall, Babykins. I guess we'll let Sister be Miss Columbia, and +you shall be a dear little Goddess of Liberty all your own self! How's +that?" and Cousin Jack beamed at the smiling Rosy Posy. + +"Now, where shall the picnic be?" asked Cousin Ethel, ready to help +along the plans. + +"There's a lovely grove over beyond the pier," said Midget; "we might go +there." + +"The very place!" said Cousin Jack; "and we'll have a sand-pail picnic. +Didn't you say your coat-of-arms was a sand-pail?" + +"Yes, that's the Emblem of the Club." + +"And a fine emblem for a picnic. We'll have pails of sandwiches and +cakes, and a pail of lemonade, and a pail of ice cream. How's that for +emblems?" + +"Fine!" said King. "Shall I invite the guests?" + +"Yes, my boy. Tell them to assemble here at three o'clock, and we'll +depart at once. Tell them all to wear red, white, and blue in honor of +the day." + +"And do we catch firecrackers?" + +"Little ones,--and torpedoes. But no cannon crackers or cap-pistols or +bombs or any firearms. I'm not going to have a hospitalful of gunpowder +victims on my hands the next day." + +"And now," said Mrs. Maynard, "as these wonderful affairs of the nation +seem to be all settled, I think you young patriots must skip to bed. +Your father and I would like a few words ourselves with these guests of +ours." + +"Guests of _ours_," corrected Midget, gayly. "Cousin Jack says he's +never going to grow up!"' + +But after lingering good-nights, the brother and sister, arm in arm, +went into the house. + +"Aren't they dandies!" exclaimed King, as they went upstairs. + +"Gay!" agreed Marjorie. "Won't we have fun on the Fourth! Oh, I was _so_ +surprised to see them, weren't you, King?" + +"Yep. The Craigs will like Cousin Jack, won't they?" + +"Yes, indeed, and Hester, too. Good-night, King." + +"Good-night, Mopsy Midget. Here!" and as a final compliment, King pulled +off her hair-ribbon and handed it to her with a dancing-school bow. + +Marjorie gave his hair an affectionate tweak, and with these +good-natured attentions they parted. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE GLORIOUS FOURTH + + +The sun rose early on Fourth of July morning. For he knew many patriotic +young hearts were beating with impatience for the great day to begin. +Moreover, he rose clear and bright, and yet he didn't shine down too +hotly for the comfort of those same young people. In fact, it was a +perfect summer day. + +Marjorie sprang out of bed and began to dress, with glad anticipations. +The Bryants were to spend the day at Maynard Manor, until time for the +afternoon picnic, and after the picnic came the reception at Bryant +Bower. + +Midget put on a fresh white pique, and tied up her mop of curls with +wide bows of red, white, and blue ribbon. + +When all ready she went dancing downstairs, pausing on her way to tap at +King's door. + +"All ready, Kinksie?" she called out. + +"In a minute, Mops. Wait for me!" + +Midget sat down on the staircase window-seat, and in a moment King +joined her there. + +"Hello, Mopsy-Doodle! Merry Fourth of Ju--New Year's!" + +"Hello, yourself! Oh, King, isn't it a gorgeous day? What shall we do +first?" + +"I dunno! We can't shoot things or make much noise, until Father and +Mother get up. It would be mean to wake them." + +"Oh, pshaw! they can't be asleep through all this racket that is going +on. Hear the shooting all around." + +"Well, we'll see. Let's get outdoors, anyhow." + +The children opened the front door, and there, sitting on the veranda +steps, his head leaning against a pillar, sat Cousin Jack, apparently +sound asleep. + +"Will you look at that!" said King, in a whisper. "Has he been here all +night, do you s'pose?" + +"No, 'course not. But I s'pose he's been here some time. Do you think +he's really asleep?" + +"He looks so. What shall we do with him?" + +"Dress him up," commanded Marjorie, promptly, and pulling off her wide +hair-ribbons, she proceeded to tie one around Cousin Jack's neck, and +one around his head, giving that gentleman a very festive appearance. + +After she had arranged the bows to her satisfaction, Cousin Jack +obligingly woke up,--though, as a matter of fact, he hadn't been to +sleep! + +"Why, if here isn't Mehitabel!" he exclaimed; "and Hezekiah, too! What a +surprise!" + +"How do you like your decorations?" asked Marjorie, surveying him with +admiration. + +"Oh, are these ribbons _real_? I thought I was dreaming, and had a +Fourth of July nightmare." + +"How long have you been here, Cousin Jack?" asked King. + +"Well, I was waking, so I called early; I don't know at what hour, but +I've been long enough alone, so I'm glad you two young patriots came +down to help me celebrate. Polly want a firecracker?" He held out a pack +of small ones to Marjorie, but she declined them. + +"No, thank you; give those to King. I'd rather have torpedoes." + +"All right, my girlie, here you are! And here's a cap to replace the +ribbons you so kindly gave me." + +Cousin Jack drew from his pocket a tissue-paper cap, that had evidently +come in a snapping-cracker. Then he produced another one for King, and +one which he laid aside for Rosy Posy. They were gay red, white, and +blue caps, with cockades and streamers. + +"Now, we'll be a procession," he went on. From a nook on the veranda, +where he had hidden them, he produced a drum, a tambourine, and a +cornet. + +The cornet was his own, and he presented the drum to King, and the +tambourine to Marjorie. + +"Form in line!" he ordered; "forward,--march!" + +He led the line, and the two children followed. + +Being a good cornet player, Cousin Jack made fine martial music, and +King and Midget had sufficient sense of rhythm to accompany him on the +drum and tambourine. After marching round the house once, Cousin Jack +went up the steps and in at the front door. Upstairs and through the +halls, and down again. + +Nurse Nannie and Rosamond appeared at the nursery door, and were +instructed to fall in line behind the others. Then Sarah, the waitress, +was discovered, looking on from the dining-room, and she, too, was told +to march. + +At last Mr. and Mrs. Maynard appeared, laughing at this invasion of +their morning nap. + +They sat in state in the veranda-chairs, as on a reviewing-stand, while +the grand parade marched and countermarched on the lawn in front of +them. + +"All over!" cried Cousin Jack, at last. "Break ranks!" + +The company dispersed, and Sarah returned, giggling, to her duties. + +"Such a foine man as Misther Bryant do be!" she said to the cook. +"Shure, he's just like wan of the childher." + +And so he was. Full of patriotic enthusiasm, Cousin Jack set off bombs +and firecrackers, until the elder Maynards declared that their ears +ached, and the roisterers must come in to breakfast. + +"I must go home," announced their guest. "I have a wife and six small +children dependent on me for support." + +As a matter of fact, the Bryants had no children, and Mrs. Maynard +declared she should telephone for Cousin Ethel to come to breakfast, +too, so Cousin Jack consented to stay. + +The breakfast party was an unexpected addition to the day's festivities, +but Mrs. Maynard was equal to the occasion. She scurried around and +found flags to decorate the table, and tied a red, white, and blue +balloon to the back of each chair, which gave the room a gay appearance. + +The vigorous exercise had produced good appetites, and full justice was +done to Ellen's creamed chicken and hot rolls and coffee. + +"Who's for a dip in the ocean?" asked Cousin Jack, when breakfast was +over. + +All were included in this pleasing suggestion, and soon a bathing-suited +party threw themselves into the dashing whitecaps. + +Cousin Jack tried to teach Marjorie to swim, but it is not easy to learn +to swim in the surf, and she made no very great progress. But Mr. +Maynard and Mr. Bryant swam out to a good distance, and King was allowed +to accompany them, as he already was a fair swimmer. + +Marjorie held fast to the rope, and jumped about, now almost carried +away by a big wave, and now thrown back toward the beach by another. + +It was rather rough bathing, so the ladies of the party and Midget left +the water before the others. + +"_Aren't_ we having fun!" exclaimed Marjorie, as she trudged, dripping, +through the sand, to the bath-house. "Oh, Cousin Ethel, I'm _so_ glad +you came down here." + +"I'm glad, too, dear. I believe Jack enjoys you children more than he +does any of his friends of his own age." + +"Jack's just like a boy," said Mrs. Maynard, "and I think he always will +be. He's like Peter Pan,--never going to grow up." + +And it did seem so. After the bath, Mr. Bryant marched the children down +to the pier for ice cream. + +Mrs. Maynard remonstrated a little, but she was informed that Fourth of +July only came once a year, and extra indulgences were in order. + +So King and Midget and Cousin Jack went gayly along the long pier that +ran far out into the ocean. On either side were booths where trinkets +and seaside souvenirs were sold, and Cousin Jack bought a shell necklace +for Midget, and a shell watch-fob for King. + +Then he ordered a dozen little tin pails sent to his own house. + +"For my picnic," he explained, as Midget looked at him wonderingly. +"It's to be a sand-pail picnic, you know." + +As they neared the ice-cream garden, Marjorie noticed a forlorn-looking +little boy, near the entrance. So wistful did he look, that she turned +around to look at him again. + +"Who's your friend, Mehitabel?" said Mr. Bryant, seeing her glance. + +"Oh, I don't know, Cousin Jack!" she cried, impulsively; "but he seems +so poor and lonesome, and we're all so happy. Couldn't I go without my +ice cream, and let him have it? Oh, please let me!" + +"H'm! he isn't a very attractive specimen of humanity." + +"Well, he isn't very clean, but, see, he has a nice face, and big brown +eyes! Oh, do give him some ice cream, Cousin Jack; I'll willingly go +without." + +"I'll go without," said King, quickly; "you can have mine, Mops." + +Cousin Jack looked quizzically at the children. + +"I might say I'd give you each ice cream, and the poor kiddie also. But +that would be my charity. Now, if you two really want to do the poor +little chap a kindness, you may each have a half portion, and give him a +whole plate. How's that?" + +"Fine!" exclaimed Marjorie; "just the thing! But, truly, Cousin Jack, it +isn't _much_ sacrifice for us, for we'll have ice cream at the picnic, +anyhow." + +"That's right, girlie; don't claim any more credit than belongs to you. +Well, next thing is to invite your young friend." + +So Marjorie went over to the poor little boy, and said, kindly: + +"It's Fourth of July, and we'd like you to come and eat ice cream with +us." + +The child's face brightened up, but immediately a look of distrust came +into his eyes, and he said: + +"Say, is youse kiddin' me?" + +"No," said King, for Marjorie didn't know quite what he meant; "we mean +it. We're going to have ice cream, and we want you to have some with +us." + +"Kin I bring me brudder?" + +"Where is he?" asked Cousin Jack, smiling at this new development of the +case. + +"Over dere, wit' me sister. Kin I bring 'em both?" + +Marjorie laughed outright at this, but Mr. Bryant said, gravely: + +"How many in your entire family? Let me know the worst at once!" + +"Dat's all; me brudder an' sister. Kin they come, too?" + +"Yes, if they're fairly clean," and the boy ran to get them. He came +back bringing a boy but little smaller than himself, and a tiny girl. + +Though not immaculate, they were presentable, and soon the six were +seated at a round table. + +Cousin Jack conformed to his decree that the Maynard children should +have but a half-portion each, but he added that this was partly due to +his consideration for their health, as well as his willingness that the +charity should be partly theirs. But he told his three guests that they +could eat as much as they chose; and noting their generally hungry +appearance, he ordered a first course of sandwiches for them, which +kindness was greatly appreciated. + +"Gee! Youse is a white man!" exclaimed the oldest visitor, as he scraped +his saucer almost through its enamel. + +"What does he mean?" asked Midget, laughing. "Of course, you're a white +man." + +"That's slang, Marjorie, for a desirable citizen." + +"Funny sort of slang," Midget commented; "a white man is plain English, +isn't it?" + +"I mean, he's white clear through," volunteered the boy, whose quick +eyes darted from one face to another of his benefactors. + +"Yes, I can understand that," said Midget, slowly; "it just means you're +good all through, Cousin Jack, and I quite agree to that." + +After the small visitors' hunger was entirely appeased, Cousin Jack +presented them each with a flag and a packet of torpedoes, and sent them +away rejoicing. + +"Poor little scraps of humanity," he said; "I hope, Mehitabel, you'll +always bring a little sunshine into such lives when opportunity presents +itself." + +"I will, Cousin Jack. Are they very poor?" + +"No, not so very. But they never have any fun, or anything very good to +eat. Of course, you can't be an organized charity, but once in a while, +if you can make a poor child happy by the expenditure of a small sum, do +it." + +"We will," cried King, impressed by Cousin Jack's earnestness. "But we +don't have much money to spend, you know." + +"You have an allowance, don't you?" + +"Yes; we each have fifty cents a week, Mops and Kitty and I." + +"Well, Kitty isn't here, so I can't ask her; but I'm going to ask you +two dear friends of mine, to give away one-tenth of your income to +charity. Now, how much would that be?" + +"Five cents a week," replied Marjorie. + +"Well, will you do it? Every week give a nickel, or a nickel's worth of +peanuts or lemonade or something to some poor little kiddie who doesn't +have much fun in life? And you needn't do it every week, if it isn't +convenient, but lay aside the nickel each week, and then give a larger +sum, as it accumulates." + +"Sure we will, Cousin Jack," said King, and Midget said, "Yes, indeed! +I'll be glad to. We can most always catch a poor child, somewhere." + +"Well, if not, just save it up till you do. You'll find plenty of +opportunities in the winter, in Rockwell, I'm sure." + +"Yes, sir-ee!" said Midget, remembering the poor family whose house +burned down not long ago. "And I'm glad you advised us about this, +Cousin Jack. I'm going to ask the Craig boys and Hester to do it, too." + +"Better be careful, Mehitabel. I can advise you, because we're good +chums, and I'm a little older than you, though I don't look it! But I'm +not sure you ought to take the responsibility of advising your young +friends. You might suggest it to them,--merely suggest it, you know, and +if their agree and their parents agree, why, then, all right. And now +home to our own luncheon. I declare it made me hungry to see those +children eat!" + +Promptly at three o'clock that afternoon the Sand Club gathered for the +Sand-Pail Picnic. By making two trips the Maynards' big motor carried +them all to the picnic grove, about a mile distant. + +Here Cousin Jack provided all sorts of sports for them. At a target, +they shot with bows and arrows, and the boys were allowed a little +rifle-shooting. + +There was that funny game of picking up potatoes with teaspoons, +followed by a rollicking romp at Blindman's Buff. Then Cousin Jack +marshalled his young friends into line, and they all sang "Star-Spangled +Banner," and "Columbia," and "America," and cheered, and fired off mild +explosives, and had a real Fourth of July celebration. Then the feast +was brought on. + +The children sat cross-legged on the grass, and each one was given a tin +sand-pail. + +But instead of sand, the pail was found to contain sandwiches and crisp +little cakes known as sand-tarts. + +After these there were served dainty little paper pails, from a +caterer's, filled with ice cream. + +"What a lovely sand picnic!" exclaimed Marjorie, as she sat on the sand, +blissfully disposing of her ice cream. "I'm going to call Cousin Jack, +The Sandman!" + +"Ho! a Sandman puts you to sleep!" cried Tom Craig; "let's get a better +name than that for Mr. Bryant." + +"Call him Sandy Claus," piped up Dick, and they all laughed. + +"A little out of season, but it's all right, my boy," said Cousin Jack. +"Call me anything you like, as long as you call me early and often. Now, +shall we be trotting home again, to continue our revels?" + +With a sigh of utter content, Marjorie climbed into the motor, and they +went spinning home to dress for the "Reception." + +At the reception more guests were invited, and Bryant Bower quite +justified its pretty name. + +Japanese lanterns dotted the grounds, and hung among the vines of the +veranda. Flags and bunting were everywhere, and a small platform, draped +with red, white, and blue, had been erected for the receiving party. + +This consisted of King, Midget, and Rosy Posy in patriotic costume. + +King, as Uncle Sam, presented a funny figure with his white beaver hat, +his long-tailed blue coat, and red and white striped trousers. Midget +wore a becoming "Miss Columbia" costume, with a liberty cap and liberty +pole and flag. Rosamond was a chubby little Goddess of Liberty, but she +preferred to run around everywhere, rather than stand still and receive. + +King and Midget did the honors gracefully, and after all the guests had +assembled, they took seats on the lawn to watch the fireworks. + +These were of a fine quality, and as the flowerpots and bombs burst into +stars in the sky both children and grown-ups joined in loud applause. + +There was patriotic music, and more ice cream, and when, at last, it was +all over, the Sand Club went together to thank Cousin Jack for the +entertainment. + +"Glad you liked it," he said, heartily; "and now, scamper home and to +bed, all of you, so your parents won't say I made you lose your beauty +sleep." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +A REVELATION + + +Marjorie was practising. + +It was a lovely afternoon, and she wanted to go out and play, but her +hour's practising must be done first. She was conscientious about it, +and tried very hard to hold her hands just right, as she counted, +one--two--three--four; one--two--three--four. + +Mrs. Corey, Hester's mother, was calling on Mrs. Maynard, and the two +ladies sat on the veranda, just outside the window near which the piano +stood. + +Marjorie did not listen to their conversation, for it was of no interest +to her, and, too, she was devoting all her attention to her exercises. +Usually, she didn't mind practising, but to-day the Sand Club was +waiting for her, and her practice hour seemed interminable. + +"One--two--three--four," she counted to herself, when something Mrs. +Corey said arrested her attention. + +"Your oldest daughter?" Marjorie heard her exclaim; "you amaze me!" + +Midget had no thought of eavesdropping, and as the piano was near the +open window, surely they could hear her practising, and so knew she was +there. + +But Mrs. Maynard answered, in a low, serious voice, "Yes, my oldest +girl. She is not our child. She is a foundling. We adopted her when an +infant." + +"Really?" said Mrs. Corey, much interested. "How did that happen?" + +"Well," said Mrs. Maynard, "my husband desired it, and I consented. She +has grown up a good girl, but of course I can't feel toward her as I +feel toward my own children." + +"No, of course not," agreed Mrs. Corey. "The others are all your own?" + +"Yes, they are my own." + +"She doesn't know this, does she?" + +"Oh, no, we have never let her suspect it. She thinks I am her mother, +and she thinks I love her as I do my own children. But it is hard for me +to pretend affection for her, when I remember her humble origin." + +"Your husband? Does he care for her?" + +"He feels much as I do. You see, she is not of as fine a nature as our +own children. Of course he can't help seeing that. But we both do our +best for the girl." + +"Good for you, Mrs. Maynard; that's fine!" + +"Do you really think so, Mrs. Corey? I'm afraid that----" + +But Marjorie heard no more. She had stopped her practising at the first +words of these awful disclosures. + +Not her mother's own child! She, Marjorie Maynard! It couldn't be +possible! But as the conversation went on, perfectly audible, though not +in loud tones, she could no longer doubt the truth of what her mother +was saying. + +Dreadful it might be,--unbelievable it might be,--but true it must be. + +"One--two--three--four," mechanically she tried to strike the keys, but +her fingers refused to move. + +She left the piano, and went slowly up to her own room. + +Her pretty room that her mother,--no, that Mrs. Maynard,--had fixed up +for her with flowering chintz hangings and frilly white curtains. + +_Not_ her mother! Who, then, was or had been her mother? + +And then Marjorie's calm gave way. She threw herself on her little white +bed, and burying her face in the pillow she sobbed convulsively. Her +thoughts flew to her father,--but no, he wasn't her father! King wasn't +her brother,--nor Kitty her sister! Nor Rosy Posy----? + +It was all too dreadful. At every fresh thought about it, it grew worse. +Dear old King, she had never realized before how much she loved him. And +Kitty! And Father and Mother! She _would_ call them that, even though +they were no relation to her. + +For a long time Marjorie cried,--great, deep, heart-racking sobs that +wore her out. + +At last she settled down into a calm of despair. + +"I am going away," she said, to herself. "I won't stay here where they +have to _pretend_ they love me! Oh, Mother, _Mother_!" + +But no one heard the little girl's grief. Mrs. Maynard still sat on the +veranda, talking to Mrs. Corey; King was down at Sand Court; and the +nurse had taken Rosamond out for a walk. + +"I _must_ go away," poor Marjorie went on; "I _can't_ stay here, I +should _suffocate_!" + +She sat up on the edge of her bed, and clasped her hands in utter +desolation. Where could she go? Not to Cousin Ethel's, she'd only bring +her back home. _Home!_ She hadn't any home,--no _real_ home! She thought +of Grandma Sherwood's, but she wasn't her grandma at all! Then she +thought of Grandma Maynard. That was a curious thought, for though +Grandma Maynard wasn't her own grandmother, either, yet, a few months +ago, she had begged Marjorie to live with her and be her little girl. +Surely she must have _known_ that Midget wasn't really her +granddaughter, and yet she had really loved her enough to want her to +live there. + +Then Grandma Maynard wouldn't have to _pretend_ to love her. + +Clearly, that was the only thing to do. She couldn't run away, with no +destination in view. + +She had no claim on Grandma Sherwood or Uncle Steve, but Grandma Maynard +_had_ wanted her,--really _wanted_ her. + +Marjorie looked at the little clock on her dressing table. It was almost +three o'clock. She knew there was a train to New York about three, and +she resolved to go on it. + +At first she thought of taking some things in a bag, but she decided not +to, as she didn't want any of the things the Maynards had given her. + +"Oh," she thought, while the tears came afresh; "my name isn't even +Maynard! I don't know _what_ it is!" + +She put on a blue linen dress, and a blue hat with roses on it. Some +instinct of sadness made her tie her hair with black ribbon. + +As she went downstairs, she heard Mrs. Corey say, "I am astounded at +these revelations!" and her mother replied, "Dear friend, I knew you +would be." + +Marjorie wasn't crying then, she felt as if she had no tears left. She +shut her teeth together hard, and went out by a side door. This way she +could reach the street unobserved, and she walked straight ahead to the +railroad station. She had a five-dollar gold piece that Uncle Steve had +sent her on Christmas, and that, with a little silver change, she +carried in her pocketbook. But she left behind her pearl ring and all +the little trinkets or valuables she possessed. + +She felt as if her heart had turned to stone. It wasn't so much anger at +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard as it was that awful sense of desolation,--as if +the world had come to an end. + +At one moment she would think she missed King the most; then with the +thought of her father, a rush of tears would come; and then her poor +little tortured heart would cry out, "Oh, Mother, _Mother_!" + +She knew perfectly well the way to New York, and though the station +agent looked at her sharply when she bought a ticket, he said nothing. +For Marjorie was a self-possessed little girl, of good manners and quiet +air when she chose to be. With her ticket in her hand, she sat down to +wait for the train. There were few people in the station at that hour, +and no one who knew her. + +When the train came puffing in, she went out and took it, in a +matter-of-fact way, as if quite accustomed to travelling alone. + +Really, she felt very much frightened. She had never been on a train +alone before, and the noise of the cars and the bustle of the people, +and the shouting of the trainmen made her nervous. + +And then, with a fresh flood of woe, the remembrance of _why_ she was +going would come over her, and obliterate all other considerations. + +For perhaps half an hour she kept the tears back bravely enough; but as +she rode on, and realized more and more deeply what it all meant, she +could control herself no longer, and burst into a paroxysm of weeping. + +She was sitting next the window, and, as there were few passengers, no +one was in the seat with her. + +But when she raised her head, exhausted by her outburst of tears, a +burly red-faced man sat beside her. + +"Come, come, little one, what's it all about?" he said. + +His tone was kind, but his personality was not pleasant, and Marjorie +felt no inclination to confide in him. + +"Nothing, sir," she said, drawing as far away from him as possible. + +"Now, now, little miss, you can't cry like that, and then say there's +nothing the matter." + +Marjorie wanted to rebuke his intrusion, but she didn't know exactly +what to say, so she turned toward the window and resolutely kept looking +out. + +The trees and fields flying by were not very comforting. Every mile took +her farther away from her dear ones, for they _were_ dear, whether +related to her or not. + +She pressed her flushed cheeks against the cool window pane. She was too +exhausted to cry any more. She seemed to have only enough strength to +say, brokenly, "Oh, Mother, _Mother_!" and then from sheer weariness of +flesh she fell into a troubled sleep. + +Meantime Marjorie was missed at home. The Sand Club grew tired of +waiting for her, and King went up to the house to investigate the delay. + +He trudged, whistling, up the driveway, and seeing Mrs. Corey, he +whipped off his cap, and greeted her politely. + +"Where's Midget, Mother?" he asked. + +"I don't know, son; isn't she with you?" + +"No'm, and I'm tired waiting for her." + +"Is Hester there?" asked Mrs. Corey. + +"Yes, Mrs. Corey, Hester's been with us an hour, and we're waiting for +Mopsy. She said she'd come as soon as she finished her practising." + +"She stopped practising some time ago," said Mrs. Corey. "I haven't +heard the piano for half an hour or more." + +"I'll bet she's tucked away somewhere, reading!" exclaimed King; "I'll +hunt her out!" + +"Perhaps she's gone over to Cousin Ethel's," suggested Mrs. Maynard. + +"I'll hunt her up," repeated King, and he went into the house. + +"Marjorie Mops! I say! Come out of that!" he cried, banging at the +closed door of her bedroom. + +Getting no reply, he opened the door and looked in, but she wasn't +there. + +"You old scallywag Mops!" he cried, shaking his fist at her empty room, +"I never knew you to go back on your word before! And you said you'd +come to Sand Court as soon as you could!" + +He looked in the veranda hammock, and in the library, and any place +where he thought Midget might be, absorbed in a book; he inquired of the +servants; and at last he went back to his mother. + +"I can't find Mopsy," he said. + +"Then she _must_ be over at Cousin Ethel's. She does love to go over +there." + +"Well, she oughtn't to go when she's promised to come out with us. I +never knew old Midge to break a promise before." + +"Perhaps Cousin Ethel telephoned for her," suggested Mrs. Maynard. +"Though in that case, she should have told me she was going. Run over +there and see, son." + +"I'll telephone over, that'll be quicker," said King, and ran back into +the house. + +"Nope," he said, returning; "she isn't there, and hasn't been there +to-day. Mother, don't you think it's queer?" + +"Why, yes, King, it is a little queer. But she can't be far away. +Perhaps she walked down to the train to meet Father." + +"Oh, Mother, that would be a crazy thing to do, when she knew we were +waiting for her." + +"Well, maybe she went walking with Rosamond and Nurse Nannie. She's +certainly somewhere around. Run away now, King. Mrs. Corey and I are +busy." + +King walked slowly away. + +"It's pretty queer," he said to Hester and the Craig boys; "Mops is +nowhere to be found." + +"Well, don't look so scared," said Tom; "she can't be kidnapped. If it +was your baby sister, that would be different. But Midget has just gone +off on some wild-goose chase,--or she is hiding to tease us." + +"Perhaps she wrote to Kitty," suggested Hester, "and went down to the +post-office to mail it." + +"Not likely," said King. "She knows the postman collects at six o'clock. +Well, I s'pose she _is_ hiding somewhere, reading a book. Won't I give +it to her when I catch her! For she _said_ she'd come out here, right +after her practice hour." + +A dullness seemed to fall on the Sand Club members present. Not only was +Marjorie their ringleader and moving spirit, but somehow King's +uneasiness impressed all of them, and soon Dick Craig said, "I'm going +home." + +King raised no objection, and, after sitting listlessly around for a few +moments, the others all went home. + +But Tom turned back. + +"I say," he began, "you know Mopsy is somewhere, all right." + +"Of course she's somewhere, Tom, but she never did anything like this +before, and I can't understand it. The only thing I can think of is, +that she's gone down on the pier. But she never goes there alone." + +"Well, there's lots of things she might be doing. Come on, let's go down +on the pier and take a look." + +The two boys walked out to the end of the pier and back again, but saw +no sign of Marjorie. + +On their way home, Tom turned in at his own house. + +"Good-by, old chap," he said; "don't look so worried. Midget will be +sitting up laughing at you when you get home." + +King said good-by, and went on. He felt a strange depression of heart, +as if something must have happened to Midget. He knew his mother felt no +alarm, and perhaps it was foolish, but the fact remained that Midge had +never acted like that before. Mr. Maynard came home at six o'clock, and +Marjorie had not yet made an appearance. + +He looked very much alarmed, and at sight of his anxiety, Mrs. Maynard +grew worried. + +"Why, Ed," she exclaimed, "you don't think there's anything wrong, do +you?" + +"I hope not, Helen, but it's so unusual. I can only think of the ocean. +Does she ever go down and sit on the beach alone?" + +"No," said King, positively; "she never does anything like that, alone. +We're always together." + +"And you hadn't had any quarrel, or anything?" + +"Oh, no, Father; nothing of the sort. She went to practise right after +luncheon, and said she'd be out in an hour." + +"I heard her practising, while Mrs. Corey was here," said Mrs. Maynard, +reminiscently; "but I don't remember just when she stopped." + +"Well," said Mr. Maynard, "it's extraordinary, but I can't think +anything's wrong with the child. You know she always has been +mischievous, and I think she's playing some game on us. We may as well +go to dinner." + +But nobody could eat dinner. The sight of Midget's empty chair began to +seem tragic, and King choked and left the table. + +Mrs. Maynard burst into tears, and rose also. Her husband followed her. + +"Don't worry, Helen," he urged; "she's sure to be safe and sound +somewhere." + +"Oh, I don't know, Ed! Such a thing as this never happened before! Oh, +find her, Ed, _do_ find her!" + +King had run over to the Bryants' and now returned, accompanied by those +two very much alarmed people. + +"We must _do_ something!" exclaimed Cousin Jack. "Of course something +has happened to the child! She isn't one to cut up any such game on +purpose. Have you looked in her room?" + +"What for?" asked Mrs. Maynard, helplessly. + +"Why, to see if you can discover anything unusual. I'm going up!" + +Mr. Bryant flew upstairs two steps at a time, and they all followed. But +nothing unusual was to be seen. The pretty room was in order, and no +clothing of any sort was lying about. + +Mrs. Maynard looked in the cupboard. + +"Why, her blue linen is gone!" she said, "and here's the white pique she +had on at luncheon. And her blue hat is gone; she must have dressed up +to go out somewhere to call, and unexpectedly stayed to dinner." + +"Does she ever do that?" demanded Cousin Jack. + +"She never has before," answered Mrs. Maynard, falling weakly back on +Marjorie's bed. "Why, this pillow is all wet!" + +They looked at each other in consternation. They saw, too, the deep +imprint of a head in the dented pillow. Surely, this meant tragedy of +some sort, for if the child had sobbed so hard, she must have been in +deep trouble. + +"We must find her!" said Cousin Jack, starting for the stairs. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE SEARCH + + +It was fortunate that the Bryants were there to take the initiative, for +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard seemed incapable of action. Usually alert and +energetic, they were so stunned at the thought of real disaster to +Marjorie that they sat around helplessly inactive. + +"Come with me, King," said Cousin Jack, going to the telephone in the +library. + +Then he called up every house in Seacote where Marjorie could possibly +have gone, and King helped by suggesting the names of acquaintances. + +But no one could give any news of the little girl; no one whom they +asked had seen or heard of her that afternoon. + +Cousin Jack's face grew very white, and his features were drawn, as he +said: "You stay here, Ed, with Helen and Ethel; King and I will go out +for a bit. Come, King." + +Kingdon said nothing; he snatched up his cap and went along silently by +Mr. Bryant's side, trying to keep up with his companion's long, swift +strides. + +To the beach they went; it was not yet quite dark, but of course they +saw no sign of Marjorie. + +"Are you thinking she might have been washed away by the waves?" asked +King, in a quivering voice. + +"That's all I _can_ think of," replied Mr. Bryant, grimly. + +"But it isn't likely, Cousin Jack. Mopsy is really a heavyweight, you +know. And there's not a very big surf on now." + +"That's so, King. But where _can_ she be?" Then they went and talked +with the fishermen, and then on to the Life-saving Station. + +The big, good-hearted men all knew Marjorie, and all declared she had +not been on the beach that afternoon,--at least, not within their +particular locality. + +Discouraged, Cousin Jack and King turned down toward the pier. Their +inquiries were fruitless; though many people knew Midget, by sight, none +had seen her. There was nothing to do but go back home. + +"Have you found her?" cried Cousin Ethel, as they entered the house. + +"No; but the beach people haven't seen her, so I'm sure there's no +accident of that sort." Cousin Jack wouldn't make use of the word +drowning, but they all knew what he meant. + +Mrs. Maynard sat staring, in a sort of dull apathy. She couldn't realize +that Marjorie was lost, she couldn't believe an accident had befallen +her, yet, where was she? + +"Let's search the house," she said, jumping up suddenly. "I _must_ do +_something_. Couldn't she have gone somewhere to read quietly, and +fallen asleep?" + +This was a possibility, and the house was searched from top to bottom by +eager hunters. But no Marjorie was found. + +As it neared midnight, the ladies were persuaded to go to bed. + +"You can do nothing, dear, by remaining up," said Mr. Maynard to his +wife. "The Bryants will stay with us to-night, so you and Ethel go to +your rooms, and King, too. Jack and I will stay here in the library for +a while." + +King demurred at being sent away, but his father explained that if he +wanted to help, all he could do was to obey orders. So King went +upstairs, but not to his own room. About an hour later he came down +again, to find his father and Mr. Bryant still sitting in the library +waiting for morning. + +"Father," said King, his eyes shining bright beneath his tousled hair, +"I've been rummaging in Midget's room. I thought I might find out +something to help us. And she's taken her pocketbook, and the gold +piece Uncle Steve gave her last Christmas. I know, because I know where +she always kept it,--and it's gone." + +"Well, King," said his father, thoughtfully, "what do you make out from +that?" + +"Only that she has gone somewhere especial. I mean somewhere to spend +that money,--not just for a walk on the beach, or down to the pier." + +"That's encouraging," said Cousin Jack, "for if she went away on some +special errand, she's more likely to be safe and sound, somewhere. Did +you notice anything else missing, King?" + +"Not a thing. And you know how wet her pillow was. Well, I think she +heard about some poor person or poor family, and she cried about them, +and then she took her gold piece and went to help them." + +"That's ingenious, King," said Mr. Maynard, "and it may be true. I hope +so, I'm sure. But why should she stay away so long and not let us know?" + +"Well, you see, the poor family may live at some distance, and not have +any telephone, and they may be ill, or something, and she may be there +yet, helping. You know Mopsy is awful kind-hearted. Remember the +Simpsons' fire? She forgot everything else in caring for them." + +"That's so, my son; at any rate, it's the most comforting theory we've +had yet, and I'll go and tell your mother about it. It will help her, I +know." + +Mr. Maynard went away, and King remained downstairs. + +"I'm not going to bed, Cousin Jack," he said; "I'm old enough now to +stay up with you men, in trouble like this." + +"All right, King. You're showing manly traits, my boy, and I'm proud of +you. Now, old chap, between you and me, I don't subscribe to your +poor-family theory. It's possible, of course, but it doesn't seem +probable to me." + +"Well, then, Cousin Jack, what can we do next?" + +"We can't do anything till morning; then I think we must see the +police." + +"Oh, that seems so awful!" + +"I know, but if it's the means of finding Marjorie?" + +"Then, of course, we'll do it! How early can we see them?" + +"We can telephone as early as we like, I suppose. But I've little +confidence in the powers of the police down here. They're all right to +patrol the beach, but they're not like city policemen." + +At last the night wore away, and daybreak came. + +They telephoned the police, and in a few minutes two of them arrived at +the Maynard house for consultation. + +"I know the child well," said one of them, "I often see her about,--a +well-behaved little lady, but full o' fun, too. D'ye think she might +have been kidnapped, now?" + +"It might be," said Mr. Bryant, "though she's pretty big for that. And, +too, she took extra money with her." + +"Then she may have been goin' somewhere by rail." + +"That's so! I never thought of that!" and Cousin Jack almost smiled. + +"But where would she go?" said Mr. Maynard, hopelessly. "She never +travelled alone, and though impulsively mischievous, sometimes, she +wouldn't deliberately run away." + +The policemen went away to begin their quest, and the Maynards and their +guests went to breakfast. + +No one felt like eating, yet each urged the others to do so. + +"Where's Middy?" inquired baby Rosamond, at table. "Middy gone 'way?" + +"Yes, dear," said Cousin Jack, for no one else could speak. "Middy's +gone away for a little while." + +"I know," said the child, contentedly, "Middy gone to Gramma's to see +Kitty!" + +"Why, perhaps she did!" exclaimed Mr. Maynard. + +But Mrs. Maynard had no such hope. It was too unlike Marjorie to do such +a thing. + +"Well, let's find out," urged King. "Let's get Uncle Steve on the +long-distance wire." + +"Don't alarm Grandma," said Mrs. Maynard. "There's no use stirring her +up, until we know ourselves what has happened." + +"Leave it to me," said Cousin Jack. "I'll find out." + +After some delay, he succeeded in getting Uncle Steve on the telephone. +Then he asked for Kitty. + +"Hello, Susannah!" he cried, assuming a merry voice, in his kind desire +not to alarm her. "This is your Cousin Jack!" + +"Oh, hello, Cousin Jack!" exclaimed Kitty, in delight. "How nice of you +to call me up! How is everybody?" + +"We're well, thank you! How are you all?" + +"Oh, we're all right." + +"Are you lonesome, away from your family?" + +"No, not lonesome, though I'd like to see them. Tell Midget there are +two hundred incubator chicks now." + +"Well, that _is_ a lot! Now, good-by, Kitsie; I can't run up too big a +telephone bill for your father. We all send love. Be a good girl. +Good-by." + +Cousin Jack hung up the receiver and buried his face in his hands. It +had been a great strain on his nerves to appear gay and carefree to +Kitty, and the implied assurance that Marjorie was _not_ there nearly +made him give way. + +"She isn't there," he said, dully, as he repeated to the family what +Kitty had said. And then the telephone rang, and it was the police +department. + +Mr. Maynard took the receiver. + +"We've traced her," came the news, and the father's face grew white with +suspense. "She bought a ticket to New York, and went there on the +three-o'clock train yesterday afternoon. Nothing further is known, as +yet, but as soon as we can get in touch with the conductor of that +train, we will." + +"New York! Impossible!" cried Cousin Ethel, when she heard the message, +and Mrs. Maynard fainted away. + +Marjorie! on a train, going to New York alone! + +"Come on, King," said Cousin Jack, abruptly, and leaving the others to +care for Mrs. Maynard, these two strode off again. Straight to the +railroad station they went to interview the agent themselves. + +He corroborated the story. He did not know Marjorie's name, but he +described the child so exactly that there was no room for doubt of her +identity. + +But he could tell them no more. She had bought her ticket and taken the +train in a quiet, matter-of-fact way, as any passenger would do. + +"Did she look as if she had been crying?" asked King, almost crying +himself. + +"Why, yes, now you speak of it, her face _did_ look so. Her eyes was +red, and she looked sorter sad. But she didn't say nothin', 'cept to ask +for a ticket to New York." + +"Return ticket?" put in Mr. Bryant. + +"No, sir; a single ticket. Just one way." + +The conductor couldn't be seen until afternoon, as his run was a long +one, and his home far away. + +"I can't understand it," said King, as they walked homeward; "and I +can't believe it. If Midget went to New York alone, she had lost her +mind,--that's all." + +But when they reached home, they found the Maynards quite hopeful. It +had occurred to them that, by some strange freak, Marjorie had decided +to visit Grandma Maynard, and had started off there alone. + +"I'm trying to get them on the long-distance," Mr. Maynard announced, +quite cheerily, as they entered. + +"Let me take it," said Cousin Jack. "If she _isn't_ there, we don't want +to alarm them, either." + +"That's so!" said Mr. Maynard. "All right, Jack, take it. Bless you, old +fellow, for your help." + +But when connection had been made, and Cousin Jack found himself in +communication with Grandma Maynard, he didn't know what to say. He +caught at the first pretext he could think of, and said: + +"How do you do, Mrs. Maynard? You don't know me, but I'm Jack Bryant, a +guest at Ed Maynard's house in Seacote. Now, won't you tell me when +Marjorie's birthday comes?" + +"Ah, I've heard of you, Mr. Bryant," said Grandma Maynard, pleasantly. +"I suppose you want to surprise the child with a present or a party. +Well, her birthday is next week,--the fifteenth of July." + +"Oh, thank you. She is getting a big girl, isn't she? When,--when did +you see her last?" + +Cousin Jack's voice faltered, but the unsuspecting lady, listening, +didn't notice it. + +"About two months ago. They were here in May. I love Marjorie, and I +wish I could see her again, but there's little hope of it. She wrote to +me last week that they would be in Seacote all summer." + +"Yes, that is their plan," said Cousin Jack. + +He could say no more, and dropped the receiver without even a good-by. + +But though Grandma Maynard might think him rude or uncourteous, she +could not feel frightened or alarmed for Marjorie's safety, because of +anything he had said. + +"She isn't there," he said, quietly; "but I still think she started for +there, and now we have a direction in which to look." + +But what a direction! Marjorie, alone, going to New York, endeavoring to +find Grandma Maynard's house, and not getting there! Where had she been +all night? Where was she now? + +There were no answers to these questions. And now Mr. Maynard took the +helm. He cast off the apathy that had seemed to paralyze him, and, +rising, he began to talk quickly. + +"Helen," he said, "try to rouse yourself, darling. Keep up a good hope, +and be brave, as you have always been. King, I am going out to find +Marjorie. You cannot go with me, for I want to leave your mother in your +care. You have proved yourself manly in your search for your sister, +continue to do so in caring for your mother. Ethel, I'd be glad if you +would stay here with Helen, and, Jack,--will you come with me?" + +"Of course," replied Mr. Bryant. + +"And, King," his father went on, "keep within sound of the telephone. I +may call you at any moment. Get your sleep, my boy,--if I should be gone +over night,--but sleep here on the library couch, and then the bell will +waken you." + +"Yes, Father, I'll look after Mother, and I'll be right here if you call +me. Where are you going?" + +"I don't know, my son. I only know I must hunt for Marjorie with such +help and such advice as I can procure. Come on, Jack." + +After affectionate farewells, the two men went away. + +"First for that conductor," said Mr. Maynard. "I cannot wait till +afternoon; I shall try to reach him by telephone or go to his home." + +At length he learned that the conductor lived in Asbury Park. He was off +duty at that hour, and Mr. Maynard tried to get him by telephone, but +the line was out of order. + +"To his house we go, then," and the two men boarded the first possible +train. + +At Asbury Park they found his house, but the conductor's wife, Mrs. +Fischer, said her husband was asleep and she never disturbed him at +that hour of the day, as he had a long run before him, and needed his +rest. + +But after a few words of explanation of their quest, the good lady +became sympathetic and helpful. + +"Of course I'll call him," she cried; "oh, the poor mother! my heart +aches for her!" + +Mr. Fischer came downstairs, rubbing his eyes. It was about noon, and he +was accustomed to sleep soundly until two o'clock. + +"Why, yes," he said, in answer to their queries. "I remember that girl. +I didn't think much about her,--for a good many children travel alone +between stations on the shore road. But, somehow, I don't think that +child went to New York,--no, I don't think she did." + +"Where did she get off?" asked Mr. Maynard, eagerly. + +"Ah, that I don't know. You see, the summer crowds are travelling now +and I don't notice individuals much." + +"Can't you tell by your tickets?" asked Mr. Bryant. + +"No, sir; I don't see's I can. You know, lots of people _did_ go to New +York on my train, and so, I've lots of New York tickets, but of course I +couldn't tell if I had hers. And yet,--seems to me,--just seems to +me,--that child got off at a way station." + +"Then," said Mr. Maynard, with a businesslike air, "I must telephone or +telegraph or go personally to every way station between Seacote and New +York. It's a strange case. I can only think my daughter became suddenly +demented; I can think of no other reason for her conduct. Can you, +Jack?" + +"No, Ed, I can't. And yet, Marjorie is a child who always does +unexpected things. Some crotchet or whimsey of her childish mind _might_ +account for this strange freak, quite naturally." + +"I can't see how. But we will do what we can. Good-day, Mr. Fischer, and +thank you for your help and interest." + + + + +CHAPTER X + +JESSICA BROWN + + +Meantime, where was Marjorie? + +To go back to where we left her, in the railroad train, she had fallen +asleep from utter exhaustion of nerve and body. + +But her nap was of short duration. She woke with a start, and found, to +her surprise, that she was leaning her head against somebody's shoulder. + +She looked up, to see the red-faced man gravely regarding her, though he +smiled as their eyes met. + +"Feel better, little miss?" he said, and again Marjorie felt a strange +repulsion, though he spoke kindly enough. + +Her mind was bewildered, she was nervous and frightened, yet she had a +positive conviction that she ought not to talk to this strange man. She +did not like his face, even if his voice was kind. + +"Yes, thank you," she said, in distantly polite tones, and again she +squeezed herself over toward the window, and away from her seatmate. She +sat up very straight, trying to act as grown-up as possible, and then +the train stopped at a large station. There were crowds of people +hurrying and scurrying about on the platform, and Marjorie was almost +sure she had reached Jersey City, where she knew she must change for New +York. + +She wanted to inquire, but the conductor was not in sight, and she +didn't like to ask the man beside her. + +So she rose, as if to leave the car. + +The red-faced man rose also, and stepped back as she passed him. In a +moment she found herself on the platform, and the train soon went on. +Everything about the station looked unfamiliar, and glancing up, she saw +by a large sign that she was at Newark! She had never before been in +Newark, though she knew in a general way where it was. She went +uncertainly into the station, and looked at the clock. It was after +five. Marjorie knew she could take another train, and proceed to Jersey +City, and so to New York, but her courage had failed her, and she +couldn't bear the thought of travelling any further. + +And yet, how could she stay where she was? Also, she began to feel very +hungry. The exhaustion caused by her emotional grief, and her wearisome +journey, made her feel hollow and faint. + +She sank down on a seat in the waiting-room, sadly conscious of her +lonely and desolate situation. + +She tried to summon anew her natural pluck and independence. + +"Marjorie Maynard!" she said, to herself, and then stopped,--overwhelmed +by the thought that she had no right even to that name! + +Presently a voice beside her said: "Now, little miss, won't you let me +help you?" + +She turned sharply, and looked the red-faced man in the eyes. + +He didn't look very refined, he didn't even look good, but the sound of +a friendly voice was like a straw held out to a drowning man. + +"How can you help me?" she said, miserably. + +"Well, fust off, where've ye set out fur?" + +The man was uncultured, but there was a note of sincerity in his speech +that impressed Marjorie, now that she was so friendless and alone. + +"New York," she replied. + +"Why'd ye get out at Newark?" + +"I made a mistake," she confessed. + +"An' what be ye goin' to do now?" + +"I don't know." + +"Ah, jest what I thought! An' then ye ask, how kin I help ye?" + +"Well, how can you?" + +Under the spur of his strong voice, Marjorie's spirits had revived the +least bit, and she spoke bravely to him. + +"Now, that's more peart-like. Wal, in the fust place I kin take ye home +with me, an' my old woman'll keep ye fer the night, an' I guess that's +what ye need most." + +"Where do you live?" + +"'Bout five miles out in the country." + +"How do you get there?" + +"Wal, I ain't got none o' them autymobiles, nor yet no airship; but I've +got a old nag that can do the piece in an hour or so." + +"Why do you want to take me home with you?" asked Marjorie, for she +couldn't help a feeling that there was something wrong. + +"Why, bless your heart, child, bekase you're alone and forlorn and +hungry and all done out. An' it's my privit opinion as how ye've run +away from home." + +"No, not that," said Midget, sadly; "I haven't any home." + +"Ye don't say so! Wal, wal, never mind fer to-night. You go 'long with +me, an' Zeb Geary, he'll look after ye fer a spell, anyhow." + +There was no mistaking the kindness now, and Marjorie looked up into the +man's red face with trust and gratitude. + +"I'd be glad to go with you and stay till to-morrow," she said; "but +first I want to own up that I didn't 'zactly trust you,--but now I do." + +"Wal, wal, thet shows a nice sperrit! Now, you come along o' me, an' +don't try to talk nor nothin'. Jest come along." + +He took Midget's hand, and they went down the steps, and along the +street for a block or two, to a sort of livery stable. + +"Set here a minute," said Mr. Geary, and he left Marjorie on a bench, +which stood outside, against the building. + +After a time he returned, with an ancient-looking vehicle, known as a +Rockaway, and a patient, long-suffering horse. + +"Git in back," he said, and Marjorie climbed in, too tired and sad to +care much whither she might be taken. + +They jogged along at a fair pace, but Mr. Geary, on the front seat, +offered no conversation, merely looking back occasionally, as if to +assure himself that his guest was still with him. + +After a mile or two, Marjorie began to think more coherently. + +She wondered what she would have done if she hadn't chanced to fall in +with this kind, if rough, friend. + +She wondered whether she could ever have reached Grandma Maynard's house +in safety, for the crowds and confusion were much worse than she had +anticipated, and in New York they would be worse still. + +At any rate, she would gladly accept shelter and hospitality for the +night, and continue her journey next day, during the earlier hours. + +It was well after six o'clock when the jogging old horse turned into a +lane, and finally stopped at a somewhat tumble-down porch. An old woman +appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. + +"Wal, Zeb," she called out, "did ye get back?" + +"Yes, Sary, an' I brought ye a visitor for the night." + +"A what! Wal, I do declar'!" and Mrs. Geary stepped down and peered into +the back seat of the Rockaway. "Who in creation is that?" + +"I don't know," returned her husband. + +"Ye don't know! I swan, Zeb Geary, you must be plumb crazy! Whar'd ye +get her?" + +"Thar, thar, now, Sary, don't be askin' questions, but take the pore +lamb in, an' cuddle her up some. She's plumb beat out!" + +"Come on, dearie," said the old wife, who had caught sight of Marjorie's +winsome face and sad eyes. "Come along o' me,--I'll take keer o' ye." + +Marjorie let herself be helped from the rickety old vehicle, and went +with her hostess, in at the kitchen door. + +It wasn't an attractive kitchen, such as Eliza's, at Grandma Sherwood's; +it was bare and comfortless-looking, though clean and in good order. + +"Now, now, little miss," said Mrs. Geary, hobbling about, "fust of all, +let's get some supper down ye. When did ye eat last?" + +"This noon," said Marjorie, and then, at the remembrance of the happy, +merry luncheon table at Seacote, she put her head down on her arms, and +sobbed as if she had never cried before. + +"Bless 'ee, bless 'ee, now, my lamb; don't go fer to take on so. There, +there, have a sup o' warm milk! Oh, my! my!" + +In deference to Mrs. Geary's solicitude, Marjorie tried hard to conquer +her sobs, and had finally succeeded, when Mr. Geary came in. + +"Don't bother her any to-night, Mother," he said, after a sharp glance +at Marjorie; "she's all on edge. Feed her up good, and tuck her into +bed." + +"Yes, yes; here, my lamb, here's a nice soft-boiled egg for your tea. +You'll like that, now?" + +"Thank you," said Marjorie, her great, dark eyes looking weird in the +dimly lighted kitchen. + +After a satisfying supper, Mrs. Geary took the child up to a low, +slant-ceiled room, that was as bare and clean as the kitchen. The old +woman bathed Marjorie's face and hands with unexpected gentleness, and +then helped her to undress. She brought a coarse, plain nightgown of her +own, but it was clean and soft, and felt comfortable to the tired child. + +Then she was tucked between coarse sheets, on a hard bed, but so weary +was she that it seemed comfortable. + +Mrs. Geary patted her arm and hummed softly an old hymn-tune, and poor +little Marjorie dropped asleep almost at once. + +"What do you make of it, Father?" asked the old woman, returning to the +kitchen. + +"She run away from her home fer some reason. Said she hadn't got no +home. Stepmother, I shouldn't wonder. We'll find out to-morrow, an' I'll +tote her back." + +"Mebbe there'll be a reward." + +"Mebbe so. But we'll do our best by her, reward or no. But if so be they +is one, I'll be mighty glad, fer I had pore luck sellin' that hay +to-day." + +"Wal, chirk up, Father; mebbe things'll grow brighter soon." + +"Mebbe they will, Sary,--mebbe they will." + +In her unaccustomed surroundings, Marjorie woke early. The sun was just +reddening the eastern horizon, and the birds were chirping in the +trees. + +She had that same sinking of the heart, that same feeling of desolation, +but she did not cry, for her nerves were rested, and her brain +refreshed, by her night's sleep. She lay in her poor, plain bed and +considered the situation. + +"It doesn't matter," she said, sternly, to herself, "how bad I feel +about it, it's true. I'm not a Maynard, and never was. I don't know who +I am, or what my name is. And I don't believe I'd better go to Grandma +Maynard's. Perhaps she doesn't know I'm not really her granddaughter, +and then she wouldn't want me, after all. For I'd have to tell her. So I +just believe I'll earn my own living and be self-supporting." + +This plan appealed to Marjorie's imagination. It seemed grand and noble +and heroic. Moreover, she was very much in earnest, and in this crisp, +early morning she felt braver and stronger than she had felt the night +before. + +"Yes," she thought on, "I ought to earn my living,--for I've no claim on +Fa--on Mr. Maynard. Perhaps these people here can find me some work to +do. At any rate, I'll ask them." + +She jumped up, and dressed herself, for she heard Mr. and Mrs. Geary +already in the kitchen. + +"My stars!" said her hostess, as she appeared; "how peart you look! +Slept good, didn't ye?" + +"Fine!" said Midget; "good-morning, both of you. Can't I help you?" + +Mrs. Geary was transferring baked apples from a pan to an old cracked +platter. Though unaccustomed to such work, Marjorie was quick and deft +at anything, and in a moment she had the apples nicely arranged and +placed on the table. She assisted in other ways, and chattered gayly as +she worked. + +Too gayly, Mrs. Geary thought, and she glanced knowingly at her husband, +for they both realized Marjorie's flow of good spirits was forced,--not +spontaneous. + +After breakfast was over, Midget said, "Now, I'll wash up the dishes, +Mrs. Geary, and you sit down and take a little rest." + +"Land sake, child! I ain't tired. An' you ain't used to this work, I see +you ain't." + +"That doesn't matter. I can do it, and I must do something to pay for my +board,--I have very little money." + +"Hear the child talk! Wal, you kin help me with the work, a little, an' +then we must come to an understandin'." + +Marjorie worked with a nervous haste that betrayed her inexperience as +well as her willingness, and after a time the plain little house was in +order. + +Mr. Geary came in from doing his out-of-door "chores," and Marjorie saw +the "understandin'" was about to be arrived at. But she was prepared; +she had made up her mind as to her course, and was determined to pursue +it. + +"Now, fust of all," said Mr. Geary, kindly, but with decision, "what is +your name?" + +"Jessica Brown," said Marjorie, promptly. + +She had already assured herself that as she had no real right to the +name she had always used, she was privileged to choose herself a new +one. Jessica had long been a favorite with her, and Brown seemed +non-committal. + +Mr. Geary looked at her sharply, but she said the name glibly, and +Jessica was what he called "highfalutin" enough to fit her evident +station in life, so he made no comment. + +"Where do you live?" he went on. + +"I have no home," said Marjorie, steadily; "I am a findling." + +"A what?" + +"A findling,--from the asylum." + +The term didn't sound _quite_ right to her,--but she couldn't think of +the exact word,--and having used it, concluded to stick to it. + +Zeb Geary was not highly educated, but this word, so soberly used, +struck his humorous sense, and he put his brawny hand over his mouth to +hide his smiles. + +"Yep," he said, after a moment, "I understand,--I do. And whar'd ye set +out fer?" + +"I started for New York, but I've decided not to go there." + +"Oh, ye hev, hev ye? An' jes' what do ye calkilate to do?" + +"Well, Mr. Geary," Marjorie looked troubled,--"and Mrs. Geary, I'd +_like_ to stay here for a while. I'll work for you, and you can pay me +by giving me food and lodging. I s'pose I wouldn't be worth very much at +first, but I'd learn fast,--you know,--I do everything fast,--Mother +always said so,--I,--I mean, the lady I used to live with, said so. And +I'd try very hard to please you both. If you'd let me stay a while, +perhaps you'd learn to like me. You see, I've _got_ to earn my own +living, and I haven't anywhere to go, and not a friend in the world but +you two." + +These astonishing words, from the pretty, earnest child, in the dainty +and fashionable dress of the best people, completely floored the old +country couple. + +"Well, I swan!" exclaimed Mr. Geary, while Mrs. Geary said, "My stars!" +twice, with great emphasis. + +"Please," Marjorie went on, "please give me a trial; for I've been +thinking it over, and I don't see what I can possibly do but 'work out.' +Isn't that what you call it? And if I learn some with you, I might work +out in New York, later on." + +"Bless your baby heart!" exclaimed Mrs. Geary, wiping her eyes which +were moist from conflicting emotions. "Stay here you shall, if you want +to,--though land knows we can't well afford the keep of another." + +"Oh, are you too poor to keep me?" cried Marjorie, dismayed. "I don't +want to be a burden to you. I thought I could help enough to pay for my +'keep.'" + +"So ye kin, dearie,--so ye kin," said old Zeb, heartily. "We'll fix it +some way, Mother, at least for the present. Now, Jessiky, don't ye +worrit a mite more. We'll take keer on ye, and the work ye'll do'll +more'n pay fer all ye'll eat." + +This was noble-hearted bluff on Zeb's part, for he was hard put to it to +get food for himself and his old wife. + +He was what is known as "shif'less." He worked spasmodically, and spent +hours dawdling about, accomplishing nothing, on his old neglected farm. + +But, somehow, a latent ambition and energy seemed to reawaken in his old +heart, and he determined to make renewed efforts to "get ahead" for this +pretty child's sake. And meantime, if she liked to think she was +helping, by such work as those dainty little hands could do, he was +willing to humor her. + +Beside all this, Zeb didn't believe her story. He still thought she had +run away from a well-to-do home; and he believed it was because of an +unloving stepmother. + +But he was not minded to worry the child further with questions at the +present time, and it was part of his nature calmly to await +developments. + +"Let it go at that, Mother," he advised. "Take Jessiky as your +maid-of-all-work, on trial,"--he smiled at his wife over Marjorie's +bowed head,--"an' ef she's a good little worker, we'll keep her fer the +present." + +"My stars!" said Mrs. Geary, and then sat in helpless contemplation of +these surprising events. + +"And I _will_ be a good worker!" declared Marjorie, "and perhaps, +sometime, we can sort of decorate the house, and make it sort of,--sort +of prettier." + +"We can't spend nothin'," declared Mr. Geary, "'cause we ain't got +nothin' to spend. So don't think we kin, little miss." + +"No," said Marjorie, smiling at him, "but I mean, decorate with wild +flowers, or even branches of trees, or pine cones or things like that." + +A lump came in Midget's throat, as she remembered how often she had +"decorated" with these things in honor of some gay festivity at home. + +Oh, what were they doing there, now? Had they missed her? Would they +look for her? They _never_ could find her tucked away here in the +country. + +And Kitty! What _would_ she say when she heard of it? And _all_ of them! +And Mother,--_Mother_! + +But all this heart outcry was silent. Her kind old friends heard no word +or murmur of complaint or dissatisfaction. If the forlorn old house were +distasteful to Marjorie, she didn't show it; if her room seemed to her +uninhabitable, nobody knew it from her. She ran out to the fields, and +returned with an armful of ox-eyed daisies, and bunches of clover; and, +with some grapevine trails, she made a real transformation of the dingy, +bare walls. + +"Well, I swan!" Mr. Geary said, when he saw it; and his wife exclaimed, +"My stars!" + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE REUNION + + +After leaving the conductor's house in Asbury Park, Mr. Maynard and Mr. +Bryant went to a telephone office, and pursued the plan of calling up +every railroad station along the road between Seacote and New York. + +But no good news was the result. It was difficult to get speech with the +station men, and none of them especially remembered seeing a little girl +of Marjorie's description get off the train. + +"What can we do next?" asked Mr. Maynard, dejectedly; "I can't go home +and sit down to wait for police investigation. I doubt if they could +ever find Marjorie. I _must_ do something." + +"It seems a formidable undertaking," said Mr. Bryant, "to go to each of +these way stations; and yet, Ed, I can't think of anything else to do. +We have traced her to the train, and on it. She must have left it +somewhere, and we must discover where." + +Mr. Maynard looked at his watch. + +"Jack," he said, "it is nearly time for that very train to stop here. +Let us get on that, and we may get some word of her from the trainmen +other than the conductor." + +"Good idea! and meanwhile we'll have just time to snatch a sandwich +somewhere; which we'd better do, as you've eaten nothing since +breakfast." + +"Neither have you, old chap; come on." + +After a hasty luncheon, the two men boarded at Asbury Park, the same +train which Marjorie had taken at Seacote the day before. Conductor +Fischer greeted them, and called his trainmen, one by one, to be +questioned. + +"Sure!" said one of them, at last, "I saw that child, or a girl dressed +as you describe, get off this train at Newark. She was a plump little +body, and pretty, but mighty woe-begone lookin'. She was in comp'ny with +a big, red-faced man, a common, farmer-lookin' old fellow. It struck me +queer at the time, them two should be mates." + +Mr. Maynard's heart sank. This looked like kidnapping. But the knowledge +of where Marjorie had alighted was help of some sort, at least. + +After discussing further details of her dress and appearance, Mr. +Maynard concluded that it was, indeed, Midget who had left the train at +Newark with the strange man, and so he concluded to get off there also. + +"We're on the trail, now," said Jack Bryant, cheerily; "we're sure to +find her." + +Mr. Maynard, though not quite so hopeful, felt a little encouraged, and +impatiently the two men sprang off the train at Newark. Into the station +they went and interviewed an attendant there. + +"Yep," he replied, "I seen that kid. She was with old Zeb Geary, an' it +got me, what he was doin' with a swell kid like her!" + +"Where did they go?" asked Mr. Maynard, eagerly. + +"I dunno. Prob'ly he went home. He lives out in the country, and he +takes a little jaunt down to the shore now and then. He's sort of +eccentric,--thinks he can sell his farm stuff to the hotel men, better'n +any other market." + +"How can I get to his house?" + +"Wanter see Zeb, do you? Well, he has his own rig, not very nobby, but +safe. I guess you could get a rig at that stable 'cross the way. An' +they can tell you how to go." + +"Couldn't I get a motor-car?" + +"Likely you could. Go over there and ask the man." + +The station attendant had duties, and was not specially interested in a +stranger's queries, so, having rewarded him, as they thought he +deserved, the two men hastened over to the livery stable. + +"Zeb Geary?" said the stable keeper. "Why, yes, he lives five miles out +of town. He leaves his old horse here when he goes anywhere on the +train. It's no ornament to my place, but I keep it for the old fellow. +He's a character in his way. Yes, he went out last night and a little +girl with him." + +"Could we get a motor here, to go out there?" + +"Right you are! I've good cars and good chauffeurs." + +In a few moments, therefore, Mr. Maynard and Mr. Bryant were speeding +away toward Zeb Geary, and, as they hoped, toward Marjorie. + +While the car was being made ready, Mr. Maynard had telephoned to King +that they had news of Marjorie, and hoped soon to find her. He thought +best to relieve the minds of the dear ones at home to this extent, even +if their quest should prove fruitless, after all. + +"I can't understand it," said Mr. Maynard, as they flew along the +country roads. "This Geary person doesn't sound like a kidnapper, yet +why else would Midget go with him?" + +"I'm only afraid it _wasn't_ Marjorie," returned Mr. Bryant. "But we +shall soon know." + + * * * * * + +Marjorie had worked hard all day. Partly because she wanted to prove +herself a good worker, and partly because, if she stopped to think, her +troubles seemed greater than she could bear. + +But a little after five o'clock everything was done, supper prepared, +and the child sat down on the kitchen steps to rest. She was tired, sad, +and desolate. The slight excitement of novelty was gone, the bravery and +courage of the morning hours had disappeared, and a great wave of +homesickness enveloped her very soul. She was too lonely and homesick +even to cry, and she sat, a pathetic, drooped little figure, on the old +tumble-down porch. + +She heard the toot of a motor-horn, but it was a familiar sound to her, +and she paid no attention to it. Then she heard it again, very near, and +looked up to see her father and Cousin Jack frantically waving, as the +car fairly flew, over many minor obstacles, straight to that kitchen +doorway. + +"Marjorie!" cried Mr. Maynard, leaping out before the wheels had fairly +stopped turning, and in another instant she was folded in that dear old +embrace. + +"Oh, Father, Father!" she cried, hysterically clinging to him, "take me +home, take me home!" + +"Of course I will, darling," said Mr. Maynard's quivering voice, as he +held her close and stroked her hair with trembling fingers. "That's what +we've come for. Here's Cousin Jack, too." + +And then Midget felt more kisses on her forehead, and a hearty pat on +her back, as a voice, not quite steady, but determinedly cheerful, +said: "Brace up now, Mehitabel, we want you to go riding with us." + +Marjorie looked up, with a sudden smile, and then again buried her face +on her father's shoulder and almost strangled him as she flung her arms +round his neck. Then she drew his head down, while she whispered faintly +in his ear. Three times she had to repeat the words before he could +catch them: + +"Are you my father?" he heard at last. The fear flashed back upon him +that Midget's mind was affected, but he only held her close to him, and +said, gently, "Yes, Marjorie darling, my own little girl," and the quiet +assurance of his tone seemed to content her. + +"Wal, wal! an' who be you, sir?" exclaimed a gruff voice, and Mr. +Maynard looked up to see Zeb Geary approaching from the barn. + +"You are Mr. Geary, I'm sure," said Cousin Jack, advancing; "we have +come for this little girl." + +"Wal, I'm right down glad on't! I jest knew that purty child had a home +and friends, though she vowed she hadn't." + +"And you've been kind to her, and we want to thank you! And this is Mrs. +Geary?" + +"Yep, that's Sary. Come out here, Mother, and see what's goin' on." + +Out of shyness, Mrs. Geary had watched proceedings from the kitchen +window, but fortified by her husband's presence, she appeared in the +doorway. + +"They've been so good to me, Father," said Marjorie, still nestling in +his sheltering arms. + +"Wal, we jest done what we could," said Mrs. Geary. "I knowed that +Jessiky belonged to fine people, but she didn't want to tell us nothin', +so we didn't pester her." + +"And we ain't askin' nothin' from you, neither," spoke up Zeb. "She's a +sweet, purty child, an' as good as they make 'em. An' when she wants to +tell you all about it, she will. As fer us,--we've no call to know." + +"Now, that's well said!" exclaimed Mr. Bryant, holding out his hand to +the old man. "And, for the present, we're going to take you at your +word. If you agree, we're going to take this little girl right off with +us, because her mother is anxiously awaiting news of her safety. And +perhaps, sometime later, we'll explain matters fully to you. Meantime, I +hope you'll permit us to leave with you a little expression of our +appreciation of your real kindness to our darling, and our gratitude at +her recovery." + +A few whispered words passed between the two gentlemen, and then, after +a moment's manipulation of his fountain pen and checkbook, Mr. Bryant +handed to old Zeb Geary a slip of paper that took his breath away. + +"I can't rightly thank you, sir," he said, brokenly; "I done no more'n +my duty; but if so be's you feel to give me this, I kin only say, Bless +ye fer yer goodness to them that has need!" + +"That's all right, Mr. Geary," said Cousin Jack, touched by the old +man's emotion; "and now, Ed, let's be going." + +Mrs. Geary brought Marjorie's hat and her little purse, and in another +moment they were flying along the country road toward Newark. + +Marjorie said nothing at all, but cuddled into her father's arm, and now +and then drew long, deep sighs, as if still troubled. + +But he only held her closer, and murmured words of endearment, leaving +her undisturbed by questions about her strange conduct. + +In Newark they telephoned the joyful news to Mrs. Maynard, and then took +the first train to Seacote. + +All through the two-hour ride, Marjorie slept peacefully, with her +father's arm protectingly round her. + +The two men said little, being too thankful that their quest was +successfully ended. + +"But I think her mind is all right," whispered Mr. Maynard, as Mr. +Bryant leaned over from the seat behind. "She has some kind of a crazy +notion in her head,--but when she's thoroughly rested and wide awake, we +can straighten it all out." + +The Maynards' motor was waiting at Seacote station, and after a few +moments' ride, Marjorie was again in the presence of her own dear +people. + +"Mother, _Mother_!" she cried, in a strange, uncertain voice, and flew +to the outstretched arms awaiting her. + +Though unnerved herself, Mrs. Maynard clasped her daughter close and +soothed the poor, quivering child. + +"_Are_ you my mother?" wailed Marjorie, in agonized tones; "_are_ you?" + +"Yes, my child, _yes_!" and there was no doubting that mother-voice. + +"Then why,--_why_ did you tell Mrs. Corey I was a findling?" + +"Tell Mrs. Corey _what_?" + +"Why, when I was practising, you were talking to her, and I heard you +tell her that you took me from an asylum when I was a baby,--and that I +didn't really belong to you and Father?" + +"Oh, Marjorie! Oh, my baby!" and dropping into the nearest armchair, +with Marjorie in her lap, Mrs. Maynard laughed and cried together. + +"Oh, Ed," she exclaimed, looking at her husband, "it's those +theatricals! Listen, Marjorie, darling. Our Dramatic Club is going to +give a play called 'The Stepmother,' and Mrs. Corey and I were learning +our parts. That's what you heard!" + +"Truly, mother?" + +"Truly, of course, you little goosie-girl! And so you ran away?" + +"Yes; I couldn't stay here if I wasn't your little girl,--and +Father's,--and King's sister,--and all. And you said I was different +from your own children and,----" + +"There, there, darling, it's all right now. And we'll hear the rest of +your story to-morrow. Now, we're going to have some supper, and then +tuck you in your own little bed where you belong. Have you had your +supper?" + +"No,--but I set the table," and Marjorie began to smile at the +recollection of the Geary kitchen. "You see, Mother, I've been +maid-of-all-work." + +"And now you've come back to be maid-of-all-play, as usual," broke in +Cousin Jack, who didn't want the conversation to take a serious turn, +for all present were under stress of suppressed emotion. + +"I say, Mops, you ought to have known better," was King's brotherly +comment, but he pulled off her black hair-ribbons in the old, +comforting way, and Midget grinned at him. + +"Let's dispense with these trappings of woe," said Cousin Jack, dropping +the black ribbons in a convenient waste-basket. + +So Midget went out to supper without any ribbons, her mop of curls +tumbling all over her head and hanging down her shoulders. + +"My, but I'm hungry!" she said, as she saw once again her own home +table, with its pretty appointments and appetizing food. + +"You bet you are!" said King, appreciatively; "tell us what you had to +eat in the rural district." + +"Boiled beef," said Midget, smiling; "and gingerbread and turnips!" + +"Not so awful worse," commented King. + +"No? Well, s'pose you try it once! I like these croquettes and Saratoga +potatoes a whole heap better!" + +"Well, I 'spect I do, too. I say, Mops, I'm glad you didn't break your +word to come out and play,--at least, not intentionally." + +"No, I never break my word. But I guess if you thought you didn't have +any father or mother or brother or sister, you'd forget all about going +out to play, too." + +"I haven't any brother," said King, looking very sad and forlorn. + +"I'll be a brother to you," declared Cousin Jack, promptly; "you behaved +like a man, last night, old fellow,--and I'm proud to claim you as a man +and a brother." + +"Pooh, I didn't do anything," said King, modestly. + +"Yes, you did," said his mother. "You were fine, my son. And I never +could have lived through to-day without you, either." + +"Dear old Kingsy-wingsy!" said Midget, looking at him with shining eyes. +And then,--for it was their long-established custom,--she tweaked his +Windsor scarf untied. + +As this was a mark of deep affection, King only grinned at her and +retied it, with an ease and grace born of long practice. + +"Well, Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, "I always said you were a child who +could do the most unexpected things. Here you've been and turned this +whole house upside down and had us all nearly crazy,--and here you are +back again as smiling as a basket of chips. And yet you did nothing for +which any one could blame you!" + +"Indeed they _can't_ blame her!" spoke up Mrs. Maynard; "the child +thought I was talking to Mrs. Corey, instead of reading my part in the +play. Marjorie sha'n't be blamed a bit!" + +"That's just what I said," repeated Cousin Jack, smiling at the +mother's quick defense of her child; "why, if anybody told me I was +a,--what do you call it?--a findling,--I'd run away, too!" + +"Don't run away," said Cousin Ethel, laughing. "I'd have to run with +you, or you'd get lost for keeps. And I'd rather stay here. But I think +we must be starting for Bryant Bower, and leave this reunited family to +get along for awhile without our tender care." + +"But don't think we don't realize how much we are indebted to you," said +Mr. Maynard, earnestly, for the two good friends in need had been +friends indeed to the distracted parents. + +"Well, you can have a set of resolutions engrossed and framed for us," +said Cousin Jack, "or, better yet, you can give me a dollar bill, in +full of all accounts. By the way, Mehitabel, it's lucky you came home +from your little jaunt in time for your birthday. I incidentally learned +that it will be here soon, and we're going to have a celebration that +will take the roof right off this house!" + +"All right, Cousin Jack; I'm ready for anything, now that I know I've +got a father and mother." + +"And a brother," supplemented King, "and _such_ a brother!" He rolled +his eyes as if in ecstasy at the thought of his own perfections, and +Marjorie lovingly pinched his arm. + +"And a couple of sisters," added Cousin Ethel; "I like to speak up for +the absent." + +"Yes, and two dearest, darlingest cousins," said Marjorie, gleefully. +"Oh, I think I've got the loveliest bunch of people in the whole +world!" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +A LETTER OF THANKS + + +"Mother," said Marjorie, the next day, "what is a bread-and-butter +letter?" + +"Why, dearie, that's a sort of a humorous term for a polite note of +acknowledgment, such as one writes to a hostess after making a visit." + +"Yes, that's what I thought. So I'm going to write one to Mrs. Geary." + +"You may, if you like, my child; but, you know your father gave those +old people money for their care of you." + +"Yes, I know; but that's different. And I think they'd appreciate a +letter." + +"Very well, write one, if you like. Shall I help you?" + +"No, thank you. King and I are going to do it together." + +"What did you call it, Mops?" asked her brother, as she returned to the +library, where he sat, awaiting her. + +"A bread-and-butter letter; Mother says it's all right." + +"Well, but you had other things to eat besides bread and butter." + +"Yes, but that's just the name of it. Now, how would you begin it, +King?" + +"'Dear Mrs. Geary,' of course." + +"Well, but I want it to be to him, too. He was real nice,--in his queer +way. And if he hadn't looked after me, where would I have been?" + +"That's so. Well, say, 'Dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary, both.'" + +So Marjorie began: + + "'Dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both: + "'This is a bread-and-butter letter----'" + +"I tell you, Mops, they won't like it. They're not up in social doings, +and they won't understand that bread and butter means all the things. I +think you ought to put 'em all in." + +"Well, I will then. How's this? + + "'--and a turnip letter, and a boiled-beef letter, and a + baked-apple letter, and a soft-boiled egg letter.'" + +"That's better. It may not sound like the fashionable people write, but +it will please them. Now thank them for taking care of you." + + "'I thank you a whole heap for being so good to me, and speaking + kindly to me in the railroad train, when I wasn't so very polite to + you.'" + +"Weren't you, Mops?" + +"No; I squeezed away from him, 'cause I thought he was rough and rude." + +"Well, you can't tell him that." + +"No; I'll say this: + + "'I wasn't very sociable, Sir, because I have been taught not to + talk to strangers, but, of course, those rules, when made, did not + know I would be obliged to run away.'" + +"You weren't _obliged_ to, Midget." + +"Yes I was, King! I just simply _couldn't_ stay here if I didn't belong, +could I? Could you?" + +"No, I s'pose not. I'd go off and go to work." + +"Well, isn't that what I did? + + "'But you were kind and good to me, Mr. Geary and Mrs. Geary Both, + and I am very much obliged. I guess I didn't work very well for + you, but I am out of practice, and I haven't much talent for + houseworking, anyway. _You_ seem to have, dear Mrs. Geary.' + +"That's a sort of a compliment, King. Really, she isn't a very good +housekeeper." + +"Oh, that's all right. It's like when people say you have musical +talent, and you know you play like the dickens." + +"Yes, I do. Well, now I'll finish this, then we can go down to the +beach." + + "'And so, dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both, I write to say I am much + obliged----' + +"Oh, my gracious, King, I ought to tell them how it happened. About my +mistake, you know, thinking Mother was talking in earnest." + +"Oh, don't tell 'em all that, you'll _never_ get it done. But I suppose +they are curious to know. Well, cut it short." + + "'You see, dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both, I am not a findling, as I + supposed.'" + +"That's not findling, Midget,--you mean foundling." + +"I don't think so. And, anyway, they mean just the same,--I'm going to +leave it. + + "'I find I have quite a large family, with a nice father and + mother, some sisters and a brother. You saw my father. Also, I have + lovely cousins and four grand-parents and an uncle. So you see I am + well supplied with this world's goods. So now, good-by, dear Mr. + and Mrs. Geary Both, and with further thanks and obliges, I am, + + "'Your friend, + "'MARJORIE MAYNARD. + + "'P.S. The Jessica Brown was a made-up name.' + +"Do you think that's all right, King?" + +"Yep, it's fine! Seal her up, and write the address and leave it on the +hall table, and come on." + +And so the "bread-and-butter" letter went to Mr. and Mrs. Geary both, +and was kept and treasured by them as one of their choicest possessions. + +"I knew she was a little lady by the way she pretended not to notice our +poor things," said old Zeb. + +"I knew by her petticoats," said his wife. + + * * * * * + +And so the episode of Marjorie's runaway passed into history. Mrs. +Maynard, at first, wanted to give up her part in the play of "The +Stepmother," but she was urged by all to retain it, and so she did. As +Mr. Maynard said, it was the merest coincidence that Marjorie overheard +the words without knowing why they were spoken, and there was no +possibility of such a thing ever happening again. So Mrs. Maynard kept +her part in the pretty little comedy, but she never repeated those +sentences that had so appalled poor Marjorie, without a thrill of sorrow +for the child and a thrill of gladness for her quick and safe +restoration to them. + +And the days hurried on, bringing Marjorie's birthday nearer and nearer. + +On the fifteenth of July she would be thirteen years old. + +"You see," said Cousin Jack, who was, as usual, Director General of the +celebration, "you see, Mehitabel, thirteen is said to be an unlucky +number." + +"And must I be unlucky all the year?" asked Marjorie, in dismay. + +"On the contrary, my child. We will eradicate the unluck from the +number,--we will cut the claws of the tiger,--and draw the fangs of the +serpent. In other words, we shall so override and overrule that foolish +superstition about thirteen being unlucky that we shall prove the +contrary." + +"Hooray for you, Cousin Jack! I'm lucky to have you around for this +particular birthday, I think." + +"You're always lucky, Mehitabel, and you always will be. You see, this +business they call Luck is largely a matter of our own will-power and +determination. Now, I propose to consider thirteen a lucky number, and +before your birthday is over, you'll agree with me, I know." + +"I 'spect I shall, Cousin Jack. And I'm much obliged to you." + +"That's right, Mehitabel. Always be grateful to your elders. They do a +lot for you." + +"You needn't laugh, Cousin Jack. You're awful good to me." + +"Good to myself, you mean. Not having any olive-branches of my own, I +have to play with my neighbors'. As I understand it, Mehitabel, you're +to have a party on this birthday of yours." + +"Yes, sir-ee, sir! Mother says I can invite as many as I like. You know +there are lots of girls and boys down here that I know, but I don't know +them as well as I do the Craigs and Hester. But at a party, I'll ask +them all." + +"All right. Now, this is going to be a Good-Luck Party, to counteract +that foolish thirteen notion. You don't need to know all about the +details. Your mother and I will plan it all, and you can just be the +lucky little hostess." + +So Marjorie was not admitted to the long confabs between her mother and +Cousin Jack. She didn't mind, for she knew perfectly well that +delightful plans were being made for the party, and they would all be +carried out. But there was much speculation in Sand Court as to what the +fun would be. + +"I know it will be lovely," said Hester, with a sigh. "You are the +luckiest girl I ever saw, Marjorie. You always have all the good times." + +"Why, Hester, don't you have good times, too?" + +"Not like you do. Your mother and father, and those Bryants just do +things for you all the time. I don't think it's fair!" + +"Well, your mother does things for you,--all mothers do," said Tom +Craig. + +"Not as much as Marjorie's. My mother said so. She said she never saw +anything like the way Marjorie Maynard is petted. And it makes her stuck +up and spoiled!" + +"Did your mother say my sister was stuck-up and spoiled?" demanded King, +flaring up instantly. + +"Well,--she didn't say just that,--but she is, all the same!" And Hester +scowled crossly at Midget. + +"Why, Hester Corey, I am not!" declared Marjorie. "What do I do that's +stuck-up?" + +"Oh, you think yourself so smart,--and you always want to boss +everything." + +"Maybe I am too bossy," said Marjorie, ruefully, for she knew that she +loved to choose and direct their games. + +"Yes, you are! and I'm not going to stand it!" + +"All right, Hester Corey, you can get out of this club, then," said Tom, +glaring at her angrily; "Marjorie Maynard is Queen, anyway, and if she +hasn't got a right to boss, who has?" + +"Well, she's been Queen long enough. Somebody else ought to have a +chance." + +"Huh!" spoke up Dick; "a nice queen you'd make, wouldn't you? I s'pose +that's what you want! You're a bad girl, Hester Corey!" + +"I am not, neither!" + +"You are, too!" + +"Jiminy Crickets!" exclaimed King; "can't this Club get along without +scrapping? If not, the Club'd better break up. I'm ashamed of you, Dick, +to hear you talk like that!" + +"Hester began it," said Dick, sullenly. + +"Oh, yes; blame it all on Hester!" cried that angry maiden, herself; +"blame everything on Hester, and nothing on Marjorie. Dear, sweet, angel +Marjorie!" + +"Now, Hester Corey, you stop talking about my sister like that, or I'll +get mad," stormed King. "She's Queen of this Club, and she's got a right +to boss. And you needn't get mad about it, either." + +"You can be Queen, if you want to, Hester," said Midget, slowly. "I +guess I am a pig to be Queen all the time." + +"No, you're not!" shouted Tom. "If Hester's Queen, I resign myself from +this Club! So there, now!" + +"Go on, and resign!" said Hester; "nobody cares. I'm going to be Queen, +Marjorie said I could. Give me your crown, Marjorie." + +Midget didn't want to give up her crown a bit, but she had a strong +sense of justice, and it did seem that Hester ought to have her turn at +being Queen. So she began to lift the crown from her head, when King +interposed: + +"Don't you do it, Midget! We can't change Queens in a minute, like that! +If we _do_ change, it's got to be by election and nomination and things +like that." + +"It isn't!" screamed Hester; "I won't have it so! I'm going to be +Queen!" + +She fairly snatched the crown from Marjorie's head, and whisked it onto +her own head. + +As it had been made to fit Midget's thick mop of curls, it was too big +for Hester, and came down over her ears, and well over her eyes. + +"Ho! ho!" jeered Dick; "a nice Queen you look! Ho! ho!" + +But by this time Hester was in one of her regular tantrums. + +"I _will_ be Queen!" she shrieked; "I will, I tell you!" + +"Come on, Mops, let's go home," said King, quietly. + +The Maynard children were unaccustomed to outbursts of temper, and King +didn't know exactly what to say to the little termagant. + +"All right, we'll go home, too," said Tom; "come on, boys!" + +They all started off, leaving Hester in solitary possession of Sand +Court. + +The child, when in one of her rages, had an ungovernable temper, and, +left alone, she vented it by smashing everything she could. She upset +the throne, tore down the decorations, and flew around like a wildcat. + +Marjorie, who had turned to look at her, said: + +"You go on, King; I'm going back to speak to Hester." + +"I'm afraid she'll hurt you," objected King. + +"No, she won't; I'll be kind to her." + +"All right, Midge; a soft answer turneth away rats, but I don't know +about wildcats!" + +"Well, you go on." And Marjorie turned, and went back to Sand Court. + +"Say, Hester," she began a little timidly. + +"Go away from here, Stuck-up! Spoiled child! I don't want to see you!" + +As a matter of fact, Hester presented a funny sight. She was a plain +child, and her shock of red hair was straight and untractable. Her +scowling face was flushed with anger, and the gold paper crown was +pushed down over one ear in ridiculous fashion. + +Marjorie couldn't help laughing, which, naturally, only irritated Hester +the more. + +"Yes, giggle!" she cried; "old Smarty-Cat! old Proudy!" + +"Oh, Hester, don't!" said Midget, bursting into tears. "How can you be +so cross to me? I don't mean to be stuck-up and proud, and I don't think +I am. You can be Queen if you want to, and we'll have the election thing +all right. Please don't be so mean to me!" + +"Can I be Queen?" demanded Hester, a little mollified; "can I, really?" + +"Why, yes, if the boys agree. They have as much say as I do." + +"They don't either! You have all the say! You always do! Now, promise +you'll make the boys let me be Queen, or,--or I won't play!" + +Hester ended her threat rather lamely, as she couldn't think of any dire +punishment which she felt sure she could carry out. + +"I promise," said Marjorie, who really felt it was just that Hester +should be Queen for a time. + +"All right, then," and Hester's stormy face cleared a little. "See that +you keep your promise." + +"I always keep my promises," said Marjorie, with dignity; "and I'll tell +you what I think of _you_, Hester Corey! I think you ought to be +Queen,--it _isn't_ fair for me to be it all the time. But I think you +might have asked me in a nicer way, and not call names, and smash things +all about! There, that's what I think!" and Marjorie glared at her in +righteous indignation. + +"Maybe I ought," said Hester, suddenly becoming humble, as is the way of +hot-tempered people after gaining their point. "I've got an awful +temper, Marjorie, but I can't help it!" + +"You _can_ help it, Hester; you don't try." + +"Oh, it's all very well for you to talk! You never have anything to +bother you! Nothing goes wrong, and everybody spoils you! Why should +_you_ have a bad temper?" + +"Now, Hester, don't be silly! You have just as good a home and just as +kind friends as I have." + +"No, I haven't! Nobody likes me. And everybody likes you. Why, the Craig +boys think you're made of gold!" + +Marjorie laughed. "Well, Hester, it's _your_ own fault if they don't +think you are, too. But how can they, when you fly into these rages and +tear everything to pieces?" + +"Well, they make me so mad, I have to! Now, I'm going home, and I'm +going to stay there till you do as you promised, and get the boys to let +me be Queen." + +"Well, I'll try----" began Marjorie, but Hester had flung the torn gilt +crown on the ground, and stalked away toward home. Midget picked up the +crown and tried to straighten it out, but it was battered past repair. + +"I'll make a new one," she thought, "and I'll try to make the boys agree +to having Hester for Queen. But I don't believe Tom will. I know it's +selfish for me to be Queen all the time, and I don't want to be +selfish." + +Seeing Hester go away, Tom came back, and reached Sand Court just as +Midget was about to leave. + +"Hello, Queen Sandy!" he called out; "wait a minute. I saw that spitfire +going away, so I came back. Now, look here, Mopsy Maynard, don't you let +that old crosspatch be Queen!" + +"I can't, unless we all elect her," returned Midget, smiling at Tom; +"but I wish you would agree to do that. It isn't fair, Tom, for me to +be Queen all the time." + +"Why isn't it? It's your Club! You got it up, and Hester came and poked +herself in where she wasn't wanted." + +"Well, we took her in, and now we ought to be kind to her." + +"Kind to such an old Meany as she is!" + +"Don't call her names, Tom. I don't believe she can help flying into a +temper, and then, when she gets mad, she doesn't care what she says." + +"I should think she didn't! Well, make her Queen if you want to, but if +you do, you can get somebody else to take my place." + +"Oh, Tom, don't act like that," and Marjorie looked at him, with +pleading eyes. + +"Yes, I _will act_ like that! Just exactly like that! I won't belong to +any Court that Hester Corey is queen of!" + +Marjorie sighed. What _could_ she do with this intractable boy? And, she +almost knew that King would feel the same way. Perhaps, if she could win +Tom over to her way of thinking, King might be more easily influenced. + +"Tom," she began, "don't you like me?" + +"Yes, I do. You're the squarest girl I ever knew." + +"Then, don't you think you might do this much for me?" + +"What much?" + +"Why, just let Hester be Queen for a while." + +"No, I don't. That wouldn't be any favor to you." + +"Yes, it would. If I ask you, and you refuse, I'll think you're real +unkind. And yet you say you like me!" + +Marjorie had struck a right chord in the boy's heart. He didn't want +Hester for Queen, but still less did he want to refuse Midget her +earnest request. + +"Oh, pshaw!" he said, digging his toe in the sand; "if you put it that +way, I'll _have_ to say yes. Don't put it that way, Midget." + +"Yes, I _will_ put it that way! And if you're my friend, you'll say yes, +yourself, and then you'll help me to make the other boys say yes. Will +you?" + +"Yes, I s'pose so," said Tom, looking a little dubious. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THIRTEEN! + + +Marjorie's thirteenth birthday dawned bright and clear. + +Her opening eyes rested on some strange thing sticking up at the foot of +her bed, but a fully-awakened glance proved it to be a big No. 13, +painted on a square of white pasteboard, and decorated with painted +four-leaved clovers. + +The motto "Good Luck" was traced in ornamental letters, and the whole +was in a narrow wood frame. + +"That's my birthday greeting from Cousin Jack and Cousin Ethel!" +Marjorie said to herself; "I recognize her lovely painting, and it's +just like them, anyway. I'll hang that on my bedroom wall, till I'm as +old as Methusaleh." + +"Happy Birthday, darling!" said her mother, coming in, and sitting on +the side of the bed; "many happy returns of the day." + +"Oh, dearie Mother! I'm so glad I've got you! and I'm _so_ glad you're +really my very own mother! Give me thirteen kisses, please, ma'am!" + +"Merry Birthday, Midget!" called her father, through the crack of the +door. "You two had better stop that love-feast and get down to +breakfast!" + +So Marjorie sprang up, and made haste with her bathing and dressing, so +that in less than half an hour she was dancing downstairs to begin her +Lucky Birthday. Her presents were heaped round her plate, and the +parcels were so enticing in appearance, that she could scarcely eat for +impatience. + +"Breakfast first," decreed her father, "or I fear you'll become so +excited you'll never eat at all." + +So Marjorie contented herself with pinching and punching the bundles, +while she ate peaches and cream and cereal. + +"Oh, what _is_ in this squnchy one?" she cried, feeling of a loosely +done-up parcel. "It smells so sweet, and it crackles like silk!" + +"Kitty sent that," answered her mother, smiling, "and she wrote me that +she made it herself." + +But at last the cereal-saucer was empty, and the ribbons could be +untied. + +Kitty's gift proved to be a lovely bag, of pink and blue Dresden silk. + +"What's it for?" asked King, not much impressed with its desirability. + +"Oh, for anything!" cried Marjorie. "Handkerchiefs,--or +hair-ribbons,--or,--or just to hang up and look pretty." + +"Pretty foolish," opined King, but he greeted with joy the opening of +the next bundle. + +"Jumping Hornets!" he exclaimed; "isn't that a beauty! _Just_ what I +wanted!" + +"Whose birthday is this, anyhow?" laughed Marjorie, as she carefully +unrolled the tissue-paper packing from a fine microscope. Uncle Steve +had sent it, and it was both valuable and practical, and a thing the +children had long wished for. + +"Well, you'll let a fellow take a peep once in a while, won't you?" + +"Yes, if you'll be goody-boy," said Midget, patronizingly. + +Grandma Sherwood's gift was a cover for a sofa-pillow, of rich Oriental +fabric, embroidered in gold thread. + +"Just the thing for my couch, at home," said Midget, greatly pleased. + +"Just the thing to pitch at you, after it gets stuffed," commented King. +"Go on, Mops, open the big one." + +The big one proved to be a case, from Mother and Father, containing a +complete set of brushes and toilet articles for Marjorie's +dressing-table. They were plain shapes, of ivory, with her monogram on +each in dark blue. + +"Gorgeous!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands. "Just what I longed +for,--and so much nicer than silver, 'cause that has to be cleaned every +minute. Oh, Mothery, they are lovely, and Fathery, too. Consider +yourselves kissed thirteen hundred times! Oh, what's this?" + +"That's my present," said King. "Open it carefully, Mops." + +She did so, and revealed a pincushion, but a pincushion so befrilled and +belaced and beflowered one could scarce tell what it was. + +"I picked it out myself," said King, with obvious pride in his +selection. "I know how you girls love flummadiddles, and I took the very +flummadiddlyest the old lady had. Like it, Mops?" + +"Like it! I _love_ it! I adore it! And it will go fine with this beauty +ivory set." + +"Yes, you'll have a Louis Umpsteenth boudoir, when you get back to +Rockwell." + +"I shan't use it down here," said Marjorie, fingering the pretty trifle, +"for the sea air spoils such things. But when I get home I'll fix my +room all up gay,--may I, Mother?" + +"I 'spect so. It's time you had a new wallpaper, anyway, and we'll get +one with little pink rosebuds to match King's pincushion." + +The Bryants' gift came next. + +It was in a small jeweller's box, and was a slender gold neck chain and +pendant, representing a four-leafed clover in green enamel on gold, on +one petal of which were the figures thirteen in tiny diamonds. + +"Oh, ho! Diamonds!" cried King. "You're altogether too young to wear +diamonds, Mops. Better give it to me for a watch fob." + +"I'm not, am I, Father?" said Marjorie, turning troubled eyes to her +father. + +"No, Midget. Not those little chips of stones. A baby could wear those. +And by the way, where is Baby's gift?" + +"My p'esent!" cried Rosy Posy, who had sat until now silent, in +admiration of the unfolding wonders. "My p'esent, Middy! It's a +palumasol!" + +"Then it's this long bundle," said Marjorie, and she unwrapped a +beautiful little parasol of embroidered white linen. + +"Oh, Rosy Posyeums!" she cried. "This is _too booful_! I never saw such +a pretty one!" + +"Me buyed it! Me and Muvver! Oh, it's _too_ booful!" and the baby kicked +her fat, bare legs in glee at her own gift. + +Grandma and Grandpa Maynard sent a silver frame, containing their +photographs, and Grandma sent also a piece of fine lace, which was to +be laid away until Marjorie was old enough to put it to use. It was her +custom to send such a piece each year, and Marjorie's collection was +already a valuable one. + +There were many small gifts and cards from friends in Rockwell, and from +some of the Seacote children, and when all were opened, Midget begged +King to help her take them to the living-room, where they might be +displayed on a table. + +And then the Bryants arrived, and the house rang with their greetings +and congratulations. + +"Unlucky Midget!" cried Cousin Jack. "Poor little unlucky Mopsy Midget +Mehitabel! Oh, what a sad fate to be thirteen years old, and to be so +loaded down with birthday gifts that you don't know where you're at! + + "Mopsy Midget Mehitabel May + Has come to a most unlucky day! + Nothing will happen but feasting and fun, + And gifts,--pretty nearly a hundred and one! + Jolly good times, and jolly good wishes, + A jolly good party with jolly good dishes. + Every one happy and everything bright, + Good Luck is here--and bad Luck out of sight. + 'Tis the luckiest day that ever was seen, + For Marjorie Maynard is just thirteen!" + +"Oh, Cousin Jack, what a beautiful birthday poem! I'm sure there +_couldn't_ be a luckier little girl than I! I've got everything!" + +"And we've got _you_!" cried her father, catching her in his arms with a +heart full of gratitude that she was safe at home with them. + + * * * * * + +The party was to begin at four o'clock, and the guests were invited to +stay until seven. In good season Marjorie was dressed, and down on the +veranda ready to receive her little friends. + +She wore a pretty, thin white frock, with delicate embroidery, and the +pendant that had been her birthday gift. + +The family were all assembled when she came down, and though it would be +half an hour before they could expect the guests, they all seemed filled +with eager anticipation. + +"What's the matter?" asked Midget, looking from one smiling face to +another. + +"Nothing, nothing!" said King, trying to look unconcerned. + +"Nothing, nothing," said Cousin Jack, pulling a wry face. + +But Mrs. Maynard said, "There's another birthday surprise for you, +Marjorie dear. It has just come, and it's in the living-room. Go and +hunt for it." + +Marjorie danced into the house, and they all followed. She began looking +about for some small object, peering into vases and under books, till +her father said: + +"Look for something larger, Midget; something quite large." + +"And be careful of your frock," warned her mother, for Midget was down +on her hands and knees, looking under the big divan. + +"Keep on your feet!" advised King. "And look everywhere." + +"Pooh! If I keep on my feet, I can't find anything big!" exclaimed +Midget. "Where could it be hidden?" + +"That's for you to find out!" returned King. + +"I'll give you a hint," said Cousin Jack. "Turn, Mehitabel, turn." + +Marjorie turned slowly round and round, but that didn't help her any. + +"Turn, turn, turn, turn," Cousin Jack kept saying in a monotone, and +suddenly it flashed on Marjorie that he meant for her to turn something +else beside herself. + +She turned the key of a bookshelf door, and opened it, but found nothing +but books. + +"Turn, turn, turn, turn," droned Cousin Jack. + +"Oh," thought Marjorie, "the closet!" and flying to the door of a large +closet in the room, she turned the knob, the door flew open, and there +she saw,--Uncle Steve and Kitty! + +"Oh, Kit!" she cried, and in a moment the two girls were so tangled up +that detriment to their party frocks seemed inevitable. + +But they were persuaded to separate before too much damage was done, and +then Marjorie turned to greet Uncle Steve. + +"I daren't rumple your fine feathers," he said, standing 'way off, and +extending his fingertips to her. "But I'm _terrible_ glad to see you, +and to find that you've grown up as good as you are beautiful." + +This made Marjorie laugh, for she didn't think she was either. + +"How _did_ you happen to come?" she cried, for she couldn't realize that +Kitty was really there. + +"Oh, it was just a stroke of good luck," said Cousin Jack. "You know +to-day is your lucky day." + +"'Deed it is!" declared Marjorie. "Come on, Kit, let's go and sit in the +swing till the people come to the party." + +The sisters had time for a short, merry chat, and then the guests began +to arrive. There were about twenty-five boys and girls, and with the +grown-ups this made quite a party. + +It was fun, indeed, to have both Cousin Jack and Uncle Steve present, +for these two men just devoted themselves to the cause, and made so +much fun and merriment that they seemed like big children themselves. + +They gave a burlesque wrestling match on the lawn that sent the young +people off into peals of laughter. They made up funny dialogue, and were +always playing good-natured tricks on some of the children. Then Cousin +Jack said: + +"Now we will play the Good Luck game. Into the hall, all of you!" + +The children scampered into the hall, and on the wall they saw a large +placard which read: + + "Pins one + Hairpins two + Four-leafed clovers five + Horse-shoes ten + Pennies fifteen + Black cats twenty-five." + +Each guest was given a small fancy basket, with ribbons tied to the +handle. Then they were instructed to hunt all the rooms on the lower +floor, the veranda, and the nearby lawns, and gather into their baskets +such of the above mentioned articles as they could find. A prize would +be given to the one who had the most valuable collection, according to +the values given on the placard. + +At the word "go!" they scuttled away, and hunted eagerly, now and then +stooping to pick up a pin from the floor, or reaching up to get a +horseshoe from the mantelpiece. The rooms had been literally sown with +the small objects; the clovers and horseshoes being cut from pasteboard +and painted, and the black cats being tiny china, wooden, or bronze +affairs. + +Cousin Jack must have had an immense store of these findings, for the +baskets filled rapidly, and yet there seemed always more to be found. + +"How are you getting along, Hester?" asked Marjorie as she met her. + +"Can't find any hardly. I never have any luck! I s'pose you have a +basket full!" + +"Nearly," said Marjorie, laughing at Hester's ill-nature in the midst of +the others' merriment. + +"Say, Hester, I'll tell you what! I'll change baskets with you. Want +to?" + +"Will you?" and Hester's eyes sparkled. "Oh, Marjorie, will you?" + +"Yes, I will, on condition that you'll be nice and pleasant, and not go +around looking as cross as a magpie!" + +"All right, give me your basket," and Hester put on a very bright smile +in anticipation of winning the game. + +"What did you do that for?" asked Kitty, who saw the transfer of +baskets. + +"Oh, because. Never mind now, Kit, I'll tell you to-morrow," and Midget +danced away with Hester's almost empty basket hanging from her arm. + +She picked up a few more things here and there, and then Cousin Jack +rang a bell to announce that the game was over. The baskets, each having +its owner's name on a card tied to it, were all put on the hall table, +and Mrs. Maynard and Cousin Ethel appraised the contents, while the +children went to another game. + +This time Uncle Steve conducted affairs. Several tables in the +living-room were surrounded by the players, and each was given a paper +and pencil. + +"I see," Uncle Steve began, "that this is a Good Luck party. So each of +you write the words 'good luck' at the top of your paper. Have you done +so? Good! Now, I hope you will all of you have all good luck always, but +if you can't get it all, get part. So try your hand at it by making +words of four letters out of those two words you have written. Use each +letter only once,--unless it is repeated, like _o_ in 'good.' However, +that's the only one that _is_ a repeater, so use the others only once in +any word you make. The words must be each of four letters,--no more and +no less. And they must all be good, common, well-known English words. +Now go ahead, and the best list takes a prize." + +How the children scribbled! How they nibbled their pencils and thought! +How they whispered to each other to ask if such a word was right! + +Marjorie was quick at puzzles, but she didn't think it would be polite +to take the prize at her own party, so she didn't hand in her list. +Neither did Kitty nor King. So when the lists were handed in, Uncle +Steve rapidly looked them over. + +"The longest list," he announced, "contains ten words." + +"Oh, dear!" sighed Hester. "Isn't that just my bad luck! I had nine." + +"So did I," said several others, but it was Tom Craig's list that had +ten, so he received the prize. His list, as Uncle Steve read it out, +was: Cook, loud, duck, cool, cold, lock, look, dock, clod, gold. The +prize was a box of candy made in the shape of a four-leafed clover, so +it was really four boxes. + +Tom generously offered to pass the sweets around at once, but Uncle +Steve advised him not to, as supper would be served pretty soon. + +The children all liked the game, and clamored for a repetition of it, +but Cousin Jack said it was his turn for a game now, and if they'd all +stay at the tables, he'd give it to them. + +"This is my own game," he said, "because it is called jackstraws, and my +name is Jack. I am not a man of straw, however, as you'd soon find if +you tried to knock me over! The game is almost like ordinary jackstraws, +but with slight additions." + +Then there were passed around bunches of jackstraws for each table. They +were just like ordinary jackstraws, except they were of different +colors, and a little card told how to count. White ones were one; red +ones, two; blue ones, five; silver ones, ten; and gold ones, twenty. +Then one marked Good Luck counted fifteen, and another, marked +_thirteen_, counted twenty-five. This proved that thirteen was _not_ an +unlucky number! + +It's always fun to play jackstraws, and the children went at it with a +zest. Midget, at the next table, was not surprised to hear Hester +complaining, "Oh, you joggled me! That isn't fair! I ought to have +another turn! I _never_ have any luck!" Marjorie smiled across at her, +and, seeming to remember the condition of the basket exchange, Hester +tried to smile, and succeeded fairly well. + +Milly Fosdick won that prize, and they all laughed when it turned out to +be a straw hat of Indian make. It was of gay pattern basket work, and +adorned with beads and feathers. Milly was delighted with it, and said +she should always keep it as a souvenir. + +By that time the ladies had completed their task, and the prize for the +Good Luck hunt fell to Hester Corey. This was the prettiest prize of +all, being a beautifully illustrated copy of Grimms' "Fairy Tales," and +Hester was enchanted with it. She took it eagerly, and never seemed to +think for a moment that perhaps it wasn't quite fairly won; nor did she +thank Marjorie for the assistance she gave. + +Then they all went out to supper. And such a supper as it was! The table +was decorated with green four-leafed clovers, and gilt horseshoes, and +black cats, and yellow new moons. And every one had a little rabbit's +foot, mounted like a charm, for a souvenir; and also a bright lucky +penny of that very year. + +And the sandwiches were cut like clovers, and the cakes like new moons, +and the ice-cream was shaped like horseshoes, and everybody wished +everybody else good luck all through Marjorie's thirteenth year. And +when the young guests went away they all sang: + + "Good luck, ladies; good luck, ladies; + Good luck, ladies; + We're going to leave you now." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +QUEEN HESTER + + +"Kit's my bestest birthday present," declared Marjorie, as they sat +together in the veranda swing the morning after the party. + +Kitty pulled her sister's curls in absent-minded affection, and +remarked, thoughtfully: + +"Mopsy, I don't seem to care much for that red-headed Hester girl." + +"She's a queer thing," Marjorie returned, "but I sort of like her, too. +You see, Kit, she has a fearful temper, and she can't help being +spiteful." + +"Oh, fiddlesticks, Mops! Anybody can help being spiteful if they want +to." + +"No, she can't, Kit. She flies into a rage over nothing. And then she's +sorry afterward." + +"Will she be at the Sand Court thing, or whatever you call it, to-day?" + +"Yes, all the club will be there. Come on, let's go." + +The sisters ran down to Sand Court and found King and the Craig boys +already there. + +"Old Crosspatch hasn't come yet," observed Dick, after they had all said +"Hello!" + +"Dick," said Midget, "I wish you wouldn't call our Sand Witch such +unkind names." + +"Well, she _is_ a crosspatch." + +"Well, never mind if she is. Don't let's call names, anyway." + +And then Hester arrived. It was easily seen she was prepared for a fray. +She was not smiling, and she said "Hello" with a very sour expression of +face. Then she turned to Midget. + +"Did you make me a new crown?" she said. "Are you going to let me be +Queen?" + +"We have to vote about that," returned Marjorie, "and I do hope, my +courtiers, that we won't have any squabbling before our royal visitor, +Miss Princess Sand,--Sand--well, San Diego is the only name I can think +of for Kit!" + +"Hail, Princess Sandeago!" cried Tom, and all the courtiers ducked +almost to the ground in low bows. + +"Now," went on Marjorie, "our first business this morning is the +election of a new Queen." + +"Queens aren't elected," growled Tom, "they,--they,--what _do_ they do? +Oh, they succeed!" + +"That's exactly what they do!" cried Midget. "And _I'm_ going to +succeed! I mean I'm going to succeed in my plan of having Hester succeed +me! I asked Father about elections, and he said people could be +instructed to vote a certain way. So I hereby instruct you all, my +beloved courtiers, to vote for a new Queen. The same to be our beloved +Sand Witch." + +"Beloved grandmother!" exclaimed Tom, irrepressibly. + +"No, my Grand Sandjandrum," went on Midget, looking sternly at him, "she +isn't your grandmother, but she's to be your new sovereign, so you may +as well make up your mind to it." + +As Hester began to think Midget was going to make the change, whether +the boys wanted to or not, she suddenly became very light-hearted and +smiled at everybody. + +"I'll be a good Queen," she said, ingratiatingly, "and I'll do whatever +you want me to." + +And then King waked up to the fact that since Midget desired this +change, and since it might have the effect of keeping Hester pleasant +and good-natured, perhaps it was a good plan after all. So he said: + +"All right; I'll vote as Queen Sandy instructs." + +Tom looked at him in surprise, and then, remembering he had practically +promised to do as Marjorie asked, he said: + +"Well, I will too. But only on condition that the new Queen promises to +be pleasant and nice all the time." + +"I will," declared Hester, earnestly, her face fairly radiant now at +the thought of wearing the crown. + +"You ought to take an oath of office and say so," advised Kitty, who was +critically watching the proceedings. + +"What's that mean?" demanded Hester. + +"Why, swear that you won't lose your temper." + +"Oh, I wouldn't _swear_!" cried Hester, in dismay. + +"Kit doesn't mean bad swearing," explained King. "She means official +swearing, or something like that. All Queens do it, and juries, and +presidents, and everything. It's only promising or vowing." + +"Well, I'll promise or vow," agreed Hester, "but I won't swear." + +"All right," said Marjorie. "You must hold up both hands, and say 'I +promise or vow to be a good Queen and not get mad at my courtiers.' Say +it now." + +So Hester raised both hands as high as she could and repeated Marjorie's +words. + +"Now you've taken your oath of office, and you're queen," said Kitty, +who was unconsciously taking charge of affairs. "Where's the crown, +Mops?" + +"The new Queen tore it up the other day," said Midget, demurely. + +"Then she must make a new one," commanded Kitty. "Never mind; for to-day +this will do." + +The Princess San Diego hastily twisted some vines into a wreath, and +laid it gently on the brilliant locks of the new Queen. + +"I crown you Queen Sandy!" she said, dramatically. + +"It's all right, Kit," said King, looking quizzical, "but just how do +you happen to be running this court?" + +"Oh, I might as well," returned Kitty carelessly. "I don't think the +rest of you are very good at it." + +"That's so," admitted Tom. "I guess we do squabble a lot." + +"It isn't only that," said Kitty, "but you don't have much order and +ceremony." + +"I've noticed that," put in Dick. "We just talk every-day sort of talk. +I think we ought to be grander." + +"So do I," agreed Kitty. "Here, Hester, give me that crown; I'll be +Queen for to-day, and show you how." + +There was nothing bumptious or even dictatorial in Kitty's manner; she +merely wanted to show them how a Queen ought to act. So she put the vine +wreath on her own head, and breaking a branch from a tall shrub nearby +for a sceptre, she seated herself on the dilapidated throne. + +"I pray you sit," she said, condescendingly, to her court. "Ha! where is +my page?" + +"There is no page, O Queen," said the Grand Sandjandrum, looking +mortified. + +"Thus I create one!" announced Kitty, calmly. "Sand Crab, kneel before +me!" + +Harry sprang forward to obey, and kneeled at Kitty's feet. + +"Thus I anoint thee page!" declared the Queen, dramatically tapping him +three times on his shoulder. "Rise, Sir Page, and attend upon me!" + +"Yes, ma'am! What shall I do?" asked the new page, greatly flustered. + +"Stand thou here at my right hand. It may be I might have an errand or +two now and then." + +"Aye, aye, O Queen!" declaimed Dick, who was catching the spirit of +Kitty's rule. + +"Well spoke, fair sir. Stand thou there, I prithee. And now, Courtiers, +is there any business to be discussed?" + +"Nay, O Queen," said Tom, "we but wait thy pleasure." + +"Then my pleasure is now to install the new Queen. And, prithee, my +courtiers, when that the new Queen is enthroned, then does the receding +Queen become the Sand Witch?" + +"Yea, O fair Queen," said Marjorie, coming up with mincing steps and +bowing before Kitty. "From now on I am the Sand Witch of this court, and +I humbly beg thy favor." + +"Favor be thine!" announced the temporary Queen. "And now, O my +courtiers, lead to me Queen Hester Sandy, Queen of Sand Court!" + +Reconciled at last to this state of things, King and Tom sprang to +escort Hester. Dick and Harry marched gravely behind, while Midget +stalked along ahead, and thus quite an imposing procession approached +Queen Kitty and ranged themselves before her. + +"O Queen," Kitty began, "you have already taken oath of office, O Queen! +So now naught remains but to take the seat of royalty, the honored +throne of Sand Court, O Queen!" + +And then Hester scored her success. She stepped up on the sand mound +that was the throne, and bowed her head while Kitty transferred the vine +wreath that represented the crown. Then Hester drew herself up +majestically, waved her sceptre, and declaimed: + +"I, the Queen of Sand Court, accept this honor that is thus thrust upon +me!" + +There were some astonished faces among the courtiers at this speech, +but nobody interrupted. + +"I, Queen Sandy, promise to be a good Queen to my beloved courtiers, and +never to lose my temper or speak cross, but to emulate the sweet and +sunlighty disposition of our departing and beloved Queen, who is now a +Sand Witch. Wherefore, my courtiers, I beseech your fealty and faith, +and I present my compliments, and the compliments of this court to our +visitor, the Princess San Diego. This lovely lady has been a great help, +and we now salute her. I bid thee all salute!" + +They all saluted by bowing low to Kitty; indeed, the page bowed so low +that he tumbled over, but soon scrambled up again. + +"And now," went on Queen Sandy, "I bid thee salute our Sand Witch. She +is a witch of goodness and joy. We all love her, the court honors her, +and one and all we now salute her!" + +More low bows followed, and then the court resumed its upright attitude +and awaited orders. + +"There is no more saluting necessary," explained the gracious Queen. +"You boy courtiers can't expect it. Now the court is dismissed and the +Sand Club will play something." + +The Queen came down from the throne, and courtly manners and speeches +were laid aside. + +"Let's fix up the court instead of playing," suggested Kitty, and as +all thought this a good idea, they went at it. + +Everybody worked with a will, for it was fun to get the court in order +again, and Kitty and Midget were so fond of fixing up and decorating +that when the task was over, Sand Court was far handsomer than ever +before. + +Shell borders outlined the throne and the courtier's seat, and the old +legless chair was so draped with cheesecloth and green vines that it was +a picture in itself. Then it was luncheon time, and the courtiers said +good-bye and parted to go to their homes. + +"She's a funny girl," said Kitty, as the Maynard trio reached their +house. "As soon as she got what she wanted, she was sweet as pie. But if +you hadn't given up the Queen to her, Mops, she would have been madder'n +hops." + +"I know it," said Midget, "but that wasn't the reason I did it. I did it +'cause I thought it was fairer for her to have a turn at being Queen." + +"And it was," said Kitty, judicially. "I think you did right, Mopsy; +but, all the same, she'll never keep that promise to be sweet and +pleasant." + +"Oh, Kitty, she'll have to! Why, she vowed it!" + +"Oh, pshaw, she'll get mad and forget all about that vow. Say, Mops, +what do you think? I've learned to make cake." + +"You have! Who taught you?" + +"Eliza did, up at Grandma's. It was fine. I'll teach you, if you like." + +"Do!" urged King. "Then Midge can make little cakes for the Sand Club. +Ellen makes 'em sometimes, but she says it's a bother." + +Permission being granted by Mrs. Maynard, the girls tried cake-making +that very afternoon. + +"I'll help yez, shall I?" asked Ellen, as the two energetic damsels +raided her pantry. + +"No, Ellen," said Marjorie. "Miss Kitty is going to teach me. You +go,--go--why, Ellen, you take an afternoon out!" + +"It isn't me day out, Miss Midget, but I'll go to me room, an' if yez +wants me, yez can send Sarah afther me, sure." + +"Can I help?" asked King, who wanted to be in the fun. + +"Yes, you can stone raisins," said Kitty, kindly. + +At home in Rockwell, Marjorie had always been chief directress in all +their doings, but down here Kitty was more like a visitor, and the +others politely deferred to her. So King went contentedly to work, +stoning raisins, and the girls made the cake. + +"I didn't bring my recipe book," said Kitty, "but I guess I remember how +to make it. You see, Eliza is going to teach me to make lots of things, +so I've quite a big book for recipes." + +"How many have you so far?" asked Midget, greatly interested. + +"Well, only this one; but it's sponge cake, you know. I shall have more +later." + +"Yes, of course," said Midget, politely, and suddenly feeling that her +younger sister was getting very grown-up, with her recipe book and her +sponge cake. + +"Now," proceeded Kitty, "if I'm to show you, Midget, you must pay close +attention." + +"I will,--oh, I will!" + +"First, you break the eggs, and separate them, white from yolk, like +this,--see!" + +But whether she was rattled at having such an interested audience, or +whether she was not very expert as yet, Kitty couldn't make the eggs +"separate" neatly. Every one she broke persisted in spilling out its +yellow and white together. + +"Let me try," said Marjorie, but her efforts were not much more +successful. Bits of shell would fall in the bowl, and even if she got +most of the white in safely, some yellow would spill in, too. + +"Does it matter much?" asked King. + +"Oh, I don't believe so," said Kitty. "I guess we'll beat the eggs all +up together, white and yellow both." + +Kitty put in the Dover eggbeater with an air of experience, and whisked +its wheel "round and round." + +"Let me in, too," said Midget. "There's another beater I found in the +cupboard." + +There was room in the big bowl for both beaters, and the two girls +whizzed the wheels around like mad. + +"Hold on!" cried King. "You're flirting that yellow stuff all over!" + +"Well, anyway, it's well beaten," declared Kitty, looking at the frothy +yellow mass with satisfaction. "Now we put in the flour,--no, the sugar, +I think." + +"Butter?" suggested Marjorie. + +"No, there's no butter in it. This is _sponge_ cake." + +Properly subdued, Marjorie awaited orders. + +"Sugar," Kitty decided at last; "and bring a cup." + +Midget brought the cup, and Kitty measured the sugar, and dumped it into +the bowl of egg. + +"I can't think whether it's three or four cups full," she said, holding +a cup full uncertainly over the bowl. + +"Dump it in!" advised King. "I like 'em pretty sweet." + +So in went the sugar, and Midget was allowed to stir, while Kitty +measured flour. + +"We have to sift this four times," she announced, with an air of great +wisdom. "I'll do this part." + +She did, but she was so energetic about it, and the flour sieve so +uncertain on its three iron legs, that much of the flour flew over the +table, the floor, and the clothing of the workers. + +"Hold up, Kit!" cried Marjorie, as a cloud of flour almost blinded her. +"I can't see to beat, if you fly that flour around so!" + +"Well, it has to be sifted four times," apologized Kitty, and turned it +into the sieve again. + +Much was lost in transit, and King declared it was already sifted as +fine as it would ever be, but Kitty was unmoved by comment or criticism. + +"Now it's all right," she said, peering into the pan of finally prepared +flour, and ignoring the white dust that was all over everything. "But +first a cup of hot water must go in." + +"I'll pour it," said King, rising quickly, and taking the tea-kettle +from Kitty, who was in imminent danger of scalding herself. + +"Just a cup full!" said Kitty, warningly, as the hot water ran over the +brimming cup and fell to the floor. + +"Never mind," said King, "we'll only use what's in the cup," and +carrying it as carefully as possible he poured it into the bowl of +batter that Marjorie was faithfully beating. + +"Oh, not all at once!" cried Kitty. "It should have been put in little +by little." + +"Can't help it now," said Midget, cheerfully. "I guess it won't matter. +Now in with the flour, Kit; and you must have baking powder." + +"I don't think Eliza put in any baking powder," said Kitty, dubiously. + +"Oh, she _must_ have!" said Midget. "That's what baking powder is +for,--to bake with. It's on that shelf, Kitty." + +Kitty was uncertain about the baking powder, so took Marjorie's advice. + +"But I don't know how much," she said, as she opened the tin box. + +"About a tablespoonful to a cup of flour," said Marjorie. "I think I +heard Mother say that once." She was not at all sure, but she greatly +wanted to help Kitty if possible. + +"All right," said Kitty, and having already put in three cups of flour, +she added to the mixture three heaping tablespoonfuls of baking powder. + +"Now for the raisins," she said. + +"I didn't know sponge cake ever had raisins in it," said Marjorie. + +"It doesn't, usually," said Kitty, "but I thought it would add an extra +touch." + +She stirred them in, and then they poured the batter into a cake tin. + +"It does look lovely," said Midget, tasting it with a spoon. "It tastes +pretty good, but not as good as it looks. I guess it'll be lovely when +it's baked. Open the oven, King." + +King threw open the oven door with a flourish, and the girls pushed the +big pan inside. + +"Shut it quick!" warned Kitty. "The cake falls unless you do! It must +bake three-quarters of an hour." + +And then they all waited patiently for the time to take it out. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A MOTOR RIDE + + +"Isn't it done yet?" asked King, after half an hour had elapsed. + +"Nope," returned Kitty, positively. "It can't be done till +three-quarters of an hour, and it's only a half." + +"Smells done!" exclaimed Marjorie, sniffing "I believe it's burning, +Kit." + +"Pshaw, it can't be burning. That isn't a hot fire, is it, King?" + +"No," replied King, after removing one of the range covers and +scrutinizing the fire. "That's what the cook books call a moderate +fire." + +"Then that's all right," and Kitty wagged her head in satisfaction. +"Sponge cake requires a mod-rit fire." + +"But it's leaking out, Kitty!" cried Marjorie, dancing about the +kitchen. "Oh, look, it's leaking out!" + +Sure enough, smoke was coming out through the edges of the oven door, +and a sticky substance began to ooze through. + +"The door isn't shut quite tight," began Kitty, but before she could +finish, King flung the oven door wide open. + +"Better see what's up!" he said, and as the smoke poured out in a +volume, and then cleared away a little, a strange sight confronted them. + +The cake dough had apparently multiplied itself by ten, if not more. It +had risen and run all over the sides of the pan, had dripped down +through the grating to the bottom of the oven, and had bubbled up from +there all over the sides and door. In fact the oven was lined with a +sticky, sizzling, yellow material that had turned brown in some places, +and was burned black in others. + +"Something must have gone wrong," said Kitty, calmly, as she looked at +the ruins. "I was almost sure it didn't need any baking powder. That's +what blew it up so." + +"H'm," said King. "I don't believe I care for any. Wonder what became of +the raisins?" + +"You can see them here and there," said Marjorie. "Those burned black +spots are raisins. Phew! how it smokes! I'm going out." + +"Let's call Ellen," said Kitty, "she said to." + +Being summoned, Ellen arrived on the scene of action. + +"Arrah, Miss Kitty," she said; "shure, an' I thought ye cuddent make +cake. Now, why did ye thry, an' put all in such a pother? Belikes ye +want to make me throuble." + +"No, Ellen," said Kitty, smiling at her. "I didn't do it purposely for +that. I thought it would be good. You see, I did make it once, and it +was good." + +"Ah, go 'long wid yez,--all of yez! Shure I'll be afther clanin' up. An' +niver a shcold I'll shcold yez if ye'll kape outen o' my kitchen afther +this." + +"Good for you, Ellen!" shouted King. "I thought you'd raise a row! Nice +Ellen, good Ellen! Good-bye, Ellen!" + +"Good-bye, ye bad babies! I'll make ye some tea-cakes now as ye can +eat!" + +"Isn't she a duck!" exclaimed Kitty. + +"Oh, that's 'cause you're sort of company. If you hadn't been here, and +we'd done that she'd have tuned up, all right!" + +This was King's opinion, and Marjorie agreed with him. "We never go in +the kitchen," she said. "I guess Ellen was so surprised she didn't know +_what_ to say." + +"Well," said Kitty, quite undisturbed by the circumstances, "you see, at +Grandma's, Eliza helps me, and sort of superintends what I put in." + +"Yes, I see," said King. "Now you do a lot of cooking after you get back +there, Kit, and try to learn your recipes better." + +Kitty laughed and promised, and then the three children wandered into +the dining-room to see what their elders were doing. + +"Can't we start at once?" Cousin Ethel was saying. "Oh, here are the +kiddies now! Come in, you three blessings in disguise! Do you want to go +on a jamboree?" + +"What's that?" asked Kitty. + +"Oh, a lovely motor ride, with two cars, and stay all night, and lots of +lovely things like that!" + +"Oh, goody!" cried Marjorie. "Are we really going? Mother's been talking +about a trip like that!" + +"I guess we will," said Mr. Maynard. "We haven't had an Ourday for some +time. How would you like to take the opportunity for one while we have +Kitty-girl among us?" + +"Gorgiferous! Gay!" cried Marjorie, and King threw his cap high in the +air and caught it deftly on his head. + +"When do we start?" + +"As soon as we can get off," said Mr. Maynard, looking at his watch. +"Scamper, you kiddies, and get into appropriate rigs." + +"Oh, what fun!" cried Marjorie, as they flew upstairs. "What shall we +wear, Mothery?" + +"You'll find your frocks laid out in your rooms," said Mrs. Maynard, who +was prepared for this question. "Then put on your motor coats and take +your motor bonnets with you,--but you needn't wear them unless you +choose." + +The girls danced away, and soon were in full regalia. They went flying +downstairs to learn more of the particulars of the trip. Nurse Nannie +and Rosy Posy were on the porch waiting, the little one greatly excited +at thought of the journey. + +"Oh, what a grand Ourday, Father!" cried Midget, giving him one of her +most ferocious "bear hugs." "We have so much vacation down here, I +thought we wouldn't catch any Ourdays!" + +"Well, this is an extra thrown in for good measure. I suppose you don't +care, Midget, which car you ride in?" + +"Not a bit! We keep together, don't we?" + +"Yes, as much as possible. Cousin Jack will drive his own car, and +Pompton, of course, will drive ours." + +"It all happened so swift I can hardly realize it," said Kitty. "Only a +minute or two ago I was making cake in the kitchen, and now here I am!" + +"Making _what_?" asked King, teasingly, but when he saw Kitty look red +and embarrassed he turned the subject. + +Kitty had told her mother about the cake episode, but Mrs. Maynard said +it was an accident due to inexperience, and nothing further need be +said about it. + +"I'll divide up the passengers," said Cousin Jack as, with the two cars +standing in front of the door, no one knew just which to get in. + +"Ethel and I will take Marjorie and King with us, for I think Kitty will +want to ride with her mother, and Babykins, too." + +"All right," agreed Mr. Maynard, and then he packed Uncle Steve and Mrs. +Maynard and Kitty on the back seat, Nannie and Rosamond next in front, +and he climbed up beside Pompton. + +Some suitcases and a basket of light luncheon were stowed away, and off +they started, Ellen and Sarah waving to them from the steps as they flew +down the drive. It was a perfect day for motoring. Not too hot, not too +breezy, and no dust. + +Their destination was Lakewood, but for quite a distance their road lay +along by the shore before they turned inland. + +Marjorie sat back, beside Cousin Ethel, and King sat in front with +Cousin Jack. + +"Let's play Roadside Euchre," said Midget. + +"We go too fast for that," said King. "We couldn't see the things to +count them." + +"What is it, Mehitabel?" asked Cousin Jack. "We aren't going so very +fast." + +"Why, you count the things on each side of the road. You and I are on +the right, you know, Cousin Jack, so we count all on this side. Then +Cousin Ethel and King count all on their side." + +"All what?" + +"Well, a horse and vehicle counts one; a vehicle with two horses counts +two; and a horse without any wagon or carriage counts five. An +automobile counts ten; a herd of cows, fifteen; and a load of hay, +twenty. A cat in a window counts twenty-five, and people count five +apiece. Any animal, not a horse counts ten." + +"But, as I am driving," said Cousin Jack, "I can turn either side, and +so make them count as I like." + +"No, you must turn just as you would, anyway. Of course, as you turn to +the right, King and Cousin Ethel will count most of the vehicles we +pass; but we'll make up some other way. Oh, here's a flock of chickens! +I forgot to tell you, chickens count one each." + +The motor seemed to go right through the flock of chickens, but Cousin +Jack was a careful driver and didn't harm one of them. There was a +terrific squawking and peeping and clucking as the absurd bipeds ran +about in an utterly bewildered manner. The children and Cousin Ethel +managed to count them fairly well, but Cousin Jack had to manage his +motor. + +"How many?" he asked as the last hen was left behind. + +"Fourteen for our side," announced Midget, triumphantly. + +"And nine for us," said King. "Never mind, we'll make up later." + +But they kept fairly even. To be sure, when they met motor-cars, or any +vehicles, they had to turn out to the right, which gave the count to +King's side. + +But on the other hand, motors sometimes passed them from behind, and if +they went along on the right side they were Marjorie's count. Houses +were as apt to be on one side as the other, and these added their count +of dogs, cats, chickens, and cows, as well as occasional human beings. + +Going through small towns was the most fun, for then it required quick +counting to get all that belonged to them. + +A flock of birds on either side was counted, but a flock of birds that +crossed their path was omitted, as it would have counted the same for +each. + +The game grew more and more exciting. Sometimes one side would be more +than a hundred ahead, and then the balance would swing back the other +way. About six o'clock they neared Lakewood. + +"The game stops as we turn into the main street," said Cousin Jack, +"and the prize is this: whichever of you two children win shall select +the dessert at the hotel dinner to-night." + +"All right," said Marjorie, "but it isn't only us children. We each have +a partner who must help us in the selection." + +Cousin Jack agreed to this, and in a moment the car swung into the main +street of Lakewood. + +Midget and King, who had kept account of their hundreds on a bit of +paper, began to add up, and it was soon found that Marjorie and Cousin +Jack's side had won by about two hundred points. + +"Good work!" cried King. "We losers congratulate you, and beg you'll +remember that we love ice cream!" + +They were following the Maynards' _big_ car, and soon both cars stopped +and all alighted and went into a beautiful hotel called +"Holly-in-the-Woods." + +"Oh, how lovely!" whispered Marjorie to Kitty, as she squeezed her +sister's arm. "Isn't this fun, Kit?" + +"I should say so!" returned Kitty. "The best Ourday ever!" + +Then the children were whisked away to tidy up for dinner, and fresh +white frocks were found in the suitcases. Midget and Kitty tied each +other's ribbons, and soon were ready to go downstairs again. The +Bryants met them in the hall, and took them down. + +"Isn't it like Fairyland!" said Marjorie, enchanted by the palms and +flowers and lights and music. She had never before been in such an +elaborate hotel, and she wanted to see it all. + +They walked about, and looked at the various beautiful rooms, and then +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard came, and they all went to the dining-room. + +A table had been reserved for them, and Marjorie felt very grown up and +important as the waiter pushed up her chair. After their long ride, +their appetites were quite in order to do justice to the good things put +before them, and when it was time for dessert, Cousin Jack announced +that he and Marjorie were a committee of two to select it. + +"Though of course," he added, "any one who doesn't care for what we +choose is entirely at liberty to choose something else." + +So the two gravely studied the menu, and kept the others in suspense +while they read over the long list. Many names were in French, but +Marjorie skipped those. + +"Ice cream," Kitty kept whispering, in low but distinct stage whispers; +and at last Cousin Jack proposed to Midget that they choose what was +billed as a "Lakewood Souvenir." + +Marjorie had no idea what this might be, but she agreed, for she felt +sure it was something nice. + +And so it was, for it turned out to be ice cream, but so daintily put up +in a little box that it was like a present. The box was carved with +crinkly paper, and had a pretty picture of Lakewood scenery framed in +gilt on the top. After every one had eaten his ice cream, the boxes were +carried away as souvenirs. + +Then they all went out and sat on the terrace while the elders had +coffee. The three children did not drink coffee, so they were allowed to +run around the grounds a little. + +"How long are we going to stay here?" asked Kitty. + +"Till to-morrow afternoon, I think," replied King. "I heard Father say +he thought he'd do that." + +"I think it's beautiful," said Midget, "but I'd just as lieve be riding, +wouldn't you, Kit?" + +"Oh, I don't care. I like 'em both,--first one and then the other." + +Kitty was of a contented disposition, and usually liked everything. But +the other two were also easily pleased, and the three agreed that they +didn't care whether they were motoring or staying at the lovely hotel. + +"Now, then, little Maynards, bed for yours!" announced their father, as +he came strolling out to find them. + +"Father," said Marjorie, grasping his hand, "is this really an Ourday?" + +"Yes, Midget; of course it is. You don't mind the Bryants sharing it, do +you?" + +"No, not a bit. Only,--to-morrow can't I ride with you? If it's our +Ourday, I like better to be by you." + +"Of course you can!" cried Mr. Maynard, heartily. "We'll fix it +somehow." + +"But don't tell Cousin Ethel and Cousin Jack that I don't want to ride +with them," went on Midget, "because it might hurt their feelings. But +you know,--when I thought I didn't have any father,--I thought about all +our Ourdays, and----" + +Midget's voice broke, and Mr. Maynard caught her to him. + +"My darling little girl," he said, "I'm so glad you're back with us for +our Ourdays, and you shall ride just where you want to." + +"Let her take my place," said Kitty, kindly. "I'd just as lieve go in +the other car, and I don't wonder Midget feels like that." + +So it was settled that Kitty should ride with the Bryants next day, and +then the three children were sent to bed, while the elders stayed up a +few hours later. + +The girls had a large room, with two beds, and with a delightful +balcony, on which a long French window opened. + +"Isn't it wonderful?" said Marjorie, softly, as she stepped over the +sill, and stood in the soft moonlight, looking down on the hotel flower +gardens. + +"Yes, indeedy," agreed Kitty; "I say, Mops, I'd like to jump down, flip! +into that geranium bed!" + +"Oh, Kitty, what a goose you are! Don't do such a thing!" + +"I'm not going to. I only said I'd like to; and I'd play it was a +sea,--a geranium sea, and I'd swim around in it." + +"Kit, you're crazy! Come on to bed, before you do anything foolish." + +"I'm not going to do it, really, Mops! but I like to imagine it. I'd +waft myself off of this balcony, and waft down to the scarlet of the +geraniums and fall in." + +"Yes, and be picked up with two broken legs and a sprained ankle!" + +"Well--and then I'd see a little boat, on the red geranium sea,--I'd be +a fairy, you know,--and I'd get in the little boat----" + +"You come and get in your little bed, Miss Kitty," said Nannie, from the +window, and laughing gayly, the two girls went in and went to bed. + +"Anyway, I'm going to dream of that red geranium bed," announced Kitty, +as she cuddled into the smooth, white sheets. + +"All right," said Midget, drowsily; "dream anything you like." + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +RED GERANIUMS + + +Wearied by the journey, and the fun of it, Marjorie fell at once into a +deep, quiet sleep. Kitty's sleep was deep, too, but not quiet. The child +tossed around and waved her arms, muttering about a geranium sea, and a +little boat on it. + +Nurse Nannie puttered about the room for some time, picking up things, +and laying out the girls' clothes for the next day. Then she put out the +lights and went away to her own room. + +It was, perhaps, ten o'clock when Kitty threw back the bedclothing, and +slowly got out of bed. She was sound asleep, and she walked across the +room with a wavering, uncertain motion, but went straight to the French +window, which was still part way open. + +Kitty had sometimes walked in her sleep before, but it was not really a +habit with her, and the family had never thought it necessary to +safeguard her. + +It was a still, warm night, and when she stepped out on the balcony, +there was no breeze or waft of cool air to awaken her. + +She paused at the low rail of the little balcony, and murmured, "Oh, the +lovely soft red flowers! I will lie down on them!" and over the railing +she went, plump down into the geranium bed! + +As is well known, a fall is not apt to hurt a somnambulist, for the +reason that in sleep the muscles are entirely relaxed; but the jar woke +Kitty, and she found herself, clad only in her little white nightgown, +lying in the midst of the red blossoms. + +She did not scream; on the contrary, she felt a strange sense of delight +in the odorous flowers and the scent of the warm, soft earth. + +But in a moment she realized what had happened, and scrambled up into a +sitting posture. + +"My gracious! it's Kit!" exclaimed a voice, and from among the group of +people on the veranda Cousin Jack ran down to her. The others followed, +and in a moment Kitty was surrounded by her own people. She flew to her +mother's arms, and Cousin Ethel quickly drew off her own evening wrap +and put it around Kitty. + +"How _did_ you happen to fall?" asked her father, who soon saw she was +not hurt, or even badly jarred. + +"I was asleep, I guess," Kitty returned; "anyway I dreamed that I wanted +to jump in the red geranium sea,--so I jumped." + +"You jumped! out of the window?" + +"Yes,--that is, off of the little balcony. You see, I was asleep until I +landed. Then I found out where I was." + +Kitty was quite calm about it, and cuddled into the folds of Cousin +Ethel's satin cloak, while she told her story. + +"Of course, I shouldn't have jumped if I had been awake," she said; "but +you can't help what you do in your sleep, can you?" + +"No," said Uncle Steve; "you weren't a bit to blame, Kitsie, and I'm +thankful you came down so safely. But I think that window must be +fastened before you go to sleep again. One such escapade is enough for +one night." + +The other guests on the veranda looked curiously at the group, but Kitty +was protected from view by her own people, and, too, the big cloak hid +all deficiencies of costume. + +"Well, we have to get used to these unexpected performances," said Mr. +Maynard, "but I do believe my children are more ingenious than others in +trumping up new games." + +"We are," said Kitty, "but usually it's Midget who does the crazy +things. King and I don't cut up jinks much." + +"That's so," agreed Uncle Steve. "Last summer Miss Mischief kept us all +in hot water. But this year, Kitsie has been a model of propriety. She +never walks out of second-story windows when she's at our house. I guess +I'd better take her back there." + +"Not to-morrow," said Kitty. "Wait till next day, won't you, Uncle +Steve?" + +"All right; day after to-morrow, then. But we mustn't stay away from +Grandma longer than that." + +"And now I think our adventurous little explorer must go back to her +dreams," said Mrs. Maynard. "Who wants to carry her upstairs?" + +As Uncle Steve was the biggest and strongest of the three men, he picked +up the young sleepwalker, and started off with her. Mrs. Maynard +followed, and they soon had Kitty safely in bed again, with the French +window securely fastened against any further expeditions. + +The mother sat by the little girl until she went to sleep, and this time +her slumber was untroubled by dreams of geranium seas with fairy boats +on them. + +Next morning, Marjorie was greatly interested in Kitty's story. + +"Oh, Kit," she exclaimed, "I wish I had seen you step off! Though, of +course, if I _had_ seen you, you wouldn't have done it! For I should +have waked you up. Well, it's a wonder you didn't smash yourself. Come +on, let's hurry down and look at that flower bed." + +But by the time the girls got down there, the hotel gardener had remade +the flower bed, and it now looked as if no one had ever set foot on it. + +"Pshaw!" said Marjorie, "they've fixed it all up, and we can't even see +where you landed. Did it make a big hole, Kit?" + +"I don't know, Mops. About as big as I am, I suppose. Can't you imagine +it?" + +Marjorie laughed. "Yes, I can imagine you landing there, in your +nightgown and bare feet! How you must have looked!" + +"I s'pose I did. But, somehow, Mops, when I found myself there, it +didn't seem queer at all. I just wanted to float on the red flowers." + +"Kit, I do believe you're half luny," observed King; "you have the +craziest ideas. But I'm jolly glad you didn't get hurt, you old +sleep-trotter!" and the boy pulled his sister's curls to express his +deep affection and gratitude for her safety. + +Kitty was none the worse for her fall. The soft loam of the newly made +flower bed had received her gently, and not even a bruise had resulted. + +But the elders decided that hereafter the exits from Kitty's bedroom +must be properly safeguarded at night, as no one could tell when the +impulse of sleep-walking might overtake her. + +There was plenty to do at Lakewood. Uncle Steve took the children for a +brisk walk through the town, and bought them souvenirs of all sorts. The +shops displayed tempting wares, and the girls were made happy by bead +necklaces and pretty little silk bags, while King rejoiced in queer +Indian relics found in a curio shop. Then back to the hotel, for a game +of tennis and a romp with Cousin Jack, and in the afternoon a long motor +ride, with occasional stops for ice cream soda or peanuts. + +And the next day Kitty and Uncle Steve went home. They concluded to take +the train from Lakewood, and not return again to Seacote. + +"Grandma will be getting anxious to see us," Uncle Steve declared. "I +did not intend to stay as long as this when I left home." + +"Good-bye, old Kitsie," said Midget; "don't walk into any more red seas, +and write to me often, won't you?" + +"Yes, I will, Midge; but you don't write very often, yourself." + +"I know it; it's a sort of a bother to write letters. But I love to get +them." + +"Well, the summer will be over pretty soon," returned Kitty, "and then +we'll all be back in Rockwell." + +The Maynard children were philosophical, and so they parted with cheery +good-byes, and the train steamed away with Uncle Steve and Kitty waving +from the window. + +"Now, for our own plans," said Mr. Maynard. "What shall we do next, +Jack?" + +"I know what I'd like," said Cousin Ethel. + +"What is it, my Angel?" asked her husband. "You may most certainly have +anything you want." + +"Well, instead of going right back to Seacote, I'd like to go to +Atlantic City." + +"You would!" said Mr. Bryant. "And would you like to go around by +Chicago, and stop at San Francisco on your way home?" + +"No," said Cousin Ethel, laughing; "and I don't think Atlantic City is +so very far. We could go there to-day, stay over to-morrow, and back to +Seacote the day after. What do you think, Jack?" + +"I think your plan is great! And I'm more than ready to carry it out, if +these Maynards of ours agree to it." + +"I'd like it," declared Marjorie. "I've never been to Atlantic City." + +"But it isn't exactly a summer place, is it?" asked Mrs. Maynard. + +"Neither is Lakewood," said Cousin Ethel. "But it's a cool spell just +now, and I think it would be lots of fun to run down there." + +"All right," said Mr. Maynard, "let's run." + +And run they did. Considering they had nine people and two motors, and +several suitcases to look after, they displayed admirable expedition in +getting started, and just at dusk they came upon the brilliant radiance +of the lights of Atlantic City. + +"This was a fine idea of yours, Ethel," said Mrs. Maynard. "This place +looks very attractive." + +"Oh, isn't it!" cried Marjorie. "I think it's grand! Can't we stay up +late to-night, Mother?" + +"You may stay up till nine o'clock, Midget, and we'll go down and see +the crowds on the Boardwalk." + +So after dinner they went down to the gay thoroughfare known as the +Boardwalk. It was crowded with merry, laughing, chattering people, and +Midget danced along in an ecstasy of enjoyment. + +"I never saw such a lot of people!" she exclaimed. "Where are they all +going?" + +"Nowhere in particular," said her father. "They're just out here to look +at each other and enjoy themselves." + +"See those funny chairs, on rollers," went on Midget. "Oh, can't we ride +in them? Everybody else does." + +"Of course we must," said her father. "It's part of the performance." + +He engaged three rolling chairs, and as each chair held two people, he +said, "How shall we divide up?" + +"I'll take Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, "and Hezekiah can go with my +wife. Then you two elder Maynards can use the third. How's that?" + +This arrangement was satisfactory and they started off, a strong man +pushing each chair. + +"Don't you think this is fun, Cousin Jack?" asked Marjorie, as she +watched the crowds and the lights, and Old Ocean rolling big black waves +up on the shore. + +"Yes, Mehitabel, I think it's gay. There's a certain something at this +place that you never see anywhere else." + +"Yes, it's quite different from Seacote, isn't it? Everybody here seems +to be in a hurry." + +"That's only because it's such a big and lively crowd. Here we are at +the pier. I think we'd better go in and hear the music." + +So they dismissed the chairmen, and went far down the long pier to +listen to a concert. + +A children's dance was being held, and Marjorie sat down, enraptured at +the sight. + +Lots of boys and girls about her own age, in fancy costumes, were +dancing and pirouetting in time with the fine music. One little girl, +especially, Marjorie admired. She was a pretty child, in a white frock +and blue sash, and she wore a wreath of small rosebuds on her curly, +flaxen hair. She seemed to be the best of all the dancers, and twice she +danced alone, doing marvellous fancy steps and receiving great applause +from the audience. + +"Isn't she lovely!" exclaimed Midget. "I wish I could dance like that." + +"You never can, Mopsy," said King. "You're too heavy. That girl is a +featherweight." + +"She looks nice," said Midget. "I'd like to know her." + +And then, as it was nearing nine o'clock, they left the dancing +pavilion, and made their way back to their hotel. + +Marjorie kept close to her parents, for the crowd seemed to grow denser +all the time, and if she lost sight of her people, she feared she'd be +swept away from them forever. + +They were staying at Madden Hall, and as they reached it, there, too, +music was being played, and some people were dancing in the big +ballroom. But there were no children about, so Midget trotted off to bed +cheerfully, with lots of pleasant anticipations for the morrow. + +At breakfast, next morning, she was looking around the dining room, +when she spied the same little girl who had danced so prettily the night +before. + +"Oh, Mother," she exclaimed, "there she is! That pretty girl that +danced. See, at the next table but two. Yes, it _is_ the same one!" + +"Sure it is," agreed King. "She's staying here. Perhaps we can get +acquainted with her, Mops." + +"Could we, Mother? Would it be right?" + +"We'll see about it," said Mrs. Maynard, smiling at her impulsive +daughter. After breakfast the Maynard party walked out on the veranda, +and Midget soon saw the little girl, in a big rocking chair not far +away. + +"May I go over and speak to her, Mother?" she said. + +"Why, yes, Midget, if you like. She looks like a nice child. Run along." + +So Midget went over and took the next rocking chair, for there were many +chairs, ranged in long rows. + +"I came over to talk to you," she said; "I saw you dance last night, and +I think you do dance lovely." + +"Do you?" said the little girl. She seemed diffident, but pleased at +Marjorie's words. "You see, it was a Children's Carnival, and Mamma let +me dance. I never danced in a place like that before, and I was a little +scared at first." + +"You didn't look scared. You just looked lovely. What's your name? +Mine's Marjorie Maynard. I live in Rockwell, when I'm home." + +"Mine's Ruth Rowland, and I live in Philadelphia, when I'm home. But +we're spending the summer in Seacote. We just came down here for a +week." + +"In Seacote! Why, that's where we're spending the summer. We have a +house on Fairway Avenue." + +"Oh, I know that house. I remember seeing you there when I've passed by. +Isn't it funny that we should happen to meet here! We live farther down, +past the pier, you know." + +"Yes, I know. Will you come to see me after we both get back there?" + +"Yes, indeed I will. When are you going back?" + +"To-morrow, I think. When are you?" + +"In a few days. Do you know Cicely Ross?" + +"No, I don't know very many children in Seacote. Do you know the Craig +boys?" + +"No. I guess we don't know the same people. But I know Hester Corey, and +you do, too, 'cause I've seen her playing in your yard." + +"Oh, yes, Hester plays with us a lot." + +"She's a funny girl, isn't she?" + +"Well, she's nice sometimes, and sometimes she isn't. Here's my brother +King. King, this is Ruth Rowland, and what do you think? She lives in +Seacote! I mean, for the summer she's staying there." + +"Good!" cried King. "We can play together then, after we go back." + +The three children rapidly became good friends, and soon Ruth proposed +that they all go for a ride in a roller chair. + +"They have wide chairs," she said, "that will hold all three of us." + +Midget ran to ask her mother if they might do this, but Mrs. Maynard was +not willing that the children should go alone. + +"But Nannie and Rosamond may go, too, in another chair," she said, "and +then I shall feel that you are looked after." + +So down to the Boardwalk they went, and Nurse Nannie and Rosy Posy took +one chair, and the three children took another. They selected a wide one +which gave them plenty of room, and off they started. + +It was a lovely, clear day, and the blue sky and the darker blue ocean +met at the far distant horizon, with whitecaps dotted all over the +crests of the waves. A few ships and steamers were to be seen, but +mostly the children's attention was attracted to the scenes on shore. + +"I thought it was lovely last night," said Midget, "but it's even nicer +now. The booths and shops are so gay and festive, and the ladies all +look so pretty in their summer frocks and bright parasols." + +They stopped occasionally, for soda water or candy, and once they +stopped at a camera place and had their pictures taken in the rolling +chairs. + +King proposed this, because he saw a great many people doing it, and as +the man finished up the pictures at once, the children were delighted +with the postcards. + +"I'll send one to Kit," said Midget, "she'll love it. And I'll send one +to Grandma Maynard." + +Ruth had several of the pictures, too, and she said she should send some +to friends in Philadelphia. + +"She's an awfully nice girl," said Marjorie to her mother, when telling +of their morning's doings. "I'm so glad she's at Seacote. We're going to +have lots of fun when we get back." + +"I'm glad, too," said Mrs. Maynard. "For you have so few acquaintances +there, and Ruth is certainly a very sweet child." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +WHAT HESTER DID + + +"I won't have her!" declared Hester. "I'm Queen of this Court, and I +won't have any new members taken in. You had no right, Marjorie Maynard, +to ask her to belong, without consulting me!" + +"Why, Hester, I had so! You may be Queen, but you don't own the whole +Sand Club! And Ruth Rowland is a lovely girl. How can you dislike her, +when you know how sweet and pretty she is. She says she knows you." + +"Yes, I do know her. Stuck-up, yellow-haired thing!" + +Sand Court was in full session, and all had been going on amicably until +Marjorie had chanced to mention meeting Ruth at Atlantic City, and said +she had asked her to come to the Sand Club meetings. At this, Hester had +flown into one of her rages, and declared that Ruth should not become a +member of their little circle. + +"Look here, Hester Corey," said Tom Craig, "you promised, if you could +be Queen, to be always sweet and pleasant. Do you call this keeping +your promise?" + +"Pooh, who cares! I only promised, if the club stayed just the same. If +you're going to put in a lot of new members without asking me, my +promise doesn't count." + +"Ruth isn't 'a lot,'" said Marjorie, laughing at Hester's fury. + +But her laughter only made Queen Sandy more angry than ever. + +"I don't care if she isn't! She's a new member, and I won't have _any_ +new members,--so, there, now!" + +"Say, Hester," began King, "I don't think you're boss of this club. Just +because you're Queen, you don't have any more say than the Grand +Sandjandrum, or me, or anybody." + +"I do, too! A Queen has _all_ the say,--about everything! And I say +there sha'n't be any more people in this club, and so there sha'n't!" + +Hester stamped her foot and shook her fist and wagged her head in the +angriest possible way, and if the others hadn't been so exasperated by +her ill-temper they must have laughed at the funny picture she made. Her +new crown was tumbled sideways, her hair ribbons had come off, and her +face, flushed red and angry, was further disfigured by a disagreeable +scowl. + +And just at this moment Ruth arrived. She came in, smiling, neatly +dressed in a clean print frock, and broad straw hat with a wreath of +flowers round it. + +"Hello, Marjorie," she said, a little shyly, for she didn't know the +Craig boys, and she couldn't help seeing that Hester was in a fit of +temper. + +"Hello, Ruth," said Marjorie, running to her, and taking her by the +hand. "Come on in; this is Sand Court. These are the Craig boys,--Tom, +Dick, and Harry. And this is our Queen,--but I think you know Hester +Corey." + +"Yes," began Ruth, but Hester cried out: "I don't want her to know me! +She sha'n't join our club, I say!" + +Ruth looked bewildered at first, and then her sweet little face wrinkled +up, and the tears came into her big blue eyes. + +"Don't cry, Ruth," said Midget, putting her arm round her; "Hester is +sort of mad this morning, but I guess she'll get over it. Don't mind +her." + +"I won't get over it," screamed Hester. "I'm not going to have Ruth +Rowland in this club!" + +"For goodness gracious sakes, children, what _is_ the matter?" + +A grown-up voice exclaimed these words, and then Mr. Jack Bryant entered +Sand Court. He took in the situation at a glance, but pretended to be +ignorant of the true state of things. + +"What's up, O Queen?" he said, addressing Hester. "Oh, sunny-faced, +honey-voiced Queen of Sand Court, what, I prithee, is up?" + +"Nothing," growled Hester, looking sullen. + +"Nay, nay, not so, sweet Queen; I bethink me there is much up, indeed! +Else why these unusual consternations on the faces of thy courtiers?" + +Of course, Cousin Jack knew all about the doings of Sand Court. He had +often been with them, and delighted them all by talking "Court +language," but to-day nobody responded to his pleasantry. Ruth and +Marjorie were on the verge of tears, the boys were all angry at Hester, +and Hester herself was in one of her wildest furies. + +She refused to answer Cousin Jack, and sat on her throne, shrugging her +shoulders and twitching about, with every cross expression possible on +her pouting face. Mr. Bryant became more serious. + +"Children," he said, "this won't do. This Sand Club is a jolly, +good-natured club, usually, and now that I see you all at sixes and +sevens, I want to know what's the matter. Midget, will you tell me?" + +"I want Ruth Rowland to be in our club," said Marjorie, +straightforwardly; "and Hester doesn't want her. And Hester says that +because she is Queen, we must all do as she says." + +"Ah, ha; urn, hum. Well, Hester, my dear child, _why_ don't you want +Ruth in the club?" + +"Because I don't!" and the Queen looked more disagreeable than ever. + +"Because you _don't_! Well, now, you see, my dear, that is just no +reason at all, so Ruth can be a member, as far as you're concerned." + +"No, she can't! I won't have her in!" + +"Why?" + +"Because I don't like her!" + +"Ah, now we're getting at it. And suppose any of the club shouldn't like +you; then you couldn't be a member, could you?" + +"They _do_ like me!" declared Hester. + +"_Like_ you! like _you_! A girl that flies into rages, and says unkind +things? Oh, no, nobody could like a girl like that! Now, I'll fix it. +You, Hester, won't have Ruth in the club, you say. Well, then if you're +not in the club yourself, of course Ruth could come in. So, the rest of +the club can choose which of you two girls they'd rather have, as it +seems impossible to have you both. King, as the oldest, I'll ask you +first. Will you choose to have Hester or Ruth in this club?" + +"Ruth," said King, promptly. "She doesn't quarrel all the time." + +"Next, Tom. Which do you choose?" + +"Ruth," replied Tom. + +"Why, Tom Craig!" cried Hester, in surprise; "you never saw that girl +till to-day!" + +"No, but I've seen you," he replied; "and I can tell you, Hester, I'm +tired of these scraps you're always putting up! I believe we'll have +better times with Ruth Rowland." + +"Marjorie," Cousin Jack went on, "which girl do you choose?" + +"I'd like them both," said Midget, who couldn't quite bring herself to +denounce Hester entirely. + +"But Hester won't have Ruth. You must choose one or the other." + +"Then I choose Ruth, Cousin Jack. For Hester does make me a lot of +trouble." + +Midget sighed deeply, for, truly, Hester had caused strife in the club +from its very beginning. + +The two smaller boys voted decidedly for Ruth, and then Cousin Jack +turned to Hester. + +"You see," he said, but not unkindly, "the club has unanimously +expressed its preference for Ruth. I don't see that you can do anything +but take your hat and go home." + +Hester looked at him in amazement. + +"What do you mean?" she cried. "I _won't_ go home! I'm Queen, and I'll +stay here and _be_ Queen! Ruth can go home!" + +"No," said Mr. Bryant, more decidedly this time; "Ruth is not going +home. You're to go home, Hester. I happen to know that the Maynard +children and the Craig boys have already shown patience and +unselfishness toward your tyranny and unreasonableness--now, they're not +going to be imposed on any longer. I'll have a voice in this matter +myself. Either you'll stay in the club and agree to have Ruth for a +member also, and be pleasant and kind to her, or else you can take your +hat and go home." + +Mr. Bryant spoke quietly, but very firmly. He knew all the club had been +through, in putting up with Hester's tantrums, and he thought it only +fair that they should be relieved of this troublesome member. + +"I won't have Ruth in," she repeated, but she dropped her eyes before +Mr. Bryant's stern glance. + +"I'm sorry, Hester, but if you won't have Ruth in, then you must go +home, yourself, and I will ask you to go at once." + +"All right, I'm glad to go!" and Hester pulled off her crown and threw +it on the ground, and stamped on it. Then she broke in two her pretty +gilt sceptre, and threw that down. She flung her hat on her head and +marched out of Sand Court with angry glances at each one. She flirted +her skirts and twitched her shoulders, and though she said nothing, she +was as furious a little girl as can well be imagined. + +Ruth was almost frightened, for she was unaccustomed to such scenes. Nor +were the Maynards used to them, except as they had seen Hester in her +rages now and then. + +Cousin Jack looked after the child a little sadly. He was sorry that she +could behave so, but he had made up his mind that Midget and King had +been imposed on by Hester for a long time, and he had determined to put +a stop to it. The advent of Ruth gave a good opportunity, and he availed +himself of it. + +A silence fell on them all. They watched Hester as she slowly went out +of Sand Court. + +But as she started across the lawn, she saw a garden hose with which a +man had been sprinkling the grass. He had gone off and left it lying on +the ground, partly turned off. + +Hester picked it up, turned it on to run full force, and whirling +herself quickly around pointed it straight at Ruth. In a moment the +child was-soaked,--her pretty fresh dress hung limp and wet, her curls +were drenched, and the swift stream of water in her face almost knocked +her over. + +Marjorie sprang to Ruth's side, and received a drenching herself. + +King ran to Hester to take the hose from her, but she turned it full in +his face and sent him sprawling to the ground. + +The Craig boys were treated the same way, and when Mr. Bryant +manoeuvred to get behind Hester and pinion her arms, she wheeled and +sent the splashing stream all over him. + +"You little vixen!" cried Cousin Jack, as, unheeding the water, he +grasped her right arm. + +But the child was wonderfully agile and like an eel she squirmed out of +his grasp, and wielding her ungainly weapon with her left hand, she +again sprayed the water on the two girls. + +"You stop that, Hester Corey!" yelled King, as he scrambled to his feet, +and in another moment he and Cousin Jack succeeded in getting the hose +away from Hester. + +"She ought to have it turned on her!" said Cousin Jack, looking at the +little fury, now dancing up and down in her angry rage. "But, I don't +want anything more to do with you, miss. Go home at once, and tell your +mother all that has happened." + +Glad to get away without further reprimand, Hester, her wrath spent now, +walked slowly across the lawn and out of the gate. + +"She's a terror!" Cousin Jack commented; "now forget it, kiddies, and +let's go into the house and get dried out. Are you girlies much wet?" + +"Not so awfully," replied Marjorie. "Mostly our hair and, oh, yes, the +front of Ruth's skirt is soaked!" + +"Well, we'll build a fire in the library, and hang ourselves up to dry. +Come on, all you Sand boys and girls." + +They went in the house, and while they dried their hair and clothes, +Cousin Jack told them funny stories and made no mention of Hester or of +the Sand Club. + +"Now we're going to play a game," he announced, after everybody was dry, +and the fire had died away to ashes. "Here are the things to play it +with." + +He produced what looked like some rolls of ribbon, and six pairs of +scissors. But it wasn't ribbon, it was the white paper that comes rolled +in with ribbon, when bought by the piece. This paper was about an inch +wide and he had enough to cut six pieces, each about ten feet long. + +These pieces he fastened by one end to the wainscoting with thumb tacks, +and giving the other end of each piece to one of the children, he bade +them stand in a row, far enough away to hold their paper strips out +straight across the room. + +Then, at his given signal, each one was to begin to cut, with the +scissors, straight through the middle of the paper, lengthwise, the game +being to cut clear to the end without tearing the paper. Of course, if +carefully done, this would divide each paper into two strips of equal +width. + +But the game was also to see which reached the end first, and the winner +was promised a prize. If the scissors inadvertently cut off either +strip, the player was "out." + +"Go!" cried Cousin Jack, "and strive only for the greatest speed +consistent with safety. If you go too fast, you're very likely to snip +off your strips; and if you go too slow, somebody else will beat you. +Hurry up, Ruth, you're going evenly, but you'll never get there at that +rate! Oh, hold up, Harry! if you go so fast you'll snip it off. You're +terribly close to one edge, now! Ah, there you go! one strip is chopped +right off. Well, never mind, my boy, stand here by me, and watch the +others. What, Tom out, too? Well, well, Tom, the more haste the less +speed! Careful, Midget, you'll be out in a minute. There you go! Out it +is, for Mehitabel! Well, we have three still in the running. Easy does +it, King! You're getting along finely. Hurry up, Ruth. You can go faster +than that, and still be safe. Dick just says nothing and saws wood. +That's it, Dick, slow and sure!" + +Those who were "out" watched the others with breathless interest. It +would have been an easy task had there been no competition. To cut a +long paper into two strips is not difficult, but to cut that paper in +haste, with others looking on and commenting, is more trying. The +scissors seem bewitched. The paper twists and curls, and one's fingers +seem to be all thumbs. King was doing well, but he gave an impatient +jerk as the paper curled round his finger, and then he was out. + +Dick worked steadily, and Ruth plodded slowly along. + +As they neared the end at the same time the watchers grew greatly +excited. + +"I bet on Ruth!" cried King; "go it, Ruth! get up! g'lang there!" + +"Go on, Dick," cried Marjorie. "Clk! Clk! go 'long!" + +On sped the cutters, but just as it seemed as if they must finish at the +same time, Dick gave a little nervous jerk at his paper, and it tore +right off. + +"Oh," said Midget, "you're out, Dicksie!" + +And then Ruth, slowly and carefully, cut the last few inches of her +paper, and held up her two strips triumphantly. She looked so sweet and +happy about it that they all declared she ought to have been the winner, +and Dick said, shyly: "I'm glad you won." + +The prize was a shell box that Cousin Jack had brought from Atlantic +City, and Ruth dimpled with pleasure as she took it. + +"Thank you so much, Mr. Bryant," she said, prettily; "I never won a +prize before, and I shall always keep it." + +"I'm glad you won it, Ruth," said Cousin Jack, "and I want you to let it +help you forget any unpleasantness of to-day. Will you forget all that +happened at Sand Court, and just remember that the Maynards and the +Craigs are kind and polite children, and never mind about anybody else. +And come again some time, and play in Sand Court, won't you? And I'll +promise you a good and pleasant time." + +Ruth agreed gladly to all this, and then she went home, so happy that +the memory of her pleasant hours made her almost forget Hester's +rudeness. + +"Now, kiddies," said Mr. Bryant, after she had gone, "I want you, too, +to forget all about Hester's performance. Don't talk it over, and don't +say hard things of Hester. Just forget it, and think about something +nice." + +"All right, Cousin Jack," said Midget, "we'll do as you say. Come on, +boys, let's race down to the beach!" + +The children ran away, and after a consultation with Mrs. Maynard, Mr. +Bryant set out to make a call on Mrs. Corey. + +His was not a pleasant task, but he felt it his duty to tell her frankly +of Hester's behavior, and to say that Mr. and Mrs. Maynard couldn't +allow her further to impose on their children. Mrs. Corey didn't resent +this decree, but she was greatly pained at the necessity therefor. + +"I don't know what to do with Hester," she said, sadly. "The child has +always been subject to those ungovernable rages. I hope she will outgrow +them. I feel sorry for her, for it is not really her fault. She tries to +be more patient, and sometimes succeeds; then suddenly her temper breaks +out at most unexpected moments." + +Mr. Bryant did not say what he thought; that Hester was a spoiled child, +and that had her mother taught her how sinful such a temper was, she +could have learned to control it, at least, to a degree. + +But he said that the Maynards could not allow Hester to come to Sand +Court any more, unless with the thorough understanding and agreement +that Ruth was to be a member of the Sand Club, and that Marjorie was to +be Queen again. He said that Hester had forfeited all right to be Queen, +and that as Midget practically formed the club, the right to be Queen +was hers. + +Mrs. Corey agreed to all this, expressed great chagrin that Hester had +acted so rudely, and promised to talk to the child and try to induce a +better spirit of kindness and good comradeship. + +And Cousin Jack went away, feeling that he had served the little +Maynards a good turn, if it had been a difficult and unpleasant duty to +perform. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A FINE GAME + + +One Saturday morning, the Maynards and the Bryants sat on the veranda of +"Maynard Manor," and every one of them was gazing at the sky. + +"It will,--I know it will," said Mrs. Maynard, hopelessly. + +"It won't,--I know it won't!" exclaimed Marjorie, smiling at her mother. + +"It's bound to," declared Cousin Jack, "and there's no use thinking it +won't!" + +Of course, they were talking about the rain, which hadn't yet begun to +fall, but which, judging from the ominous gray sky and black clouds, +would soon do so. + +"Yep, there are the first drops now!" cried King, as some black spots +suddenly appeared on the veranda steps. + +"Yep! that settles it!" Marjorie agreed, "we'll have to give up the +trip. What can we do, nice, instead?" + +They had planned an all-day motor trip. Mr. Maynard was always at home +on Saturdays, and he liked nothing better than to take his family and +friends for a ride. + +"The nicest thing just now would be to scoot indoors!" said Cousin Jack, +as the drops came faster and thicker, and a gust of wind sent the rain +dashing at them. + +So they all scurried into the house, and gathered in the big living-room +to discuss the situation. + +"It does seem too bad to have it rain on a Saturday," said Cousin Ethel, +looking regretfully out of the window. + +"Rain, rain, go away, come again another day," chanted Midget, drumming +on the pane with her finger tips. + +"Oh, if I were a kiddy, I shouldn't mind it," said Cousin Jack, +teasingly, to Marjorie. "There are lots of things you can play. But us +poor grown-ups have no fun to look forward to but motoring, and now we +can't do that." + +"Oh, if I were a grown-up, _I_ shouldn't mind it," said Midget, laughing +back at him. "Grown-ups can do anything they like, but kiddies have to +do as they're told." + +"Ah, yes," and Cousin Jack sighed deeply, "but we have sorrows and cares +that you know nothing of." + +"Yes," returned Marjorie, "and _we_ have sorrows and cares that _you_ +know nothing of! I'd like you to change places with us for a day, and +see----" + +"All right, we will!" exclaimed Cousin Jack. "That's a fine game! For +to-day, we grown-ups will be the children and you and King can play +mother and father to us!" + +"Oh, what larks!" cried King. "Let's begin right away! Will you, +Mother?" + +Mrs. Maynard laughed. "I'll try it," she said, "but not for all day. Say +till afternoon." + +"Well, till five o'clock this afternoon," suggested Marjorie; "will you, +Father, will you?" + +"I'll play any game the rest play," said good-natured Mr. Maynard. "What +do you want me to do?" + +"Well, you must obey us implicitly! King is Father, and I'm Mother, and +you four are our children; Helen and Ed, and Ethel and Jack, your names +are! Oh, what fun! King, what shall we do first?" + +"Hear their lessons, I guess. Now, my dears, I know it's vacation, but +you really ought to study a little each day, to keep your minds from +rusting out." + +This was a favorite speech of Mrs. Maynard's, and as King quoted it, +with a twinkle in his eye, it was recognized at once, at least, by the +four Maynards. + +"All right," cried Marjorie, dancing about in excitement, "sit in a row, +children. Why, Ed, your hands are a sight! Go at once, and wash them, my +boy, and never appear before me again with such an untidy appearance!" + +Mr. Maynard obediently left the room, and when he returned a few moments +later, his hands were immaculately clean. Also, he was munching a cooky, +apparently with great delight. + +"Give me one!" demanded Cousin Jack. + +"And me!" "And me!" begged both the ladies, trying to act like eager +children. Mr. Maynard drew more cookies from his pockets and gave them +to the others, not, however, including King and Marjorie. + +"Now, children, finish your cookies, but don't drop crumbs on the +floor," said Midget, choking with laughter at Cousin Jack, who was +cramming large bits of his cake into his mouth. + +"Please, Mother, may I go and get a drink of water?" he mumbled. + +"Yes, Jack, go. And then don't ever take such big bites of cooky again! +You children have the worst manners I ever saw!" + +And then each one had to have a drink of water, and there was much +laughter and scrambling before they were again in order for their +lessons. + +"Geography, first," said King, picking up a magazine to serve as a +pretended text-book. + +"Edward, bound Missouri." + +"Missouri is bounded on the north,--by,--by,--Kansas, I guess." + +"Pshaw! he doesn't know his lesson! let me say it!" exclaimed Cousin +Jack. "Missouri is bounded on the north by Kentucky, on the east by +Alabama, on the south by New Jersey, and on the west by Philadelphia. It +is a great cotton-growing state, and contains six million inhabitants, +mostly Hoosiers." + +"Fine!" cried Marjorie, "every word correct! Next, Ethel, what is the +Capital of the United States?" + +"Seacote," said Cousin Ethel, laughing. + +"Sure it is!" agreed King; "now that's enough jography. Next, we'll have +arithmetic. Helen, how much is eighteen times forty-seven?" + +"I don't know," said Mrs. Maynard, helplessly. + +"Don't know your multiplication table! Fie, fie, my dear! You must stay +in after school and study it. Edward, how much _is_ eighteen times +forty-seven?" + +"Six hundred and fifty-nine, Father." + +"Right, my boy! Go up head." + +"Now, I'll give an example," said Midget. "If Edward has three eggs and +Jack has two eggs, how many have they together?" + +"Can't do it!" declared Cousin Jack, "'cause Ed and I are never together +at breakfast, and that's the only time we have eggs!" + +"Then here's another!" cried Midget; "how can you divide thirteen apples +evenly among four people?" + +"You can't!" said Cousin Jack, "that's the answer." + +"No, it isn't! Who knows?" + +"Invite in nine more people," suggested Mr. Maynard. + +"No; that's not it! Oh, it's easy! Don't you know, Mother? I mean, +_Helen_?" + +But they all gave it up, so Marjorie announced the solution, which is, +"Make apple sauce!" + +"History lesson, now," said King. "Edward, who discovered America?" + +"Pocahontas," replied Mr. Maynard. + +"Right. Who was Pocahontas?" + +"A noble Indian Princess, who was born July 29th, 1563." + +"Very good. Ethel, describe the Battle of Bunker Hill." + +"I can't; I wasn't there." + +"You should have gone," reprimanded King, severely. "Didn't you read +the newspaper accounts of it?" + +"Yes, but I didn't believe them." + +"Jack Bryant, can you describe this famous battle?" + +"Yes, sir. It was fought under the shadow of the Bunker Hill Monument. +At sundown the shadow ceased, so they all said, 'Disperse ye rebels, and +lay down your arms!' So they laid down their arms and went to sleep." + +"Very well done, Master Bryant. Now, we're going to speak pieces. Each +pupil will speak a piece or write a composition. You may take your +choice." + +"I'll speak a piece! Let me speak first!" exclaimed Cousin Ethel, +jumping up and down. "May I speak now, Teacher!" + +"Yes, Ethel, dear," said Midget, kindly; "you may speak your piece +first. Stand up here, by me. Make your bow." + +So Cousin Ethel came up to Marjorie, and acted like a very shy and +bashful child. She put her finger in her mouth, and dropped her eyes and +wriggled about, and picked at her skirt, until everybody was in peals of +laughter. + +"Be quiet, children," said Midget, trying to control her own face. "Now, +everybody sit still while Ethel Bryant recites." + +Cousin Ethel made a very elaborate dancing-school bow, and then, swaying +back and forth in school-child fashion, she recited in a monotonous +singsong, these lines: + + "MUD PIES + + "The grown-ups are the queerest folks; they never seem to know + That mud pies always have to be made just exactly so. + You have to have a nice back yard, a sunny pleasant day, + And then you ask some boys and girls to come around and play. + You mix some mud up in a pail, and stir it with a stick; + It mustn't be a bit too thin--and not a bit too thick. + And then you make it into pies, and pat it with your hand, + And bake 'em on a nice flat board, and my! but they are grand!" + +Mrs. Bryant declaimed, with suitable gestures, and finally sat down on +the floor and made imaginary mud pies, in such a dear, childish way that +her audience was delighted, and gave her really earnest encores. + +"Do you know another piece, Ethel?" asked Marjorie. + +"Yes, ma'am," and Mrs. Bryant resumed her shy voice and manner. + +"Then you may recite it, as your little schoolmates seem anxious to have +you do so." + +So again, Mrs. Bryant diffidently made her bow, and recited, with real +dramatic effect: + + "AN UNVISITED LOCALITY + + "I wisht I was as big as men, + To see the Town of After Ten; + I've heard it is so bright and gay, + It's almost like another day. + But to my bed I'm packed off straight + When that old clock strikes half-past eight! + It's awful hard to be a boy + And never know the sort of joy + That grown-up people must have when + They're in the Town of After Ten. + I'm sure I don't know what they do, + For shops are closed, and churches too. + Perhaps with burglars they go 'round, + And do not dare to make a sound! + Well, soon I'll be a man, and then + I'll see the Town of After Ten!" + +"Oh, Cousin Ethel, you're lovely!" cried Marjorie, forgetting her role +for the moment. But King took it up. + +"Yes, little Ethel," he said, "you recite very nicely, for such a young +child. Now, go to your seat, and Helen Maynard may recite next." + +"Mine is a Natural History Poem," said Mrs. Maynard, coming up to the +teacher's desk. "It is founded on fact, and it is highly instructive." + +"That's nice," said King. "Go ahead with it." + +So Mrs. Maynard made her bow and though not bashful, like Mrs. Bryant, +she was very funny, for she pretended to forget her lines, and +stammered and hesitated, and finally burst into pretended tears. But, +urged on and encouraged by the teachers, she finally concluded this gem +of poesy: + + "THE WHISTLING WHALE + + "A whistling whale once built his nest + On the very tiptop of a mountain's crest. + He wore a tunic and a blue cocked hat, + And for fear of mice he kept a cat. + The whistling whale had a good-sized mouth, + It measured three feet from north to south; + But when he whistled he puckered it up + Till it was as small as a coffee-cup. + The people came from far and near + This wonderful whistling whale to hear; + And in a most obliging way + He stood on his tail and whistled all day." + +"That's a truly noble poem," commented King, as she finished. "Take your +seat, Helen; you have done splendidly, my little girl!" + +"Now, Teddy Maynard, it's your turn," said Marjorie. + +"After Jacky," declared Mr. Maynard, and nothing would induce him to +precede his friend. + +"Mine is about a visit I paid to the Zoo," said Mr. Bryant, looking +modest. "I wrote it myself for a composition, but it turned out to be +poetry. I never can tell how my compositions are going to turn out." + +"Recite it," said Marjorie, "and we'll see if we like it." + +"It's about wild animals," went on Cousin Jack, "and it tells of their +habits." + +"That's very nice," said King, condescendingly; "go ahead, my boy." + +So Cousin Jack recited this poem: + + "THE WAYS OF THE WILD + + "There's nothing quite so nice to do + As pay a visit to the zoo, + And see beasts that, at different times, + Were brought from strange and distant climes. + I love to watch the tapirs tape; + I stand intent, with mouth agape. + Then I observe the vipers vipe; + They're a most interesting type. + I love to see the beavers beave; + Indeed, you scarcely would believe + That they can beave so cleverly, + Almost as well as you or me. + And then I pass along, and lo! + Panthers are panthing to and fro. + And in the next cage I can see + The badgers badging merrily. + Oh, the dear beasties at the zoo, + What entertaining things they do!" + +"That's fine!" exclaimed Midget. "I didn't know we were going to have a +_real_ entertainment!" + +"Very good, Jacky!" pronounced King. "I shall mark you ten in +declamation. You're a good declaimer. Now, Teddy Maynard, it's your +turn." + +"Mine is real oratory," declared Mr. Maynard, as he rose from his seat. +"But I find that so many fine oratorical pieces fizzle out after their +first lines, that I just pick out the best lines and use them for +declamation. Now, you can see how well my plan works." + +He struck an attitude, bowed to each of his audience separately, cleared +his throat impressively, and then began to declaim in a stilted, stagey +voice, and with absurd dramatic gestures: + + "THE ART OF ELOCUTION + + "The noble songs of noble deeds of bravery or glory + Are much enhanced if they're declaimed with stirring oratory. + I love sonorous words that roll like billows o'er the seas; + These I recite like Cicero or like Demosthenes. + + "And so, from every poem what is worthy I select; + I use the phrases I like best, the others I reject; + And thus, I claim, that I have found the logical solution + Of difficulties that attend the art of elocution. + + "Whence come these shrieks so wild and shrill? Across the + sands o' Dee? + Lo, I will stand at thy right hand and keep the bridge with thee! + For this was Tell a hero? For this did Gessler die? + 'The curse is come upon me!' said the Spider to the Fly. + + "When Britain first at Heaven's command said, 'Boatswain, + do not tarry; + The despot's heel is on thy shore, and while ye may, go marry.' + Let dogs delight to bark and bite the British Grenadiers, + Lars Porsena of Clusium lay dying in Algiers! + + "Old Grimes is dead! Ring out, wild bells! And shall Trelawney die? + Then twenty thousand Cornishmen are comin' thro' the rye! + The Blessed Damozel leaned out,--she was eight years old _she said_! + Lord Lovel stood at his castle gate, whence all but him had fled. + + "Rise up, rise up, Xarifa! Only three grains of corn! + Stay, Lady, stay! for mercy's sake! and wind the bugle horn. + The glittering knife descends--descends--Hark, hark, the foeman's + cry! + The world is all a fleeting show! Said Gilpin, 'So am I!' + + "The sea! the sea! the open sea! Roll on, roll on, thou deep! + Maxwelton braes are bonny, but Macbeth hath murdered sleep! + Answer me, burning shades of night! what's Hecuba to me? + Alone stood brave Horatius! The boy--oh, where was he?" + +"Oh, Father!" cried Marjorie, as Mr. Maynard finished, "did you really +make that up? Or did you find it in a book?" + +But Mr. Maynard wouldn't tell, and only accepted the praise heaped upon +him, with a foolish smirk, like an embarrassed schoolboy. + +"Now, children, school is out," said Midget, "and it's about luncheon +time. So go and tidy yourselves up to come to the table. You're always +sending us to tidy up, Mother, so now you can see what a nuisance it is! +Run along, and come back as quickly as you can, for luncheon is nearly +ready." + +The four grown-ups went away to tidy up, and King and Midget made +further plans for this new game. It was still raining, so there was no +hope of going motoring, and they concluded they were having enough fun +at home to make up for it. + +But when the four "children" returned, they looked at them a moment in +silent astonishment, and then burst into shrieks of laughter. + +Mr. Maynard and Mr. Bryant had transformed themselves into boys, by +brushing their hair down very wet and straight, and wearing large, round +collars made of white paper, and tied with enormous bows. They looked +funny enough, but the two ladies were funnier still. Mrs. Maynard had +her hair in two long pigtails tied with huge ribbons, and Cousin Ethel +had her hair in bunches of curls, also tied with big bows. They both +wore white bib aprons, and carried foolish-looking dolls which they had +made out of pillows, tied round with string. + +"You _dear_ children!" cried Midget; "I think you are lovely! Come along +to luncheon." + +The "children" politely let King and Midget go first, and they followed, +giggling. Sarah, the waitress, was overcome with amusement, but she +managed to keep a straight face, as the comical-looking procession filed +in. + +King and Marjorie appropriated their parents' seats, and the others sat +at the sides of the table. + +"No, Helen, dear," said Midget, "you can't have any tea. It isn't good +for little girls. You may have a glass of milk, if you wish." + +"I don't think these lobster croquettes are good for Jack," said King, +looking wisely at Midget; "they're very rich, and he's subject to +indigestion." + +"I am not!" declared Cousin Jack, looking longingly at the tempting +croquettes, for which Ellen was famous. + +"There, there, my child," said Marjorie; "don't contradict your father. +Perhaps he could have a half of one, King." + +"Yes, that would scarcely make him ill," and King gave Cousin Jack a +portion of one small croquette, which he ate up at once, and found to be +merely an aggravation. + +"Oh, no! no pie for Edward," said Marjorie, when a delicious lemon +meringue made its appearance. "Pie is entirely unsuitable for children! +He may have a nice baked apple." + +And Mr. Maynard was plucky enough to eat his baked apple without a +murmur, for he remembered that often he had advised Mrs. Maynard against +giving the children pie. + +To be sure, the pie would not harm the grown people, but Mr. Maynard had +agreed to "play the game," and it was his nature to do thoroughly +whatever he undertook. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +MORE FUN + + +"Now, Helen," said Marjorie, as they left the dining-room, "you must +practise for an hour." + +"Oh, Mother, I don't feel a bit like it! Mayn't I skip it to-day?" + +This was, in effect, a speech that Marjorie often made, and she had to +laugh at her mother's mimicry. + +But she straightened her face, and said, "No, my child; you must do your +practising, or you won't be ready for your lesson when the teacher comes +to-morrow." + +"All right, Mother," said Mrs. Maynard, cheerfully, and sitting down at +the piano, she began to rattle off a gay waltz. + +"Oh, no, Helen," remonstrated Marjorie, "that won't do! You must play +your scales and exercises. See, here's the book. Now, play that page +over and over for an hour." + +Marjorie did hate those tedious "exercises," and she was glad for her +mother to see how poky it was to drum at them for an hour. As a rule, +Marjorie did her practising patiently enough, but sometimes she +revolted, and it made her chuckle to see Mrs. Maynard carefully picking +out the "five-finger drills." + +"Keep your hands straight, Helen," she admonished her mother. "Keep the +backs of them so level that a lead pencil wouldn't roll off. I'll get a +lead pencil." + +"No, don't!" exclaimed Mrs. Maynard, in dismay. She liked to play the +piano, but she was far from careful to hold her hands in the position +required by Midget's teacher. + +"Yes, I think I'd better, Helen. If you contract bad habits, it's so +difficult to break them." + +Roguish Marjorie brought a lead pencil, and laid it carefully across the +back of her mother's hand, from which it immediately rolled off. + +"Now, Helen, you must hold your hand level. Try again, dearie, and if it +rolls off, pick it up and put it back in place." + +Mrs. Maynard made a wry face, and the other grown-ups laughed, to see +the difficulty she experienced with the pencil. + +"One--two--three--four," she counted, aloud. + +"Count to yourself, Helen," said Marjorie. "It's annoying to hear you do +that!" + +This, too, was quoted, for Mrs. Maynard had often objected to the +monotonous drone of Marjorie's counting aloud. + +But the mother began to see that a child's life has its own little +troubles, and she smiled appreciatively at Midget, as she picked up the +pencil from the floor for the twentieth time, and replaced it on the +back of her hand, now stiff and lame from the unwonted restraint. + +"You dear old darling!" cried Midget, flying over and kissing the +patient musician; "you sha'n't do that any longer! I declare, King, it's +clearing off, after all! Let's take the children out for a walk." + +"Very well, we will. Oh, here comes Ruth! Come in, Ruth." + +Ruth Rowland came in, and looked greatly mystified at the appearance of +the elder members of the group before her. + +But King and Midget explained what was going on, and said: + +"And you can be Aunt Ruth, come to call on us and our children." + +Ruth's eyes danced with fun, and she sat down, saying to Marjorie, "I'm +glad to see the children looking so well; have any of them the +whooping-cough? I hear it's around some." + +"I have," declared Cousin Jack, and then he began to cough and whoop in +a most exaggerated imitation of the whooping-cough. Indeed, in his +paroxysms, he almost turned somersaults. + +"I hab a bad cold id by head," declared Mr. Maynard, and he began a +series of such prodigious sneezes that all the others screamed with +laughter. + +"Well, your children aren't so very well, after all, are they?" +commented Ruth, as they watched the two men cutting up their capers. + +"The girls are," said Marjorie, looking affectionately at her two +"daughters." + +"Oh, I'm not!" declared Mrs. Maynard; "I have a fearful toothache," and +she held her cheek in her hand, and rocked back and forth, pretending +dreadful pain. + +"And I have the mumps!" announced Cousin Ethel, puffing out her pretty +pink cheeks, to make believe they were swollen with that ailment. + +"Well, you're a crowd of invalids!" said King; "I believe some fresh air +would do you good. Out you all go, for a walk. Get your hats, kiddies, +and be quick about it." + +The grown-ups scampered away to get their hats, and the ladies put up +their hair properly and took off their white aprons. + +The two men discarded their big collars and ties, but the game was not +yet over, and the group went gayly out and down toward the beach. + +"May we go in bathing, Mother?" asked Mr. Maynard. + +"Not in bathing, my son," returned Marjorie; "the waves are too strong. +But, if you wish, you may all take off your shoes and stockings and go +'paddling.'" + +However, none of the quartette of "children" accepted this permission, +so they all sat on the sand and built forts. + +"Now, I guess we'll all go to the pier, and get ice cream," said King. +"How would you like that, kiddies?" + +"Fine!" said Cousin Jack. "It's getting warmer, and I'm hungering for +ice cream. Come on, all." + +"Gently, my boy, gently," said King, as Cousin Jack scrambled to his +feet, upsetting sand all over everybody. "Now, walk along nicely and +properly, don't go too fast, and we'll reach the pier in good time." + +"Turn out your toes," directed Marjorie; "hold up your head, Ethel. +Don't swing your arms, Edward." + +As a matter of fact the four grown people found it a little difficult to +follow these bits of good advice they had so often given carelessly to +the children, and they marched along rather stiffly. + +"Try to be a little more graceful, Helen," said King, and they all +laughed, for Mrs. Maynard was really a very graceful lady, and was +spoiling her gait by over-attention to Midget's rules. At the pier, +King selected a pleasant table, and ranged his party around it. + +"Bring three plates of ice cream, and four half-portions," he directed +the waiter. And when it was brought, he calmly gave the four small +pieces to his parents and the Bryants. + +Cousin Jack's face fell, for he was warm and tired, and he wanted more +than a spoonful of the refreshing delicacy. But a surreptitious glance +at his watch showed him it was almost five o'clock; so he accepted his +plate without a murmur. + +"It's very nice, Mother," he said demurely, eating it by tiny bits, +scraped from the edges as he had sometimes seen Marjorie do, when her +share had been limited to half a plate. + +"I'm glad you like it, son," she returned; "don't eat too fast,--hold +your spoon properly,--take small bites of cake." + +Ruth was convulsed by this new sort of fun, and asked Marjorie if they +had ever played the game before. + +"No," Cousin Jack answered for her, "and I'm jolly well sure we never +will again! I've had enough of being 'a child again, just for to-night!' +And, if you please, ladies and gentlemen, it's now five o'clock! the jig +is up! the game is played out! the ball is over! Here, waiter; bring +some ice cream, please. Full-sized plates, all around!" + +The amused waiter hurried away on his errand, and Mr. and Mrs. Maynard +sat up suddenly, as if relieved of a great responsibility. + +"Bring some cake, too," said Mrs. Maynard, "and a pot of tea. Don't you +want some tea, Ethel?" + +"Indeed, I do, Helen; I'm exhausted. Jack, if you ever propose such a +game again!" + +"I didn't propose it, my dear! Now, will you look at that! Everything +always gets blamed on me!" + +And now there was plenty of ice cream for everybody, and the children +were allowed to have all they wanted, and they were all glad to get back +to their rightful places again. + +"But it was fun!" said Marjorie, and then she told Ruth all about the +funny things they had done before she arrived on the scene. + +Then they all walked around by Ruth's house to take her home, and then +they walked around by Bryant Bower to take the Bryants home, and then +the Maynards went home themselves. + +"I'm going to write Kit all about it," said Marjorie; "she'd have loved +that game, if she'd been here." + +"She loves any make-believe game," said King. "You write to her, Midget; +I've got to write up _The Jolly Sandboy_ paper." + +"I should think you had! You haven't done one for two weeks." + +"I know it; but it's because nobody sends in any contributions. I can't +make it all up alone." + +"'Course you can't. When I write to Kitty, I'll ask her if she hasn't +some things we could put in it. She and Uncle Steve are always making up +poetry and stories." + +"Good idea, Mops! Tell her to be _sure_ to send me a lot of stuff, first +thing she does!" + +"Well, I will;" and Marjorie set to work at her letter. + +It was finished by dinner time, for Marjorie's letters to her sister +were not marked by any undue precision of style or penmanship, and as +Marjorie laid it on the hall table to be mailed, she told King that she +had given Kitty his message. + +"Father," said Midget, at dinner, that night, "what day did Cousin Jack +say was Pocahontas' birthday?" + +"I don't remember, my dear; but I'm quite sure he doesn't really know, +nor any one else. I fancy he made up that date." + +"Well, do you know of anybody, anybody nice and celebrated, whose +birthday comes about now?" + +"The latter part of July? No, Midget, I don't. Why?" + +"Oh, 'cause I think it would be nice to have a celebration, and you +can't celebrate without a hero." + +"Do you call Pocahontas a hero?" asked King, quizzically. + +"Well, she's a heroine,--it's all the same. When do you s'pose her +birthday was, Father?" + +"I've no idea, Midget; and Cousin Jack hasn't, either. But if you want +to celebrate her, you can choose any day. You see, it isn't like a +birthday that's celebrated every year, Washington's, Lincoln's, or +yours. If you're just going to celebrate once, you can take one day as +well as another." + +"Oh, can I, Father? Then, we'll have it next week. I'll choose August +first,--that's a nice day." + +"What's it all about, Midge?" asked King. + +"Oh, nothing; only I took a notion for a celebration. We had such good +times on Fourth of July and on my birthday, I want another birthday." + +"I think it's a good idea to choose some uncelebrated person like +Pocahontas," said Mrs. Maynard; "for if you don't celebrate her I doubt +if anybody ever will." + +"And you see we can have it all sort of Indian," went on Midget. "You +know we've a good many Indian baskets and beads and things,--and, +Father, couldn't you build us a wigwam?" + +"Oh, yes, a whole reservation, if you like." + +"No, just one wigwam. And we'll only have the Sand Club. I don't mean to +have a party." + +"All right, I'm in for it," declared King, and right after dinner, the +two set to work making plans for the celebration. + +"Cousin Jack will help, I know," said Marjorie; "remember how he played +Indians with us, up in Cambridge, last year?" + +"Yep, 'course I do. He'll be fine! He always is." + +"Let's telephone, and ask him right away." + +"All right;" and in a few moments Cousin Jack's cheery "Hello!" came +over the wire. + +"Well!" he exclaimed, "if it isn't those Maynard scamps again! Now, see +here, Mehitabel, it's time you and Hezekiah went to bed. It's nearly +nine o'clock." + +"But, Cousin Jack, I just want to ask you something." + +"Not to-night, my Angel Child. Whatever you ask me to-night, I shall say +no to! Besides, I'm reading my paper, and I can't be disturbed." + +"But, Cousin Jack----" + +"The Interstate Commerce Commission has to-day handed down a decision in +favor of----" + +"Oh, King, he's reading out of his newspaper, just to tease us! You try +him." + +King took the telephone. "Please, Cousin Jack, listen a minute," he +said. + +But all the reply he heard was: + +"Ephraim Hardenburg has been elected chairman of the executive committee +of the Great Coal Tar Company, to succeed James H.----" + +King hung up the receiver in disgust. + +"No use," he said; "Cousin Jack just read more of that newspaper stuff! +Never mind, Midget, we can wait till we see him. I guess I will scoot to +bed, now; I'm awful sleepy." + +But when Cousin Jack heard of their project, a day or two later, he was +more than willing to help with the celebration. + +"Well, I just guess!" he cried. "We'll have a jamboree that'll make all +the good Indians wish they were alive now, instead of four hundred +thousand years ago! We'll have a wigwam and a wampum and a tomahawk and +all the ancient improvements! Hooray for Pocahontas!" + +"Gracious, Jack! you're the biggest child of the lot!" exclaimed Mrs. +Maynard, who sat on the veranda, watching the enthusiasm going on. + +"Of course, I am, ma'am! I'm having a merry playtime this summer with my +little friends, and as I have to work hard all winter, I really need +this vacation." + +"Of course you do! But don't let those two energetic children wear you +out." + +"No, ma'am! More likely I'll wear them out. Now, for the wigwam, +kiddies. Have you a couple of Navajo blankets?" + +"Yes, we have! and a Bulgarian one, or whatever you call it, to piece +out," cried Midget, as she ran to get them. + +"Just the thing!" declared Cousin Jack. "Put them aside, we won't use +them till the day of the show. 'Cause why? 'Cause it _might_ rain,--but, +of course it won't. Now, for feathers,--we want lots of feathers." + +"Old hat feathers?" asked Midget. + +"Ostrich plumes? Nay, nay, me child. Good stiff quill feathers,--turkey +feathers preferred. Well, never mind those,--I'll fish some up from +somewhere. Now, blankets for the braves and fringed gowns for the +squaws. I'll show you how, Mehitabel, and you and your respected mother +can do the sewing act." + +Well, Cousin Jack planned just about everything, and he and the children +turned the house upside down in their quest for materials. But Mrs. +Maynard didn't mind. She was used to it, for the Maynard children would +always rather "celebrate" than play any ordinary game. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +A CELEBRATION + + +The first of August was a perfect day for their celebration. + +They had concluded to hold a Sand Court session first, for the simple +reason that so much matter for _The Jolly Sandboy_ had arrived from +Kitty that King said his paper was full, and he thought it would be nice +to help along the celebration. + +Cousin Jack declined an invitation to be present at the reading, saying +that the Pocahontas part was all he could stand, so the Court convened +without him. Ruth was Queen for the day. This was for no particular +reason, except that Marjorie thought it would be a pleasure to the +little new member, so she insisted on Ruth's wearing the crown. + +Very dainty and sweet the little Queen looked, with her long flaxen +curls hanging down from the extra gorgeous gilt-paper crown, that +Marjorie had made specially for this occasion. + +As the session began, a meek little figure appeared at the Court +entrance, and there was Hester! + +"Now, you Hester!" began Tom Craig, but Hester said: + +"Oh, please let me come! I _will_ be good. I won't say a single cross +word, or boss, or anything." + +"All right, Hester," said Midget, kindly, "come on in. If the Queen says +you may we'll all say so. Do you, O Queen?" + +Ruth looked doubtful for a minute, for she was a little afraid of +Hester's uncertain temper; but, seeing Marjorie's pleading look, she +consented. + +"All right," she said; "if Hester won't throw water on me." + +"No, I won't!" declared Hester, earnestly. + +"Well," said King, "just as long as Hester behaves herself she may stay. +If she carries on like fury, she's got to go home." + +Hester sat down and folded her hands in her lap, looking so excessively +meek that they all had to laugh at her. + +"Now," said the Queen, "we're gathered here together, my loyal subjects, +to listen to,--to, what do you call it?" + +"_The Jolly Sandboy_," prompted King. + +"_The Jolly Sandbag_," said the Queen, misunderstanding. + +But she was soon put right, and King proceeded to read his paper. + +"It's 'most all done by Uncle Steve and Kitty," he said, "and it's so +nice, I thought you'd all like to hear it." + +"We would," they said, and so King began. + +"Uncle Steve's part is all about animals," he said. "It's a sort of +Natural History, I guess. First is a poem about the Camel. + + "The camel is a curious beast; + He roams about all through the East. + He swiftly scours the desert plain, + And then he scours it back again. + + "The camel's legs are very slim, + And he lets people ride on him. + Across the sandy waste he flies, + And kicks the waste in people's eyes. + + "He kneels for people to get on, + Then pulls his legs up, one by one; + But here's what troubles them the worst-- + To know which leg he'll pull up first. + + "Sometimes, when he is feeling gay, + The camel likes to run away; + And, as he's just indulged that whim, + I can't write any more of him." + +"I think that's lovely," said the Queen, enthusiastically. "Your uncle +is a real poet, isn't he?" + +"Our family all can write poetry," said Marjorie, seriously. "Father and +Mother both write beautiful verses." + +"Now, here's the next one," went on King. "This is about all sorts of +different animals,--and it's funny, too: + + "The whale is smooth, and black as jet + His disposition sweet; + He neatly combs his hair, and yet + He will not wipe his feet. + + "The wombat's clever and polite, + And kind as he can be; + And yet he doesn't bow quite right + When he goes out to tea. + + "The snake is bright and understands + Whatever he is taught; + And yet he never will shake hands + As cordial people ought. + + "'Most everybody loves the newt; + But I've heard people tell, + That though he's handy with a flute + He can't sew very well. + + "So animals, as you may see, + Some grave defects display; + They're not like human beings. We + Are perfect every way." + +"Oh, that's a fine one!" cried Hester. "Mayn't I copy that, and have it +to keep?" + +"Of course," said King. "I'll make you a copy on the typewriter. Now, +here's a silly one. I mean nonsensical, you know. But I like it: + + "THE FUNNY FLAPDOODLE + + "There was a Flapdoodle of France, + Who loved to cut capers and dance; + He had one red shoe + And the other was blue, + And how he could shuffle and prance! + + "One day he was kicking so high + That a breeze blew him up in the sky; + The breeze was so strong + It blew him along + Till the Flapdoodle just seemed to fly. + + "He flew 'way up into the stars, + And, somehow, he landed on Mars. + Said the Flapdoodle: 'I + Do not like to fly; + I think I'll go back on the cars.' + + "So a railroad was rapidly built, + And they wrapped him all up in a quilt; + For the Flapdoodle said: + 'If I stick out my head + I fear that I'll somehow get kilt!' + + "The railroad train whizzed very fast, + But they landed him safely at last; + And through future years + He related, with tears, + The dangers through which he had passed." + +"Oh, that's the best of all!" said Midget; "I love that kind of funny +verses. Isn't Uncle Steve clever to write like that! Any more, King?" + +"Yes, one more. It isn't about animals, but it's a sort of a nonsense +poem, too. It's called 'A Queer Hospital.' + + "There's a hospital down on Absurdity Square, + Where the queerest of patients are tended with care. + + "When I made them a visit I saw in a crib + A little Umbrella who had broken his rib. + + "And then I observed in the very next bed + A bright little Pin who had bumped his poor head. + + "They said a new cure they'd decided to try + On an old Needle, totally blind in one eye. + + "I was much interested, and soon I espied + A Shoe who complained of a stitch in her side. + + "And a sad-looking patient who seemed in the dumps + Was a Clock, with a swell face because of the mumps. + + "Then I tried very hard, though I fear 'twas in vain + To comfort a Window who had a bad pane. + + "And I paused just a moment to cheerily speak + With a pale Cup of Tea who was awfully weak. + + "As I took my departure I met on the stair + A new patient, whom they were handling with care, + A victim perhaps of some terrible wreck-- + 'Twas a Squash who had fatally broken his neck." + +"This is the nicest _Jolly Sandboy_ paper we've had yet," said Tom, as +King finished. + +"Yes, it is," agreed Marjorie. "But I thought Kit wrote some of it, +King." + +"She did. I'll read hers now. It's an alphabet, all about us down here. +Kitty wrote it, but she says Uncle Steve helped her a little bit with +some of the lines. It's called 'The Seacote Alphabet.' + + "A is the Automobile we all love. + B is the Boat in the water we shove. + C is the Coast that stretches along. + D is for Dick, our Sandow so strong. + E's cousin Ethel, so sweet and refined. + F, Father Maynard, indulgent and kind. + G, Grandma Sherwood, who dresses in drab. + H is for Hester and Harry Sand Crab. + I, for Ice Cream, the Maynards' mainstay. + J, Cousin Jack, always ready to play. + K is for King, and for Kitty, (that's me). + L is for Lakewood, where I went to sea. + M, Mother Maynard, and Marjorie, too. + N for Nurse Nannie, who has lots to do. + O for the Ocean, with big breakers bold. + P for the Pier, where candy is sold. + Q for Queen Sandy, in regal array. + R, Rosy Posy, so dainty and gay. + S is for Seacote, and Sand Court beside. + T is for Tom, the trusty and tried. + U, Uncle Steve, who's helping me write. + V for these Verses we send you to-night. + W, the Waves, that dash with such fuss. + X the Excitement when one catches us. + Y for You Youngsters, I've given your names. + Z is the Zeal you show in your games." + +"My! isn't that scrumptious!" exclaimed Hester. "You're a terribly smart +family, Marjorie." + +"Oh, I don't know," said Midget, modestly. "Kit's pretty clever at +writing rhymes, but King and I can't do it much. We make up songs +sometimes, but Kitty makes the best ones." + +"I wish I could do it," said Ruth; "but I couldn't write a rhyming thing +at all." + +"Well, that's all there is in _The Jolly Sandboy_ this week," said King. +"I didn't write any myself, and the things you others gave me, I've +saved for next week. Now, shall we go and celebrate Pocahontas' +birthday?" + +"Is it really her birthday?" asked Ruth. + +"No, we're just pretending it is. But you see, poor Poky never had her +birthday celebrated; I mean,--not legally, like Washington,--so we're +going to give her a chance." + +The Sand Club trooped up to the house, and found Cousin Jack waiting for +them. He was a little surprised to see Hester, but he greeted her +pleasantly, and Hester looked so meek and mild, one would hardly believe +she had a high temper at all. A wigwam had been built on the lawn, and +though it was only a few poles covered with blankets, it looked very +Indian and effective. + +The Maynards had contrived costumes for all, and in a few moments the +girls had on gay-fringed skirts and little shawls, with gaudy +headdresses, and the boys had a nondescript Indian garb, and wonderful +feathered headpieces, that hung grandly down their backs like Big +Chiefs. + +Also they had pasteboard tomahawks, and Cousin Jack taught them a +war-whoop that was truly ear-splitting. + +"First," said Mr. Bryant, "we'll all sing the Blue Juniata, as that is a +pretty Indian song, and so, sort of appropriate to Pocahontas." + +So they all sang it, with a will, and the song of "The Indian Girl, +Bright Alfarata," was, in a way, a tribute to Pocahontas. + +"Now," Mr. Bryant went on, "some one must tell the story of Pocahontas. +Harry, will you do it?" + +But the Sand Crab was too shy to speak in public, so Cousin Jack asked +Ruth to do it. + +"I don't know it very well," said Ruth, "but I guess it was like this: +Captain John Smith was about to be tommyhawked all to pieces by admiring +Indians. As the fell blows were about to fell, up rushes a beautiful +Indian maiden, with her black hair streaming in the breeze. 'Fear thou +not!' she said, wildly; 'I will save thee!' Whereupon she flang herself +upon him, and hugged him till he couldn't be reached by his tormentors. +The wild Indians were forced to desist, or else pierce to the heart +their own Pocahontas, beloved daughter of their tribe. So they released +Captain John Smith, and so Pocahontas married Captain John Rolfe +instead, and they lived happy ever after. Hence is why we celebrate her +birthday." + +Ruth clearly enjoyed the telling of this tale, and threw herself into it +with dramatic fervor. + +The others listened, enthralled by her graphic recital and thrilling +diction. + +"My!" exclaimed Midget, as she finished, "I didn't know you knew so many +big words, Ruth." + +"I didn't, either," said Ruth, calmly; "they sort of came to me as I +went along." + +"Well, that's just as smart as writing poetry," declared King, and Ruth +was greatly pleased at the compliments. + +"Now, my dear young friends," Cousin Jack said, by way of a speech, "the +exercises will now begin. As you know, we are celebrating the birthday +of a noble Indian Princess. Therefore, our sports or diversions will all +be of an Indian character. First, we will have an Indian Club Drill." + +He produced Indian clubs for all, the boys' being heavier ones than the +girls. + +These were new to the Maynards, but Cousin Jack soon taught them how to +use them, and instructed them in a simple drill. + +Hester learned more quickly than Marjorie, for she was more lithe and +agile, and swung her clubs around with greater ease. Ruth seemed to know +instinctively how to use them, which was partly due to her proficiency +in fancy dancing. But they all learned, and greatly enjoyed the +interesting exercise. + +Cousin Jack presented the children with the clubs they used, and they +promised to practise with them often. + +"It'll be good for you growing young people," said Mr. Maynard, "and you +can form a sort of a Pocahontas Club." + +Then he had a gramophone brought out to the lawn, and they whisked their +clubs about to inspiriting Indian music. + +"Now, I dare say you're tired," said Cousin Jack, "for Indian club +exercise is a strain on the muscles. So sit in a circle on the grass, +and we'll all smoke pipes of peace and swap stories for a while." + +The "pipes of peace" turned out to be pipes made of chocolate, so they +were all willing to "smoke" them. + +"Mine's a pipe of pieces!" said Midget, as she broke the stem in bits, +and ate them one by one. + +The others followed her example, and the pipes had disappeared before +the story-telling fairly began. + +But Cousin Jack told them some thrilling Indian tales, and so interested +were his hearers that they gathered close about him, and listened in +absorbed silence. + +"Was that true, Cousin Jack?" asked King, after an exciting yarn. + +"Well, it's in a story-book written by James Fenimore Cooper. You're old +enough to read his books now, and if I were you children, I'd ask my +parents to buy me some of Cooper's works." + +"I'm going to do that," cried Hester, her eyes dancing at the thought of +reading such stories for herself. "I never heard of them before." + +"Well, you're young yet to read novels, but Cooper's are all right for +you. You might read one aloud in your Sand Club." + +"Yes, we will!" said King. "That'll be fine. Then one book would do for +us all. Or we might each get one, and then lend them around to each +other. My, we're getting lots of new ideas from our celebration. Indian +club exercises and Cooper's stories are worth knowing about." + +"And now," said Cousin Jack, "if you're rested, suppose we march along +Indian File, and see if we can come across an Indian Meal." + +"Ho, ho!" laughed King, "I don't want to eat Indian meal!" + +"We'll see what it is before we decide," said Midget, judicially. "What +is Indian File, Cousin Jack?" + +"Oh, that only means single file, or one by one. _Not_ like the Irishman +who said to his men, 'March togither, men! be twos as far as ye go, an' +thin be wans!' I want you to go 'be wans' all the way." + +So, in single file, they followed Cousin Jack's lead to the wigwam, +which they hadn't yet entered. He turned back the flap of the tent, and +there was room for all inside. On a table there there were eight Indian +baskets, of pretty design. On lifting the covers, each was found to +contain an "Indian Meal." + +The meal was a few dainty little sandwiches and cakes, and a peach and a +pear, all wrapped in pretty paper napkins, with an Indian's head on the +corner. + +Exercise had given the children good appetites, and they were quite +ready to do full justice to the "Indian Meal." + +Sarah brought out lemonade, and later ice cream, so, as Midget said, it +really was a party after all. + +Of course, the children kept the baskets and the pretty napkins as +souvenirs, and when the guests went home, they said they were glad they +didn't know the real date of Pocahontas' birthday, for it _might_ have +been in the winter, and then they couldn't have had nearly as much fun. + +"And it's lucky we decided on this day," said Cousin Jack, after the +children had gone, "for to-morrow Ethel and I go back to Cambridge." + +"Oh, Cousin Jack, not really!" cried Midget, in dismay. + +"Yes, kiddy; we've changed our summer plans suddenly, and we're going to +Europe next week. So we leave here to-morrow. And sorry, indeed, are we +to leave our Maynard friends." + +"I'm sorry, too," said Midget, "_awfully_ sorry, but I'm glad we've had +you down here as long as we have. You've been awful good to us, Cousin +Jack." + +"You've been good to me, Mehitabel. And when I wander through the +interesting places abroad, I shall write letters to you, and when I come +home again, I'll bring you a souvenir from every place I've been to." + +"Well, you're just the dearest Cousin Jack in all the world!" said +Midget, and she gave him a big hug and kiss to corroborate her words. + +"And you're just the dearest Mopsy Midget Mehitabel!" he said, returning +her caress. + + * * * * * + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS SERIES + +By VICTOR APPLETON + +12mo. BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING. + +Moving pictures and photo plays are famous the world over, and in this +line of books the reader is given a full description of how the films +are made--the scenes of little dramas, indoors and out, trick pictures +to satisfy the curious, soul-stirring pictures of city affairs, life in +the Wild West, among the cowboys and Indians, thrilling rescues along +the seacoast, the daring of picture hunters in the jungle among savage +beasts, and the great risks run in picturing conditions in a land of +earthquakes. The volumes teem with adventures and will be found +interesting from first chapter to last. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS +Or Perils of a Great City Depicted. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE WEST +Or Taking Scenes Among the Cowboys and Indians. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS ON THE COAST +Or Showing the Perils of the Deep. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE JUNGLE +Or Stirring Times Among the Wild Animals. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN EARTHQUAKE LAND +Or Working Amid Many Perils. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AND THE FLOOD +Or Perilous Days on the Mississippi. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AT PANAMA +Or Stirring Adventures Along the Great Canal. + +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS UNDER THE SEA +Or The Treasure of the Lost Ship. + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + * * * * * + +THE BUNNY BROWN SERIES +By LAURA LEE HOPE +Author of the Popular "Bobbsey Twins" Books + +Wrapper and text illustrations drawn by +FLORENCE ENGLAND NOSWORTHY + +12mo. DURABLY BOUND. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING + +These stories by the author of the "Bobbsey Twins" Books are eagerly +welcomed by the little folks from about five to ten years of age. Their +eyes fairly dance with delight at the lively doings of inquisitive +little Bunny Brown and his cunning, trustful sister Sue. + +Bunny was a lively little boy, very inquisitive. When he did anything, +Sue followed his leadership. They had many adventures, some comical in +the extreme. + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON GRANDPA'S FARM + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE PLAYING CIRCUS + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CAMP REST-A-WHILE + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT AUNT LU'S CITY HOME + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE BIG WOODS + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON AN AUTO TOUR + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR SHETLAND PONY + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE GIVING A SHOW + +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CHRISTMAS TREE COVE + +GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK + + + + + * * * * * + + + + +Transcriber's Notes: + + Punctuation has been made consistent with contemporary standards. + + "BY THE SAME AUTHOR" page moved to after Title Page and notices. + + Page 44: "her. her." changed to "her." (arms around her). + + Page 111 "dulness" changed to "dullness" (A dullness seemed to fall). + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE AT SEACOTE*** + + +******* This file should be named 18035.txt or 18035.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/0/3/18035 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://www.gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: +http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + diff --git a/18035.zip b/18035.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a630890 --- /dev/null +++ b/18035.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5f98edf --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #18035 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18035) diff --git a/old/18035-h.htm b/old/18035-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..54ed07c --- /dev/null +++ b/old/18035-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8762 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Marjorie at Seacote, by Carolyn Wells</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center; clear: both;} + p {margin-top: .75em; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; + padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + ins {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} + hr {width: 33%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; clear: both;} + hr.full {width:100%; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + hr.major {width:75%; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + hr.minor {width:30%; margin-top:0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;} + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: x-small; text-align: right; } + .blockquot {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .smcapc {text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps;} + .caption {font-size: 80%;} + .chapter {margin-top: 4em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3em;} + hr.full { width: 100%; } + pre {font-size: 75%;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Marjorie at Seacote, by Carolyn Wells</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Marjorie at Seacote</p> +<p>Author: Carolyn Wells</p> +<p>Release Date: March 21, 2006 [eBook #18035]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE AT SEACOTE***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Roger Frank<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (http://www.pgdp.net/)</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + +<table width="350" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Title Page" border="1"> + <col style="width:80%;" /> + <tr> + <td align="center"> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 180%;">MARJORIE<br />AT SEACOTE</span> + <br /><br /> + BY + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%;">CAROLYN WELLS</span> + <br /><br /><br /> + <span style="font-size: 70%"> + AUTHOR OF + </span> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 90%"> + THE "PATTY" BOOKS + </span> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <img src="images/illus-emblem.png" alt="emblem" title="" /> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <span style="text-align:center; font-size: 120%"> + GROSSET & DUNLAP + </span> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 80%">PUBLISHERS + + NEW YORK<br /><br /><br /> + </span> + </td> + </tr> +</table> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<p class="center" style="font-size: 80%"> +<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1912, By</span><br /> +DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY</p> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em;"> +<img src="images/illus-fp.jpg" alt="["Most Liege Majesty," Began King, Bowing so Low that +his Shoulder Cape Fell off (_page 60_)" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><span class="smcap">"Most Liege Majesty," Began King, Bowing so Low that +his Shoulder Cape Fell off</span> (<i>page 60</i>) +</span> +</div> + +<hr class="major" /> + + +<div class="smcap"> +<table width="280" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="other books" border="1"> + <col style="width:80%;" /> + <tr><td align="center">By The Same Author</td></tr> + <tr><td> + <table width="250" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="other books" border="0"> + <tr><td><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline">Patty Series</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty Fairfield</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty at Home</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty in the City</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty's Summer Days</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty in Paris</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty's Friends</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty's Pleasure Trip</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty's Success</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Patty's Motor Car</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline">Marjorie Series</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Marjorie's Vacation</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Marjorie's Busy Days</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Marjorie's New Friend</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Marjorie in Command</span></td></tr> + <tr><td><span style="margin-left: 5%">Marjorie's Maytime</span></td></tr> + </table> + </td></tr> +</table> +</div> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>Table of Contents</h2> + +<div class="smcap"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<col style="width:10%;" /> +<col style="width:2%;" /> +<col style="width:45%;" /> +<col style="width:10%;" /> +<tr><td align="right">Chapter</td><td> </td><td> </td><td align="right">Page</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">I</td><td> </td><td>Kitty's Dinner</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">II</td><td> </td><td>Tom, Dick, and Harry</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">16</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">III</td><td> </td><td>The Sand Club</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">30</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IV</td><td> </td><td>Sand Court</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">44</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">V </td><td> </td><td>The Jolly Sandboy</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">58</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VI</td><td> </td><td>Two Welcome Guests</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">72</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VII</td><td> </td><td>The Glorious Fourth</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">86</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VIII</td><td> </td><td>A Revelation</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">101</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IX</td><td> </td><td>The Search</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">115</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">X</td><td> </td><td>Jessica Brown</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">129</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XI</td><td> </td><td>The Reunion</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">144</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XII</td><td> </td><td>A Letter of Thanks</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">158</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIII</td><td> </td><td>Thirteen</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">174</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIV</td><td> </td><td>Queen Hester</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">189</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XV</td><td> </td><td>A Motor Ride</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">204</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVI</td><td> </td><td>Red Geraniums</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">218</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVII</td><td> </td><td>What Hester Did</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">232</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVIII</td><td> </td><td>A Fine Game</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">247</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIX</td><td> </td><td>More Fun</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">268</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XX</td><td> </td><td>A Celebration</td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">275</a></td></tr> +</table> +</div> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<div> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span> +<h1><a name="MARJORIE_AT_SEACOTE" id="MARJORIE_AT_SEACOTE"></a>MARJORIE AT SEACOTE</h1> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> +<h3>KITTY'S DINNER</h3> +<br /> +</div> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Kitty-Cat Kitty is going away,<br /> +Going to Grandma's, all summer to stay.<br /> +And so all the Maynards will weep and will bawl,<br /> +Till Kitty-Cat Kitty comes home in the fall."<br /> +</p> + + +<p>This affecting ditty was being sung with great gusto by King and +Marjorie, while Kitty, her mood divided between smiles and tears, was +quietly appreciative.</p> + +<p>The very next day, Kitty was to start for Morristown, to spend the +summer with Grandma Sherwood, and to-night the "Farewell Feast" was to +be celebrated.</p> + +<p>Every year one of the Maynard children spent the summer months with +their grandmother, and this year it was Kitty's turn. The visit was +always a pleasant one, and greatly enjoyed by the small visitor, but +there was always a wrench at parting, for the Maynard family were +affectionate and deeply devoted to one another.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> + +<p>The night before the departure was always celebrated by a festival of +farewell, and at this feast tokens were presented, and speeches made, +and songs sung, all of which went far to dispel sad or gloomy feelings.</p> + +<p>The Maynards were fond of singing. They were willing to sing +"ready-made" songs, and often did, but they liked better to make up +songs of their own, sometimes using familiar tunes and sometimes +inventing an air as they went along. Even if not quite in keeping with +the rules for classic music, these airs were pleasing in their own ears, +and that was all that was necessary.</p> + +<p>So, when King and Midget composed the touching lines which head this +chapter and sang them to the tune of "The Campbells are Coming," they +were so pleased that they repeated them many times.</p> + +<p>This served to pass pleasantly the half-hour that must yet elapse before +dinner would be announced.</p> + +<p>"Well, Kit," remarked Kingdon, in a breathing pause between songs, +"we'll miss you lots, o' course, but you'll have a gay old time at +Grandma's. That Molly Moss is a whole team in herself."</p> + +<p>"She's heaps of fun, Kitsie," said Marjorie, "but she's chock-a-block +full of mischief. But you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> won't tumble head over heels into all her +mischiefs, like I did! 'Member how I sprained my ankle, sliding down the +barn roof with her?"</p> + +<p>"No, of course I wouldn't do anything like that," agreed the sedate +Kitty. "But we'll have lots of fun with that tree-house; I'm going to +sit up there and read, on pleasant days."</p> + +<p>"H'm,—lucky,—you know what, King!"</p> + +<p>"H'm,—yes! Keep still, Mops. You'll give it away."</p> + +<p>"Oh, a secret about a present," cried Kitty; "something for the +tree-house, I know!"</p> + +<p>"Maybe 'tis, and maybe 'tain't," answered King, with a mysterious wink +at Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Me buyed present for Kitty," said Rosamond, smiling sweetly; "gold an' +blue,—oh, a bootiful present."</p> + +<p>"Hush, hush, Rosy Posy, you mustn't tell," said her brother. "Presents +are always surprises. Hey, girls, here's Father!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard's appearance was usually a signal for a grand rush, followed +by a series of bear hugs and a general scramble, but to-night, owing to +festive attire, the Maynard quartette were a little more demure.</p> + +<p>"Look out for my hair-ribbons, King!" cried Midget, for without such +warning, hair-ribbons<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> usually felt first the effects of the +good-natured scrimmage.</p> + +<p>And then Mrs. Maynard appeared, her pretty rose-colored gown of soft +silk trailing behind her on the floor.</p> + +<p>"What a dandy mother!" exclaimed King; "all dressed up, and a flower in +her hair!"</p> + +<p>This line sounded singable to Marjorie, so she tuned up:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"All dressed up, and a flower in her hair,<br /> +To give her a hug, I wouldn't dare;<br /> +For she would feel pretty bad, I think,<br /> +If anything happened to that there pink!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>Then King added a refrain, and in a moment they had all joined hands and +were dancing round Mrs. Maynard and singing:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Hooray, hooray, for our mother fair!<br /> +Hooray, hooray, for the flower in her hair!<br /> +All over the hills and far away,<br /> +There's no one so sweet as Mothery May!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>Being accustomed to boisterous adulation from her children, Mrs. Maynard +bore her honors gracefully, and then they all went out to dinner.</p> + +<p>As Maiden of Honor, Kitty was escorted by her father; next came Mrs. +Maynard and Kingdon, and then Marjorie and Rosy Posy. The table<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> had +extra decorations of flowers and pink-shaded candles, and at Kitty's +place was a fascinating looking lot of tissue-papered and ribbon-tied +parcels.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it funny," said sedate and philosophical Kitty, "I love to go to +Grandma's, and yet I hate to leave you all, and yet, I can't do one +without doing the other!"</p> + +<p>"'Tis strange, indeed, Kit!" agreed her father; "as Mr. Shakespeare +says, 'Yet every sweet with sour is tempered still.' Life is like +lemonade, sour and sweet both."</p> + +<p>"It's good enough," said Kitty, contentedly, looking at her array of +bundles. "I guess I'll open these now."</p> + +<p>"That's what they're there for," said Mrs. Maynard, so Kitty excitedly +began to untie the ribbons.</p> + +<p>"I'll go slowly," she said, pulling gently at a ribbon bow, "then +they'll last longer."</p> + +<p>"Now, isn't that just like you, Kit!" exclaimed Marjorie. "I'd snatch +the papers off so fast you couldn't see me jerk."</p> + +<p>"I know you would," said Kitty, simply.</p> + +<p>The sisters were very unlike, for Midget's ways were impulsive and +impatient, while Kitty was slow and careful. But finally the papers came +off, and revealed the lovely gifts.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard had made a pretty silk workbag, which could be spread out, +or gathered up close on its ribbon. When outspread, it showed a store of +needles and thread, of buttons, hooks, tapes,—everything a little girl +could need to keep her clothes in order.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mother, it's <i>perfect</i>!" cried Kitty, ecstatically. "I <i>love</i> those +cunning little pockets, with all <i>sewy</i> things in them! And a darling +silver thimble! And a silver tape measure, and a silver-topped emery! +Oh, I do believe I'll sew <i>all</i> the time this summer!"</p> + +<p>"Pooh, <i>I</i> wouldn't!" said Marjorie. "The things <i>are</i> lovely, but I'd +rather play than sew."</p> + +<p>"Sewing <i>is</i> play, I think," and Kitty fingered over her treasures +lovingly. "Grandma will help me with my patterns, and I'm going to piece +a silk teachest quilt. Oh, Mother, it will be <i>such</i> fun!"</p> + +<p>"Call <i>that</i> fun!" and Marjorie looked disdainfully at her sister. "Fun +is racing around and playing tag, and cutting up jinks generally!"</p> + +<p>"For you it is," Kitty agreed, amiably, "but not for me. I like what I +like."</p> + +<p>"That's good philosophy, Kitty," said her father. "Stick to it always. +Like what you like, and don't be bothered by other people's com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>ments or +opinions. Now, what's in that smallish, flattish, whitish parcel?"</p> + +<p>The parcel in question proved to be a watch, a dear little gold watch. +Kitty had never owned one before, and it almost took her breath away.</p> + +<p>"Mine?" she exclaimed, in wonder. "All mine?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, every bit yours," said Mr. Maynard, smiling at her. "Every wheel +and spring, every one of its three hands, every one of its twelve hours +are all, all yours. Do you like it?"</p> + +<p>"Like it! I can't think of any words to tell you how much I like it."</p> + +<p>"I'll think of some for you," said the accommodating Marjorie. "You +could say it's the grandest, gloriousest, gorgeousest, magnificentest +present you ever had!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I could say that," Kitty agreed, "but I never should have thought +of it. I 'most always say a thing is lovely. Now, what in the world is +this?"</p> + +<p>"This" proved to be a well-stocked portfolio, the gift of King. There +were notepaper and envelopes and a pen and pencils and stamps and +everything to write letters with.</p> + +<p>"I picked out all the things myself," King explained, "because it's +nicer that way than the ready furnished ones. Do you like it, Kit?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, indeedy! And I shall write my first letter to you, because you +gave it to me."</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Oh, Kitty-Cat Kit, a letter she writ,<br /> +And sent it away, to her brother one day,"<br /> +</p> + +<p>chanted Marjorie, and, as was their custom, they all sang the song after +her, some several times over.</p> + +<p>"Now for mine," Midget said, as Kitty slowly untied the next parcel. It +was two volumes of Fairy Tales, which literature was Kitty's favorite +reading.</p> + +<p>"Oh, lovely!" she exclaimed. "On summer afternoons you can think of me, +sitting out in the tree-house reading these. I shall pretend I'm a Fairy +Princess. These are beautiful stories, I can see that already."</p> + +<p>Kitty's quick eye had caught an interesting page, and forgetting all +else, she became absorbed in the book at once. In a moment, the page was +turned, and Kitty read on and on, oblivious to time or place.</p> + +<p>"Hi, there, Kitsie! Come out o' that!" cried King. "You can read all +summer,—<i>now</i> you must associate with your family."</p> + +<p>"I didn't mean to," said Kitty, shutting the book quickly, and looking +round apologetically;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> "but it's all about a fairy godmother, and a +lovely princess lady,—oh, Mopsy, it's <i>fine</i>!"</p> + +<p>A pair of little blue enamelled pins was Rosamond's present, and Kitty +pinned them on her shoulders at once, to see how they looked. All +pronounced the effect excellent, and Rosy Posy clapped her little fat +hands in glee.</p> + +<p>"Mine's the prettiest present!" she said. "Mine's the booflest!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Babykins," said Kitty, "yours is the booflest,—but they're all +lovely."</p> + +<p>The Farewell Feast included all of Kitty's favorite dishes, and as most +of them were also favorites with the other children, it was satisfactory +all round.</p> + +<p>"You must write to us often, Kit," said King; "I gave you those writing +things so you'd be sure to."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will; but I don't know yet where you're all going to be."</p> + +<p>"I don't know yet myself," said Mr. Maynard, "but it will be somewhere +near the sea, if possible. Will you like the seashore, Kiddies,—you +that are going?"</p> + +<p>"I shall," said Marjorie, promptly. "I'll <i>love</i> it. May we go bathing +every day? And can I have a bathing suit,—red, trimmed with white?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I 'spect you can," said her mother, smiling at her. "What color do you +want, King?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I think dark blue would suit my manly beauty! What are you going to +have, Father?"</p> + +<p>"I think dark blue will be our choice, my boy. It swims better than +anything else. But first we must find a roof to cover our heads. I've +about decided on one,—if I can get it. It's a bungalow."</p> + +<p>"What's a bungalow?" asked Marjorie. "I never heard of such a thing."</p> + +<p>"Ho, ho! Never heard of a bungalow!" said King. "Why, a bungalow is +a,—is a,——"</p> + +<p>"Well, is a what?" asked Midget, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Why, it's a bungalow! That's what it is."</p> + +<p>"Fine definition, King!" said his father. "But since you undertook to do +so, see if you can't give its meaning better than that. What <i>is</i> a, +bungalow?"</p> + +<p>"Well, let me see. It's a house,—I guess it's a low, one-storied house, +and that's why they call it bungalow. Is that it?"</p> + +<p>"You're right about the one story; the rest is, I think, your own +invention. Originally, the bungalow was the sort of a house they have in +India, a one-storied affair, with a thatched roof, and verandas all +round it. But the ones they build now, in this country, are often much +more elab<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>orate than that. Sometimes they have one story, sometimes +more. The one I'm trying to get for the summer is at Seacote, and it's +what they call a story and a half. That is, it has an upper floor, but +the rooms are under a slanting roof, and have dormer windows."</p> + +<p>"Sounds good to me," said King. "Do you think you'll catch it, Dad?"</p> + +<p>"I hope so. Some other person has the refusal of it, but he's doubtful +about taking it. So it may yet fall to our lot."</p> + +<p>"I hope so!" cried Marjorie. "At the seashore for a whole summer! My! +what fun! Can we dig in the sand?"</p> + +<p>"Well, rather, my child! That's what the sand is there for. Kitty, you +were at the seashore last summer. Did you dig in the sand?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, every day; and it was lovely. But this year I'm glad I'm going to +Grandma's. It's more restful."</p> + +<p>They all laughed at Kitty's desire for rest, and Marjorie said:</p> + +<p>"<i>I</i> didn't have such a restful time at Grandma's. Except when I +sprained my ankle,—I rested enough then! But you won't do anything like +that, Kit!"</p> + +<p>"I hope not, I'm sure. Nor I won't fall down the well, either!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, we didn't <i>fall</i> down the well. We just <i>went</i> down, to get cooled +off."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm not going to try it. I shall sit in the tree-house and read +every afternoon, and sew with Grandma in the mornings."</p> + +<p>"Kit, you're a dormouse," said Kingdon; "I believe you'd like to sleep +half the year."</p> + +<p>"'Deed I wouldn't. Just because I don't like rambunctious play doesn't +mean I want to sleep all the time! Does it, Father?"</p> + +<p>"Not a bit of it. But you children must 'like what you like' and not +comment on others' 'likes.' See?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said King, understanding the kindly rebuke. "Hullo, Kit, +here's one of your best 'likes'! Here's pink ice-cream coming!"</p> + +<p>This was indeed one of Kitty's dearest "likes," and as none of the +Maynards disliked it, it rapidly disappeared.</p> + +<p>"Now, we'll have an entertainment," said King as, after dinner, they all +went back to the pleasant living-room. "As Kitty is the chief pebble on +the beach this evening, she shall choose what sort of an entertainment. +Games, or what?"</p> + +<p>"No, just a real entertainment," said Kitty; "a programme one, you know. +Each one must sing a song or speak a piece, or something like<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> that. +<i>I'll</i> be the audience, and you can all be performers."</p> + +<p>"All right," said King; "I'll be master of ceremonies. I'll make up the +programme as I go along. Ladies and gentlemen, our first number will be +a speech by the Honorable Edward Maynard. Mr. Maynard will please step +forward."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard stepped. Assuming a pompous air, he made a low bow, first to +Kitty, and then to the others.</p> + +<p>"My dear friends," he said, "we are gathered here together this evening +to extend our farewells and our hearty good wishes to the lady about to +leave us. Sister, thou art mild and lovely, and we hate to see thee go; +but the best of friends must sever, and you'll soon come back, you know. +Listen now to our advices. Kitty, dear, for pity's sake, do not tumble +in the river,—do not tumble in the lake. Many more things I could tell +you as I talk in lovely rhyme, but I think it is my duty to let others +share the time."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard sat down amid great applause, and Kitty said, earnestly, +"You are a lovely poet, Father. I wish you'd give up your other +business, and just write books of poetry."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid, Kitsie, we wouldn't have enough money for pink ice-cream in +that case," said Mr. Maynard, laughing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The next performeress will be Mrs. Maynard," announced the master of +ceremonies.</p> + +<p>Mother Maynard rose, smiling, and with all the airs and graces of a +prima donna, went to the piano. Striking a few preliminary chords, she +began to sing:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Good-bye, Kitty; good-bye, Kitty; good-bye, Kitty,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">You're going to leave us now.</span><br /> +Merrily we say good-bye,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Say good-bye, say good-bye;</span><br /> +Merrily we say good-bye<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To sister Kitty-Kit."</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>This had a pleasant jingle, and was repeated by the whole assembly with +fine effect and a large volume of noise.</p> + +<p>"Miss Marjorie Maynard will now favor us," was the next announcement.</p> + +<p>"This is a poem I made up myself," said Midget, modestly, "and I think +it's very nice:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"When Kitty goes to Grandma's<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I hope she will be good;</span><br /> +And be a lady-girl and do<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Exactly as she should.</span><br /> +'Cause when <i>I go</i> to Grandma's,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I act exceeding bad;</span><br /> +I track up 'Liza's nice clean floor,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And make her hopping mad!"</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>Marjorie's poem was applauded with cheers, as they all recognized its +inherent truth.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We next come to Miss Rosamond Maynard," King went on, "but as she has +fallen asleep, I will ask that the audience kindly excuse her."</p> + +<p>The audience kindly did so, and as it was getting near everybody's +bedtime,—at least, for children,—the whole quartette was started +bedward, and went away singing:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Good-bye, Kitty, you're going to leave us now"—</p> +<hr class="major"/> + +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> +<h3>TOM, DICK, AND HARRY</h3> +</div> + +<p>"Jumping Grasshoppers! What a dandy house!"</p> + +<p>The Maynards' motor swung into the driveway of a large and pleasant +looking place, whose lawn showed some sand spots here and there, and +whose trees were tall pines, but whose whole effect was delightfully +breezy and seashorey.</p> + +<p>"Oh, grandiferous!" cried Marjorie, echoing her brother's enthusiastic +tones, and standing up in the car, better to see their new home.</p> + +<p>Seacote, the place chosen by Mr. Maynard for his family's summering, was +on the southern shore of Long Island, not very far from Rockaway Beach. +It was a sort of park or reservation in which building was under certain +restrictions, and so it was made up of pleasant homes filled with +pleasant people.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, Mr. Maynard had been able to rent the bungalow he wanted, +and it was this picturesque domicile that so roused King's admiration.</p> + +<p>The house was long and low, and surrounded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> by verandas, some of which +were screened by vines, and others shaded by striped awnings.</p> + +<p>But what most delighted the children was the fact that the ocean rolled +its crested breakers up to their very door. Not literally to the door, +for the road ran between the sea and the house, and a boardwalk was +between the road and the sea. But not fifty feet from their front +windows the shining waves were even now dashing madly toward them as if +in tumultuous welcome.</p> + +<p>The servants were already installed, and the open doors seemed to invite +the family to come in and make themselves at home.</p> + +<p>"Let's go straight bang through the whole house," said King, "and then +outdoors afterward."</p> + +<p>"All right," agreed Marjorie, and in their usual impetuous fashion, the +two raced through the house from attic to cellar, though there really +wasn't any attic, except a sort of low-ceiled loft. However, they +climbed up into this, and then down through the various bedrooms on the +second floor, and back to the first floor, which contained the large +living-room, a spacious hall, and the dining-room and kitchen.</p> + +<p>"It's all right," said King, nodding his head in approval. "Now outside, +Midget."</p> + +<p>Outside they flew, and took stock of their sur<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>roundings. Almost an acre +of ground was theirs, and though as yet empty of special interest, King +could see its possibilities.</p> + +<p>"Room for a tennis court," he said; "then I guess we'll have a big +swing, and a hammock, and a tent, and——"</p> + +<p>"And a merry-go-round," supplemented Mr. Maynard, overhearing King's +plans.</p> + +<p>"No, not that, Father," said Marjorie, "but we <i>can</i> have swings and +things, can't we?"</p> + +<p>"I 'spect so, Mopsy. But with the ocean and the beach, I doubt if you'll +stay in this yard much."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's so; I forgot the ocean! Come on, Father, let's go and look +at it."</p> + +<p>So the three went down to the beach, and Marjorie, who hadn't been to +the seashore since she was a small child, plumped herself down on the +sand, and just gazed out at the tumbling waves.</p> + +<p>"I don't care for the swings and things," she said. "I just want to stay +here all the time, and dig and dig and dig."</p> + +<p>As she spoke she was digging her heels into the fine white sand, and +poking her hands in, and burying her arms up to her dimpled elbows.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father, isn't it gee-lorious! Sit down, won't you, and let us bury +you in sand, all but your nose!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not now," said Mr. Maynard, laughing. "Some day you may, when I'm in a +bathing suit. But I don't care for pockets full of sand. Now, I'm going +back to home and Mother. You two may stay down here till luncheon time +if you like."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard went back to the house, and King and Marjorie continued +their explorations. The beach was flat and smooth, and its white sand +was full of shells, and here and there a few bits of seaweed, and +farther on some driftwood, and in the distance a pier, built out far +into the ocean.</p> + +<p>"Did you ever <i>see</i> such a place?" cried Marjorie, in sheer delight.</p> + +<p>"Well, I was at the seashore last year," said King, "while you were at +Grandma's."</p> + +<p>"But it wasn't as nice as this, was it? Say it wasn't!"</p> + +<p>"No; the sand was browner. This is the nicest sand I ever saw. Say, +Mops, let's build a fire."</p> + +<p>"What for? It isn't cold."</p> + +<p>"No, but you always build fires on the beach. It's lots of fun. And +we'll roast potatoes in it."</p> + +<p>"All right. How do we begin?"</p> + +<p>"Well, we gather a lot of wood first. Come on."</p> + +<p>Marjorie came on, and they worked with a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> will, gathering armfuls of +wood and piling it up near the spot they had selected for their fire.</p> + +<p>"That's enough," said Marjorie, for her arms ached as she laid down her +last contribution to their collection.</p> + +<p>"You'll find it isn't much when it gets to burning. But never mind, it +will make a start. I'll skin up to the house and get matches and +potatoes."</p> + +<p>"I'll go with you, 'cause I think we'd better ask Father about making +this fire. It might do some harm."</p> + +<p>"Fiddlesticks! We made a fire 'most every day last summer."</p> + +<p>And, owing to King's knowledge and experience regarding beach fires, his +father told him he might build one, and to be properly careful about not +setting fire to themselves.</p> + +<p>Then they procured potatoes and apples from the kitchen, and raced back +to the beach.</p> + +<p>"Why, where's our wood?" cried Marjorie.</p> + +<p>Not a stick or a chip remained of their carefully gathered wood pile.</p> + +<p>"Some one has stolen it!" said King.</p> + +<p>"No, there's nobody around, except those people over there, and they're +grown-ups. It must have been washed away by a wave."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Pooh, the waves aren't coming up near as far as this."</p> + +<p>"Well, there might have been a big one."</p> + +<p>"No, it wasn't a wave. That wood was stolen, Mops!"</p> + +<p>"But who could have done it? Those grown-up people wouldn't. You can see +from their looks they wouldn't. They're reading aloud. And in the other +direction, there are only some fishermen,—they wouldn't take it."</p> + +<p>"Well, somebody did. Look, here are lots of footprints, and I don't +believe they're all ours."</p> + +<p>Sure enough, on the smooth white sand they could see many footprints, +imprinted all over each other, as if scurrying feet had trodden all +around their precious wood pile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, King, you're just like a detective!" cried Marjorie, in admiration. +"But it's so! These aren't our footprints!"</p> + +<p>She fitted her spring-heeled tan shoes into the prints, and proved at +once that they were not hers. Nor did King's shoes fit exactly, though +they came nearer to it than Marjorie's.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; some fellows came along and stole that wood. Here are two or +three quite different prints."</p> + +<p>"Well, where do they lead to?" said practical Marjorie.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's so. Let's trace them and get the wood back."</p> + +<p>But after leading away from them for a short distance the footprints +became fainter, and in a softer bit of sand disappeared altogether.</p> + +<p>"Pshaw!" said King. "I don't so much care about the wood, but I hate to +lose the trail like this. Let's hunt, Mopsy."</p> + +<p>"All right, but first, let's bury these apples and potatoes, or they'll +be stolen, too."</p> + +<p>"Good idea!" And they buried their treasures in the nice, clean sand, +and marked the place with an inconspicuous stick.</p> + +<p>Then they set out to hunt their lost wood. The beach, though flat and +shelving at the water's edge, rose in a low bluff farther back, and this +offered among its irregular projections many good hiding-places for +their quarry.</p> + +<p>And, sure enough, after some searching, they came suddenly upon three +boys who sat, shaking with laughter, upon a pile of wood.</p> + +<p>The two Maynards glared at them rather angrily, upon which the three +again went off in peals of laughter.</p> + +<p>"That's our wood!" began King, aggressively.</p> + +<p>"Sure it is!" returned the biggest boy, still chuckling.</p> + +<p>"What did you bring it over here for?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Just for fun!"</p> + +<p>"H'm, just for fun! And do you think it would be fun to carry it back +again?"</p> + +<p>"Yep; just's lieve as not. Come on, kids!" And that remarkable boy began +to pick up the sticks.</p> + +<p>"Oh, hold on," said King. "If you're so willing, you needn't do it! Who +are you, anyway?"</p> + +<p>"Well," said the biggest boy, suddenly straightening himself up and +bowing politely to Marjorie, "we're your neighbors. We live in that +green house next to yours. And we're named Tom, Dick, and Harry. Yes, I +know you think those names sound funny, but they're ours all the same. +Thomas, Richard, and Henry Craig,—at your service! I'm Tom. This is +Dick, and this is Harry."</p> + +<p>He whacked his brothers on the shoulder as he named them, and they +ducked forward in polite, if awkward salutation.</p> + +<p>"And did you really take our wood?" said Marjorie, with an accusing +glance, as if surprised that such pleasant-spoken boys could do such a +thing.</p> + +<p>"Yes, we did. We wanted to see what sort of stuff you were made of. You +know Seacote people are sort of like one big family, and we wanted to +know how you'd behave about the wood.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> You've been fine, and now we'll +cart it back where we found it. If you had got mad about it, we wouldn't +touch a stick to take it back,—would we, fellows?"</p> + +<p>"Nope," said the other two, and the Maynards could see at once that Tom +was the captain and ringleader of the trio.</p> + +<p>"Well," said King, judicially, "if you hadn't been the sort you are, I +<i>should</i> have got mad. But I guess you're all right, and so you <i>may</i> +take it back. But we don't help you do it,—see? I'm Kingdon Maynard, +and this is my sister Marjorie. You fellows took our wood, and now +you're going to return it. Is that right?"</p> + +<p>"Right-o!" said Tom. "Come on, fellows."</p> + +<p>The three boys flew at it, and King and Midget sat on the sand and +watched them till the wood was restored to its original position.</p> + +<p>"All right," said King; "you boys'll do. Now, come on and roast potatoes +with us."</p> + +<p>Thus, all demands of honor having been complied with, the five proceeded +to become friends. The boys built the fire, and gallantly let Marjorie +have the fun of putting the potatoes and apples in place.</p> + +<p>The Craig boys had nice instincts, and while they were rather +rough-and-tumble among themselves, they treated King more decorously, +and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> seemed to consider Marjorie as a being of a higher order, made to +receive not only respect, but reverent homage.</p> + +<p>"You see, we never had a sister," said Tom; "and we're a little bit +scared of girls."</p> + +<p>"Well, I have three," said King, "so you see I haven't such deep awe of +them. But Midget won't hurt you, so don't be <i>too</i> scared of her."</p> + +<p>Marjorie smiled in most friendly fashion, for she liked these boys, and +especially Tom.</p> + +<p>"How old are you?" she asked him, in her frank, pleasant way.</p> + +<p>"I'm fourteen," replied Tom, "and the other kids are twelve and ten."</p> + +<p>"King's fourteen,—'most fifteen," said Midget; "and I'll be thirteen in +July. So we're all in the same years. I wish our Kitty was here. She's +nearly eleven, but she isn't any bigger than Harry."</p> + +<p>Harry smiled shyly, and poked at the potatoes with a stick, not knowing +quite what to say.</p> + +<p>"You see," King explained, "Midget is the best sort of a girl there is. +She's girly, all right, and yet she's as good as a boy at cutting up +jinks or doing any old kind of stunts."</p> + +<p>The three Craigs looked at Marjorie in speechless admiration.</p> + +<p>"I never knew that kind," said Tom, thought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>fully. "You see, we go to a +boys' school, and we haven't any girl cousins, or anything; and the only +girls I ever see are at dancing class, or in a summer hotel, and then +they're all frilled up, and sort of airy."</p> + +<p>"I love to play with boys," said Marjorie, frankly, "and I guess we'll +have a lot of fun this summer."</p> + +<p>"I guess we <i>will</i>! Are you going to stay all summer?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, till September, when school begins."</p> + +<p>"So are we. Isn't it funny we live next door to each other?"</p> + +<p>"Awful funny," agreed Marjorie, pulling a very black potato out of the +red-hot embers. "This is done," she went on, "and I'm going to eat it."</p> + +<p>"So say we all of us," cried King. "One done,—all done! Help +yourselves, boys!"</p> + +<p>So they all pulled out the black, sooty potatoes, with more delighted +anticipations than would have been roused by the daintiest dish served +at a table.</p> + +<p>"Ow!" cried Marjorie, flinging down her potato, and sticking her finger +in her mouth. "Ow! that old thing <i>popped</i> open, and burned me awfully!"</p> + +<p>"Too bad, Mops!" said King, with genuine<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> sympathy, but the Craig boys +were more solicitous.</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh! I'm so sorry," cried Tom. "Does it hurt <i>terribly</i>?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, it does," said Midget, who was not in the habit of complaining +when she got hurt, but who was really suffering from the sudden burn.</p> + +<p>"Let me tie it up," said Dick, shyly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, do," said Tom. "Dick is our good boy. He always helps everybody +else."</p> + +<p>"But what can we tie it up with?" said Marjorie. "My handkerchief is all +black from wiping off that potato."</p> + +<p>"I,—I've got a clean one," and Dick, blushing with embarrassment, took +a neatly folded white square from his pocket.</p> + +<p>"Would you look at that!" said Tom. "I declare Dicky always has the +right thing at the right time! Good for you, boy! Fix her up."</p> + +<p>Quite deftly Dick wrapped the handkerchief round Marjorie's finger, and +secured it with a bit of string from another pocket.</p> + +<p>"You ought to have something on it," he said, gravely. "Kerosene is +good, but as we haven't any, it will help it just to keep the air away +from it, till you go home."</p> + +<p>"Goodness!" exclaimed Midget. "You talk like a doctor."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm going to be a doctor when I grow up," said Dick.</p> + +<p>"He is," volunteered Harry; "he cured the cat's broken leg, and he +mended a bird's wing once."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I did," admitted Dick, modestly blushing at his achievements. "Are +you going right home because of your finger?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed! We never stop for hurts and things, unless they're bad +enough for us to go to bed. Give me another potato, and you open it for +me, won't you, Dick?"</p> + +<p>"Yep," and Marjorie was immediately supplied with the best of the +potatoes and apples, carefully prepared for her use.</p> + +<p>"Aren't there any other girls in Seacote?" she inquired.</p> + +<p>"There's Hester Corey," answered Tom; "but we don't know her very well. +She isn't nice, like you are. And I don't know of any others, though +there may be some. Most of the people in the cottages haven't any +children,—or else they're grown up,—big girls and young ladies. And +there's a few little babies, but not many of our age. So that's why +we're so glad you came."</p> + +<p>"And that's why you stole our wood!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, truly. We thought that'd be a good way to test your temper."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It was a risky way," said King, thinking it over.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know. I knew, if you were the right sort, you'd take it all +right; and if you weren't the right sort, we didn't care how you took +it."</p> + +<p>"That's so," agreed Marjorie.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> +<h3>THE SAND CLUB</h3> +</div> + +<p>Life at Seacote soon settled down to its groove, and it was a very +pleasant groove. There was always plenty of fun to be had. Bathing every +day in the crashing breakers, digging in the sand, building beach fires, +talking to the old fishermen, were all delightful pursuits. And then +there were long motor rides inland, basket picnics in pine groves, and +excursions to nearby watering-places.</p> + +<p>The Craig boys turned out to be jolly playfellows, and they and the +Maynards became inseparable chums. Marjorie often wished one of them had +been a girl, but at the same time, she enjoyed her unique position of +being the only girl in the crowd. The boys deferred to her as to a +princess, and she ruled them absolutely.</p> + +<p>Of course the senior Craigs and Maynards became good friends also, and +the two ladies especially spent many pleasant hours together.</p> + +<p>Baby Rosamond rarely played with the older children, as she was too +little to join in their vigorous games, often original with themselves, +and decidedly energetic. The beach was their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> favorite playground. They +never tired of digging in the sand, and they had a multitude of spades +and shovels and hoes for their various sand performances. Some days they +built a fort, other days a castle or a pleasure ground. Their sand-works +were extensive and elaborate, and it often seemed a pity that the tide +or the wind should destroy them over night.</p> + +<p>"I say, let's us be a Sand Club," said Tom one day. "We're always +playing in the sand, you know."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Marjorie, instantly seeing delightful possibilities. +"We'll call ourselves Sand Crabs, for we're always scrambling through +the sand."</p> + +<p>"And we're jolly as sandboys!" said King. "I don't know what sandboys +really are, but they're always jolly, and so are we."</p> + +<p>"I'd like something more gay and festive," Marjorie put in; "I mean like +Court Life, or something where we could dress up, and pretend things."</p> + +<p>"I know what you mean," said Dick, grasping her idea. "Let's have Sand +Court, and build a court and a throne, and we'll all be royal people and +Marjorie can be queen."</p> + +<p>"Well, let's all have sandy names," suggested Tom. "Marjorie can be +Queen Sandy. And<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> we'll call our court Sandringham Palace. You know +there is one, really."</p> + +<p>"You can be the Grand Sandjandrum!" said King, laughing.</p> + +<p>"No, you be that," said Tom, unselfishly.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; <i>you've</i> got to. I'll be a sand piper, and play the court +anthems."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Marjorie, "and Harry can be a sand crab, for he just +scuttles through the sand all the time. What'll Dick be?"</p> + +<p>King looked at Dick. "We'll call him Sandow," he suggested, and they all +laughed, for Dick was a frail little chap, without much muscular +strength. But the name stuck to him, and they always called him Sandow +thereafter.</p> + +<p>"I wish we could make our palace where it would stay made," said +Marjorie. "We don't want to make a new one every day."</p> + +<p>"That's so," said Tom. "If we only could find a secret haunt."</p> + +<p>"I know a kind of a one," said Dick; "'way back in our yard, near where +it joins yours, is a deepy kind of a place, and it's quite sandy."</p> + +<p>"Just the thing!" cried Marjorie. "I know that place. Come on!"</p> + +<p>She was off like a deer, and the rest followed. A few moments' scamper +brought them to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> place, and all declared it was just the very spot +for a palace.</p> + +<p>"I'd like beach sand better, though," said Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"We'll bring all you want," declared Tom. "We'll take a wheelbarrow, and +bring heaps up from the beach."</p> + +<p>The Sand Club worked for days getting their palace in order. The two big +boys wheeled many loads of sand up from the beach, and Marjorie and the +two other boys arranged it in shape.</p> + +<p>Dick was clever at building, and he planned a number of fine effects. Of +course, their palace had no roof or walls, but the apartments were +partitioned off with low walls of sand, and there were sand sofas and +chairs, and a gorgeous throne.</p> + +<p>The throne was a heap of sand, surmounted by a legless armchair, found +in the Craigs' attic, and at court meetings draped with pink cheesecloth +and garlands of flowers. The whole palace was really a "secret haunt," +for a slight rise of ground screened it from view on two sides and trees +shaded the other side.</p> + +<p>The parents of both families were pleased with the whole scheme, for it +kept the children occupied, and they could always be found at a moment's +notice.</p> + +<p>Sand tables were built, and on them were bits<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> of old dishes and broken +vases, all of which were desirable because they could stay out in the +rain and not be harmed. Moreover, they were handy in case of a feast. At +last preparations were complete and they decided to open the court next +day.</p> + +<p>"We must have a flag," said Marjorie. "I'll make it. The court colors +are red and yellow, and our emblem will be,—what shall our emblem be?"</p> + +<p>"A pail of sand," suggested Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I can cut out a pail of red flannel, and sew it on to a yellow +flag. I'll make that this afternoon, and we'll hold court to-morrow +morning at ten o'clock. We must all wear some red and yellow. Sashes +will do for you boys, and I'll have,—well, I'll fix up a rig of some +kind."</p> + +<p>Marjorie was a diligent little worker when she chose to be, and that +afternoon she made a very creditable flag, showing a pail, red; on a +field, yellow. She made also sashes for them all, of red and yellow +cheesecloth, and she made herself a court train of the same material, +which trailed grandly from her shoulders.</p> + +<p>Next morning the Sand Club assembled on the Maynards' veranda, to march +to Sandringham Palace.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Craig had helped out the costumes of her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> royal children, and the +Grand Sandjandrum was gorgeous in a voluminous yellow turban, with a red +cockade sticking up on one side.</p> + +<p>Sandow and the Sand Crab had soldier hats made of red and yellow paper, +and big sailor collars of the same colors.</p> + +<p>The Sand Piper wore his sash jauntily with a huge shoulder knot, and he, +too, had a cockaded headgear.</p> + +<p>Marjorie, as Queen Sandy, wore her trailing court robe and a crown of +yellow paper with red stars on it. She had a sceptre, and Sandow carried +the flag.</p> + +<p>The Sand Piper marched ahead, playing on a tuneful instrument known as a +kazoo. Next came the Grand Sandjandrum, then the Queen, then the Sand +Crab, and finally, Sandow with the flag.</p> + +<p>Slowly and with great dignity the procession filed out toward the +palace. King was playing the Star Spangled Banner, or thought he was. It +sounded almost as much like Hail Columbia,—but it didn't really matter, +and they're both difficult tunes, anyway.</p> + +<p>Blithely they stepped along, and prepared to enter the palace with a +flourish of trumpets, as it were, when King's music stopped suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Great Golliwogs!" he cried. "Look at that!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Look at what?" said Tom, who was absorbed in the grand march.</p> + +<p>But he looked, and they all looked, and five angry exclamations sounded +as they saw only the ruins of the beloved Sandringham Palace.</p> + +<p>Somebody had utterly demolished it. The low walls were broken and +scattered, the sand tables and chairs were torn down, and the throne was +entirely upset.</p> + +<p>"Who did this?" roared Tom.</p> + +<p>But as nobody knew the answer, there was no reply.</p> + +<p>"It couldn't have been any of your servants, could it?" asked King of +the Craigs. "I know it wasn't any of ours."</p> + +<p>"No; it wasn't ours, either," said Tom. "Could it have been your little +sister?"</p> + +<p>"Mercy, no!" cried Marjorie. "Rosy Posy isn't that sort of a child. Oh, +I do think it's awful!" and forgetting her royal dignity, Queen Sandy +began to cry.</p> + +<p>"Why, Mops," said King, kindly; "brace up, old girl. Don't cry."</p> + +<p>"I'm not a cry baby," said Midget, smiling through her tears. "I'm just +crying 'cause I'm so <i>mad</i>! I'm mad clear through! How <i>could</i> anybody +be so ugly?"</p> + +<p>"I'm mad, too," declared Tom, slowly, "but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> I know who did it, and it's +partly my fault, I s'pose."</p> + +<p>"Your fault!" exclaimed Midget. "Why, Tom, how can it be?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you see it was this way. Yesterday afternoon Mrs. Corey came to +call on my mother, and she brought Hester with her."</p> + +<p>"That red-headed girl?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and she has a temper to match her hair! Mother made me talk to +her, and, as I didn't know what else to talk about, I told her about our +Sand Club, and about the Court to-day and everything. And she wanted to +belong to the club, and I told her she couldn't, because it was just the +Maynards and the Craigs. And she was madder'n hops, and she coaxed me, +and I still said no, and then she said she'd get even with us somehow."</p> + +<p>"But, Tom," said King, "we don't know that girl to speak to. We hardly +know her by sight."</p> + +<p>"But we do. We knew her when we were here last summer, but, you see, +this year we've had you two to play with, so we've sort of neglected +her,—and she doesn't like it."</p> + +<p>"But that's no reason she should spoil our palace," and Marjorie looked +sadly at the scene of ruin and destruction.</p> + +<p>"No; and of course I'm not sure that she did<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> do it. But she said she'd +do something to get even with you."</p> + +<p>"With me? Why, she doesn't know me at all."</p> + +<p>"That's what she's mad about. She says you're stuck up, and you put on +airs and never look at her."</p> + +<p>"Why, how silly! I don't know her, but somehow, from her looks, I <i>know</i> +I shouldn't like her."</p> + +<p>"No, you wouldn't, Marjorie. She's selfish, and she's ill-tempered. She +flies into a rage at any little thing, and,—well, she isn't a bit like +you Maynards."</p> + +<p>"<i>No!</i> and I'm glad of it! I wouldn't <i>want</i> to be like such a stuck-up +thing!"</p> + +<p>These last words were spoken by a strange voice, and Marjorie looked +round quickly to see a shock of red hair surmounting a very angry little +face just appearing from behind the small hill, beneath whose +overhanging shadow they had built their palace.</p> + +<p>"Why, Hester Corey!" shouted Tom. "What are you doing here?"</p> + +<p>"I came to see how you like your old sand-house!" she jeered, mockingly, +and making faces at Marjorie between her words. Marjorie was utterly +astonished. It was her first experience with a child of this type, and +she didn't know just how to take her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> + +<p>The newcomer was a little termagant. Her big blue eyes seemed to flash +with anger, and as she danced about, shaking her fist at Marjorie and +pointing her forefinger at her, she cried, tauntingly, "Stuck up! +Proudy!"</p> + +<p>Marjorie grew indignant. She had done nothing knowingly to provoke this +wrath, so she faced the visitor squarely, and glared back at her.</p> + +<p>"I'd rather be stuck up than to be such a spiteful thing as you are!" +she declared. "Did <i>you</i> tear down this palace that we took such trouble +to build?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I did!" said Hester. "And if you build it again, I'll tear it down +again,—so, there, now!"</p> + +<p>"You'll do no such thing!" shouted Tom.</p> + +<p>"Huh, Smarty! What have you got to say about it?"</p> + +<p>The crazy little Hester flew at Tom and pounded him vigorously on the +back.</p> + +<p>"I hate you!" she cried. "I <i>hate</i> you!"</p> + +<p>As a matter of fact, her little fists couldn't hurt the big, sturdy boy, +but her intense anger made him angry too.</p> + +<p>"You, Hester Corey!" he cried. "You leave me alone!"</p> + +<p>King stood a little apart, with his hands in his pockets, looking at the +combatants.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Say, we've had about enough of this," he said, speaking quietly, and +without excitement. "We Maynards are not accustomed to this sort of +thing. We squabble sometimes, but we never get really angry."</p> + +<p>"Goody-goody boy!" said Hester, sneeringly, and making one of her worst +faces at him. For some reason this performance struck King as funny.</p> + +<p>"Do it again," he said. "How do you ever squink up your nose like that! +Bet you can't do it three times in succession."</p> + +<p>The audacious Hester tried it, and the result was so ludicrous they all +laughed.</p> + +<p>"Now look here," went on King, "we're not acquainted with you, but we +know you're Hester Corey. We know you spoiled our Sand Palace, just out +of angry spite. Now, Hester Corey, you've got to be punished for that. +We're peaceable people ourselves, but we're just, also. We were about to +have a nice celebration, but you've put an end to that before it began. +So, instead, we're going to have a trial. You're the prisoner, and +you've pleaded guilty,—at least, you've confessed your crime. Queen +Sandy, get into that throne,—never mind if it is upset,—set it up +again. Grand Sandjandrum, take your place on that mussed up sand heap. +You two other chaps,—stand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> one each side of the prisoner as sentinels. +I'll conduct this case, and Queen Sandy will pronounce the sentence. +It's us Maynards that Hester Corey seems to have a grudge against, so +it's up to us Maynards to take charge of the case. Prisoner, stand on +that board there."</p> + +<p>"I won't do it!" snapped Hester, and the red locks shook vigorously.</p> + +<p>"You will do it," said King, quietly, and for some reason or other +Hester quailed before his glance, and then meekly stood where he told +her to.</p> + +<p>"Have you anything to say for yourself?" King went on. "Any excuse to +offer for such a mean, hateful piece of work?"</p> + +<p>Hester sulked a minute, then she said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, I was mad at you, because you all have such good times, and +wouldn't let me in them."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by that? You never asked to come in."</p> + +<p>"I did. I asked Tom Craig yesterday, and he wouldn't ask you."</p> + +<p>"Then why are you mad at us?"</p> + +<p>"Because you're so proud and exclusive. You think yourselves so great; +you think nobody's as good as you are!"</p> + +<p>"That isn't true, Hester," said King, quite<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> gently; "and even if it +were, are you proving yourself better than we are by cutting up this +mean, babyish trick? If you want us to like you, why not make yourself +likeable, instead of horrid and hateful?"</p> + +<p>This was a new idea to Hester, and she stared at King as if greatly +interested.</p> + +<p>"That's right," he went on. "If people want people to like them, they +must be likeable. They must be obliging and kind and pleasant, and not +small and spiteful."</p> + +<p>"You haven't been very nice to me," muttered Hester.</p> + +<p>"We haven't had a chance. And before we get a chance you upset +everything by making us dislike you! What kind of common sense is that?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe you could forgive me," suggested Hester, hopefully.</p> + +<p>"Maybe we could, later on. But we're for fair play, and you treated us +unfairly. So now, you've got to be punished. Queen Sandy, Grand +Sandjandrum, which of you can suggest proper punishment for this +prisoner of ours?"</p> + +<p>Tom thought for a moment, then he said:</p> + +<p>"Seems 's if she ought to put this palace back in order, just as it was +when she found it,—but that's too hard work for a girl."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll help her," said Harry, earnestly. "I'm sorry for her."</p> + +<p>"Sorry for her!" cried Tom, with blazing eyes. "<i>Sorry</i> for the girl +that spoiled our palace!"</p> + +<p>"Well, you see," went on Harry, "she's sorry herself now."</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> +<h3>SAND COURT</h3> +</div> + + +<p>With one accord, they all looked at Hester. Sure enough, it was easily +to be seen that she was sorry. All her anger and rage had vanished, and +she stood digging one toe into the sand, and twisting from side to side, +with her eyes cast down, and two big tears rolling slowly down her +cheeks.</p> + +<p>Marjorie sprang up from her wabbly throne, and running to Hester, threw +her arms around +<ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'her. her.'">her.</ins> +</p> + +<p>"Don't cry, Hester," she said. "We'll all forgive you. I think you lost +your temper and I think you're sorry now, aren't you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, yes, I am!" sobbed Hester. "But I envied the good times you +had, and when Tom wouldn't let me into your club, I got so mad I didn't +know what to do."</p> + +<p>"There, there, don't cry any more," and Midget smoothed the tangled red +mop, and tried to comfort the bad little Hester.</p> + +<p>Tom looked rather disappointed.</p> + +<p>"I say," he began, "she did an awful mean thing, and she ought to +be——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hold on a minute, Tom," said Marjorie. "I'm Queen of this club, and +what I say goes! Is that right, my courtiers?"</p> + +<p>She looked round at the boys, smiling in a wheedlesome way, and King +said, "Right, O Queen Sandy! Right always and ever, in the hearts of +your gentlemen-in-waiting."</p> + +<p>"You bet you are!" cried Tom, quick to follow King's lead. "Our noble +Queen has but to say the word, and it is our law. Therefore, O Queen, we +beg thee to mete out a just punishment to this prisoner within our +gates."</p> + +<p>"Hear ye! Hear ye!" said Midget, with great dramatic fervor. "I hereby +forgive this prisoner of ours, because she's truly sorry she acted like +the dickens. And as a punishment, I condemn her to rebuild this royal +palace, but, following Harry's example, we will all help her with the +work."</p> + +<p>Then King burst forth into song:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Hooray, Hooray, for our noble Queen,<br /> +The very best monarch that ever was seen.<br /> +There's nobody quite so perfectly dandy,<br /> +As our most gracious, most noble Queen Sandy!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>They all repeated this chorus, and the Queen bowed and smiled at her +devoted court.</p> + +<p>"And also," her Royal Highness went on, "we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> hereby take into our club +Miss Hester Corey as a new member. I'm glad to have another girl in +it,—and what I say goes!"</p> + +<p>This time Tom made up the song:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"What she says, goes!<br /> +She's sweet as a rose,<br /> +From head to toes,<br /> +So what she says, goes!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Miss Hester Corey is now a member," said Midget, "and her name +is,—is——"</p> + +<p>"Sand Witch," suggested Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said King; "you expect witches to cut up tricks."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Hester. "Call me Sand Witch, and you'll see there are +good witches as well as bad."</p> + +<p>"Come on, then," said Marjorie, "and show us how you can work. Let's put +this palace back into shape again as quick as scat!"</p> + +<p>They all fell to work, and it didn't take so very long after all. Hester +was conquered by the power of Marjorie's kindness, and she was meek as a +lamb. She did whatever she was told, and was a quick and willing worker.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Midget, after it was all in order once more, "now we'll have +our celebration. You see, we have six in our court now, instead of +five,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> and I think it's nicer. I'll give the Sand Witch my sash to wear, +and she can be my first lady-in-waiting."</p> + +<p>This position greatly pleased Hester, and she took her place at the side +of the enthroned Queen, while Tom stood at her other side. King played a +grand tune, and they all sang.</p> + +<p>The song was in honor of the flag-raising, and was hastily composed by +Marjorie for the occasion:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Our Flag, our Flag, our Sand Club Flag!<br /> +Long may she wave, long may she wag!<br /> +And may our Sand Club ever stand<br /> +A glory to our Native Land."<br /> +</p> + +<p>Tom persisted in singing "a glory to our native <i>sand</i>," and King said +<i>strand</i>, but after all, it didn't matter.</p> + +<p>Then Sandow, bearing the flag, stepped gravely forward, and the boys all +helped to plant it firmly in the middle of Sand Court, while the Queen +and her lady-in-waiting nodded approval.</p> + +<p>"Ha, Courtiers! I prithee sit!" the Queen commanded, when the flag was +gaily waving in the breeze.</p> + +<p>Her four courtiers promptly sat on the ground at her feet, and the Queen +addressed them thus:</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen-in-waiting of Sandringham Palace,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> there are much affairs of +state now before us. First must we form our club, our Sand Club."</p> + +<p>"Most noble Queen," and Tom rose to his feet, "have I your permission to +speak?"</p> + +<p>"Speak!" said the Queen, graciously, waving her sceptre at him.</p> + +<p>"Then I rise to inquire if this is a secret organization."</p> + +<p>"You bet it is!" cried King, jumping up. "The very secretest ever! If +any one lets out the secrets of these secret meetings, he shall be +excommunicated in both feet!"</p> + +<p>"A just penalty!" said Tom, gravely.</p> + +<p>"Is all well, O fair Queen? Do you agree?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I agree," said the Queen, smiling. "But I want to know what these +secrets are to be about."</p> + +<p>"That's future business," declared King. "Just now we have to elect +officers, and all that."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Marjorie, "but you must be more courtly about it. Say +it more,—you know how I mean."</p> + +<p>"As thus," spoke up the lady-in-waiting, dropping on one knee before the +Queen.</p> + +<p>"What is the gracious will of your Royal Highness in the matter of +secretary and treasurer, O Queen!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, that's better. Well, my court, to tell you the truth, I don't +think that we need a secretary and such things, because it isn't a +regular club. Let us content ourselves with our present noble offices. +Grand Sandjandrum, what are the duties of thy high office?"</p> + +<p>"No duties, but all pleasures, when serving thee, O noble and gracious +Queen!"</p> + +<p>"That's fine," said Midget, clapping her hands. "Hither, Sir Sand Piper! +What are thy duties at, court?"</p> + +<p>"Your Majesty," said King, bowing low, "it is my humble part to play the +pipes, or to lay the pipes, as the case may be. I do not smoke pipes, +but, if it be thy gracious wish, I can blow fair soap bubbles from +them."</p> + +<p>"Sand Piper, I see you know your business," said the Queen. "Ha! Sand +Crab, what dost thou do each day?"</p> + +<p>"Just scramble around in the sand," replied Harry, and suiting the +action to the word, he gave such a funny scrambling performance that +they all applauded.</p> + +<p>"Right well done, noble Sand Crab," commented the smiling Queen. "And +thou, O Sandow?"</p> + +<p>"I do all the strong-arm work required in the palace," said Dick, +doubling up his little fist, and trying to make it look large and +powerful.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, thee, my fair lady-in-waiting, what dost thou do in this, my +court?"</p> + +<p>Hester shook back her mop of red curls, and her eyes danced as she +answered, gaily:</p> + +<p>"I am the Court Sand Witch! I cut up tricks of all sorts, as doth become +a witch. Aye, many a time will I cause enchantments to fall upon thee, +one and all! I am a magic witch, and I can cast spells!"</p> + +<p>Hester waved her arms about, and swayed from side to side, her eyes +fixed in a glassy stare, and her red curls bobbing.</p> + +<p>"Good gracious!" cried Marjorie. "You're like a witch I saw on the stage +once in a fairy pantomime. Say, Hester, let's have a pantomime +entertainment some day."</p> + +<p>"All right. My mother'll help us. She's always getting up private +theatricals and things like that. She says I inherit her dramatic +talent."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Tom, warningly; "but don't you turn your dramatic +talent toward tearing down our palace again."</p> + +<p>"Of course I won't, now I'm a member."</p> + +<p>"Of course she won't," agreed Marjorie. "Now, my courtiers, and +lady-in-waiting, there's another subject to come before your royal +attention. We must have a Court Journal."</p> + +<p>"What's that?" inquired Harry.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why, a sort of a paper, you know, with all the court news in it."</p> + +<p>"There isn't any."</p> + +<p>"But there will be. We're not fairly started yet. Now who'll write this +paper?"</p> + +<p>"All of us," suggested Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yes; but there must be one at the head of it,—sort of editor, you +know."</p> + +<p>"Guess it better be King," said Tom, thoughtfully. "He knows the most +about writing things."</p> + +<p>"All right," agreed King. "I'll edit the paper, only you must all +contribute. We'll have it once a week, and everybody must send me some +contribution, if it's only a little poem or something."</p> + +<p>"I can't write poems," said Harry, earnestly, "but I can gather up +news,—and like that."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Marjorie, "that's what I mean. But it must be news about us +court people, or maybe our families."</p> + +<p>"Can't we make it up?" asked Hester.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I s'pose so, if you make it real court like and grand sounding."</p> + +<p>"What shall we call our paper?" asked King.</p> + +<p>"Oh, just the <i>Court Journal</i>," replied Midget.</p> + +<p>"I don't think so," objected Hester. "I think it ought to have a name +like <i>The Sand Club</i>."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> + +<p>"<i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>," exclaimed Tom. "How's that?"</p> + +<p>"But two of us are girls!" said Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"That doesn't matter, it's just the name of the paper, you know. And it +sounds so gay and jolly."</p> + +<p>"I like it," declared King, and so they all agreed to the name.</p> + +<p>"Now, my courtiers and noble friends," said their Queen, "it's time we +all scooted home to luncheon. My queen-dowager mother likes me to be on +time for meals. Also, my majesty and my royal sand piper can't come back +to play this afternoon. But shall this court meet to-morrow morning?"</p> + +<p>"You bet, your Majesty!" exclaimed Tom, with fervor.</p> + +<p>"That isn't very courtly language, my Grand Sandjandrum."</p> + +<p>"I humbly beg your Majesty's pardon, and I prostrate myself in humble +humility!" And Tom sprawled on his face at Marjorie's feet.</p> + +<p>"Rise, Sir Knight," said the gracious Queen, and then the court +dispersed toward its various homes.</p> + +<p>"Well, we had the greatest time this morning you ever heard of!" +announced Marjorie as, divested of her royal trappings and clad in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> a +fresh pink gingham, she sat at the luncheon table.</p> + +<p>"What was it all about, Moppets?" asked Mrs. Maynard.</p> + +<p>So King and Marjorie together told all about the intrusion of Hester on +their celebration, and how they had finally taken her into the Sand Club +as a member.</p> + +<p>"I think my children behaved very well," said Mrs. Maynard, looking at +the two with pride.</p> + +<p>"I did get sort of mad at first, Mother," Marjorie confessed, not +wanting more praise than was her just due.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't blame you!" declared King. "Why, that girl made most +awful faces at Mops, and talked to her just horrid! If she hadn't calmed +down afterward we couldn't have played with her at all."</p> + +<p>"I've heard about that child," said Mrs. Maynard. "She has most awful +fits of temper, I'm told. Mrs. Craig says that Hester will be as good +and as sweet as a lamb for days,—and then she'll fly into a rage over +some little thing. I'm glad you children are not like that."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad, too," said King. "We're not angels, but if we acted up like +Hester did at first we couldn't live in the house with each other!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Her mother is an actress," observed Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Midget, you're mistaken," said her mother. "I know Mrs. Corey, +and she isn't an actress at all, and never was. But she is fond of +amateur theatricals, and she is president of a club that gives little +plays now and then."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's it," said King. "Hester said her mother had dramatic +talent, and she had inherited it. Have you dramatic talent, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, King," said Mrs. Maynard, laughing. "Your father and I +have joined their dramatic club, but it remains to be seen whether we +can make a success of it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mother!" cried Marjorie. "Are you really going to act in a play? +Oh, can we see you?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know yet, Midget. Probably it will be an entertainment only for +grown-ups. We've just begun rehearsals."</p> + +<p>"Have we dramatic talent, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"Not to any astonishing degree. But, yes, I suppose your fondness for +playing at court life and such things shows a dramatic taste."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's great fun, Mother! I just love to sit on that throne with my +long trail wopsed on the floor beside me, and my sceptre sticking up, +and my courtiers all around me,—oh, Mother, I think I'd like to be a +real queen!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, you see, Midget, you were born in a country that doesn't employ +queens."</p> + +<p>"And I'm glad of it!" cried Marjorie, patriotically. "Hooray! for the +land of the free and the home of the brave! I guess I don't care to be a +real queen, I guess I'll be a president's wife instead. Say, Mother, +won't you and Father write us some poems for <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>?"</p> + +<p>"What is that, Midget?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's our court journal,—and you and Father do write such lovely +poetry. Will you, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I 'spect so."</p> + +<p>"Oh, goody! When you say 'I 'spect so,' you always <i>do</i>. Hey, King, Rosy +Posy ought to have a sandy kind of a name, even if she doesn't come to +our court meetings."</p> + +<p>"'Course she ought. And she can come sometimes, if she doesn't upset +things."</p> + +<p>"She can't upset things worse'n Hester did."</p> + +<p>"No; but I don't believe Hester will act up like that again."</p> + +<p>"She may, Marjorie," said Mrs. Maynard. "I've heard her mother say she +can't seem to curb Hester's habit of flying into a temper. So just here, +my two loved ones, let me ask you to be kind to the little girl, and if +she gets angry, don't flare back at her, but try 'a soft answer.'"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> + +<p>"But, Mother," said King, "that isn't so awful easy! And, anyway, I +don't think she ought to do horrid things,—like tumbling down our +palace,—and then we just forgive her, and take her into the club!"</p> + +<p>"Why not, King?"</p> + +<p>King looked a little nonplussed.</p> + +<p>"Why," he said, "why,—because it doesn't seem fair."</p> + +<p>"And does it seem fairer for you to lose your temper too, and try what +children call 'getting even with her'?"</p> + +<p>"Well, Mother, it <i>does</i> seem fairer, but I guess it isn't very,—very +<i>noble</i>."</p> + +<p>"No, son, it isn't. And I hope you'll come to think that sometimes +nobility of action is better than mere justice."</p> + +<p>"I see what you mean, Mother, and somehow, talking here with you, it all +seems true enough. But when we get away from you, and off with the boys +and girls, these things seem different. Were you always noble when you +were little, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"No, Kingdon dear, I wasn't always. But my mother tried her best to +teach me to be,—so don't you think I ought to try to teach you?"</p> + +<p>"Sure, Mothery! And you bet we'll do our bestest to try to learn. Hey, +Mops?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, indeedy! I <i>want</i> to do things right, but I seem to forget just +when I ought to remember."</p> + +<p>"Well, when you forget, come home and tell Mother all about it, and +we'll take a fresh start. You're pretty fairly, tolerably, moderately +good children after all! Only I want you to grow a little speck better +each day."</p> + +<p>"And we <i>will</i>!" shouted King and Marjorie together.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> +<h3>"THE JOLLY SANDBOY"</h3> +</div> + +<p>The Sand Club was not very strict in its methods or systems. Some days +it met, and some days it didn't. Sometimes all the court was present, +and sometimes only three or four of them.</p> + +<p>But everything went on harmoniously, and there were no exhibitions of +ill temper from the Sand Witch.</p> + +<p>In fact, Hester was absorbed in doing her part toward the first number +of <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>.</p> + +<p>The child was quite an adept at drawing and painting, and she was making +several illustrations for their court journal. One, representing +Marjorie seated on her sand throne, was really clever, and there were +other smaller pictures, too.</p> + +<p>Kingdon worked earnestly to get the paper into shape. He had +contributions from all the club, and from Mr. and Mrs. Maynard also. He +had a small typewriter of his own, and he laboriously copied the +contributions on fair, white pages, and, with Hester's pictures +interspersed, bound them all into a neat cover of red paper.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> + +<p>This Hester ornamented with a yellow sand-pail, emblem of their club, +and tied it at the top with a yellow ribbon. Altogether, the first +number of <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i> was a strikingly beautiful affair.</p> + +<p>And the court convened, in full court dress, to hear it read.</p> + +<p>The court wardrobes had received various additions. Often a courtier +blossomed out in some new regalia, always of red or yellow, or both.</p> + +<p>The several mothers of the court frequently donated old ribbons, +feathers, or flowers, from discarded millinery or other finery, and all +these were utilized by the frippery loving courtiers.</p> + +<p>Hester had contrived a witch costume, which was greatly admired. A red +skirt, a yellow shawl folded cornerwise, and a very tall peaked hat of +black with red and yellow ribbons, made the child look like some weird +creature.</p> + +<p>Marjorie's tastes ran rather to magnificent attire, and she accumulated +waving plumes, artificial flowers, and floating gauze veils and +draperies.</p> + +<p>The boys wore nondescript costumes, in which red jerseys and yellow +sashes played a prominent part, while King achieved the dignity of a +mantle, picturesquely slung from one shoulder. Many badges and orders +adorned their breasts, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> lances and spears, wound with gilt paper, +added to the courtly effect.</p> + +<p>"My dearly beloved Court," Marjorie began, beaming graciously from her +flower decked throne, "we are gathered together here to-day to listen to +the reading of our Court Journal,—a noble paper,—published by our +noble courtier, the Sand Piper, who will now read it to us."</p> + +<p>"Hear! Hear!" cried all the courtiers.</p> + +<p>"Most liege Majesty," began King, bowing so low that his shoulder cape +fell off. But he hastily swung it back into place and went on. "Also, +most liege lady-in-waiting, our noble Sand Witch, we greet thee. And we +greet our Grand Sandjandrum, and our noble Sandow, and our beloved Sand +Crab. We greet all, and everybody. Did I leave anybody out of this +greeting?"</p> + +<p>"No! No!"</p> + +<p>"All right; then I'll fire away. The first article in this paper is an +editorial,—I wrote it myself because I am editor-in-chief. You're all +editors, you know, but I'm the head editor."</p> + +<p>"Why not say headitor?" suggested Tom.</p> + +<p>"Good idea, friend Courtier! I'm the headitor, then. And this is my +headitorial. Here goes! 'Courtiers and Citizens: This journal, called +<i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>, shall relate from time to time the doings of our +noble court. It shall tell of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> the doughty deeds of our brave knights, +and relate the gay doings of our fair ladies. It shall mention news of +interest, if any, concerning the inhabitants of Seacote in general, and +the families of this court in particular. Our politics are not confined +to any especial party, but our platform is to grow up to be presidents +ourselves.' This ends my headitorial."</p> + +<p>Great applause followed this masterpiece of journalistic literature, and +the Sand Piper proceeded:</p> + +<p>"I will next read the column of news, notes, and social events, as +collected by our energetic and capable young reporter, the Sand Crab:</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>"'The Queen and her lady-in-waiting went bathing in the ocean this +morning. Our noble Queen was costumed in white, trimmed with blue, and +the Sand Witch in dark blue trimmed with red. Both noble ladies squealed +when a large breaker knocked them over. The whole court rushed to their +rescue, and no permanent damage resulted.</p> + +<p>"Three gentlemen courtiers of this court, who reside in the same castle, +had ice-cream for dinner last night. The colors were pink and white. It +was exceeding good.</p> + +<p>"A very young princess, a sister of our beloved Queen, went walking +yesterday afternoon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> with her maid of honor. The princess wore a big +white hat with funny ribbon bunches on it. Also white shoes.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Sears has had his back fence painted. (We don't know any Mr. Sears, +and he hasn't any back fence, but we are making up now, as our real news +has given out and our column isn't full.)</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Black spent Sunday with her mother-in-law, Mrs. Green. (See +above.)</p> + +<p>"Mr. Van Winkle is building a gray stone mansion of forty rooms on +Seashore Drive. We think it is quite a pretty house.</p> + +<p>"This is all the news I can find for this time. Yours truly.—<span class="smcap">The +Sand Crab</span>.'"</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>"Noble Sand Crab, we thank you for your fine contribution to our midst," +announced the Queen, and the Sand Crab burrowed in the sand and kicked +in sheer delight at such praise.</p> + +<p>"The next," announced the Sand Piper, "is an original poem by our most +liege majesty, the Queen. It's pretty fine, I think.</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Most noble Court, I greet you now,<br /> +From Grand Sandjandrum to small Sandow.<br /> +From old Sand Piper, and gay Sand Witch,<br /> +To Sand Crab, with hair as black as pitch.<br /> +I hope our Court will ever be<br /> +Renowned for its fun and harmony.<br /> +And as I gaze on this gorgeous scene,<br /> +I'm glad I am your beloved Queen."<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Jinks! that's gay!" exclaimed Tom. "How do you ever do it, Marjorie? I +did a poem, but it doesn't run nice and slick like yours."</p> + +<p>"I'll read it next," said King. "I think it's pretty good.</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"I love the people named <i>Maynard</i>,<br /> +I like to play in their back yard.<br /> +We have a jolly Sand Court,<br /> +Which makes the time fly very short.<br /> +Except going in the ocean bathing,<br /> +There's nothing I like so much for a plaything."<br /> +</p> + +<p>"That's very nice, Tom," said Marjorie, forgetting her rôle.</p> + +<p>"No, it isn't. It seems as if it ought to be right, and then somehow it +isn't. Bathing and plaything are 'most alike, and yet they sound awful +different."</p> + +<p>"That's so. Well, anyway, it's plenty good enough, and it's all true, +Tom."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's all true."</p> + +<p>"Then it must be right, 'cause there's a quotation or something that +says truth is beauty. We wouldn't want all our poems to be just alike, +you know."</p> + +<p>"No, I s'pose not," and Tom felt greatly encouraged by Marjorie's kind +criticism.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Next," said King, "is our Puzzle Department. It's sort of queer, but +it's Sandow's contribution, and he said to put it in, and he'd explain +about it. So here it is.</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>"'<span class="smcap">Sandy Prize Puzzle.</span> Prize, a musical top, donated by the +author. Question: Is the number of sands on the seashore odd or even? +Anybody in this court who can answer this question truthfully will +receive the prize. Signed, <span class="smcap">Sandow.</span>'"</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>"That's nonsense," cried Hester. "How can anybody tell whether we answer +truthfully or not?"</p> + +<p>"I can tell," said Sandow, gravely. "Whoever first answers it truthfully +will get the prize."</p> + +<p>"But it's ridiculous," said King. "In the first place, how much seashore +do you mean? Only that here at Seacote, or all the Atlantic shore? Or +all the world?"</p> + +<p>Dick considered. "I mean all the seashore in all the world," he said, at +last.</p> + +<p>"Then that's silly, too," said Tom, "for how far does the seashore go? +Just to the edge of the ocean, or all the way under?"</p> + +<p>"All the way under," replied Dick, solemnly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then you really mean all the sand in all the world!"</p> + +<p>"Yes; that's it. Of course, all the sand in all the world numbers a +certain number of grains. Now, is that number odd or even?"</p> + +<p>"You're crazy, Dick!" said Hester, but Marjorie said, "No, he isn't +crazy; I think there's a principle there somewhere, but I can't work it +out."</p> + +<p>"I guess you can't!" said King. "I give it up."</p> + +<p>"So do I!" declared Tom, and at last they all gave it up.</p> + +<p>"Now you must answer it yourself, Dick," said King.</p> + +<p>"Then nobody gets the prize," objected Sandow.</p> + +<p>"No, you keep it yourself. Have you got one, anyhow?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, a nice musical top Uncle John sent to me. I've never used it much, +it's as good as new. I <i>wish</i> somebody would guess."</p> + +<p>Nobody did, and Dick sighed.</p> + +<p>"Bet you can't answer your old puzzle, yourself," said Hester.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I can," averred Dick, "but you must ask it to me."</p> + +<p>"All right," said King. "Mr. Sandow, honor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>able and noble courtier of +Sand Court, is the number of sea sands odd or even? Answer truthfully +now."</p> + +<p>"I don't know," replied Dick, "and that's the truth!"</p> + +<p>How they all laughed! It was a quibble, of course, but the Maynard +children were surprised at themselves that they hadn't seen through the +catch.</p> + +<p>Dick sat on the sand, rocking back and forth with laughter.</p> + +<p>"The witch ought to have guessed it," he cried; "or else the Queen ought +to."</p> + +<p>"Yes, my courtier, we ought," Marjorie admitted. "You caught us fairly, +and we hereby give you the post of wizard of this court. Sand Piper, +what's next in your journal?"</p> + +<p>"The next is a poem by the Honorable Edward Maynard. That is, he wrote +part of it, and then, as he had to go to New York on business, his +honorable wife finished it. Here it is:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Royal Courtiers, great and grand,<br /> +Ruling o'er your court of sand,<br /> +Take this greeting from the pen<br /> +Of an humble citizen.<br /> +May you, each one, learn to be<br /> +Filled with true nobility;<br /> +Gentle, loving, brave, and kind,<br /> +Strong of arm and pure of mind.<br /> +May you have a lot of fun,<br /> +And look back, when day is done,<br /> +O'er long hours of merry play<br /> +Filled with laughter blithe and gay.<br /> +May your court of mimic rule<br /> +Teach you lore not learned in school;<br /> +Rule your heart to think no ill,<br /> +Rule your temper and your will."<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Gee, that's real poetry, that is!" exclaimed Tom. "Say, your people are +poets, aren't they?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I think they are," said Marjorie, "but Father says they're not."</p> + +<p>"I'd like a copy of that poem," said Hester, looking very serious.</p> + +<p>"All right," said King, catching the witch's glance. "I'll make you a +nice typewritten copy of it to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"And now, my royal Sand Piper, is there any more poetic lore for us to +listen to?"</p> + +<p>"Aye, my liege Queen, there is one more poem. This is a real poem also, +but it is of the humorous variety. It was composed by the mother of our +royal Sand Witch, and was freely contributed to our paper by that +estimable lady. Methinks she mistook our club for a debating club, and +yet, perhaps not. This may be merely a flight of fancy, such as poets +are very fond of, I am told. I will now read Mrs. Corey's contribution:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"There once was a Debating Club, exceeding wise and great;<br /> +On grave and abstruse questions it would eagerly debate.<br /> +Its members said: 'We are so wise, ourselves we'll herewith dub<br /> +The Great Aristophelean Pythagoristic Club.'<br /> +And every night these bigwigs met, and strove with utmost pains<br /> +To solve recondite problems that would baffle lesser brains.<br /> +They argued and debated till the hours were small and wee;<br /> +And weren't much discouraged if they didn't then agree.<br /> +They said their say, and went their way, these cheerful, pleasant men,<br /> +And then came round next evening, and said it all again.<br /> +Well, possibly, you'll be surprised; but all the winter through<br /> +The questions they debated on numbered exactly two.<br /> +For as they said: 'Of course we can't take up another one,<br /> +Till we have solved conclusively the two that we've begun.'<br /> +They reasoned and they argued, as the evenings wore along;<br /> +And each one thought that he was right, and deemed the others wrong.<br /> +They wrangled and contended, they disputed and discussed,<br /> +They retorted and rebutted, they refuted and they fussed;<br /> +But though their wisdom was profound, and erudite their speech,<br /> +A definite conclusion those men could never reach.<br /> +And so the club disbanded, and they read their last report,<br /> +Which told the whole sad story, though it was exceeding short:<br /> +'Resolved—We are not able to solve these problems two:<br /> +"Does Polly want a cracker?" and "What did Katy do?"'"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Well, isn't that fine!" cried Marjorie. "Why, Hester, your mother is +more a poet than ours."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + +<p>"She does write lovely poetry," said Hester, "but I like your mother's +poem, too, because it,—well, you know what I mean."</p> + +<p>Somehow the children all understood that tempestuous Hester appreciated +the lines that so gently advised the ruling and subduing of an unruly +temper and will, but nobody knew just how to express it.</p> + +<p>So King broke a somewhat awkward silence by saying, heartily, "Yep, we +know!" and all the others said "Yep" in chorus.</p> + +<p>"I think, O Royal Court," the Queen began, "that our first paper is +fine. How often shall we issue <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>?"</p> + +<p>"'Bout once a week, I think," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"All right," agreed King; "and you fellows get your stuff in a little +earlier next week so's I can typewrite it in time."</p> + +<p>"And now, my beloved court," resumed Midget, "I think we have sat still +long enough, and I decree that we have a game of Prisoner's Base. And +what I say goes!"</p> + +<p>There was no dissenting voice. The Queen unpinned her court train from +her shoulders, the Sand Witch laid aside her tall, peaked hat, and the +courtiers discarded such details of their costumes as seemed likely to +impede progress in the game. Prisoner's Base was followed by Hide and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> +Seek, and then it was time for the court to repair to its several homes.</p> + +<p>"It's all so lovely, Marjorie," said Hester. "I'm <i>so</i> glad you let me +play with you."</p> + +<p>"That's all right, Hester, as long as you don't smash things or make +faces at us."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I never will again; truly, Marjorie. I'm going to learn that poem +of your mother's by heart, and I <i>know</i> I'll never lose my temper again, +Good-bye."</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, Hester," and after an affectionate kiss the two girls parted.</p> + +<p>"Goo'-bye, Queenie Sandy," called Tom, as they separated at the turn of +the path.</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, Tom, you old Grand Sandjandrum!" and then the Maynards ran +into their own house.</p> + +<p>"Gently, my lad and lassie; gently!" warned Mrs. Maynard, as her two +young hopefuls flung themselves upon her.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mothery," cried Marjorie, "we had <i>such</i> a good time! And our court +journal was lovely! Want to see it? And King fixed it up so beautifully, +and Hester made such <i>dear</i> pictures for it! Oh, Mother, isn't it +splendid to have so much fun?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dearie," and Mrs. Maynard stroked the flushed brow of her +energetic and excitable daugh<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>ter. "But when you come in from your play, +you must be a little bit quieter and more ladylike. I don't want to +think that these merry companions of yours are making you really +boisterous."</p> + +<p>"They are, though," said King. "I like the Craigs and Hester Corey, but +they sure are the noisy bunch!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, King, not <i>quite</i> so much slang!"</p> + +<p>"No, Mother, we won't get gay! We'll try to please you every way! But +we're feeling rather spry to-day! So please excuse us, Mothery May!"</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> +<h3>TWO WELCOME GUESTS</h3> +</div> + +<p>It was Saturday afternoon. The Maynard children had been told that +guests were expected to dinner, and they must put on festival array.</p> + +<p>And so when King and Marjorie, in white serge and white piqué +respectively, wandered out on to the front veranda, they found their +parents and a very dressy-looking Rosamond there before them.</p> + +<p>"Who are coming to dinner, Mother?" asked Midget.</p> + +<p>"Ask your father, my dear."</p> + +<p>"Why, don't <i>you</i> know, Mother? Well, who are they, Daddy?"</p> + +<p>"Somebody and somebody else," replied Mr. Maynard, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Oho, a secret!" exclaimed Midget. "Then it must be somebody nice! Let's +guess, King."</p> + +<p>"All right. Are they kids or grown-ups, Father?"</p> + +<p>"Grown-ups, my son."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" and Marjorie looked disappointed. "Do we know them?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You have met them, yes."</p> + +<p>"Do they live at Seacote?"</p> + +<p>"They are here for the summer."</p> + +<p>"Where do they live winters?" asked King.</p> + +<p>"Under the Stars and Stripes."</p> + +<p>"Huh! that may mean the Philippines or Alaska!"</p> + +<p>"It may. Have you met many people who reside in those somewhat removed +spots?"</p> + +<p>"Not many," said King, "and that's a fact. Well, are they a lady and +gentleman?"</p> + +<p>"They are."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know!" cried Marjorie. "It's Kitty and Uncle Steve! He said +they'd come down here some time while we're here! Am I right, Father?"</p> + +<p>"Not quite, Mopsy. You see, I said they are grown-ups."</p> + +<p>"Both of them?"</p> + +<p>"Both of them."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't care much who they are, then," declared King. "I don't +see anything in it for us, Mops."</p> + +<p>"No, but we ought to guess them if they're spending the summer here and +we've met them. Of course, it couldn't be Kitty! She isn't spending the +summer here. Is it the Coreys or Craigs, Father?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, neither of those names fit our expected guests."</p> + +<p>"Then it must be some of those people the other side of the pier. I +don't know any more on this side except the fishermen. Is it any of +them?"</p> + +<p>"Well, no. I doubt if they'd care to visit us. But never mind our guests +for the moment; I want you two children to go on an errand for me."</p> + +<p>"Right-o!" said King. "Where?"</p> + +<p>"Walk along the shore road three blocks, then turn inland and walk a +block and a half. Do you know that place with lots of vines all over the +front of the house?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do," said Marjorie, "but nobody lives there."</p> + +<p>"All right. I want you to take a message to Mr. Nobody."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father, what do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Just what I say. You say nobody lives there, and that's the very man I +mean."</p> + +<p>"All right," said King. "We'll go, if you tell us to. Hey, Mops?"</p> + +<p>"'Course we will! What shall we say to Mr. Nobody, Father?"</p> + +<p>"First you must ring the doorbell, and if Nobody opens the door, walk +in."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ho! If Nobody opens the door, how <i>can</i> we walk in?"</p> + +<p>"Walk in. And then if Nobody speaks to you, answer him politely, and say +your father, one Mr. Maynard, desires his advice and assistance."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father, I do believe you're crazy!" exclaimed Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Never mind," said King, "if Father's crazy, we'll be crazy too! What +next, for orders?"</p> + +<p>"After that, be guided by your own common sense and good judgment. +And,—you wouldn't be frightened at Nobody, would you?"</p> + +<p>"No!" declared King. "Nobody could frighten me!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, he could, could he? Well, you are a foolish boy if Nobody could +frighten you!"</p> + +<p>King looked a little confused, and then he laughed and said, "Well, I'd +just as lieve fight Nobody, if he attacks me."</p> + +<p>"There'll be no cause to fight, my boy. Now, skip along, and remember +your message."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Edward Maynard wants advice and assistance from Nobody! Well, +I guess that's right, Father, but it all sounds to me like an April Fool +joke. Come on, Midget."</p> + +<p>As the two children skipped away, King said, thoughtfully, "What does it +all mean, Mops?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I dunno, King. But it means <i>something</i>. It isn't a wild-goose chase, +or an April-fool sort of joke. I know Father has some nice surprise for +us the way his eyes twinkled."</p> + +<p>"Well, but this empty house business seems so silly! I know nobody lives +there, for I passed there a few days ago, and it was all shut up."</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll soon find out," and the children turned the corner toward +the house in question. Sure enough, the blinds were closed and there was +no sign of habitation.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Nobody lives here, all right!" said King as they entered the gate.</p> + +<p>"And such a pretty place, too," commented Marjorie, looking at the +luxuriant vines that ran riot over the front veranda.</p> + +<p>King rang the bell, feeling half-angry and half-silly at the +performance. In a moment the door swung open, but no person was seen.</p> + +<p>"Well!" exclaimed King. "Nobody opened that door!"</p> + +<p>"We must walk in," said Midget. "Father said so."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I hate to! We really haven't any right to go into a strange house +like this!"</p> + +<p>"But Father said to! Come on!" And grasping King's hand, Midget urged +him inside. They stood in the middle of a pretty and attrac<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>tively +furnished hall, but saw or heard no people.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Mr. Nobody!" said Marjorie, still clasping King's hand tightly, +for the situation was a little weird.</p> + +<p>"Hello, yourself!" responded a cheery voice, but they couldn't see any +one.</p> + +<p>The voice reassured King, and he said, humorously, "I see Nobody! How do +you do, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Quite well," answered the same voice, but it was a bit muffled, and +they couldn't judge where it came from. Also it sounded very gay and +laughing, and Marjorie thought it seemed a bit familiar, though she +couldn't place it.</p> + +<p>"My father sent a message," went on King, sturdily. "He says he wants +Nobody's advice and assistance."</p> + +<p>"What a self-reliant man!" said the voice, and then from behind a +portière a laughing face appeared, followed by a man's active body. At +the same time, from an opposite portière, a lady sprang out and took +Marjorie in her arms.</p> + +<p>"Cousin Ethel!"</p> + +<p>"Cousin Jack!"</p> + +<p>And the children laughed in glee as they recognized Mr. and Mrs. Bryant.</p> + +<p>"You dear things!" the lady exclaimed. "I think it's awful to startle +you so, but it's the joke<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> of your father and your Cousin Jack. I was +afraid it would scare you. Did it?"</p> + +<p>"Not exactly," said Marjorie, cuddling in Cousin Ethel's arms, but King +protested:</p> + +<p>"No, indeed!" he declared. "I wasn't scared, but I felt a little queer."</p> + +<p>"You're two Ducky Daddles!" Cousin Ethel cried, and Cousin Jack slapped +King on the shoulder and said, "You're a trump, old man!" and King felt +very grown-up and manly.</p> + +<p>"What's it all about?" he inquired, and Mr. Bryant replied:</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, if you've room for us here in Seacote, we're going to +stay here for a while. In fact, we've taken this shack with such an +intention."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried Marjorie. "You've taken this house for the summer, and +Father knew it, and sent us over here to be surprised!"</p> + +<p>"You've sized up the situation exactly, Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, +who loved to call Midget by this old-fashioned name. "And now, if we +were properly invited, and very strongly urged, we <i>might</i> be persuaded +to go home to dinner with you."</p> + +<p>"Oh," cried Marjorie, a light breaking in upon her, "you're the dinner +guests they're expecting!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We sure are!" said Cousin Jack. "And as this is the first time we've +been invited out to dinner in Seacote, we're impatient to go."</p> + +<p>So they set off for the Maynard house, and Midget led the way with +Cousin Ethel.</p> + +<p>"When did you come?" she inquired.</p> + +<p>"Only this morning, dear. We're not quite set to rights yet, though I +brought my own servants, and they'll soon have us all comfy."</p> + +<p>"And how did you and Father fix up this plan?"</p> + +<p>"He was over here this afternoon, and he and Cousin Jack planned it. +Then, as soon as you left your house, your father telephoned over here, +and we prepared to receive you in that crazy fashion. Of course, Jack +opened the door and stayed behind it. You weren't frightened, were you?"</p> + +<p>"No, not really. But it seemed a little,—a little creepy, you know."</p> + +<p>"Of course it did!" cried Cousin Jack from behind them. "But that house +is so overhung with creepers it makes you feel creepy anyway. I'm going +to call it Creeper Castle."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't!" said Marjorie. "It sounds horrid! Makes you think of +caterpillars and things like that!"</p> + +<p>"So it does! Well, Mehitabel, you name it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> for us. I can't live in a +house without a name."</p> + +<p>"I'd call it Bryant Bower. That sounds flowery and pretty."</p> + +<p>"Just the ticket! You're a genius for names! Bryant Bower it is. What's +the name of your house,—Maynard Mansion?"</p> + +<p>"Maynard Manor is prettier," suggested Cousin Ethel.</p> + +<p>"So it is! Maynard Manor goes! I don't know anybody with prettier +manners than the Maynards, especially the younger generation of them," +and though Cousin Jack spoke laughingly, there was an earnest undertone +in his voice that greatly pleased King and Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Hooray!" cried that hilarious gentleman, as they reached the Maynards' +veranda. "Hello, Ed. How d'ye do, Helen? Here we are! We're returning +your youngsters right side up with care. Why, look who's here!" and +catching up Rosy Posy, he tossed her high in the air, to the little +girl's great delight.</p> + +<p>Dinner was a festive occasion indeed, and afterward they all sat on the +wide veranda and listened to the roar of the waves.</p> + +<p>"This is a restful place," said Cousin Ethel, as she leaned back +comfortably in her wicker rocker.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> + +<p>"So it is," agreed her husband, "but, if you ask <i>me</i>, I think it's +<i>too</i> restful. I like a place with some racket to it, don't you, +Hezekiah?"</p> + +<p>This was his pet name for King, and the boy replied:</p> + +<p>"There's fun enough here, Cousin Jack, if you make it yourself."</p> + +<p>"That's so, is it? Well, I guess I'll try to make some. Let's see, isn't +Fourth of July next week?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is," said Marjorie. "Next week, Wednesday."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's a good day to have fun; and an especially good day for a +racket. What shall we do, kiddies?"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean for us to choose?" asked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"No, Mehitabel; you suggest, and I'll choose. You think of the very +nicest sort of celebrations you know, and I'll select the nicest of them +all."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Midget, thoughtfully, "there's a party or a picnic. How +many people do you mean, Cousin Jack? And do you mean children or +grown-ups?"</p> + +<p>"Now I feel aggrieved, and insulted, and chagrined, and many other awful +things!" Cousin Jack looked so woe-begone that they almost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> thought him +in earnest. "You <i>know</i>, Mehitabel, that I'm but a child myself! I'm not +a grown-up, and I never will be!"</p> + +<p>"That's so!" laughed his wife.</p> + +<p>"And so, us children will have a celebration of the children, for the +children, and by the children! How many perfectly good children do you +know down here?"</p> + +<p>"Not many," said King; "hardly any, in fact, except the Sand Club."</p> + +<p>"The Sand Club! That sounds interesting. Tell me about it."</p> + +<p>So King and Marjorie told all about the Sand Club and its six members, +and Cousin Jack declared that was just enough for his idea of a Fourth +of July celebration.</p> + +<p>"Now for the plan," he went on. "How about a picnic in the woods, which +I see sticking up over there, and then come back to Bryant Bower for +some fireworks later?"</p> + +<p>"I think that sounds beautiful!" said Marjorie, and King entirely +agreed.</p> + +<p>"Why not have the fireworks here?" said Mr. Maynard. "You're too good to +these children, Jack."</p> + +<p>"Not a bit of it. We can have a celebration here some other night. But +I've picked out the glorious Fourth for my own little racketty-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>packetty +party. You see, on that day we can make all the noise we like and not +get arrested."</p> + +<p>"Can we dress up, Cousin Jack?" asked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Sure, child; wear your best bib and tucker, if you like, but I like you +better in your play-clothes."</p> + +<p>"I don't mean that. I mean costumes."</p> + +<p>"Midget is great for dressing up," explained King. "She always wants +some cheesecloth wobbed around her, and veils and feathers on her head."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I see! Why, yes, I rather guess we <i>can</i> dress up."</p> + +<p>"I'll wear a red, white, and blue sash, and a liberty cap," said Midget, +her eyes dancing.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we can do better than that," responded Cousin Jack. "Let's see; +we'll make it a sort of reception affair, and you, Mehitabel, can be the +Goddess of Liberty, or Miss Columbia, whichever you like. Hezekiah, you +can be Uncle Sam! Your respected Cousin Ethel and I will guarantee your +costume."</p> + +<p>"I want to be a somefin'," spoke up Rosamond, who had been allowed to +stay up later than usual, in honor of the guests.</p> + +<p>"So you shall, Babykins. I guess we'll let Sister be Miss Columbia, and +you shall be a dear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> little Goddess of Liberty all your own self! How's +that?" and Cousin Jack beamed at the smiling Rosy Posy.</p> + +<p>"Now, where shall the picnic be?" asked Cousin Ethel, ready to help +along the plans.</p> + +<p>"There's a lovely grove over beyond the pier," said Midget; "we might go +there."</p> + +<p>"The very place!" said Cousin Jack; "and we'll have a sand-pail picnic. +Didn't you say your coat-of-arms was a sand-pail?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's the Emblem of the Club."</p> + +<p>"And a fine emblem for a picnic. We'll have pails of sandwiches and +cakes, and a pail of lemonade, and a pail of ice cream. How's that for +emblems?"</p> + +<p>"Fine!" said King. "Shall I invite the guests?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my boy. Tell them to assemble here at three o'clock, and we'll +depart at once. Tell them all to wear red, white, and blue in honor of +the day."</p> + +<p>"And do we catch firecrackers?"</p> + +<p>"Little ones,—and torpedoes. But no cannon crackers or cap-pistols or +bombs or any firearms. I'm not going to have a hospitalful of gunpowder +victims on my hands the next day."</p> + +<p>"And now," said Mrs. Maynard, "as these wonderful affairs of the nation +seem to be all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> settled, I think you young patriots must skip to bed. +Your father and I would like a few words ourselves with these guests of +ours."</p> + +<p>"Guests of <i>ours</i>," corrected Midget, gayly. "Cousin Jack says he's +never going to grow up!"'</p> + +<p>But after lingering good-nights, the brother and sister, arm in arm, +went into the house.</p> + +<p>"Aren't they dandies!" exclaimed King, as they went upstairs.</p> + +<p>"Gay!" agreed Marjorie. "Won't we have fun on the Fourth! Oh, I was <i>so</i> +surprised to see them, weren't you, King?"</p> + +<p>"Yep. The Craigs will like Cousin Jack, won't they?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, and Hester, too. Good-night, King."</p> + +<p>"Good-night, Mopsy Midget. Here!" and as a final compliment, King pulled +off her hair-ribbon and handed it to her with a dancing-school bow.</p> + +<p>Marjorie gave his hair an affectionate tweak, and with these +good-natured attentions they parted.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> +<h3>THE GLORIOUS FOURTH</h3> +</div> + +<p>The sun rose early on Fourth of July morning. For he knew many patriotic +young hearts were beating with impatience for the great day to begin. +Moreover, he rose clear and bright, and yet he didn't shine down too +hotly for the comfort of those same young people. In fact, it was a +perfect summer day.</p> + +<p>Marjorie sprang out of bed and began to dress, with glad anticipations. +The Bryants were to spend the day at Maynard Manor, until time for the +afternoon picnic, and after the picnic came the reception at Bryant +Bower.</p> + +<p>Midget put on a fresh white piqué, and tied up her mop of curls with +wide bows of red, white, and blue ribbon.</p> + +<p>When all ready she went dancing downstairs, pausing on her way to tap at +King's door.</p> + +<p>"All ready, Kinksie?" she called out.</p> + +<p>"In a minute, Mops. Wait for me!"</p> + +<p>Midget sat down on the staircase window-seat, and in a moment King +joined her there.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hello, Mopsy-Doodle! Merry Fourth of Ju—New Year's!"</p> + +<p>"Hello, yourself! Oh, King, isn't it a gorgeous day? What shall we do +first?"</p> + +<p>"I dunno! We can't shoot things or make much noise, until Father and +Mother get up. It would be mean to wake them."</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw! they can't be asleep through all this racket that is going +on. Hear the shooting all around."</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll see. Let's get outdoors, anyhow."</p> + +<p>The children opened the front door, and there, sitting on the veranda +steps, his head leaning against a pillar, sat Cousin Jack, apparently +sound asleep.</p> + +<p>"Will you look at that!" said King, in a whisper. "Has he been here all +night, do you s'pose?"</p> + +<p>"No, 'course not. But I s'pose he's been here some time. Do you think +he's really asleep?"</p> + +<p>"He looks so. What shall we do with him?"</p> + +<p>"Dress him up," commanded Marjorie, promptly, and pulling off her wide +hair-ribbons, she proceeded to tie one around Cousin Jack's neck, and +one around his head, giving that gentleman a very festive appearance.</p> + +<p>After she had arranged the bows to her satisfaction, Cousin Jack +obligingly woke up,—though,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> as a matter of fact, he hadn't been to +sleep!</p> + +<p>"Why, if here isn't Mehitabel!" he exclaimed; "and Hezekiah, too! What a +surprise!"</p> + +<p>"How do you like your decorations?" asked Marjorie, surveying him with +admiration.</p> + +<p>"Oh, are these ribbons <i>real</i>? I thought I was dreaming, and had a +Fourth of July nightmare."</p> + +<p>"How long have you been here, Cousin Jack?" asked King.</p> + +<p>"Well, I was waking, so I called early; I don't know at what hour, but +I've been long enough alone, so I'm glad you two young patriots came +down to help me celebrate. Polly want a firecracker?" He held out a pack +of small ones to Marjorie, but she declined them.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you; give those to King. I'd rather have torpedoes."</p> + +<p>"All right, my girlie, here you are! And here's a cap to replace the +ribbons you so kindly gave me."</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack drew from his pocket a tissue-paper cap, that had evidently +come in a snapping-cracker. Then he produced another one for King, and +one which he laid aside for Rosy Posy. They were gay red, white, and +blue caps, with cockades and streamers.</p> + +<p>"Now, we'll be a procession," he went on.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> From a nook on the veranda, +where he had hidden them, he produced a drum, a tambourine, and a +cornet.</p> + +<p>The cornet was his own, and he presented the drum to King, and the +tambourine to Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Form in line!" he ordered; "forward,—march!"</p> + +<p>He led the line, and the two children followed.</p> + +<p>Being a good cornet player, Cousin Jack made fine martial music, and +King and Midget had sufficient sense of rhythm to accompany him on the +drum and tambourine. After marching round the house once, Cousin Jack +went up the steps and in at the front door. Upstairs and through the +halls, and down again.</p> + +<p>Nurse Nannie and Rosamond appeared at the nursery door, and were +instructed to fall in line behind the others. Then Sarah, the waitress, +was discovered, looking on from the dining-room, and she, too, was told +to march.</p> + +<p>At last Mr. and Mrs. Maynard appeared, laughing at this invasion of +their morning nap.</p> + +<p>They sat in state in the veranda-chairs, as on a reviewing-stand, while +the grand parade marched and countermarched on the lawn in front of +them.</p> + +<p>"All over!" cried Cousin Jack, at last. "Break ranks!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> + +<p>The company dispersed, and Sarah returned, giggling, to her duties.</p> + +<p>"Such a foine man as Misther Bryant do be!" she said to the cook. +"Shure, he's just like wan of the childher."</p> + +<p>And so he was. Full of patriotic enthusiasm, Cousin Jack set off bombs +and firecrackers, until the elder Maynards declared that their ears +ached, and the roisterers must come in to breakfast.</p> + +<p>"I must go home," announced their guest. "I have a wife and six small +children dependent on me for support."</p> + +<p>As a matter of fact, the Bryants had no children, and Mrs. Maynard +declared she should telephone for Cousin Ethel to come to breakfast, +too, so Cousin Jack consented to stay.</p> + +<p>The breakfast party was an unexpected addition to the day's festivities, +but Mrs. Maynard was equal to the occasion. She scurried around and +found flags to decorate the table, and tied a red, white, and blue +balloon to the back of each chair, which gave the room a gay appearance.</p> + +<p>The vigorous exercise had produced good appetites, and full justice was +done to Ellen's creamed chicken and hot rolls and coffee.</p> + +<p>"Who's for a dip in the ocean?" asked Cousin Jack, when breakfast was +over.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> + +<p>All were included in this pleasing suggestion, and soon a bathing-suited +party threw themselves into the dashing whitecaps.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack tried to teach Marjorie to swim, but it is not easy to learn +to swim in the surf, and she made no very great progress. But Mr. +Maynard and Mr. Bryant swam out to a good distance, and King was allowed +to accompany them, as he already was a fair swimmer.</p> + +<p>Marjorie held fast to the rope, and jumped about, now almost carried +away by a big wave, and now thrown back toward the beach by another.</p> + +<p>It was rather rough bathing, so the ladies of the party and Midget left +the water before the others.</p> + +<p>"<i>Aren't</i> we having fun!" exclaimed Marjorie, as she trudged, dripping, +through the sand, to the bath-house. "Oh, Cousin Ethel, I'm <i>so</i> glad +you came down here."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad, too, dear. I believe Jack enjoys you children more than he +does any of his friends of his own age."</p> + +<p>"Jack's just like a boy," said Mrs. Maynard, "and I think he always will +be. He's like Peter Pan,—never going to grow up."</p> + +<p>And it did seem so. After the bath, Mr. Bryant marched the children down +to the pier for ice cream.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard remonstrated a little, but she was informed that Fourth of +July only came once a year, and extra indulgences were in order.</p> + +<p>So King and Midget and Cousin Jack went gayly along the long pier that +ran far out into the ocean. On either side were booths where trinkets +and seaside souvenirs were sold, and Cousin Jack bought a shell necklace +for Midget, and a shell watch-fob for King.</p> + +<p>Then he ordered a dozen little tin pails sent to his own house.</p> + +<p>"For my picnic," he explained, as Midget looked at him wonderingly. +"It's to be a sand-pail picnic, you know."</p> + +<p>As they neared the ice-cream garden, Marjorie noticed a forlorn-looking +little boy, near the entrance. So wistful did he look, that she turned +around to look at him again.</p> + +<p>"Who's your friend, Mehitabel?" said Mr. Bryant, seeing her glance.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know, Cousin Jack!" she cried, impulsively; "but he seems +so poor and lonesome, and we're all so happy. Couldn't I go without my +ice cream, and let him have it? Oh, please let me!"</p> + +<p>"H'm! he isn't a very attractive specimen of humanity."</p> + +<p>"Well, he isn't very clean, but, see, he has a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> nice face, and big brown +eyes! Oh, do give him some ice cream, Cousin Jack; I'll willingly go +without."</p> + +<p>"I'll go without," said King, quickly; "you can have mine, Mops."</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack looked quizzically at the children.</p> + +<p>"I might say I'd give you each ice cream, and the poor kiddie also. But +that would be my charity. Now, if you two really want to do the poor +little chap a kindness, you may each have a half portion, and give him a +whole plate. How's that?"</p> + +<p>"Fine!" exclaimed Marjorie; "just the thing! But, truly, Cousin Jack, it +isn't <i>much</i> sacrifice for us, for we'll have ice cream at the picnic, +anyhow."</p> + +<p>"That's right, girlie; don't claim any more credit than belongs to you. +Well, next thing is to invite your young friend."</p> + +<p>So Marjorie went over to the poor little boy, and said, kindly:</p> + +<p>"It's Fourth of July, and we'd like you to come and eat ice cream with +us."</p> + +<p>The child's face brightened up, but immediately a look of distrust came +into his eyes, and he said:</p> + +<p>"Say, is youse kiddin' me?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No," said King, for Marjorie didn't know quite what he meant; "we mean +it. We're going to have ice cream, and we want you to have some with +us."</p> + +<p>"Kin I bring me brudder?"</p> + +<p>"Where is he?" asked Cousin Jack, smiling at this new development of the +case.</p> + +<p>"Over dere, wit' me sister. Kin I bring 'em both?"</p> + +<p>Marjorie laughed outright at this, but Mr. Bryant said, gravely:</p> + +<p>"How many in your entire family? Let me know the worst at once!"</p> + +<p>"Dat's all; me brudder an' sister. Kin they come, too?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, if they're fairly clean," and the boy ran to get them. He came +back bringing a boy but little smaller than himself, and a tiny girl.</p> + +<p>Though not immaculate, they were presentable, and soon the six were +seated at a round table.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack conformed to his decree that the Maynard children should +have but a half-portion each, but he added that this was partly due to +his consideration for their health, as well as his willingness that the +charity should be partly theirs. But he told his three guests that they +could eat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> as much as they chose; and noting their generally hungry +appearance, he ordered a first course of sandwiches for them, which +kindness was greatly appreciated.</p> + +<p>"Gee! Youse is a white man!" exclaimed the oldest visitor, as he scraped +his saucer almost through its enamel.</p> + +<p>"What does he mean?" asked Midget, laughing. "Of course, you're a white +man."</p> + +<p>"That's slang, Marjorie, for a desirable citizen."</p> + +<p>"Funny sort of slang," Midget commented; "a white man is plain English, +isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"I mean, he's white clear through," volunteered the boy, whose quick +eyes darted from one face to another of his benefactors.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I can understand that," said Midget, slowly; "it just means you're +good all through, Cousin Jack, and I quite agree to that."</p> + +<p>After the small visitors' hunger was entirely appeased, Cousin Jack +presented them each with a flag and a packet of torpedoes, and sent them +away rejoicing.</p> + +<p>"Poor little scraps of humanity," he said; "I hope, Mehitabel, you'll +always bring a little sunshine into such lives when opportunity presents +itself."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I will, Cousin Jack. Are they very poor?"</p> + +<p>"No, not so very. But they never have any fun, or anything very good to +eat. Of course, you can't be an organized charity, but once in a while, +if you can make a poor child happy by the expenditure of a small sum, do +it."</p> + +<p>"We will," cried King, impressed by Cousin Jack's earnestness. "But we +don't have much money to spend, you know."</p> + +<p>"You have an allowance, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; we each have fifty cents a week, Mops and Kitty and I."</p> + +<p>"Well, Kitty isn't here, so I can't ask her; but I'm going to ask you +two dear friends of mine, to give away one-tenth of your income to +charity. Now, how much would that be?"</p> + +<p>"Five cents a week," replied Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Well, will you do it? Every week give a nickel, or a nickel's worth of +peanuts or lemonade or something to some poor little kiddie who doesn't +have much fun in life? And you needn't do it every week, if it isn't +convenient, but lay aside the nickel each week, and then give a larger +sum, as it accumulates."</p> + +<p>"Sure we will, Cousin Jack," said King, and Midget said, "Yes, indeed! +I'll be glad to. We can most always catch a poor child, somewhere."</p> + +<p>"Well, if not, just save it up till you do. You'll<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> find plenty of +opportunities in the winter, in Rockwell, I'm sure."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir-ee!" said Midget, remembering the poor family whose house +burned down not long ago. "And I'm glad you advised us about this, +Cousin Jack. I'm going to ask the Craig boys and Hester to do it, too."</p> + +<p>"Better be careful, Mehitabel. I can advise you, because we're good +chums, and I'm a little older than you, though I don't look it! But I'm +not sure you ought to take the responsibility of advising your young +friends. You might suggest it to them,—merely suggest it, you know, and +if their agree and their parents agree, why, then, all right. And now +home to our own luncheon. I declare it made me hungry to see those +children eat!"</p> + +<p>Promptly at three o'clock that afternoon the Sand Club gathered for the +Sand-Pail Picnic. By making two trips the Maynards' big motor carried +them all to the picnic grove, about a mile distant.</p> + +<p>Here Cousin Jack provided all sorts of sports for them. At a target, +they shot with bows and arrows, and the boys were allowed a little +rifle-shooting.</p> + +<p>There was that funny game of picking up potatoes with teaspoons, +followed by a rollicking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> romp at Blindman's Buff. Then Cousin Jack +marshalled his young friends into line, and they all sang "Star-Spangled +Banner," and "Columbia," and "America," and cheered, and fired off mild +explosives, and had a real Fourth of July celebration. Then the feast +was brought on.</p> + +<p>The children sat cross-legged on the grass, and each one was given a tin +sand-pail.</p> + +<p>But instead of sand, the pail was found to contain sandwiches and crisp +little cakes known as sand-tarts.</p> + +<p>After these there were served dainty little paper pails, from a +caterer's, filled with ice cream.</p> + +<p>"What a lovely sand picnic!" exclaimed Marjorie, as she sat on the sand, +blissfully disposing of her ice cream. "I'm going to call Cousin Jack, +The Sandman!"</p> + +<p>"Ho! a Sandman puts you to sleep!" cried Tom Craig; "let's get a better +name than that for Mr. Bryant."</p> + +<p>"Call him Sandy Claus," piped up Dick, and they all laughed.</p> + +<p>"A little out of season, but it's all right, my boy," said Cousin Jack. +"Call me anything you like, as long as you call me early and often. Now, +shall we be trotting home again, to continue our revels?"</p> + +<p>With a sigh of utter content, Marjorie climbed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> into the motor, and they +went spinning home to dress for the "Reception."</p> + +<p>At the reception more guests were invited, and Bryant Bower quite +justified its pretty name.</p> + +<p>Japanese lanterns dotted the grounds, and hung among the vines of the +veranda. Flags and bunting were everywhere, and a small platform, draped +with red, white, and blue, had been erected for the receiving party.</p> + +<p>This consisted of King, Midget, and Rosy Posy in patriotic costume.</p> + +<p>King, as Uncle Sam, presented a funny figure with his white beaver hat, +his long-tailed blue coat, and red and white striped trousers. Midget +wore a becoming "Miss Columbia" costume, with a liberty cap and liberty +pole and flag. Rosamond was a chubby little Goddess of Liberty, but she +preferred to run around everywhere, rather than stand still and receive.</p> + +<p>King and Midget did the honors gracefully, and after all the guests had +assembled, they took seats on the lawn to watch the fireworks.</p> + +<p>These were of a fine quality, and as the flowerpots and bombs burst into +stars in the sky both children and grown-ups joined in loud applause.</p> + +<p>There was patriotic music, and more ice cream, and when, at last, it was +all over, the Sand Club<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> went together to thank Cousin Jack for the +entertainment.</p> + +<p>"Glad you liked it," he said, heartily; "and now, scamper home and to +bed, all of you, so your parents won't say I made you lose your beauty +sleep."</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> +<h3>A REVELATION</h3> +</div> + +<p>Marjorie was practising.</p> + +<p>It was a lovely afternoon, and she wanted to go out and play, but her +hour's practising must be done first. She was conscientious about it, +and tried very hard to hold her hands just right, as she counted, +one—two—three—four; one—two—three—four.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Corey, Hester's mother, was calling on Mrs. Maynard, and the two +ladies sat on the veranda, just outside the window near which the piano +stood.</p> + +<p>Marjorie did not listen to their conversation, for it was of no interest +to her, and, too, she was devoting all her attention to her exercises. +Usually, she didn't mind practising, but to-day the Sand Club was +waiting for her, and her practice hour seemed interminable.</p> + +<p>"One—two—three—four," she counted to herself, when something Mrs. +Corey said arrested her attention.</p> + +<p>"Your oldest daughter?" Marjorie heard her exclaim; "you amaze me!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p> + +<p>Midget had no thought of eavesdropping, and as the piano was near the +open window, surely they could hear her practising, and so knew she was +there.</p> + +<p>But Mrs. Maynard answered, in a low, serious voice, "Yes, my oldest +girl. She is not our child. She is a foundling. We adopted her when an +infant."</p> + +<p>"Really?" said Mrs. Corey, much interested. "How did that happen?"</p> + +<p>"Well," said Mrs. Maynard, "my husband desired it, and I consented. She +has grown up a good girl, but of course I can't feel toward her as I +feel toward my own children."</p> + +<p>"No, of course not," agreed Mrs. Corey. "The others are all your own?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, they are my own."</p> + +<p>"She doesn't know this, does she?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, we have never let her suspect it. She thinks I am her mother, +and she thinks I love her as I do my own children. But it is hard for me +to pretend affection for her, when I remember her humble origin."</p> + +<p>"Your husband? Does he care for her?"</p> + +<p>"He feels much as I do. You see, she is not of as fine a nature as our +own children. Of course he can't help seeing that. But we both do our +best for the girl."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good for you, Mrs. Maynard; that's fine!"</p> + +<p>"Do you really think so, Mrs. Corey? I'm afraid that——"</p> + +<p>But Marjorie heard no more. She had stopped her practising at the first +words of these awful disclosures.</p> + +<p>Not her mother's own child! She, Marjorie Maynard! It couldn't be +possible! But as the conversation went on, perfectly audible, though not +in loud tones, she could no longer doubt the truth of what her mother +was saying.</p> + +<p>Dreadful it might be,—unbelievable it might be,—but true it must be.</p> + +<p>"One—two—three—four," mechanically she tried to strike the keys, but +her fingers refused to move.</p> + +<p>She left the piano, and went slowly up to her own room.</p> + +<p>Her pretty room that her mother,—no, that Mrs. Maynard,—had fixed up +for her with flowering chintz hangings and frilly white curtains.</p> + +<p><i>Not</i> her mother! Who, then, was or had been her mother?</p> + +<p>And then Marjorie's calm gave way. She threw herself on her little white +bed, and burying her face in the pillow she sobbed convulsively. Her +thoughts flew to her father,—but no, he wasn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> her father! King wasn't +her brother,—nor Kitty her sister! Nor Rosy Posy——?</p> + +<p>It was all too dreadful. At every fresh thought about it, it grew worse. +Dear old King, she had never realized before how much she loved him. And +Kitty! And Father and Mother! She <i>would</i> call them that, even though +they were no relation to her.</p> + +<p>For a long time Marjorie cried,—great, deep, heart-racking sobs that +wore her out.</p> + +<p>At last she settled down into a calm of despair.</p> + +<p>"I am going away," she said, to herself. "I won't stay here where they +have to <i>pretend</i> they love me! Oh, Mother, <i>Mother</i>!"</p> + +<p>But no one heard the little girl's grief. Mrs. Maynard still sat on the +veranda, talking to Mrs. Corey; King was down at Sand Court; and the +nurse had taken Rosamond out for a walk.</p> + +<p>"I <i>must</i> go away," poor Marjorie went on; "I <i>can't</i> stay here, I +should <i>suffocate</i>!"</p> + +<p>She sat up on the edge of her bed, and clasped her hands in utter +desolation. Where could she go? Not to Cousin Ethel's, she'd only bring +her back home. <i>Home!</i> She hadn't any home,—no <i>real</i> home! She thought +of Grandma Sherwood's, but she wasn't her grandma at all! Then she +thought of Grandma Maynard. That was a curi<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>ous thought, for though +Grandma Maynard wasn't her own grandmother, either, yet, a few months +ago, she had begged Marjorie to live with her and be her little girl. +Surely she must have <i>known</i> that Midget wasn't really her +granddaughter, and yet she had really loved her enough to want her to +live there.</p> + +<p>Then Grandma Maynard wouldn't have to <i>pretend</i> to love her.</p> + +<p>Clearly, that was the only thing to do. She couldn't run away, with no +destination in view.</p> + +<p>She had no claim on Grandma Sherwood or Uncle Steve, but Grandma Maynard +<i>had</i> wanted her,—really <i>wanted</i> her.</p> + +<p>Marjorie looked at the little clock on her dressing table. It was almost +three o'clock. She knew there was a train to New York about three, and +she resolved to go on it.</p> + +<p>At first she thought of taking some things in a bag, but she decided not +to, as she didn't want any of the things the Maynards had given her.</p> + +<p>"Oh," she thought, while the tears came afresh; "my name isn't even +Maynard! I don't know <i>what</i> it is!"</p> + +<p>She put on a blue linen dress, and a blue hat with roses on it. Some +instinct of sadness made her tie her hair with black ribbon.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> + +<p>As she went downstairs, she heard Mrs. Corey say, "I am astounded at +these revelations!" and her mother replied, "Dear friend, I knew you +would be."</p> + +<p>Marjorie wasn't crying then, she felt as if she had no tears left. She +shut her teeth together hard, and went out by a side door. This way she +could reach the street unobserved, and she walked straight ahead to the +railroad station. She had a five-dollar gold piece that Uncle Steve had +sent her on Christmas, and that, with a little silver change, she +carried in her pocketbook. But she left behind her pearl ring and all +the little trinkets or valuables she possessed.</p> + +<p>She felt as if her heart had turned to stone. It wasn't so much anger at +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard as it was that awful sense of desolation,—as if +the world had come to an end.</p> + +<p>At one moment she would think she missed King the most; then with the +thought of her father, a rush of tears would come; and then her poor +little tortured heart would cry out, "Oh, Mother, <i>Mother</i>!"</p> + +<p>She knew perfectly well the way to New York, and though the station +agent looked at her sharply when she bought a ticket, he said nothing. +For Marjorie was a self-possessed little girl, of good manners and quiet +air when she chose to be. With<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> her ticket in her hand, she sat down to +wait for the train. There were few people in the station at that hour, +and no one who knew her.</p> + +<p>When the train came puffing in, she went out and took it, in a +matter-of-fact way, as if quite accustomed to travelling alone.</p> + +<p>Really, she felt very much frightened. She had never been on a train +alone before, and the noise of the cars and the bustle of the people, +and the shouting of the trainmen made her nervous.</p> + +<p>And then, with a fresh flood of woe, the remembrance of <i>why</i> she was +going would come over her, and obliterate all other considerations.</p> + +<p>For perhaps half an hour she kept the tears back bravely enough; but as +she rode on, and realized more and more deeply what it all meant, she +could control herself no longer, and burst into a paroxysm of weeping.</p> + +<p>She was sitting next the window, and, as there were few passengers, no +one was in the seat with her.</p> + +<p>But when she raised her head, exhausted by her outburst of tears, a +burly red-faced man sat beside her.</p> + +<p>"Come, come, little one, what's it all about?" he said.</p> + +<p>His tone was kind, but his personality was not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> pleasant, and Marjorie +felt no inclination to confide in him.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, sir," she said, drawing as far away from him as possible.</p> + +<p>"Now, now, little miss, you can't cry like that, and then say there's +nothing the matter."</p> + +<p>Marjorie wanted to rebuke his intrusion, but she didn't know exactly +what to say, so she turned toward the window and resolutely kept looking +out.</p> + +<p>The trees and fields flying by were not very comforting. Every mile took +her farther away from her dear ones, for they <i>were</i> dear, whether +related to her or not.</p> + +<p>She pressed her flushed cheeks against the cool window pane. She was too +exhausted to cry any more. She seemed to have only enough strength to +say, brokenly, "Oh, Mother, <i>Mother</i>!" and then from sheer weariness of +flesh she fell into a troubled sleep.</p> + +<p>Meantime Marjorie was missed at home. The Sand Club grew tired of +waiting for her, and King went up to the house to investigate the delay.</p> + +<p>He trudged, whistling, up the driveway, and seeing Mrs. Corey, he +whipped off his cap, and greeted her politely.</p> + +<p>"Where's Midget, Mother?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I don't know, son; isn't she with you?"</p> + +<p>"No'm, and I'm tired waiting for her."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is Hester there?" asked Mrs. Corey.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mrs. Corey, Hester's been with us an hour, and we're waiting for +Mopsy. She said she'd come as soon as she finished her practising."</p> + +<p>"She stopped practising some time ago," said Mrs. Corey. "I haven't +heard the piano for half an hour or more."</p> + +<p>"I'll bet she's tucked away somewhere, reading!" exclaimed King; "I'll +hunt her out!"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps she's gone over to Cousin Ethel's," suggested Mrs. Maynard.</p> + +<p>"I'll hunt her up," repeated King, and he went into the house.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie Mops! I say! Come out of that!" he cried, banging at the +closed door of her bedroom.</p> + +<p>Getting no reply, he opened the door and looked in, but she wasn't +there.</p> + +<p>"You old scallywag Mops!" he cried, shaking his fist at her empty room, +"I never knew you to go back on your word before! And you said you'd +come to Sand Court as soon as you could!"</p> + +<p>He looked in the veranda hammock, and in the library, and any place +where he thought Midget might be, absorbed in a book; he inquired of the +servants; and at last he went back to his mother.</p> + +<p>"I can't find Mopsy," he said.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then she <i>must</i> be over at Cousin Ethel's. She does love to go over +there."</p> + +<p>"Well, she oughtn't to go when she's promised to come out with us. I +never knew old Midge to break a promise before."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps Cousin Ethel telephoned for her," suggested Mrs. Maynard. +"Though in that case, she should have told me she was going. Run over +there and see, son."</p> + +<p>"I'll telephone over, that'll be quicker," said King, and ran back into +the house.</p> + +<p>"Nope," he said, returning; "she isn't there, and hasn't been there +to-day. Mother, don't you think it's queer?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, King, it is a little queer. But she can't be far away. +Perhaps she walked down to the train to meet Father."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mother, that would be a crazy thing to do, when she knew we were +waiting for her."</p> + +<p>"Well, maybe she went walking with Rosamond and Nurse Nannie. She's +certainly somewhere around. Run away now, King. Mrs. Corey and I are +busy."</p> + +<p>King walked slowly away.</p> + +<p>"It's pretty queer," he said to Hester and the Craig boys; "Mops is +nowhere to be found."</p> + +<p>"Well, don't look so scared," said Tom; "she can't be kidnapped. If it +was your baby sister,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> that would be different. But Midget has just gone +off on some wild-goose chase,—or she is hiding to tease us."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps she wrote to Kitty," suggested Hester, "and went down to the +post-office to mail it."</p> + +<p>"Not likely," said King. "She knows the postman collects at six o'clock. +Well, I s'pose she <i>is</i> hiding somewhere, reading a book. Won't I give +it to her when I catch her! For she <i>said</i> she'd come out here, right +after her practice hour."</p> + +<p>A <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'dulness'">dullness</ins> +seemed to fall on the Sand Club members present. Not only was +Marjorie their ringleader and moving spirit, but somehow King's +uneasiness impressed all of them, and soon Dick Craig said, "I'm going +home."</p> + +<p>King raised no objection, and, after sitting listlessly around for a few +moments, the others all went home.</p> + +<p>But Tom turned back.</p> + +<p>"I say," he began, "you know Mopsy is somewhere, all right."</p> + +<p>"Of course she's somewhere, Tom, but she never did anything like this +before, and I can't understand it. The only thing I can think of is, +that she's gone down on the pier. But she never goes there alone."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, there's lots of things she might be doing. Come on, let's go down +on the pier and take a look."</p> + +<p>The two boys walked out to the end of the pier and back again, but saw +no sign of Marjorie.</p> + +<p>On their way home, Tom turned in at his own house.</p> + +<p>"Good-by, old chap," he said; "don't look so worried. Midget will be +sitting up laughing at you when you get home."</p> + +<p>King said good-by, and went on. He felt a strange depression of heart, +as if something must have happened to Midget. He knew his mother felt no +alarm, and perhaps it was foolish, but the fact remained that Midge had +never acted like that before. Mr. Maynard came home at six o'clock, and +Marjorie had not yet made an appearance.</p> + +<p>He looked very much alarmed, and at sight of his anxiety, Mrs. Maynard +grew worried.</p> + +<p>"Why, Ed," she exclaimed, "you don't think there's anything wrong, do +you?"</p> + +<p>"I hope not, Helen, but it's so unusual. I can only think of the ocean. +Does she ever go down and sit on the beach alone?"</p> + +<p>"No," said King, positively; "she never does anything like that, alone. +We're always together."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And you hadn't had any quarrel, or anything?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Father; nothing of the sort. She went to practise right after +luncheon, and said she'd be out in an hour."</p> + +<p>"I heard her practising, while Mrs. Corey was here," said Mrs. Maynard, +reminiscently; "but I don't remember just when she stopped."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Mr. Maynard, "it's extraordinary, but I can't think +anything's wrong with the child. You know she always has been +mischievous, and I think she's playing some game on us. We may as well +go to dinner."</p> + +<p>But nobody could eat dinner. The sight of Midget's empty chair began to +seem tragic, and King choked and left the table.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard burst into tears, and rose also. Her husband followed her.</p> + +<p>"Don't worry, Helen," he urged; "she's sure to be safe and sound +somewhere."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know, Ed! Such a thing as this never happened before! Oh, +find her, Ed, <i>do</i> find her!"</p> + +<p>King had run over to the Bryants' and now returned, accompanied by those +two very much alarmed people.</p> + +<p>"We must <i>do</i> something!" exclaimed Cousin Jack. "Of course something +has happened to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> the child! She isn't one to cut up any such game on +purpose. Have you looked in her room?"</p> + +<p>"What for?" asked Mrs. Maynard, helplessly.</p> + +<p>"Why, to see if you can discover anything unusual. I'm going up!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Bryant flew upstairs two steps at a time, and they all followed. But +nothing unusual was to be seen. The pretty room was in order, and no +clothing of any sort was lying about.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard looked in the cupboard.</p> + +<p>"Why, her blue linen is gone!" she said, "and here's the white piqué she +had on at luncheon. And her blue hat is gone; she must have dressed up +to go out somewhere to call, and unexpectedly stayed to dinner."</p> + +<p>"Does she ever do that?" demanded Cousin Jack.</p> + +<p>"She never has before," answered Mrs. Maynard, falling weakly back on +Marjorie's bed. "Why, this pillow is all wet!"</p> + +<p>They looked at each other in consternation. They saw, too, the deep +imprint of a head in the dented pillow. Surely, this meant tragedy of +some sort, for if the child had sobbed so hard, she must have been in +deep trouble.</p> + +<p>"We must find her!" said Cousin Jack, starting for the stairs.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> +<h3>THE SEARCH</h3> +</div> + +<p>It was fortunate that the Bryants were there to take the initiative, for +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard seemed incapable of action. Usually alert and +energetic, they were so stunned at the thought of real disaster to +Marjorie that they sat around helplessly inactive.</p> + +<p>"Come with me, King," said Cousin Jack, going to the telephone in the +library.</p> + +<p>Then he called up every house in Seacote where Marjorie could possibly +have gone, and King helped by suggesting the names of acquaintances.</p> + +<p>But no one could give any news of the little girl; no one whom they +asked had seen or heard of her that afternoon.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack's face grew very white, and his features were drawn, as he +said: "You stay here, Ed, with Helen and Ethel; King and I will go out +for a bit. Come, King."</p> + +<p>Kingdon said nothing; he snatched up his cap and went along silently by +Mr. Bryant's side, trying to keep up with his companion's long, swift +strides.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> + +<p>To the beach they went; it was not yet quite dark, but of course they +saw no sign of Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Are you thinking she might have been washed away by the waves?" asked +King, in a quivering voice.</p> + +<p>"That's all I <i>can</i> think of," replied Mr. Bryant, grimly.</p> + +<p>"But it isn't likely, Cousin Jack. Mopsy is really a heavyweight, you +know. And there's not a very big surf on now."</p> + +<p>"That's so, King. But where <i>can</i> she be?" Then they went and talked +with the fishermen, and then on to the Life-saving Station.</p> + +<p>The big, good-hearted men all knew Marjorie, and all declared she had +not been on the beach that afternoon,—at least, not within their +particular locality.</p> + +<p>Discouraged, Cousin Jack and King turned down toward the pier. Their +inquiries were fruitless; though many people knew Midget, by sight, none +had seen her. There was nothing to do but go back home.</p> + +<p>"Have you found her?" cried Cousin Ethel, as they entered the house.</p> + +<p>"No; but the beach people haven't seen her, so I'm sure there's no +accident of that sort." Cousin Jack wouldn't make use of the word +drowning, but they all knew what he meant.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard sat staring, in a sort of dull apathy. She couldn't realize +that Marjorie was lost, she couldn't believe an accident had befallen +her, yet, where was she?</p> + +<p>"Let's search the house," she said, jumping up suddenly. "I <i>must</i> do +<i>something</i>. Couldn't she have gone somewhere to read quietly, and +fallen asleep?"</p> + +<p>This was a possibility, and the house was searched from top to bottom by +eager hunters. But no Marjorie was found.</p> + +<p>As it neared midnight, the ladies were persuaded to go to bed.</p> + +<p>"You can do nothing, dear, by remaining up," said Mr. Maynard to his +wife. "The Bryants will stay with us to-night, so you and Ethel go to +your rooms, and King, too. Jack and I will stay here in the library for +a while."</p> + +<p>King demurred at being sent away, but his father explained that if he +wanted to help, all he could do was to obey orders. So King went +upstairs, but not to his own room. About an hour later he came down +again, to find his father and Mr. Bryant still sitting in the library +waiting for morning.</p> + +<p>"Father," said King, his eyes shining bright beneath his tousled hair, +"I've been rummaging in Midget's room. I thought I might find out +some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>thing to help us. And she's taken her pocketbook, and the gold +piece Uncle Steve gave her last Christmas. I know, because I know where +she always kept it,—and it's gone."</p> + +<p>"Well, King," said his father, thoughtfully, "what do you make out from +that?"</p> + +<p>"Only that she has gone somewhere especial. I mean somewhere to spend +that money,—not just for a walk on the beach, or down to the pier."</p> + +<p>"That's encouraging," said Cousin Jack, "for if she went away on some +special errand, she's more likely to be safe and sound, somewhere. Did +you notice anything else missing, King?"</p> + +<p>"Not a thing. And you know how wet her pillow was. Well, I think she +heard about some poor person or poor family, and she cried about them, +and then she took her gold piece and went to help them."</p> + +<p>"That's ingenious, King," said Mr. Maynard, "and it may be true. I hope +so, I'm sure. But why should she stay away so long and not let us know?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, the poor family may live at some distance, and not have +any telephone, and they may be ill, or something, and she may be there +yet, helping. You know Mopsy is awful kind-hearted. Remember the +Simpsons' fire? She forgot everything else in caring for them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's so, my son; at any rate, it's the most comforting theory we've +had yet, and I'll go and tell your mother about it. It will help her, I +know."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard went away, and King remained downstairs.</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to bed, Cousin Jack," he said; "I'm old enough now to +stay up with you men, in trouble like this."</p> + +<p>"All right, King. You're showing manly traits, my boy, and I'm proud of +you. Now, old chap, between you and me, I don't subscribe to your +poor-family theory. It's possible, of course, but it doesn't seem +probable to me."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, Cousin Jack, what can we do next?"</p> + +<p>"We can't do anything till morning; then I think we must see the +police."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that seems so awful!"</p> + +<p>"I know, but if it's the means of finding Marjorie?"</p> + +<p>"Then, of course, we'll do it! How early can we see them?"</p> + +<p>"We can telephone as early as we like, I suppose. But I've little +confidence in the powers of the police down here. They're all right to +patrol the beach, but they're not like city policemen."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> + +<p>At last the night wore away, and daybreak came.</p> + +<p>They telephoned the police, and in a few minutes two of them arrived at +the Maynard house for consultation.</p> + +<p>"I know the child well," said one of them, "I often see her about,—a +well-behaved little lady, but full o' fun, too. D'ye think she might +have been kidnapped, now?"</p> + +<p>"It might be," said Mr. Bryant, "though she's pretty big for that. And, +too, she took extra money with her."</p> + +<p>"Then she may have been goin' somewhere by rail."</p> + +<p>"That's so! I never thought of that!" and Cousin Jack almost smiled.</p> + +<p>"But where would she go?" said Mr. Maynard, hopelessly. "She never +travelled alone, and though impulsively mischievous, sometimes, she +wouldn't deliberately run away."</p> + +<p>The policemen went away to begin their quest, and the Maynards and their +guests went to breakfast.</p> + +<p>No one felt like eating, yet each urged the others to do so.</p> + +<p>"Where's Middy?" inquired baby Rosamond, at table. "Middy gone 'way?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear," said Cousin Jack, for no one else<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> could speak. "Middy's +gone away for a little while."</p> + +<p>"I know," said the child, contentedly, "Middy gone to Gramma's to see +Kitty!"</p> + +<p>"Why, perhaps she did!" exclaimed Mr. Maynard.</p> + +<p>But Mrs. Maynard had no such hope. It was too unlike Marjorie to do such +a thing.</p> + +<p>"Well, let's find out," urged King. "Let's get Uncle Steve on the +long-distance wire."</p> + +<p>"Don't alarm Grandma," said Mrs. Maynard. "There's no use stirring her +up, until we know ourselves what has happened."</p> + +<p>"Leave it to me," said Cousin Jack. "I'll find out."</p> + +<p>After some delay, he succeeded in getting Uncle Steve on the telephone. +Then he asked for Kitty.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Susannah!" he cried, assuming a merry voice, in his kind desire +not to alarm her. "This is your Cousin Jack!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, hello, Cousin Jack!" exclaimed Kitty, in delight. "How nice of you +to call me up! How is everybody?"</p> + +<p>"We're well, thank you! How are you all?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, we're all right."</p> + +<p>"Are you lonesome, away from your family?"</p> + +<p>"No, not lonesome, though I'd like to see them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> Tell Midget there are +two hundred incubator chicks now."</p> + +<p>"Well, that <i>is</i> a lot! Now, good-by, Kitsie; I can't run up too big a +telephone bill for your father. We all send love. Be a good girl. +Good-by."</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack hung up the receiver and buried his face in his hands. It +had been a great strain on his nerves to appear gay and carefree to +Kitty, and the implied assurance that Marjorie was <i>not</i> there nearly +made him give way.</p> + +<p>"She isn't there," he said, dully, as he repeated to the family what +Kitty had said. And then the telephone rang, and it was the police +department.</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard took the receiver.</p> + +<p>"We've traced her," came the news, and the father's face grew white with +suspense. "She bought a ticket to New York, and went there on the +three-o'clock train yesterday afternoon. Nothing further is known, as +yet, but as soon as we can get in touch with the conductor of that +train, we will."</p> + +<p>"New York! Impossible!" cried Cousin Ethel, when she heard the message, +and Mrs. Maynard fainted away.</p> + +<p>Marjorie! on a train, going to New York alone!</p> + +<p>"Come on, King," said Cousin Jack, abruptly, and leaving the others to +care for Mrs. Maynard,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> these two strode off again. Straight to the +railroad station they went to interview the agent themselves.</p> + +<p>He corroborated the story. He did not know Marjorie's name, but he +described the child so exactly that there was no room for doubt of her +identity.</p> + +<p>But he could tell them no more. She had bought her ticket and taken the +train in a quiet, matter-of-fact way, as any passenger would do.</p> + +<p>"Did she look as if she had been crying?" asked King, almost crying +himself.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, now you speak of it, her face <i>did</i> look so. Her eyes was +red, and she looked sorter sad. But she didn't say nothin', 'cept to ask +for a ticket to New York."</p> + +<p>"Return ticket?" put in Mr. Bryant.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; a single ticket. Just one way."</p> + +<p>The conductor couldn't be seen until afternoon, as his run was a long +one, and his home far away.</p> + +<p>"I can't understand it," said King, as they walked homeward; "and I +can't believe it. If Midget went to New York alone, she had lost her +mind,—that's all."</p> + +<p>But when they reached home, they found the Maynards quite hopeful. It +had occurred to them that, by some strange freak, Marjorie had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> decided +to visit Grandma Maynard, and had started off there alone.</p> + +<p>"I'm trying to get them on the long-distance," Mr. Maynard announced, +quite cheerily, as they entered.</p> + +<p>"Let me take it," said Cousin Jack. "If she <i>isn't</i> there, we don't want +to alarm them, either."</p> + +<p>"That's so!" said Mr. Maynard. "All right, Jack, take it. Bless you, old +fellow, for your help."</p> + +<p>But when connection had been made, and Cousin Jack found himself in +communication with Grandma Maynard, he didn't know what to say. He +caught at the first pretext he could think of, and said:</p> + +<p>"How do you do, Mrs. Maynard? You don't know me, but I'm Jack Bryant, a +guest at Ed Maynard's house in Seacote. Now, won't you tell me when +Marjorie's birthday comes?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, I've heard of you, Mr. Bryant," said Grandma Maynard, pleasantly. +"I suppose you want to surprise the child with a present or a party. +Well, her birthday is next week,—the fifteenth of July."</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you. She is getting a big girl, isn't she? When,—when did +you see her last?"</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack's voice faltered, but the unsuspecting lady, listening, +didn't notice it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<p>"About two months ago. They were here in May. I love Marjorie, and I +wish I could see her again, but there's little hope of it. She wrote to +me last week that they would be in Seacote all summer."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that is their plan," said Cousin Jack.</p> + +<p>He could say no more, and dropped the receiver without even a good-by.</p> + +<p>But though Grandma Maynard might think him rude or uncourteous, she +could not feel frightened or alarmed for Marjorie's safety, because of +anything he had said.</p> + +<p>"She isn't there," he said, quietly; "but I still think she started for +there, and now we have a direction in which to look."</p> + +<p>But what a direction! Marjorie, alone, going to New York, endeavoring to +find Grandma Maynard's house, and not getting there! Where had she been +all night? Where was she now?</p> + +<p>There were no answers to these questions. And now Mr. Maynard took the +helm. He cast off the apathy that had seemed to paralyze him, and, +rising, he began to talk quickly.</p> + +<p>"Helen," he said, "try to rouse yourself, darling. Keep up a good hope, +and be brave, as you have always been. King, I am going out to find +Marjorie. You cannot go with me, for I want to leave your mother in your +care. You have proved<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> yourself manly in your search for your sister, +continue to do so in caring for your mother. Ethel, I'd be glad if you +would stay here with Helen, and, Jack,—will you come with me?"</p> + +<p>"Of course," replied Mr. Bryant.</p> + +<p>"And, King," his father went on, "keep within sound of the telephone. I +may call you at any moment. Get your sleep, my boy,—if I should be gone +over night,—but sleep here on the library couch, and then the bell will +waken you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Father, I'll look after Mother, and I'll be right here if you call +me. Where are you going?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, my son. I only know I must hunt for Marjorie with such +help and such advice as I can procure. Come on, Jack."</p> + +<p>After affectionate farewells, the two men went away.</p> + +<p>"First for that conductor," said Mr. Maynard. "I cannot wait till +afternoon; I shall try to reach him by telephone or go to his home."</p> + +<p>At length he learned that the conductor lived in Asbury Park. He was off +duty at that hour, and Mr. Maynard tried to get him by telephone, but +the line was out of order.</p> + +<p>"To his house we go, then," and the two men boarded the first possible +train.</p> + +<p>At Asbury Park they found his house, but the conductor's wife, Mrs. +Fischer, said her husband<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> was asleep and she never disturbed him at +that hour of the day, as he had a long run before him, and needed his +rest.</p> + +<p>But after a few words of explanation of their quest, the good lady +became sympathetic and helpful.</p> + +<p>"Of course I'll call him," she cried; "oh, the poor mother! my heart +aches for her!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Fischer came downstairs, rubbing his eyes. It was about noon, and he +was accustomed to sleep soundly until two o'clock.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes," he said, in answer to their queries. "I remember that girl. +I didn't think much about her,—for a good many children travel alone +between stations on the shore road. But, somehow, I don't think that +child went to New York,—no, I don't think she did."</p> + +<p>"Where did she get off?" asked Mr. Maynard, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Ah, that I don't know. You see, the summer crowds are travelling now +and I don't notice individuals much."</p> + +<p>"Can't you tell by your tickets?" asked Mr. Bryant.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I don't see's I can. You know, lots of people <i>did</i> go to New +York on my train, and so, I've lots of New York tickets, but of course I +couldn't tell if I had hers. And yet,—seems to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> me,—just seems to +me,—that child got off at a way station."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Mr. Maynard, with a businesslike air, "I must telephone or +telegraph or go personally to every way station between Seacote and New +York. It's a strange case. I can only think my daughter became suddenly +demented; I can think of no other reason for her conduct. Can you, +Jack?"</p> + +<p>"No, Ed, I can't. And yet, Marjorie is a child who always does +unexpected things. Some crotchet or whimsey of her childish mind <i>might</i> +account for this strange freak, quite naturally."</p> + +<p>"I can't see how. But we will do what we can. Good-day, Mr. Fischer, and +thank you for your help and interest."</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> +<h3>JESSICA BROWN</h3> +</div> + +<p>Meantime, where was Marjorie?</p> + +<p>To go back to where we left her, in the railroad train, she had fallen +asleep from utter exhaustion of nerve and body.</p> + +<p>But her nap was of short duration. She woke with a start, and found, to +her surprise, that she was leaning her head against somebody's shoulder.</p> + +<p>She looked up, to see the red-faced man gravely regarding her, though he +smiled as their eyes met.</p> + +<p>"Feel better, little miss?" he said, and again Marjorie felt a strange +repulsion, though he spoke kindly enough.</p> + +<p>Her mind was bewildered, she was nervous and frightened, yet she had a +positive conviction that she ought not to talk to this strange man. She +did not like his face, even if his voice was kind.</p> + +<p>"Yes, thank you," she said, in distantly polite tones, and again she +squeezed herself over toward the window, and away from her seatmate. She +sat up very straight, trying to act as grown-up as possible, and then +the train stopped at a large station. There were crowds of people +hurrying<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> and scurrying about on the platform, and Marjorie was almost +sure she had reached Jersey City, where she knew she must change for New +York.</p> + +<p>She wanted to inquire, but the conductor was not in sight, and she +didn't like to ask the man beside her.</p> + +<p>So she rose, as if to leave the car.</p> + +<p>The red-faced man rose also, and stepped back as she passed him. In a +moment she found herself on the platform, and the train soon went on. +Everything about the station looked unfamiliar, and glancing up, she saw +by a large sign that she was at Newark! She had never before been in +Newark, though she knew in a general way where it was. She went +uncertainly into the station, and looked at the clock. It was after +five. Marjorie knew she could take another train, and proceed to Jersey +City, and so to New York, but her courage had failed her, and she +couldn't bear the thought of travelling any further.</p> + +<p>And yet, how could she stay where she was? Also, she began to feel very +hungry. The exhaustion caused by her emotional grief, and her wearisome +journey, made her feel hollow and faint.</p> + +<p>She sank down on a seat in the waiting-room, sadly conscious of her +lonely and desolate situation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p> + +<p>She tried to summon anew her natural pluck and independence.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie Maynard!" she said, to herself, and then stopped,—overwhelmed +by the thought that she had no right even to that name!</p> + +<p>Presently a voice beside her said: "Now, little miss, won't you let me +help you?"</p> + +<p>She turned sharply, and looked the red-faced man in the eyes.</p> + +<p>He didn't look very refined, he didn't even look good, but the sound of +a friendly voice was like a straw held out to a drowning man.</p> + +<p>"How can you help me?" she said, miserably.</p> + +<p>"Well, fust off, where've ye set out fur?"</p> + +<p>The man was uncultured, but there was a note of sincerity in his speech +that impressed Marjorie, now that she was so friendless and alone.</p> + +<p>"New York," she replied.</p> + +<p>"Why'd ye get out at Newark?"</p> + +<p>"I made a mistake," she confessed.</p> + +<p>"An' what be ye goin' to do now?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know."</p> + +<p>"Ah, jest what I thought! An' then ye ask, how kin I help ye?"</p> + +<p>"Well, how can you?"</p> + +<p>Under the spur of his strong voice, Marjorie's spirits had revived the +least bit, and she spoke bravely to him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, that's more peart-like. Wal, in the fust place I kin take ye home +with me, an' my old woman'll keep ye fer the night, an' I guess that's +what ye need most."</p> + +<p>"Where do you live?"</p> + +<p>"'Bout five miles out in the country."</p> + +<p>"How do you get there?"</p> + +<p>"Wal, I ain't got none o' them autymobiles, nor yet no airship; but I've +got a old nag that can do the piece in an hour or so."</p> + +<p>"Why do you want to take me home with you?" asked Marjorie, for she +couldn't help a feeling that there was something wrong.</p> + +<p>"Why, bless your heart, child, bekase you're alone and forlorn and +hungry and all done out. An' it's my privit opinion as how ye've run +away from home."</p> + +<p>"No, not that," said Midget, sadly; "I haven't any home."</p> + +<p>"Ye don't say so! Wal, wal, never mind fer to-night. You go 'long with +me, an' Zeb Geary, he'll look after ye fer a spell, anyhow."</p> + +<p>There was no mistaking the kindness now, and Marjorie looked up into the +man's red face with trust and gratitude.</p> + +<p>"I'd be glad to go with you and stay till to-morrow," she said; "but +first I want to own up that I didn't 'zactly trust you,—but now I do."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Wal, wal, thet shows a nice sperrit! Now, you come along o' me, an' +don't try to talk nor nothin'. Jest come along."</p> + +<p>He took Midget's hand, and they went down the steps, and along the +street for a block or two, to a sort of livery stable.</p> + +<p>"Set here a minute," said Mr. Geary, and he left Marjorie on a bench, +which stood outside, against the building.</p> + +<p>After a time he returned, with an ancient-looking vehicle, known as a +Rockaway, and a patient, long-suffering horse.</p> + +<p>"Git in back," he said, and Marjorie climbed in, too tired and sad to +care much whither she might be taken.</p> + +<p>They jogged along at a fair pace, but Mr. Geary, on the front seat, +offered no conversation, merely looking back occasionally, as if to +assure himself that his guest was still with him.</p> + +<p>After a mile or two, Marjorie began to think more coherently.</p> + +<p>She wondered what she would have done if she hadn't chanced to fall in +with this kind, if rough, friend.</p> + +<p>She wondered whether she could ever have reached Grandma Maynard's house +in safety, for the crowds and confusion were much worse than<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> she had +anticipated, and in New York they would be worse still.</p> + +<p>At any rate, she would gladly accept shelter and hospitality for the +night, and continue her journey next day, during the earlier hours.</p> + +<p>It was well after six o'clock when the jogging old horse turned into a +lane, and finally stopped at a somewhat tumble-down porch. An old woman +appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron.</p> + +<p>"Wal, Zeb," she called out, "did ye get back?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Sary, an' I brought ye a visitor for the night."</p> + +<p>"A what! Wal, I do declar'!" and Mrs. Geary stepped down and peered into +the back seat of the Rockaway. "Who in creation is that?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," returned her husband.</p> + +<p>"Ye don't know! I swan, Zeb Geary, you must be plumb crazy! Whar'd ye +get her?"</p> + +<p>"Thar, thar, now, Sary, don't be askin' questions, but take the pore +lamb in, an' cuddle her up some. She's plumb beat out!"</p> + +<p>"Come on, dearie," said the old wife, who had caught sight of Marjorie's +winsome face and sad eyes. "Come along o' me,—I'll take keer o' ye."</p> + +<p>Marjorie let herself be helped from the rickety old vehicle, and went +with her hostess, in at the kitchen door.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> + +<p>It wasn't an attractive kitchen, such as Eliza's, at Grandma Sherwood's; +it was bare and comfortless-looking, though clean and in good order.</p> + +<p>"Now, now, little miss," said Mrs. Geary, hobbling about, "fust of all, +let's get some supper down ye. When did ye eat last?"</p> + +<p>"This noon," said Marjorie, and then, at the remembrance of the happy, +merry luncheon table at Seacote, she put her head down on her arms, and +sobbed as if she had never cried before.</p> + +<p>"Bless 'ee, bless 'ee, now, my lamb; don't go fer to take on so. There, +there, have a sup o' warm milk! Oh, my! my!"</p> + +<p>In deference to Mrs. Geary's solicitude, Marjorie tried hard to conquer +her sobs, and had finally succeeded, when Mr. Geary came in.</p> + +<p>"Don't bother her any to-night, Mother," he said, after a sharp glance +at Marjorie; "she's all on edge. Feed her up good, and tuck her into +bed."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes; here, my lamb, here's a nice soft-boiled egg for your tea. +You'll like that, now?"</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Marjorie, her great, dark eyes looking weird in the +dimly lighted kitchen.</p> + +<p>After a satisfying supper, Mrs. Geary took the child up to a low, +slant-ceiled room, that was as bare and clean as the kitchen. The old +woman bathed Marjorie's face and hands with unexpected<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> gentleness, and +then helped her to undress. She brought a coarse, plain nightgown of her +own, but it was clean and soft, and felt comfortable to the tired child.</p> + +<p>Then she was tucked between coarse sheets, on a hard bed, but so weary +was she that it seemed comfortable.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Geary patted her arm and hummed softly an old hymn-tune, and poor +little Marjorie dropped asleep almost at once.</p> + +<p>"What do you make of it, Father?" asked the old woman, returning to the +kitchen.</p> + +<p>"She run away from her home fer some reason. Said she hadn't got no +home. Stepmother, I shouldn't wonder. We'll find out to-morrow, an' I'll +tote her back."</p> + +<p>"Mebbe there'll be a reward."</p> + +<p>"Mebbe so. But we'll do our best by her, reward or no. But if so be they +is one, I'll be mighty glad, fer I had pore luck sellin' that hay +to-day."</p> + +<p>"Wal, chirk up, Father; mebbe things'll grow brighter soon."</p> + +<p>"Mebbe they will, Sary,—mebbe they will."</p> + +<p>In her unaccustomed surroundings, Marjorie woke early. The sun was just +reddening the eastern horizon, and the birds were chirping in the +trees.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> + +<p>She had that same sinking of the heart, that same feeling of desolation, +but she did not cry, for her nerves were rested, and her brain +refreshed, by her night's sleep. She lay in her poor, plain bed and +considered the situation.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't matter," she said, sternly, to herself, "how bad I feel +about it, it's true. I'm not a Maynard, and never was. I don't know who +I am, or what my name is. And I don't believe I'd better go to Grandma +Maynard's. Perhaps she doesn't know I'm not really her granddaughter, +and then she wouldn't want me, after all. For I'd have to tell her. So I +just believe I'll earn my own living and be self-supporting."</p> + +<p>This plan appealed to Marjorie's imagination. It seemed grand and noble +and heroic. Moreover, she was very much in earnest, and in this crisp, +early morning she felt braver and stronger than she had felt the night +before.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she thought on, "I ought to earn my living,—for I've no claim on +Fa—on Mr. Maynard. Perhaps these people here can find me some work to +do. At any rate, I'll ask them."</p> + +<p>She jumped up, and dressed herself, for she heard Mr. and Mrs. Geary +already in the kitchen.</p> + +<p>"My stars!" said her hostess, as she appeared; "how peart you look! +Slept good, didn't ye?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Fine!" said Midget; "good-morning, both of you. Can't I help you?"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Geary was transferring baked apples from a pan to an old cracked +platter. Though unaccustomed to such work, Marjorie was quick and deft +at anything, and in a moment she had the apples nicely arranged and +placed on the table. She assisted in other ways, and chattered gayly as +she worked.</p> + +<p>Too gayly, Mrs. Geary thought, and she glanced knowingly at her husband, +for they both realized Marjorie's flow of good spirits was forced,—not +spontaneous.</p> + +<p>After breakfast was over, Midget said, "Now, I'll wash up the dishes, +Mrs. Geary, and you sit down and take a little rest."</p> + +<p>"Land sake, child! I ain't tired. An' you ain't used to this work, I see +you ain't."</p> + +<p>"That doesn't matter. I can do it, and I must do something to pay for my +board,—I have very little money."</p> + +<p>"Hear the child talk! Wal, you kin help me with the work, a little, an' +then we must come to an understandin'."</p> + +<p>Marjorie worked with a nervous haste that betrayed her inexperience as +well as her willingness, and after a time the plain little house was in +order.</p> + +<p>Mr. Geary came in from doing his out-of-door<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> "chores," and Marjorie saw +the "understandin'" was about to be arrived at. But she was prepared; +she had made up her mind as to her course, and was determined to pursue +it.</p> + +<p>"Now, fust of all," said Mr. Geary, kindly, but with decision, "what is +your name?"</p> + +<p>"Jessica Brown," said Marjorie, promptly.</p> + +<p>She had already assured herself that as she had no real right to the +name she had always used, she was privileged to choose herself a new +one. Jessica had long been a favorite with her, and Brown seemed +non-committal.</p> + +<p>Mr. Geary looked at her sharply, but she said the name glibly, and +Jessica was what he called "highfalutin" enough to fit her evident +station in life, so he made no comment.</p> + +<p>"Where do you live?" he went on.</p> + +<p>"I have no home," said Marjorie, steadily; "I am a findling."</p> + +<p>"A what?"</p> + +<p>"A findling,—from the asylum."</p> + +<p>The term didn't sound <i>quite</i> right to her,—but she couldn't think of +the exact word,—and having used it, concluded to stick to it.</p> + +<p>Zeb Geary was not highly educated, but this word, so soberly used, +struck his humorous sense, and he put his brawny hand over his mouth to +hide his smiles.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yep," he said, after a moment, "I understand,—I do. And whar'd ye set +out fer?"</p> + +<p>"I started for New York, but I've decided not to go there."</p> + +<p>"Oh, ye hev, hev ye? An' jes' what do ye calkilate to do?"</p> + +<p>"Well, Mr. Geary," Marjorie looked troubled,—"and Mrs. Geary, I'd +<i>like</i> to stay here for a while. I'll work for you, and you can pay me +by giving me food and lodging. I s'pose I wouldn't be worth very much at +first, but I'd learn fast,—you know,—I do everything fast,—Mother +always said so,—I,—I mean, the lady I used to live with, said so. And +I'd try very hard to please you both. If you'd let me stay a while, +perhaps you'd learn to like me. You see, I've <i>got</i> to earn my own +living, and I haven't anywhere to go, and not a friend in the world but +you two."</p> + +<p>These astonishing words, from the pretty, earnest child, in the dainty +and fashionable dress of the best people, completely floored the old +country couple.</p> + +<p>"Well, I swan!" exclaimed Mr. Geary, while Mrs. Geary said, "My stars!" +twice, with great emphasis.</p> + +<p>"Please," Marjorie went on, "please give me a trial; for I've been +thinking it over, and I don't see what I can possibly do but 'work out.' +Isn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> that what you call it? And if I learn some with you, I might work +out in New York, later on."</p> + +<p>"Bless your baby heart!" exclaimed Mrs. Geary, wiping her eyes which +were moist from conflicting emotions. "Stay here you shall, if you want +to,—though land knows we can't well afford the keep of another."</p> + +<p>"Oh, are you too poor to keep me?" cried Marjorie, dismayed. "I don't +want to be a burden to you. I thought I could help enough to pay for my +'keep.'"</p> + +<p>"So ye kin, dearie,—so ye kin," said old Zeb, heartily. "We'll fix it +some way, Mother, at least for the present. Now, Jessiky, don't ye +worrit a mite more. We'll take keer on ye, and the work ye'll do'll +more'n pay fer all ye'll eat."</p> + +<p>This was noble-hearted bluff on Zeb's part, for he was hard put to it to +get food for himself and his old wife.</p> + +<p>He was what is known as "shif'less." He worked spasmodically, and spent +hours dawdling about, accomplishing nothing, on his old neglected farm.</p> + +<p>But, somehow, a latent ambition and energy seemed to reawaken in his old +heart, and he determined to make renewed efforts to "get ahead" for this +pretty child's sake. And meantime, if she liked to think she was +helping, by such work as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> those dainty little hands could do, he was +willing to humor her.</p> + +<p>Beside all this, Zeb didn't believe her story. He still thought she had +run away from a well-to-do home; and he believed it was because of an +unloving stepmother.</p> + +<p>But he was not minded to worry the child further with questions at the +present time, and it was part of his nature calmly to await +developments.</p> + +<p>"Let it go at that, Mother," he advised. "Take Jessiky as your +maid-of-all-work, on trial,"—he smiled at his wife over Marjorie's +bowed head,—"an' ef she's a good little worker, we'll keep her fer the +present."</p> + +<p>"My stars!" said Mrs. Geary, and then sat in helpless contemplation of +these surprising events.</p> + +<p>"And I <i>will</i> be a good worker!" declared Marjorie, "and perhaps, +sometime, we can sort of decorate the house, and make it sort of,—sort +of prettier."</p> + +<p>"We can't spend nothin'," declared Mr. Geary, "'cause we ain't got +nothin' to spend. So don't think we kin, little miss."</p> + +<p>"No," said Marjorie, smiling at him, "but I mean, decorate with wild +flowers, or even branches of trees, or pine cones or things like that."</p> + +<p>A lump came in Midget's throat, as she remem<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>bered how often she had +"decorated" with these things in honor of some gay festivity at home.</p> + +<p>Oh, what were they doing there, now? Had they missed her? Would they +look for her? They <i>never</i> could find her tucked away here in the +country.</p> + +<p>And Kitty! What <i>would</i> she say when she heard of it? And <i>all</i> of them! +And Mother,—<i>Mother</i>!</p> + +<p>But all this heart outcry was silent. Her kind old friends heard no word +or murmur of complaint or dissatisfaction. If the forlorn old house were +distasteful to Marjorie, she didn't show it; if her room seemed to her +uninhabitable, nobody knew it from her. She ran out to the fields, and +returned with an armful of ox-eyed daisies, and bunches of clover; and, +with some grapevine trails, she made a real transformation of the dingy, +bare walls.</p> + +<p>"Well, I swan!" Mr. Geary said, when he saw it; and his wife exclaimed, +"My stars!"</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> +<h3>THE REUNION</h3> +</div> + +<p>After leaving the conductor's house in Asbury Park, Mr. Maynard and Mr. +Bryant went to a telephone office, and pursued the plan of calling up +every railroad station along the road between Seacote and New York.</p> + +<p>But no good news was the result. It was difficult to get speech with the +station men, and none of them especially remembered seeing a little girl +of Marjorie's description get off the train.</p> + +<p>"What can we do next?" asked Mr. Maynard, dejectedly; "I can't go home +and sit down to wait for police investigation. I doubt if they could +ever find Marjorie. I <i>must</i> do something."</p> + +<p>"It seems a formidable undertaking," said Mr. Bryant, "to go to each of +these way stations; and yet, Ed, I can't think of anything else to do. +We have traced her to the train, and on it. She must have left it +somewhere, and we must discover where."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard looked at his watch.</p> + +<p>"Jack," he said, "it is nearly time for that very train to stop here. +Let us get on that, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> we may get some word of her from the trainmen +other than the conductor."</p> + +<p>"Good idea! and meanwhile we'll have just time to snatch a sandwich +somewhere; which we'd better do, as you've eaten nothing since +breakfast."</p> + +<p>"Neither have you, old chap; come on."</p> + +<p>After a hasty luncheon, the two men boarded at Asbury Park, the same +train which Marjorie had taken at Seacote the day before. Conductor +Fischer greeted them, and called his trainmen, one by one, to be +questioned.</p> + +<p>"Sure!" said one of them, at last, "I saw that child, or a girl dressed +as you describe, get off this train at Newark. She was a plump little +body, and pretty, but mighty woe-begone lookin'. She was in comp'ny with +a big, red-faced man, a common, farmer-lookin' old fellow. It struck me +queer at the time, them two should be mates."</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard's heart sank. This looked like kidnapping. But the knowledge +of where Marjorie had alighted was help of some sort, at least.</p> + +<p>After discussing further details of her dress and appearance, Mr. +Maynard concluded that it was, indeed, Midget who had left the train at +Newark with the strange man, and so he concluded to get off there also.</p> + +<p>"We're on the trail, now," said Jack Bryant, cheerily; "we're sure to +find her."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard, though not quite so hopeful, felt a little encouraged, and +impatiently the two men sprang off the train at Newark. Into the station +they went and interviewed an attendant there.</p> + +<p>"Yep," he replied, "I seen that kid. She was with old Zeb Geary, an' it +got me, what he was doin' with a swell kid like her!"</p> + +<p>"Where did they go?" asked Mr. Maynard, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I dunno. Prob'ly he went home. He lives out in the country, and he +takes a little jaunt down to the shore now and then. He's sort of +eccentric,—thinks he can sell his farm stuff to the hotel men, better'n +any other market."</p> + +<p>"How can I get to his house?"</p> + +<p>"Wanter see Zeb, do you? Well, he has his own rig, not very nobby, but +safe. I guess you could get a rig at that stable 'cross the way. An' +they can tell you how to go."</p> + +<p>"Couldn't I get a motor-car?"</p> + +<p>"Likely you could. Go over there and ask the man."</p> + +<p>The station attendant had duties, and was not specially interested in a +stranger's queries, so, having rewarded him, as they thought he +deserved, the two men hastened over to the livery stable.</p> + +<p>"Zeb Geary?" said the stable keeper. "Why, yes, he lives five miles out +of town. He leaves his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> old horse here when he goes anywhere on the +train. It's no ornament to my place, but I keep it for the old fellow. +He's a character in his way. Yes, he went out last night and a little +girl with him."</p> + +<p>"Could we get a motor here, to go out there?"</p> + +<p>"Right you are! I've good cars and good chauffeurs."</p> + +<p>In a few moments, therefore, Mr. Maynard and Mr. Bryant were speeding +away toward Zeb Geary, and, as they hoped, toward Marjorie.</p> + +<p>While the car was being made ready, Mr. Maynard had telephoned to King +that they had news of Marjorie, and hoped soon to find her. He thought +best to relieve the minds of the dear ones at home to this extent, even +if their quest should prove fruitless, after all.</p> + +<p>"I can't understand it," said Mr. Maynard, as they flew along the +country roads. "This Geary person doesn't sound like a kidnapper, yet +why else would Midget go with him?"</p> + +<p>"I'm only afraid it <i>wasn't</i> Marjorie," returned Mr. Bryant. "But we +shall soon know."</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>Marjorie had worked hard all day. Partly because she wanted to prove +herself a good worker, and partly because, if she stopped to think, her +troubles seemed greater than she could bear.</p> + +<p>But a little after five o'clock everything was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> done, supper prepared, +and the child sat down on the kitchen steps to rest. She was tired, sad, +and desolate. The slight excitement of novelty was gone, the bravery and +courage of the morning hours had disappeared, and a great wave of +homesickness enveloped her very soul. She was too lonely and homesick +even to cry, and she sat, a pathetic, drooped little figure, on the old +tumble-down porch.</p> + +<p>She heard the toot of a motor-horn, but it was a familiar sound to her, +and she paid no attention to it. Then she heard it again, very near, and +looked up to see her father and Cousin Jack frantically waving, as the +car fairly flew, over many minor obstacles, straight to that kitchen +doorway.</p> + +<p>"Marjorie!" cried Mr. Maynard, leaping out before the wheels had fairly +stopped turning, and in another instant she was folded in that dear old +embrace.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father, Father!" she cried, hysterically clinging to him, "take me +home, take me home!"</p> + +<p>"Of course I will, darling," said Mr. Maynard's quivering voice, as he +held her close and stroked her hair with trembling fingers. "That's what +we've come for. Here's Cousin Jack, too."</p> + +<p>And then Midget felt more kisses on her forehead, and a hearty pat on +her back, as a voice, not quite steady, but determinedly cheerful, +said:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> +"Brace up now, Mehitabel, we want you to go riding with us."</p> + +<p>Marjorie looked up, with a sudden smile, and then again buried her face +on her father's shoulder and almost strangled him as she flung her arms +round his neck. Then she drew his head down, while she whispered faintly +in his ear. Three times she had to repeat the words before he could +catch them:</p> + +<p>"Are you my father?" he heard at last. The fear flashed back upon him +that Midget's mind was affected, but he only held her close to him, and +said, gently, "Yes, Marjorie darling, my own little girl," and the quiet +assurance of his tone seemed to content her.</p> + +<p>"Wal, wal! an' who be you, sir?" exclaimed a gruff voice, and Mr. +Maynard looked up to see Zeb Geary approaching from the barn.</p> + +<p>"You are Mr. Geary, I'm sure," said Cousin Jack, advancing; "we have +come for this little girl."</p> + +<p>"Wal, I'm right down glad on't! I jest knew that purty child had a home +and friends, though she vowed she hadn't."</p> + +<p>"And you've been kind to her, and we want to thank you! And this is Mrs. +Geary?"</p> + +<p>"Yep, that's Sary. Come out here, Mother, and see what's goin' on."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> + +<p>Out of shyness, Mrs. Geary had watched proceedings from the kitchen +window, but fortified by her husband's presence, she appeared in the +doorway.</p> + +<p>"They've been so good to me, Father," said Marjorie, still nestling in +his sheltering arms.</p> + +<p>"Wal, we jest done what we could," said Mrs. Geary. "I knowed that +Jessiky belonged to fine people, but she didn't want to tell us nothin', +so we didn't pester her."</p> + +<p>"And we ain't askin' nothin' from you, neither," spoke up Zeb. "She's a +sweet, purty child, an' as good as they make 'em. An' when she wants to +tell you all about it, she will. As fer us,—we've no call to know."</p> + +<p>"Now, that's well said!" exclaimed Mr. Bryant, holding out his hand to +the old man. "And, for the present, we're going to take you at your +word. If you agree, we're going to take this little girl right off with +us, because her mother is anxiously awaiting news of her safety. And +perhaps, sometime later, we'll explain matters fully to you. Meantime, I +hope you'll permit us to leave with you a little expression of our +appreciation of your real kindness to our darling, and our gratitude at +her recovery."</p> + +<p>A few whispered words passed between the two gentlemen, and then, after +a moment's manipula<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>tion of his fountain pen and checkbook, Mr. Bryant +handed to old Zeb Geary a slip of paper that took his breath away.</p> + +<p>"I can't rightly thank you, sir," he said, brokenly; "I done no more'n +my duty; but if so be's you feel to give me this, I kin only say, Bless +ye fer yer goodness to them that has need!"</p> + +<p>"That's all right, Mr. Geary," said Cousin Jack, touched by the old +man's emotion; "and now, Ed, let's be going."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Geary brought Marjorie's hat and her little purse, and in another +moment they were flying along the country road toward Newark.</p> + +<p>Marjorie said nothing at all, but cuddled into her father's arm, and now +and then drew long, deep sighs, as if still troubled.</p> + +<p>But he only held her closer, and murmured words of endearment, leaving +her undisturbed by questions about her strange conduct.</p> + +<p>In Newark they telephoned the joyful news to Mrs. Maynard, and then took +the first train to Seacote.</p> + +<p>All through the two-hour ride, Marjorie slept peacefully, with her +father's arm protectingly round her.</p> + +<p>The two men said little, being too thankful that their quest was +successfully ended.</p> + +<p>"But I think her mind is all right," whispered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> Mr. Maynard, as Mr. +Bryant leaned over from the seat behind. "She has some kind of a crazy +notion in her head,—but when she's thoroughly rested and wide awake, we +can straighten it all out."</p> + +<p>The Maynards' motor was waiting at Seacote station, and after a few +moments' ride, Marjorie was again in the presence of her own dear +people.</p> + +<p>"Mother, <i>Mother</i>!" she cried, in a strange, uncertain voice, and flew +to the outstretched arms awaiting her.</p> + +<p>Though unnerved herself, Mrs. Maynard clasped her daughter close and +soothed the poor, quivering child.</p> + +<p>"<i>Are</i> you my mother?" wailed Marjorie, in agonized tones; "<i>are</i> you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my child, <i>yes</i>!" and there was no doubting that mother-voice.</p> + +<p>"Then why,—<i>why</i> did you tell Mrs. Corey I was a findling?"</p> + +<p>"Tell Mrs. Corey <i>what</i>?"</p> + +<p>"Why, when I was practising, you were talking to her, and I heard you +tell her that you took me from an asylum when I was a baby,—and that I +didn't really belong to you and Father?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Marjorie! Oh, my baby!" and dropping into the nearest armchair, +with Marjorie in her lap, Mrs. Maynard laughed and cried together.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, Ed," she exclaimed, looking at her husband, "it's those +theatricals! Listen, Marjorie, darling. Our Dramatic Club is going to +give a play called 'The Stepmother,' and Mrs. Corey and I were learning +our parts. That's what you heard!"</p> + +<p>"Truly, mother?"</p> + +<p>"Truly, of course, you little goosie-girl! And so you ran away?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I couldn't stay here if I wasn't your little girl,—and +Father's,—and King's sister,—and all. And you said I was different +from your own children and,——"</p> + +<p>"There, there, darling, it's all right now. And we'll hear the rest of +your story to-morrow. Now, we're going to have some supper, and then +tuck you in your own little bed where you belong. Have you had your +supper?"</p> + +<p>"No,—but I set the table," and Marjorie began to smile at the +recollection of the Geary kitchen. "You see, Mother, I've been +maid-of-all-work."</p> + +<p>"And now you've come back to be maid-of-all-play, as usual," broke in +Cousin Jack, who didn't want the conversation to take a serious turn, +for all present were under stress of suppressed emotion.</p> + +<p>"I say, Mops, you ought to have known better," was King's brotherly +comment, but he pulled<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> off her black hair-ribbons in the old, +comforting way, and Midget grinned at him.</p> + +<p>"Let's dispense with these trappings of woe," said Cousin Jack, dropping +the black ribbons in a convenient waste-basket.</p> + +<p>So Midget went out to supper without any ribbons, her mop of curls +tumbling all over her head and hanging down her shoulders.</p> + +<p>"My, but I'm hungry!" she said, as she saw once again her own home +table, with its pretty appointments and appetizing food.</p> + +<p>"You bet you are!" said King, appreciatively; "tell us what you had to +eat in the rural district."</p> + +<p>"Boiled beef," said Midget, smiling; "and gingerbread and turnips!"</p> + +<p>"Not so awful worse," commented King.</p> + +<p>"No? Well, s'pose you try it once! I like these croquettes and Saratoga +potatoes a whole heap better!"</p> + +<p>"Well, I 'spect I do, too. I say, Mops, I'm glad you didn't break your +word to come out and play,—at least, not intentionally."</p> + +<p>"No, I never break my word. But I guess if you thought you didn't have +any father or mother or brother or sister, you'd forget all about going +out to play, too."</p> + +<p>"I haven't any brother," said King, looking very sad and forlorn.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll be a brother to you," declared Cousin Jack, promptly; "you behaved +like a man, last night, old fellow,—and I'm proud to claim you as a man +and a brother."</p> + +<p>"Pooh, I didn't do anything," said King, modestly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you did," said his mother. "You were fine, my son. And I never +could have lived through to-day without you, either."</p> + +<p>"Dear old Kingsy-wingsy!" said Midget, looking at him with shining eyes. +And then,—for it was their long-established custom,—she tweaked his +Windsor scarf untied.</p> + +<p>As this was a mark of deep affection, King only grinned at her and +retied it, with an ease and grace born of long practice.</p> + +<p>"Well, Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, "I always said you were a child who +could do the most unexpected things. Here you've been and turned this +whole house upside down and had us all nearly crazy,—and here you are +back again as smiling as a basket of chips. And yet you did nothing for +which any one could blame you!"</p> + +<p>"Indeed they <i>can't</i> blame her!" spoke up Mrs. Maynard; "the child +thought I was talking to Mrs. Corey, instead of reading my part in the +play. Marjorie sha'n't be blamed a bit!"</p> + +<p>"That's just what I said," repeated Cousin<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> Jack, smiling at the +mother's quick defense of her child; "why, if anybody told me I was +a,—what do you call it?—a findling,—I'd run away, too!"</p> + +<p>"Don't run away," said Cousin Ethel, laughing. "I'd have to run with +you, or you'd get lost for keeps. And I'd rather stay here. But I think +we must be starting for Bryant Bower, and leave this reunited family to +get along for awhile without our tender care."</p> + +<p>"But don't think we don't realize how much we are indebted to you," said +Mr. Maynard, earnestly, for the two good friends in need had been +friends indeed to the distracted parents.</p> + +<p>"Well, you can have a set of resolutions engrossed and framed for us," +said Cousin Jack, "or, better yet, you can give me a dollar bill, in +full of all accounts. By the way, Mehitabel, it's lucky you came home +from your little jaunt in time for your birthday. I incidentally learned +that it will be here soon, and we're going to have a celebration that +will take the roof right off this house!"</p> + +<p>"All right, Cousin Jack; I'm ready for anything, now that I know I've +got a father and mother."</p> + +<p>"And a brother," supplemented King, "and <i>such</i> a brother!" He rolled +his eyes as if in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> ecstasy at the thought of his own perfections, and +Marjorie lovingly pinched his arm.</p> + +<p>"And a couple of sisters," added Cousin Ethel; "I like to speak up for +the absent."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and two dearest, darlingest cousins," said Marjorie, gleefully. +"Oh, I think I've got the loveliest bunch of people in the whole +world!"</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2> +<h3>A LETTER OF THANKS</h3> +</div> + +<p>"Mother," said Marjorie, the next day, "what is a bread-and-butter +letter?"</p> + +<p>"Why, dearie, that's a sort of a humorous term for a polite note of +acknowledgment, such as one writes to a hostess after making a visit."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's what I thought. So I'm going to write one to Mrs. Geary."</p> + +<p>"You may, if you like, my child; but, you know your father gave those +old people money for their care of you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know; but that's different. And I think they'd appreciate a +letter."</p> + +<p>"Very well, write one, if you like. Shall I help you?"</p> + +<p>"No, thank you. King and I are going to do it together."</p> + +<p>"What did you call it, Mops?" asked her brother, as she returned to the +library, where he sat, awaiting her.</p> + +<p>"A bread-and-butter letter; Mother says it's all right."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, but you had other things to eat besides bread and butter."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but that's just the name of it. Now, how would you begin it, King?"</p> + +<p>"'Dear Mrs. Geary,' of course."</p> + +<p>"Well, but I want it to be to him, too. He was real nice,—in his queer +way. And if he hadn't looked after me, where would I have been?"</p> + +<p>"That's so. Well, say, 'Dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary, both.'"</p> + +<p>So Marjorie began:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>"'Dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both:<br /> +"'This is a bread-and-butter letter—— '"</p> +</div> + +<p>"I tell you, Mops, they won't like it. They're not up in social doings, +and they won't understand that bread and butter means all the things. I +think you ought to put 'em all in."</p> + +<p>"Well, I will then. How's this?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>"'—and a turnip letter, and a boiled-beef letter, and a +baked-apple letter, and a soft-boiled egg letter.'"</p></div> + +<p>"That's better. It may not sound like the fashionable people write, but +it will please them. Now thank them for taking care of you." +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'I thank you a whole heap for being so good to me, and speaking +kindly to me in the railroad train, when I wasn't so very polite to +you.'"</p></div> + +<p>"Weren't you, Mops?"</p> + +<p>"No; I squeezed away from him, 'cause I thought he was rough and rude."</p> + +<p>"Well, you can't tell him that."</p> + +<p>"No; I'll say this:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'I wasn't very sociable, Sir, because I have been taught not to +talk to strangers, but, of course, those rules, when made, did not +know I would be obliged to run away.'"</p></div> + +<p>"You weren't <i>obliged</i> to, Midget."</p> + +<p>"Yes I was, King! I just simply <i>couldn't</i> stay here if I didn't belong, +could I? Could you?"</p> + +<p>"No, I s'pose not. I'd go off and go to work."</p> + +<p>"Well, isn't that what I did?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'But you were kind and good to me, Mr. Geary and Mrs. Geary Both, +and I am very much obliged. I guess I didn't work very well for +you, but I am out of practice, and I haven't much talent for +houseworking, anyway. <i>You</i> seem to have, dear Mrs. Geary.'</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's a sort of a compliment, King. Really, she isn't a very good +housekeeper."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right. It's like when people say you have musical +talent, and you know you play like the dickens."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do. Well, now I'll finish this, then we can go down to the +beach."</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'And so, dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both, I write to say I am much +obliged——'</p></div> + +<p>"Oh, my gracious, King, I ought to tell them how it happened. About my +mistake, you know, thinking Mother was talking in earnest."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't tell 'em all that, you'll <i>never</i> get it done. But I suppose +they are curious to know. Well, cut it short."</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'You see, dear Mr. and Mrs. Geary Both, I am not a findling, as I +supposed.'"</p></div> + +<p>"That's not findling, Midget,—you mean foundling."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so. And, anyway, they mean just the same,—I'm going to +leave it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"'I find I have quite a large family, with a nice father and +mother, some sisters and a brother. You saw my father. Also, I have +lovely cousins and four grand-parents and an uncle. So you see I am +well supplied with this world's goods. So now, good-by, dear Mr. +and Mrs. Geary Both, and with further thanks and obliges, I am,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p> + +<p style="text-align:right">"'Your friend,<br /> +"'<span class="smcap">Marjorie Maynard</span>. +</p> + +<p>"'P.S. The Jessica Brown was a made-up name.'</p></div> + +<p>"Do you think that's all right, King?"</p> + +<p>"Yep, it's fine! Seal her up, and write the address and leave it on the +hall table, and come on."</p> + +<p>And so the "bread-and-butter" letter went to Mr. and Mrs. Geary both, +and was kept and treasured by them as one of their choicest possessions.</p> + +<p>"I knew she was a little lady by the way she pretended not to notice our +poor things," said old Zeb.</p> + +<p>"I knew by her petticoats," said his wife.</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>And so the episode of Marjorie's runaway passed into history. Mrs. +Maynard, at first, wanted to give up her part in the play of "The +Stepmother," but she was urged by all to retain it, and so she did. As +Mr. Maynard said, it was the merest coincidence that Marjorie overheard +the words without knowing why they were spoken,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> and there was no +possibility of such a thing ever happening again. So Mrs. Maynard kept +her part in the pretty little comedy, but she never repeated those +sentences that had so appalled poor Marjorie, without a thrill of sorrow +for the child and a thrill of gladness for her quick and safe +restoration to them.</p> + +<p>And the days hurried on, bringing Marjorie's birthday nearer and nearer.</p> + +<p>On the fifteenth of July she would be thirteen years old.</p> + +<p>"You see," said Cousin Jack, who was, as usual, Director General of the +celebration, "you see, Mehitabel, thirteen is said to be an unlucky +number."</p> + +<p>"And must I be unlucky all the year?" asked Marjorie, in dismay.</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, my child. We will eradicate the unluck from the +number,—we will cut the claws of the tiger,—and draw the fangs of the +serpent. In other words, we shall so override and overrule that foolish +superstition about thirteen being unlucky that we shall prove the +contrary."</p> + +<p>"Hooray for you, Cousin Jack! I'm lucky to have you around for this +particular birthday, I think."</p> + +<p>"You're always lucky, Mehitabel, and you always will be. You see, this +business they call<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> Luck is largely a matter of our own will-power and +determination. Now, I propose to consider thirteen a lucky number, and +before your birthday is over, you'll agree with me, I know."</p> + +<p>"I 'spect I shall, Cousin Jack. And I'm much obliged to you."</p> + +<p>"That's right, Mehitabel. Always be grateful to your elders. They do a +lot for you."</p> + +<p>"You needn't laugh, Cousin Jack. You're awful good to me."</p> + +<p>"Good to myself, you mean. Not having any olive-branches of my own, I +have to play with my neighbors'. As I understand it, Mehitabel, you're +to have a party on this birthday of yours."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir-ee, sir! Mother says I can invite as many as I like. You know +there are lots of girls and boys down here that I know, but I don't know +them as well as I do the Craigs and Hester. But at a party, I'll ask +them all."</p> + +<p>"All right. Now, this is going to be a Good-Luck Party, to counteract +that foolish thirteen notion. You don't need to know all about the +details. Your mother and I will plan it all, and you can just be the +lucky little hostess."</p> + +<p>So Marjorie was not admitted to the long confabs between her mother and +Cousin Jack. She didn't mind, for she knew perfectly well that +delightful plans were being made for the party, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> they would all be +carried out. But there was much speculation in Sand Court as to what the +fun would be.</p> + +<p>"I know it will be lovely," said Hester, with a sigh. "You are the +luckiest girl I ever saw, Marjorie. You always have all the good times."</p> + +<p>"Why, Hester, don't you have good times, too?"</p> + +<p>"Not like you do. Your mother and father, and those Bryants just do +things for you all the time. I don't think it's fair!"</p> + +<p>"Well, your mother does things for you,—all mothers do," said Tom +Craig.</p> + +<p>"Not as much as Marjorie's. My mother said so. She said she never saw +anything like the way Marjorie Maynard is petted. And it makes her stuck +up and spoiled!"</p> + +<p>"Did your mother say my sister was stuck-up and spoiled?" demanded King, +flaring up instantly.</p> + +<p>"Well,—she didn't say just that,—but she is, all the same!" And Hester +scowled crossly at Midget.</p> + +<p>"Why, Hester Corey, I am not!" declared Marjorie. "What do I do that's +stuck-up?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you think yourself so smart,—and you always want to boss +everything."</p> + +<p>"Maybe I am too bossy," said Marjorie, rue<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>fully, for she knew that she +loved to choose and direct their games.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you are! and I'm not going to stand it!"</p> + +<p>"All right, Hester Corey, you can get out of this club, then," said Tom, +glaring at her angrily; "Marjorie Maynard is Queen, anyway, and if she +hasn't got a right to boss, who has?"</p> + +<p>"Well, she's been Queen long enough. Somebody else ought to have a +chance."</p> + +<p>"Huh!" spoke up Dick; "a nice queen you'd make, wouldn't you? I s'pose +that's what you want! You're a bad girl, Hester Corey!"</p> + +<p>"I am not, neither!"</p> + +<p>"You are, too!"</p> + +<p>"Jiminy Crickets!" exclaimed King; "can't this Club get along without +scrapping? If not, the Club'd better break up. I'm ashamed of you, Dick, +to hear you talk like that!"</p> + +<p>"Hester began it," said Dick, sullenly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; blame it all on Hester!" cried that angry maiden, herself; +"blame everything on Hester, and nothing on Marjorie. Dear, sweet, angel +Marjorie!"</p> + +<p>"Now, Hester Corey, you stop talking about my sister like that, or I'll +get mad," stormed King. "She's Queen of this Club, and she's got a right +to boss. And you needn't get mad about it, either."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You can be Queen, if you want to, Hester," said Midget, slowly. "I +guess I am a pig to be Queen all the time."</p> + +<p>"No, you're not!" shouted Tom. "If Hester's Queen, I resign myself from +this Club! So there, now!"</p> + +<p>"Go on, and resign!" said Hester; "nobody cares. I'm going to be Queen, +Marjorie said I could. Give me your crown, Marjorie."</p> + +<p>Midget didn't want to give up her crown a bit, but she had a strong +sense of justice, and it did seem that Hester ought to have her turn at +being Queen. So she began to lift the crown from her head, when King +interposed:</p> + +<p>"Don't you do it, Midget! We can't change Queens in a minute, like that! +If we <i>do</i> change, it's got to be by election and nomination and things +like that."</p> + +<p>"It isn't!" screamed Hester; "I won't have it so! I'm going to be +Queen!"</p> + +<p>She fairly snatched the crown from Marjorie's head, and whisked it onto +her own head.</p> + +<p>As it had been made to fit Midget's thick mop of curls, it was too big +for Hester, and came down over her ears, and well over her eyes.</p> + +<p>"Ho! ho!" jeered Dick; "a nice Queen you look! Ho! ho!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> + +<p>But by this time Hester was in one of her regular tantrums.</p> + +<p>"I <i>will</i> be Queen!" she shrieked; "I will, I tell you!"</p> + +<p>"Come on, Mops, let's go home," said King, quietly.</p> + +<p>The Maynard children were unaccustomed to outbursts of temper, and King +didn't know exactly what to say to the little termagant.</p> + +<p>"All right, we'll go home, too," said Tom; "come on, boys!"</p> + +<p>They all started off, leaving Hester in solitary possession of Sand +Court.</p> + +<p>The child, when in one of her rages, had an ungovernable temper, and, +left alone, she vented it by smashing everything she could. She upset +the throne, tore down the decorations, and flew around like a wildcat.</p> + +<p>Marjorie, who had turned to look at her, said:</p> + +<p>"You go on, King; I'm going back to speak to Hester."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid she'll hurt you," objected King.</p> + +<p>"No, she won't; I'll be kind to her."</p> + +<p>"All right, Midge; a soft answer turneth away rats, but I don't know +about wildcats!"</p> + +<p>"Well, you go on." And Marjorie turned, and went back to Sand Court.</p> + +<p>"Say, Hester," she began a little timidly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Go away from here, Stuck-up! Spoiled child! I don't want to see you!"</p> + +<p>As a matter of fact, Hester presented a funny sight. She was a plain +child, and her shock of red hair was straight and untractable. Her +scowling face was flushed with anger, and the gold paper crown was +pushed down over one ear in ridiculous fashion.</p> + +<p>Marjorie couldn't help laughing, which, naturally, only irritated Hester +the more.</p> + +<p>"Yes, giggle!" she cried; "old Smarty-Cat! old Proudy!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Hester, don't!" said Midget, bursting into tears. "How can you be +so cross to me? I don't mean to be stuck-up and proud, and I don't think +I am. You can be Queen if you want to, and we'll have the election thing +all right. Please don't be so mean to me!"</p> + +<p>"Can I be Queen?" demanded Hester, a little mollified; "can I, really?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, if the boys agree. They have as much say as I do."</p> + +<p>"They don't either! You have all the say! You always do! Now, promise +you'll make the boys let me be Queen, or,—or I won't play!"</p> + +<p>Hester ended her threat rather lamely, as she couldn't think of any dire +punishment which she felt sure she could carry out.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I promise," said Marjorie, who really felt it was just that Hester +should be Queen for a time.</p> + +<p>"All right, then," and Hester's stormy face cleared a little. "See that +you keep your promise."</p> + +<p>"I always keep my promises," said Marjorie, with dignity; "and I'll tell +you what I think of <i>you</i>, Hester Corey! I think you ought to be +Queen,—it <i>isn't</i> fair for me to be it all the time. But I think you +might have asked me in a nicer way, and not call names, and smash things +all about! There, that's what I think!" and Marjorie glared at her in +righteous indignation.</p> + +<p>"Maybe I ought," said Hester, suddenly becoming humble, as is the way of +hot-tempered people after gaining their point. "I've got an awful +temper, Marjorie, but I can't help it!"</p> + +<p>"You <i>can</i> help it, Hester; you don't try."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's all very well for you to talk! You never have anything to +bother you! Nothing goes wrong, and everybody spoils you! Why should +<i>you</i> have a bad temper?"</p> + +<p>"Now, Hester, don't be silly! You have just as good a home and just as +kind friends as I have."</p> + +<p>"No, I haven't! Nobody likes me. And everybody likes you. Why, the Craig +boys think you're made of gold!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> + +<p>Marjorie laughed. "Well, Hester, it's <i>your</i> own fault if they don't +think you are, too. But how can they, when you fly into these rages and +tear everything to pieces?"</p> + +<p>"Well, they make me so mad, I have to! Now, I'm going home, and I'm +going to stay there till you do as you promised, and get the boys to let +me be Queen."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll try——" began Marjorie, but Hester had flung the torn gilt +crown on the ground, and stalked away toward home. Midget picked up the +crown and tried to straighten it out, but it was battered past repair.</p> + +<p>"I'll make a new one," she thought, "and I'll try to make the boys agree +to having Hester for Queen. But I don't believe Tom will. I know it's +selfish for me to be Queen all the time, and I don't want to be +selfish."</p> + +<p>Seeing Hester go away, Tom came back, and reached Sand Court just as +Midget was about to leave.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Queen Sandy!" he called out; "wait a minute. I saw that spitfire +going away, so I came back. Now, look here, Mopsy Maynard, don't you let +that old crosspatch be Queen!"</p> + +<p>"I can't, unless we all elect her," returned Midget, smiling at Tom; +"but I wish you would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> agree to do that. It isn't fair, Tom, for me to +be Queen all the time."</p> + +<p>"Why isn't it? It's your Club! You got it up, and Hester came and poked +herself in where she wasn't wanted."</p> + +<p>"Well, we took her in, and now we ought to be kind to her."</p> + +<p>"Kind to such an old Meany as she is!"</p> + +<p>"Don't call her names, Tom. I don't believe she can help flying into a +temper, and then, when she gets mad, she doesn't care what she says."</p> + +<p>"I should think she didn't! Well, make her Queen if you want to, but if +you do, you can get somebody else to take my place."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Tom, don't act like that," and Marjorie looked at him, with +pleading eyes.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I <i>will act</i> like that! Just exactly like that! I won't belong to +any Court that Hester Corey is queen of!"</p> + +<p>Marjorie sighed. What <i>could</i> she do with this intractable boy? And, she +almost knew that King would feel the same way. Perhaps, if she could win +Tom over to her way of thinking, King might be more easily influenced.</p> + +<p>"Tom," she began, "don't you like me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do. You're the squarest girl I ever knew."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then, don't you think you might do this much for me?"</p> + +<p>"What much?"</p> + +<p>"Why, just let Hester be Queen for a while."</p> + +<p>"No, I don't. That wouldn't be any favor to you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it would. If I ask you, and you refuse, I'll think you're real +unkind. And yet you say you like me!"</p> + +<p>Marjorie had struck a right chord in the boy's heart. He didn't want +Hester for Queen, but still less did he want to refuse Midget her +earnest request.</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw!" he said, digging his toe in the sand; "if you put it that +way, I'll <i>have</i> to say yes. Don't put it that way, Midget."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I <i>will</i> put it that way! And if you're my friend, you'll say yes, +yourself, and then you'll help me to make the other boys say yes. Will +you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I s'pose so," said Tom, looking a little dubious.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2> +<h3>THIRTEEN!</h3> +</div> + +<p>Marjorie's thirteenth birthday dawned bright and clear.</p> + +<p>Her opening eyes rested on some strange thing sticking up at the foot of +her bed, but a fully-awakened glance proved it to be a big No. 13, +painted on a square of white pasteboard, and decorated with painted +four-leaved clovers.</p> + +<p>The motto "Good Luck" was traced in ornamental letters, and the whole +was in a narrow wood frame.</p> + +<p>"That's my birthday greeting from Cousin Jack and Cousin Ethel!" +Marjorie said to herself; "I recognize her lovely painting, and it's +just like them, anyway. I'll hang that on my bedroom wall, till I'm as +old as Methusaleh."</p> + +<p>"Happy Birthday, darling!" said her mother, coming in, and sitting on +the side of the bed; "many happy returns of the day."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dearie Mother! I'm so glad I've got you! and I'm <i>so</i> glad you're +really my very own mother! Give me thirteen kisses, please, ma'am!"</p> + +<p>"Merry Birthday, Midget!" called her father,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> through the crack of the +door. "You two had better stop that love-feast and get down to +breakfast!"</p> + +<p>So Marjorie sprang up, and made haste with her bathing and dressing, so +that in less than half an hour she was dancing downstairs to begin her +Lucky Birthday. Her presents were heaped round her plate, and the +parcels were so enticing in appearance, that she could scarcely eat for +impatience.</p> + +<p>"Breakfast first," decreed her father, "or I fear you'll become so +excited you'll never eat at all."</p> + +<p>So Marjorie contented herself with pinching and punching the bundles, +while she ate peaches and cream and cereal.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what <i>is</i> in this squnchy one?" she cried, feeling of a loosely +done-up parcel. "It smells so sweet, and it crackles like silk!"</p> + +<p>"Kitty sent that," answered her mother, smiling, "and she wrote me that +she made it herself."</p> + +<p>But at last the cereal-saucer was empty, and the ribbons could be +untied.</p> + +<p>Kitty's gift proved to be a lovely bag, of pink and blue Dresden silk.</p> + +<p>"What's it for?" asked King, not much impressed with its desirability.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, for anything!" cried Marjorie. "Handkerchiefs,—or +hair-ribbons,—or,—or just to hang up and look pretty."</p> + +<p>"Pretty foolish," opined King, but he greeted with joy the opening of +the next bundle.</p> + +<p>"Jumping Hornets!" he exclaimed; "isn't that a beauty! <i>Just</i> what I +wanted!"</p> + +<p>"Whose birthday is this, anyhow?" laughed Marjorie, as she carefully +unrolled the tissue-paper packing from a fine microscope. Uncle Steve +had sent it, and it was both valuable and practical, and a thing the +children had long wished for.</p> + +<p>"Well, you'll let a fellow take a peep once in a while, won't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, if you'll be goody-boy," said Midget, patronizingly.</p> + +<p>Grandma Sherwood's gift was a cover for a sofa-pillow, of rich Oriental +fabric, embroidered in gold thread.</p> + +<p>"Just the thing for my couch, at home," said Midget, greatly pleased.</p> + +<p>"Just the thing to pitch at you, after it gets stuffed," commented King. +"Go on, Mops, open the big one."</p> + +<p>The big one proved to be a case, from Mother and Father, containing a +complete set of brushes and toilet articles for Marjorie's +dressing-table.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> They were plain shapes, of ivory, with her monogram on +each in dark blue.</p> + +<p>"Gorgeous!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands. "Just what I longed +for,—and so much nicer than silver, 'cause that has to be cleaned every +minute. Oh, Mothery, they are lovely, and Fathery, too. Consider +yourselves kissed thirteen hundred times! Oh, what's this?"</p> + +<p>"That's my present," said King. "Open it carefully, Mops."</p> + +<p>She did so, and revealed a pincushion, but a pincushion so befrilled and +belaced and beflowered one could scarce tell what it was.</p> + +<p>"I picked it out myself," said King, with obvious pride in his +selection. "I know how you girls love flummadiddles, and I took the very +flummadiddlyest the old lady had. Like it, Mops?"</p> + +<p>"Like it! I <i>love</i> it! I adore it! And it will go fine with this beauty +ivory set."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you'll have a Louis Umpsteenth boudoir, when you get back to +Rockwell."</p> + +<p>"I shan't use it down here," said Marjorie, fingering the pretty trifle, +"for the sea air spoils such things. But when I get home I'll fix my +room all up gay,—may I, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"I 'spect so. It's time you had a new wallpaper, anyway, and we'll get +one with little pink rosebuds to match King's pincushion."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Bryants' gift came next.</p> + +<p>It was in a small jeweller's box, and was a slender gold neck chain and +pendant, representing a four-leafed clover in green enamel on gold, on +one petal of which were the figures thirteen in tiny diamonds.</p> + +<p>"Oh, ho! Diamonds!" cried King. "You're altogether too young to wear +diamonds, Mops. Better give it to me for a watch fob."</p> + +<p>"I'm not, am I, Father?" said Marjorie, turning troubled eyes to her +father.</p> + +<p>"No, Midget. Not those little chips of stones. A baby could wear those. +And by the way, where is Baby's gift?"</p> + +<p>"My p'esent!" cried Rosy Posy, who had sat until now silent, in +admiration of the unfolding wonders. "My p'esent, Middy! It's a +palumasol!"</p> + +<p>"Then it's this long bundle," said Marjorie, and she unwrapped a +beautiful little parasol of embroidered white linen.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Rosy Posyeums!" she cried. "This is <i>too booful</i>! I never saw such +a pretty one!"</p> + +<p>"Me buyed it! Me and Muvver! Oh, it's <i>too</i> booful!" and the baby kicked +her fat, bare legs in glee at her own gift.</p> + +<p>Grandma and Grandpa Maynard sent a silver frame, containing their +photographs, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> Grandma sent also a piece of fine lace, which was to +be laid away until Marjorie was old enough to put it to use. It was her +custom to send such a piece each year, and Marjorie's collection was +already a valuable one.</p> + +<p>There were many small gifts and cards from friends in Rockwell, and from +some of the Seacote children, and when all were opened, Midget begged +King to help her take them to the living-room, where they might be +displayed on a table.</p> + +<p>And then the Bryants arrived, and the house rang with their greetings +and congratulations.</p> + +<p>"Unlucky Midget!" cried Cousin Jack. "Poor little unlucky Mopsy Midget +Mehitabel! Oh, what a sad fate to be thirteen years old, and to be so +loaded down with birthday gifts that you don't know where you're at!</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Mopsy Midget Mehitabel May<br /> +Has come to a most unlucky day!<br /> +Nothing will happen but feasting and fun,<br /> +And gifts,—pretty nearly a hundred and one!<br /> +Jolly good times, and jolly good wishes,<br /> +A jolly good party with jolly good dishes.<br /> +Every one happy and everything bright,<br /> +Good Luck is here—and bad Luck out of sight.<br /> +'Tis the luckiest day that ever was seen,<br /> +For Marjorie Maynard is just thirteen!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Oh, Cousin Jack, what a beautiful birthday poem! I'm sure there +<i>couldn't</i> be a luckier little girl than I! I've got everything!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And we've got <i>you</i>!" cried her father, catching her in his arms with a +heart full of gratitude that she was safe at home with them.</p> + +<hr class="minor" /> + +<p>The party was to begin at four o'clock, and the guests were invited to +stay until seven. In good season Marjorie was dressed, and down on the +veranda ready to receive her little friends.</p> + +<p>She wore a pretty, thin white frock, with delicate embroidery, and the +pendant that had been her birthday gift.</p> + +<p>The family were all assembled when she came down, and though it would be +half an hour before they could expect the guests, they all seemed filled +with eager anticipation.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" asked Midget, looking from one smiling face to +another.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, nothing!" said King, trying to look unconcerned.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, nothing," said Cousin Jack, pulling a wry face.</p> + +<p>But Mrs. Maynard said, "There's another birthday surprise for you, +Marjorie dear. It has just come, and it's in the living-room. Go and +hunt for it."</p> + +<p>Marjorie danced into the house, and they all followed. She began looking +about for some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> small object, peering into vases and under books, till +her father said:</p> + +<p>"Look for something larger, Midget; something quite large."</p> + +<p>"And be careful of your frock," warned her mother, for Midget was down +on her hands and knees, looking under the big divan.</p> + +<p>"Keep on your feet!" advised King. "And look everywhere."</p> + +<p>"Pooh! If I keep on my feet, I can't find anything big!" exclaimed +Midget. "Where could it be hidden?"</p> + +<p>"That's for you to find out!" returned King.</p> + +<p>"I'll give you a hint," said Cousin Jack. "Turn, Mehitabel, turn."</p> + +<p>Marjorie turned slowly round and round, but that didn't help her any.</p> + +<p>"Turn, turn, turn, turn," Cousin Jack kept saying in a monotone, and +suddenly it flashed on Marjorie that he meant for her to turn something +else beside herself.</p> + +<p>She turned the key of a bookshelf door, and opened it, but found nothing +but books.</p> + +<p>"Turn, turn, turn, turn," droned Cousin Jack.</p> + +<p>"Oh," thought Marjorie, "the closet!" and flying to the door of a large +closet in the room, she turned the knob, the door flew open, and there +she saw,—Uncle Steve and Kitty!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, Kit!" she cried, and in a moment the two girls were so tangled up +that detriment to their party frocks seemed inevitable.</p> + +<p>But they were persuaded to separate before too much damage was done, and +then Marjorie turned to greet Uncle Steve.</p> + +<p>"I daren't rumple your fine feathers," he said, standing 'way off, and +extending his fingertips to her. "But I'm <i>terrible</i> glad to see you, +and to find that you've grown up as good as you are beautiful."</p> + +<p>This made Marjorie laugh, for she didn't think she was either.</p> + +<p>"How <i>did</i> you happen to come?" she cried, for she couldn't realize that +Kitty was really there.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it was just a stroke of good luck," said Cousin Jack. "You know +to-day is your lucky day."</p> + +<p>"'Deed it is!" declared Marjorie. "Come on, Kit, let's go and sit in the +swing till the people come to the party."</p> + +<p>The sisters had time for a short, merry chat, and then the guests began +to arrive. There were about twenty-five boys and girls, and with the +grown-ups this made quite a party.</p> + +<p>It was fun, indeed, to have both Cousin Jack and Uncle Steve present, +for these two men just devoted themselves to the cause, and made so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> +much fun and merriment that they seemed like big children themselves.</p> + +<p>They gave a burlesque wrestling match on the lawn that sent the young +people off into peals of laughter. They made up funny dialogue, and were +always playing good-natured tricks on some of the children. Then Cousin +Jack said:</p> + +<p>"Now we will play the Good Luck game. Into the hall, all of you!"</p> + +<p>The children scampered into the hall, and on the wall they saw a large +placard which read:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td>"Pins</td><td align="right">one</td></tr> +<tr><td>Hairpins</td><td align="right">two</td></tr> +<tr><td>Four-leafed clovers</td><td align="right">five</td></tr> +<tr><td>Horse-shoes</td><td align="right">ten</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pennies</td><td align="right">fifteen</td></tr> +<tr><td>Black cats</td><td align="right">twenty-five."</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>Each guest was given a small fancy basket, with ribbons tied to the +handle. Then they were instructed to hunt all the rooms on the lower +floor, the veranda, and the nearby lawns, and gather into their baskets +such of the above mentioned articles as they could find. A prize would +be given to the one who had the most valuable collection, according to +the values given on the placard.</p> + +<p>At the word "go!" they scuttled away, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> hunted eagerly, now and then +stooping to pick up a pin from the floor, or reaching up to get a +horseshoe from the mantelpiece. The rooms had been literally sown with +the small objects; the clovers and horseshoes being cut from pasteboard +and painted, and the black cats being tiny china, wooden, or bronze +affairs.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack must have had an immense store of these findings, for the +baskets filled rapidly, and yet there seemed always more to be found.</p> + +<p>"How are you getting along, Hester?" asked Marjorie as she met her.</p> + +<p>"Can't find any hardly. I never have any luck! I s'pose you have a +basket full!"</p> + +<p>"Nearly," said Marjorie, laughing at Hester's ill-nature in the midst of +the others' merriment.</p> + +<p>"Say, Hester, I'll tell you what! I'll change baskets with you. Want +to?"</p> + +<p>"Will you?" and Hester's eyes sparkled. "Oh, Marjorie, will you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will, on condition that you'll be nice and pleasant, and not go +around looking as cross as a magpie!"</p> + +<p>"All right, give me your basket," and Hester put on a very bright smile +in anticipation of winning the game.</p> + +<p>"What did you do that for?" asked Kitty, who saw the transfer of +baskets.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, because. Never mind now, Kit, I'll tell you to-morrow," and Midget +danced away with Hester's almost empty basket hanging from her arm.</p> + +<p>She picked up a few more things here and there, and then Cousin Jack +rang a bell to announce that the game was over. The baskets, each having +its owner's name on a card tied to it, were all put on the hall table, +and Mrs. Maynard and Cousin Ethel appraised the contents, while the +children went to another game.</p> + +<p>This time Uncle Steve conducted affairs. Several tables in the +living-room were surrounded by the players, and each was given a paper +and pencil.</p> + +<p>"I see," Uncle Steve began, "that this is a Good Luck party. So each of +you write the words 'good luck' at the top of your paper. Have you done +so? Good! Now, I hope you will all of you have all good luck always, but +if you can't get it all, get part. So try your hand at it by making +words of four letters out of those two words you have written. Use each +letter only once,—unless it is repeated, like <i>o</i> in 'good.' However, +that's the only one that <i>is</i> a repeater, so use the others only once in +any word you make. The words must be each of four letters,—no more and +no less. And they must all be good, common,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> well-known English words. +Now go ahead, and the best list takes a prize."</p> + +<p>How the children scribbled! How they nibbled their pencils and thought! +How they whispered to each other to ask if such a word was right!</p> + +<p>Marjorie was quick at puzzles, but she didn't think it would be polite +to take the prize at her own party, so she didn't hand in her list. +Neither did Kitty nor King. So when the lists were handed in, Uncle +Steve rapidly looked them over.</p> + +<p>"The longest list," he announced, "contains ten words."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear!" sighed Hester. "Isn't that just my bad luck! I had nine."</p> + +<p>"So did I," said several others, but it was Tom Craig's list that had +ten, so he received the prize. His list, as Uncle Steve read it out, +was: Cook, loud, duck, cool, cold, lock, look, dock, clod, gold. The +prize was a box of candy made in the shape of a four-leafed clover, so +it was really four boxes.</p> + +<p>Tom generously offered to pass the sweets around at once, but Uncle +Steve advised him not to, as supper would be served pretty soon.</p> + +<p>The children all liked the game, and clamored for a repetition of it, +but Cousin Jack said it was his turn for a game now, and if they'd all +stay at the tables, he'd give it to them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p> + +<p>"This is my own game," he said, "because it is called jackstraws, and my +name is Jack. I am not a man of straw, however, as you'd soon find if +you tried to knock me over! The game is almost like ordinary jackstraws, +but with slight additions."</p> + +<p>Then there were passed around bunches of jackstraws for each table. They +were just like ordinary jackstraws, except they were of different +colors, and a little card told how to count. White ones were one; red +ones, two; blue ones, five; silver ones, ten; and gold ones, twenty. +Then one marked Good Luck counted fifteen, and another, marked +<i>thirteen</i>, counted twenty-five. This proved that thirteen was <i>not</i> an +unlucky number!</p> + +<p>It's always fun to play jackstraws, and the children went at it with a +zest. Midget, at the next table, was not surprised to hear Hester +complaining, "Oh, you joggled me! That isn't fair! I ought to have +another turn! I <i>never</i> have any luck!" Marjorie smiled across at her, +and, seeming to remember the condition of the basket exchange, Hester +tried to smile, and succeeded fairly well.</p> + +<p>Milly Fosdick won that prize, and they all laughed when it turned out to +be a straw hat of Indian make. It was of gay pattern basket work, and +adorned with beads and feathers. Milly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> was delighted with it, and said +she should always keep it as a souvenir.</p> + +<p>By that time the ladies had completed their task, and the prize for the +Good Luck hunt fell to Hester Corey. This was the prettiest prize of +all, being a beautifully illustrated copy of Grimms' "Fairy Tales," and +Hester was enchanted with it. She took it eagerly, and never seemed to +think for a moment that perhaps it wasn't quite fairly won; nor did she +thank Marjorie for the assistance she gave.</p> + +<p>Then they all went out to supper. And such a supper as it was! The table +was decorated with green four-leafed clovers, and gilt horseshoes, and +black cats, and yellow new moons. And every one had a little rabbit's +foot, mounted like a charm, for a souvenir; and also a bright lucky +penny of that very year.</p> + +<p>And the sandwiches were cut like clovers, and the cakes like new moons, +and the ice-cream was shaped like horseshoes, and everybody wished +everybody else good luck all through Marjorie's thirteenth year. And +when the young guests went away they all sang:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"Good luck, ladies; good luck, ladies;<br /> +Good luck, ladies;<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">We're going to leave you now."</span><br /> +</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2> +<h3>QUEEN HESTER</h3> +</div> + +<p>"Kit's my bestest birthday present," declared Marjorie, as they sat +together in the veranda swing the morning after the party.</p> + +<p>Kitty pulled her sister's curls in absent-minded affection, and +remarked, thoughtfully:</p> + +<p>"Mopsy, I don't seem to care much for that red-headed Hester girl."</p> + +<p>"She's a queer thing," Marjorie returned, "but I sort of like her, too. +You see, Kit, she has a fearful temper, and she can't help being +spiteful."</p> + +<p>"Oh, fiddlesticks, Mops! Anybody can help being spiteful if they want +to."</p> + +<p>"No, she can't, Kit. She flies into a rage over nothing. And then she's +sorry afterward."</p> + +<p>"Will she be at the Sand Court thing, or whatever you call it, to-day?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, all the club will be there. Come on, let's go."</p> + +<p>The sisters ran down to Sand Court and found King and the Craig boys +already there.</p> + +<p>"Old Crosspatch hasn't come yet," observed Dick, after they had all said +"Hello!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Dick," said Midget, "I wish you wouldn't call our Sand Witch such +unkind names."</p> + +<p>"Well, she <i>is</i> a crosspatch."</p> + +<p>"Well, never mind if she is. Don't let's call names, anyway."</p> + +<p>And then Hester arrived. It was easily seen she was prepared for a fray. +She was not smiling, and she said "Hello" with a very sour expression of +face. Then she turned to Midget.</p> + +<p>"Did you make me a new crown?" she said. "Are you going to let me be +Queen?"</p> + +<p>"We have to vote about that," returned Marjorie, "and I do hope, my +courtiers, that we won't have any squabbling before our royal visitor, +Miss Princess Sand,—Sand—well, San Diego is the only name I can think +of for Kit!"</p> + +<p>"Hail, Princess Sandeago!" cried Tom, and all the courtiers ducked +almost to the ground in low bows.</p> + +<p>"Now," went on Marjorie, "our first business this morning is the +election of a new Queen."</p> + +<p>"Queens aren't elected," growled Tom, "they,—they,—what <i>do</i> they do? +Oh, they succeed!"</p> + +<p>"That's exactly what they do!" cried Midget. "And <i>I'm</i> going to +succeed! I mean I'm going to succeed in my plan of having Hester succeed +me! I asked Father about elections, and he said people could be +instructed to vote a certain way. So I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> hereby instruct you all, my +beloved courtiers, to vote for a new Queen. The same to be our beloved +Sand Witch."</p> + +<p>"Beloved grandmother!" exclaimed Tom, irrepressibly.</p> + +<p>"No, my Grand Sandjandrum," went on Midget, looking sternly at him, "she +isn't your grandmother, but she's to be your new sovereign, so you may +as well make up your mind to it."</p> + +<p>As Hester began to think Midget was going to make the change, whether +the boys wanted to or not, she suddenly became very light-hearted and +smiled at everybody.</p> + +<p>"I'll be a good Queen," she said, ingratiatingly, "and I'll do whatever +you want me to."</p> + +<p>And then King waked up to the fact that since Midget desired this +change, and since it might have the effect of keeping Hester pleasant +and good-natured, perhaps it was a good plan after all. So he said:</p> + +<p>"All right; I'll vote as Queen Sandy instructs."</p> + +<p>Tom looked at him in surprise, and then, remembering he had practically +promised to do as Marjorie asked, he said:</p> + +<p>"Well, I will too. But only on condition that the new Queen promises to +be pleasant and nice all the time."</p> + +<p>"I will," declared Hester, earnestly, her face<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> fairly radiant now at +the thought of wearing the crown.</p> + +<p>"You ought to take an oath of office and say so," advised Kitty, who was +critically watching the proceedings.</p> + +<p>"What's that mean?" demanded Hester.</p> + +<p>"Why, swear that you won't lose your temper."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wouldn't <i>swear</i>!" cried Hester, in dismay.</p> + +<p>"Kit doesn't mean bad swearing," explained King. "She means official +swearing, or something like that. All Queens do it, and juries, and +presidents, and everything. It's only promising or vowing."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll promise or vow," agreed Hester, "but I won't swear."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Marjorie. "You must hold up both hands, and say 'I +promise or vow to be a good Queen and not get mad at my courtiers.' Say +it now."</p> + +<p>So Hester raised both hands as high as she could and repeated Marjorie's +words.</p> + +<p>"Now you've taken your oath of office, and you're queen," said Kitty, +who was unconsciously taking charge of affairs. "Where's the crown, +Mops?"</p> + +<p>"The new Queen tore it up the other day," said Midget, demurely.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then she must make a new one," commanded Kitty. "Never mind; for to-day +this will do."</p> + +<p>The Princess San Diego hastily twisted some vines into a wreath, and +laid it gently on the brilliant locks of the new Queen.</p> + +<p>"I crown you Queen Sandy!" she said, dramatically.</p> + +<p>"It's all right, Kit," said King, looking quizzical, "but just how do +you happen to be running this court?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I might as well," returned Kitty carelessly. "I don't think the +rest of you are very good at it."</p> + +<p>"That's so," admitted Tom. "I guess we do squabble a lot."</p> + +<p>"It isn't only that," said Kitty, "but you don't have much order and +ceremony."</p> + +<p>"I've noticed that," put in Dick. "We just talk every-day sort of talk. +I think we ought to be grander."</p> + +<p>"So do I," agreed Kitty. "Here, Hester, give me that crown; I'll be +Queen for to-day, and show you how."</p> + +<p>There was nothing bumptious or even dictatorial in Kitty's manner; she +merely wanted to show them how a Queen ought to act. So she put the vine +wreath on her own head, and breaking a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> branch from a tall shrub nearby +for a sceptre, she seated herself on the dilapidated throne.</p> + +<p>"I pray you sit," she said, condescendingly, to her court. "Ha! where is +my page?"</p> + +<p>"There is no page, O Queen," said the Grand Sandjandrum, looking +mortified.</p> + +<p>"Thus I create one!" announced Kitty, calmly. "Sand Crab, kneel before +me!"</p> + +<p>Harry sprang forward to obey, and kneeled at Kitty's feet.</p> + +<p>"Thus I anoint thee page!" declared the Queen, dramatically tapping him +three times on his shoulder. "Rise, Sir Page, and attend upon me!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, ma'am! What shall I do?" asked the new page, greatly flustered.</p> + +<p>"Stand thou here at my right hand. It may be I might have an errand or +two now and then."</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, O Queen!" declaimed Dick, who was catching the spirit of +Kitty's rule.</p> + +<p>"Well spoke, fair sir. Stand thou there, I prithee. And now, Courtiers, +is there any business to be discussed?"</p> + +<p>"Nay, O Queen," said Tom, "we but wait thy pleasure."</p> + +<p>"Then my pleasure is now to install the new Queen. And, prithee, my +courtiers, when that the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> new Queen is enthroned, then does the receding +Queen become the Sand Witch?"</p> + +<p>"Yea, O fair Queen," said Marjorie, coming up with mincing steps and +bowing before Kitty. "From now on I am the Sand Witch of this court, and +I humbly beg thy favor."</p> + +<p>"Favor be thine!" announced the temporary Queen. "And now, O my +courtiers, lead to me Queen Hester Sandy, Queen of Sand Court!"</p> + +<p>Reconciled at last to this state of things, King and Tom sprang to +escort Hester. Dick and Harry marched gravely behind, while Midget +stalked along ahead, and thus quite an imposing procession approached +Queen Kitty and ranged themselves before her.</p> + +<p>"O Queen," Kitty began, "you have already taken oath of office, O Queen! +So now naught remains but to take the seat of royalty, the honored +throne of Sand Court, O Queen!"</p> + +<p>And then Hester scored her success. She stepped up on the sand mound +that was the throne, and bowed her head while Kitty transferred the vine +wreath that represented the crown. Then Hester drew herself up +majestically, waved her sceptre, and declaimed:</p> + +<p>"I, the Queen of Sand Court, accept this honor that is thus thrust upon +me!"</p> + +<p>There were some astonished faces among the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> courtiers at this speech, +but nobody interrupted.</p> + +<p>"I, Queen Sandy, promise to be a good Queen to my beloved courtiers, and +never to lose my temper or speak cross, but to emulate the sweet and +sunlighty disposition of our departing and beloved Queen, who is now a +Sand Witch. Wherefore, my courtiers, I beseech your fealty and faith, +and I present my compliments, and the compliments of this court to our +visitor, the Princess San Diego. This lovely lady has been a great help, +and we now salute her. I bid thee all salute!"</p> + +<p>They all saluted by bowing low to Kitty; indeed, the page bowed so low +that he tumbled over, but soon scrambled up again.</p> + +<p>"And now," went on Queen Sandy, "I bid thee salute our Sand Witch. She +is a witch of goodness and joy. We all love her, the court honors her, +and one and all we now salute her!"</p> + +<p>More low bows followed, and then the court resumed its upright attitude +and awaited orders.</p> + +<p>"There is no more saluting necessary," explained the gracious Queen. +"You boy courtiers can't expect it. Now the court is dismissed and the +Sand Club will play something."</p> + +<p>The Queen came down from the throne, and courtly manners and speeches +were laid aside.</p> + +<p>"Let's fix up the court instead of playing,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> suggested Kitty, and as +all thought this a good idea, they went at it.</p> + +<p>Everybody worked with a will, for it was fun to get the court in order +again, and Kitty and Midget were so fond of fixing up and decorating +that when the task was over, Sand Court was far handsomer than ever +before.</p> + +<p>Shell borders outlined the throne and the courtier's seat, and the old +legless chair was so draped with cheesecloth and green vines that it was +a picture in itself. Then it was luncheon time, and the courtiers said +good-bye and parted to go to their homes.</p> + +<p>"She's a funny girl," said Kitty, as the Maynard trio reached their +house. "As soon as she got what she wanted, she was sweet as pie. But if +you hadn't given up the Queen to her, Mops, she would have been madder'n +hops."</p> + +<p>"I know it," said Midget, "but that wasn't the reason I did it. I did it +'cause I thought it was fairer for her to have a turn at being Queen."</p> + +<p>"And it was," said Kitty, judicially. "I think you did right, Mopsy; +but, all the same, she'll never keep that promise to be sweet and +pleasant."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Kitty, she'll have to! Why, she vowed it!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw, she'll get mad and forget all about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> that vow. Say, Mops, +what do you think? I've learned to make cake."</p> + +<p>"You have! Who taught you?"</p> + +<p>"Eliza did, up at Grandma's. It was fine. I'll teach you, if you like."</p> + +<p>"Do!" urged King. "Then Midge can make little cakes for the Sand Club. +Ellen makes 'em sometimes, but she says it's a bother."</p> + +<p>Permission being granted by Mrs. Maynard, the girls tried cake-making +that very afternoon.</p> + +<p>"I'll help yez, shall I?" asked Ellen, as the two energetic damsels +raided her pantry.</p> + +<p>"No, Ellen," said Marjorie. "Miss Kitty is going to teach me. You +go,—go—why, Ellen, you take an afternoon out!"</p> + +<p>"It isn't me day out, Miss Midget, but I'll go to me room, an' if yez +wants me, yez can send Sarah afther me, sure."</p> + +<p>"Can I help?" asked King, who wanted to be in the fun.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you can stone raisins," said Kitty, kindly.</p> + +<p>At home in Rockwell, Marjorie had always been chief directress in all +their doings, but down here Kitty was more like a visitor, and the +others politely deferred to her. So King went contentedly to work, +stoning raisins, and the girls made the cake.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I didn't bring my recipe book," said Kitty, "but I guess I remember how +to make it. You see, Eliza is going to teach me to make lots of things, +so I've quite a big book for recipes."</p> + +<p>"How many have you so far?" asked Midget, greatly interested.</p> + +<p>"Well, only this one; but it's sponge cake, you know. I shall have more +later."</p> + +<p>"Yes, of course," said Midget, politely, and suddenly feeling that her +younger sister was getting very grown-up, with her recipe book and her +sponge cake.</p> + +<p>"Now," proceeded Kitty, "if I'm to show you, Midget, you must pay close +attention."</p> + +<p>"I will,—oh, I will!"</p> + +<p>"First, you break the eggs, and separate them, white from yolk, like +this,—see!"</p> + +<p>But whether she was rattled at having such an interested audience, or +whether she was not very expert as yet, Kitty couldn't make the eggs +"separate" neatly. Every one she broke persisted in spilling out its +yellow and white together.</p> + +<p>"Let me try," said Marjorie, but her efforts were not much more +successful. Bits of shell would fall in the bowl, and even if she got +most of the white in safely, some yellow would spill in, too.</p> + +<p>"Does it matter much?" asked King.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't believe so," said Kitty. "I guess we'll beat the eggs all +up together, white and yellow both."</p> + +<p>Kitty put in the Dover eggbeater with an air of experience, and whisked +its wheel "round and round."</p> + +<p>"Let me in, too," said Midget. "There's another beater I found in the +cupboard."</p> + +<p>There was room in the big bowl for both beaters, and the two girls +whizzed the wheels around like mad.</p> + +<p>"Hold on!" cried King. "You're flirting that yellow stuff all over!"</p> + +<p>"Well, anyway, it's well beaten," declared Kitty, looking at the frothy +yellow mass with satisfaction. "Now we put in the flour,—no, the sugar, +I think."</p> + +<p>"Butter?" suggested Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"No, there's no butter in it. This is <i>sponge</i> cake."</p> + +<p>Properly subdued, Marjorie awaited orders.</p> + +<p>"Sugar," Kitty decided at last; "and bring a cup."</p> + +<p>Midget brought the cup, and Kitty measured the sugar, and dumped it into +the bowl of egg.</p> + +<p>"I can't think whether it's three or four cups full," she said, holding +a cup full uncertainly over the bowl.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Dump it in!" advised King. "I like 'em pretty sweet."</p> + +<p>So in went the sugar, and Midget was allowed to stir, while Kitty +measured flour.</p> + +<p>"We have to sift this four times," she announced, with an air of great +wisdom. "I'll do this part."</p> + +<p>She did, but she was so energetic about it, and the flour sieve so +uncertain on its three iron legs, that much of the flour flew over the +table, the floor, and the clothing of the workers.</p> + +<p>"Hold up, Kit!" cried Marjorie, as a cloud of flour almost blinded her. +"I can't see to beat, if you fly that flour around so!"</p> + +<p>"Well, it has to be sifted four times," apologized Kitty, and turned it +into the sieve again.</p> + +<p>Much was lost in transit, and King declared it was already sifted as +fine as it would ever be, but Kitty was unmoved by comment or criticism.</p> + +<p>"Now it's all right," she said, peering into the pan of finally prepared +flour, and ignoring the white dust that was all over everything. "But +first a cup of hot water must go in."</p> + +<p>"I'll pour it," said King, rising quickly, and taking the tea-kettle +from Kitty, who was in imminent danger of scalding herself.</p> + +<p>"Just a cup full!" said Kitty, warningly, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> the hot water ran over the +brimming cup and fell to the floor.</p> + +<p>"Never mind," said King, "we'll only use what's in the cup," and +carrying it as carefully as possible he poured it into the bowl of +batter that Marjorie was faithfully beating.</p> + +<p>"Oh, not all at once!" cried Kitty. "It should have been put in little +by little."</p> + +<p>"Can't help it now," said Midget, cheerfully. "I guess it won't matter. +Now in with the flour, Kit; and you must have baking powder."</p> + +<p>"I don't think Eliza put in any baking powder," said Kitty, dubiously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, she <i>must</i> have!" said Midget. "That's what baking powder is +for,—to bake with. It's on that shelf, Kitty."</p> + +<p>Kitty was uncertain about the baking powder, so took Marjorie's advice.</p> + +<p>"But I don't know how much," she said, as she opened the tin box.</p> + +<p>"About a tablespoonful to a cup of flour," said Marjorie. "I think I +heard Mother say that once." She was not at all sure, but she greatly +wanted to help Kitty if possible.</p> + +<p>"All right," said Kitty, and having already put in three cups of flour, +she added to the mixture three heaping tablespoonfuls of baking powder.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now for the raisins," she said.</p> + +<p>"I didn't know sponge cake ever had raisins in it," said Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't, usually," said Kitty, "but I thought it would add an extra +touch."</p> + +<p>She stirred them in, and then they poured the batter into a cake tin.</p> + +<p>"It does look lovely," said Midget, tasting it with a spoon. "It tastes +pretty good, but not as good as it looks. I guess it'll be lovely when +it's baked. Open the oven, King."</p> + +<p>King threw open the oven door with a flourish, and the girls pushed the +big pan inside.</p> + +<p>"Shut it quick!" warned Kitty. "The cake falls unless you do! It must +bake three-quarters of an hour."</p> + +<p>And then they all waited patiently for the time to take it out.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2> +<h3>A MOTOR RIDE</h3> +</div> + +<p>"Isn't it done yet?" asked King, after half an hour had elapsed.</p> + +<p>"Nope," returned Kitty, positively. "It can't be done till +three-quarters of an hour, and it's only a half."</p> + +<p>"Smells done!" exclaimed Marjorie, sniffing "I believe it's burning, +Kit."</p> + +<p>"Pshaw, it can't be burning. That isn't a hot fire, is it, King?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied King, after removing one of the range covers and +scrutinizing the fire. "That's what the cook books call a moderate +fire."</p> + +<p>"Then that's all right," and Kitty wagged her head in satisfaction. +"Sponge cake requires a mod-rit fire."</p> + +<p>"But it's leaking out, Kitty!" cried Marjorie, dancing about the +kitchen. "Oh, look, it's leaking out!"</p> + +<p>Sure enough, smoke was coming out through the edges of the oven door, +and a sticky substance began to ooze through.</p> + +<p>"The door isn't shut quite tight," began Kitty,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> but before she could +finish, King flung the oven door wide open.</p> + +<p>"Better see what's up!" he said, and as the smoke poured out in a +volume, and then cleared away a little, a strange sight confronted them.</p> + +<p>The cake dough had apparently multiplied itself by ten, if not more. It +had risen and run all over the sides of the pan, had dripped down +through the grating to the bottom of the oven, and had bubbled up from +there all over the sides and door. In fact the oven was lined with a +sticky, sizzling, yellow material that had turned brown in some places, +and was burned black in others.</p> + +<p>"Something must have gone wrong," said Kitty, calmly, as she looked at +the ruins. "I was almost sure it didn't need any baking powder. That's +what blew it up so."</p> + +<p>"H'm," said King. "I don't believe I care for any. Wonder what became of +the raisins?"</p> + +<p>"You can see them here and there," said Marjorie. "Those burned black +spots are raisins. Phew! how it smokes! I'm going out."</p> + +<p>"Let's call Ellen," said Kitty, "she said to."</p> + +<p>Being summoned, Ellen arrived on the scene of action.</p> + +<p>"Arrah, Miss Kitty," she said; "shure, an' I thought ye cuddent make +cake. Now, why did ye<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> thry, an' put all in such a pother? Belikes ye +want to make me throuble."</p> + +<p>"No, Ellen," said Kitty, smiling at her. "I didn't do it purposely for +that. I thought it would be good. You see, I did make it once, and it +was good."</p> + +<p>"Ah, go 'long wid yez,—all of yez! Shure I'll be afther clanin' up. An' +niver a shcold I'll shcold yez if ye'll kape outen o' my kitchen afther +this."</p> + +<p>"Good for you, Ellen!" shouted King. "I thought you'd raise a row! Nice +Ellen, good Ellen! Good-bye, Ellen!"</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, ye bad babies! I'll make ye some tea-cakes now as ye can +eat!"</p> + +<p>"Isn't she a duck!" exclaimed Kitty.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's 'cause you're sort of company. If you hadn't been here, and +we'd done that she'd have tuned up, all right!"</p> + +<p>This was King's opinion, and Marjorie agreed with him. "We never go in +the kitchen," she said. "I guess Ellen was so surprised she didn't know +<i>what</i> to say."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Kitty, quite undisturbed by the circumstances, "you see, at +Grandma's, Eliza helps me, and sort of superintends what I put in."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I see," said King. "Now you do a lot of cooking after you get back +there, Kit, and try to learn your recipes better."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p> + +<p>Kitty laughed and promised, and then the three children wandered into +the dining-room to see what their elders were doing.</p> + +<p>"Can't we start at once?" Cousin Ethel was saying. "Oh, here are the +kiddies now! Come in, you three blessings in disguise! Do you want to go +on a jamboree?"</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked Kitty.</p> + +<p>"Oh, a lovely motor ride, with two cars, and stay all night, and lots of +lovely things like that!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, goody!" cried Marjorie. "Are we really going? Mother's been talking +about a trip like that!"</p> + +<p>"I guess we will," said Mr. Maynard. "We haven't had an Ourday for some +time. How would you like to take the opportunity for one while we have +Kitty-girl among us?"</p> + +<p>"Gorgiferous! Gay!" cried Marjorie, and King threw his cap high in the +air and caught it deftly on his head.</p> + +<p>"When do we start?"</p> + +<p>"As soon as we can get off," said Mr. Maynard, looking at his watch. +"Scamper, you kiddies, and get into appropriate rigs."</p> + +<p>"Oh, what fun!" cried Marjorie, as they flew upstairs. "What shall we +wear, Mothery?"</p> + +<p>"You'll find your frocks laid out in your rooms," said Mrs. Maynard, who +was prepared<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> for this question. "Then put on your motor coats and take +your motor bonnets with you,—but you needn't wear them unless you +choose."</p> + +<p>The girls danced away, and soon were in full regalia. They went flying +downstairs to learn more of the particulars of the trip. Nurse Nannie +and Rosy Posy were on the porch waiting, the little one greatly excited +at thought of the journey.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what a grand Ourday, Father!" cried Midget, giving him one of her +most ferocious "bear hugs." "We have so much vacation down here, I +thought we wouldn't catch any Ourdays!"</p> + +<p>"Well, this is an extra thrown in for good measure. I suppose you don't +care, Midget, which car you ride in?"</p> + +<p>"Not a bit! We keep together, don't we?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, as much as possible. Cousin Jack will drive his own car, and +Pompton, of course, will drive ours."</p> + +<p>"It all happened so swift I can hardly realize it," said Kitty. "Only a +minute or two ago I was making cake in the kitchen, and now here I am!"</p> + +<p>"Making <i>what</i>?" asked King, teasingly, but when he saw Kitty look red +and embarrassed he turned the subject.</p> + +<p>Kitty had told her mother about the cake episode, but Mrs. Maynard said +it was an accident<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> due to inexperience, and nothing further need be +said about it.</p> + +<p>"I'll divide up the passengers," said Cousin Jack as, with the two cars +standing in front of the door, no one knew just which to get in.</p> + +<p>"Ethel and I will take Marjorie and King with us, for I think Kitty will +want to ride with her mother, and Babykins, too."</p> + +<p>"All right," agreed Mr. Maynard, and then he packed Uncle Steve and Mrs. +Maynard and Kitty on the back seat, Nannie and Rosamond next in front, +and he climbed up beside Pompton.</p> + +<p>Some suitcases and a basket of light luncheon were stowed away, and off +they started, Ellen and Sarah waving to them from the steps as they flew +down the drive. It was a perfect day for motoring. Not too hot, not too +breezy, and no dust.</p> + +<p>Their destination was Lakewood, but for quite a distance their road lay +along by the shore before they turned inland.</p> + +<p>Marjorie sat back, beside Cousin Ethel, and King sat in front with +Cousin Jack.</p> + +<p>"Let's play Roadside Euchre," said Midget.</p> + +<p>"We go too fast for that," said King. "We couldn't see the things to +count them."</p> + +<p>"What is it, Mehitabel?" asked Cousin Jack. "We aren't going so very +fast."</p> + +<p>"Why, you count the things on each side of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> the road. You and I are on +the right, you know, Cousin Jack, so we count all on this side. Then +Cousin Ethel and King count all on their side."</p> + +<p>"All what?"</p> + +<p>"Well, a horse and vehicle counts one; a vehicle with two horses counts +two; and a horse without any wagon or carriage counts five. An +automobile counts ten; a herd of cows, fifteen; and a load of hay, +twenty. A cat in a window counts twenty-five, and people count five +apiece. Any animal, not a horse counts ten."</p> + +<p>"But, as I am driving," said Cousin Jack, "I can turn either side, and +so make them count as I like."</p> + +<p>"No, you must turn just as you would, anyway. Of course, as you turn to +the right, King and Cousin Ethel will count most of the vehicles we +pass; but we'll make up some other way. Oh, here's a flock of chickens! +I forgot to tell you, chickens count one each."</p> + +<p>The motor seemed to go right through the flock of chickens, but Cousin +Jack was a careful driver and didn't harm one of them. There was a +terrific squawking and peeping and clucking as the absurd bipeds ran +about in an utterly bewildered manner. The children and Cousin Ethel +managed to count them fairly well, but Cousin Jack had to manage his +motor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How many?" he asked as the last hen was left behind.</p> + +<p>"Fourteen for our side," announced Midget, triumphantly.</p> + +<p>"And nine for us," said King. "Never mind, we'll make up later."</p> + +<p>But they kept fairly even. To be sure, when they met motor-cars, or any +vehicles, they had to turn out to the right, which gave the count to +King's side.</p> + +<p>But on the other hand, motors sometimes passed them from behind, and if +they went along on the right side they were Marjorie's count. Houses +were as apt to be on one side as the other, and these added their count +of dogs, cats, chickens, and cows, as well as occasional human beings.</p> + +<p>Going through small towns was the most fun, for then it required quick +counting to get all that belonged to them.</p> + +<p>A flock of birds on either side was counted, but a flock of birds that +crossed their path was omitted, as it would have counted the same for +each.</p> + +<p>The game grew more and more exciting. Sometimes one side would be more +than a hundred ahead, and then the balance would swing back the other +way. About six o'clock they neared Lakewood.</p> + +<p>"The game stops as we turn into the main<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> street," said Cousin Jack, +"and the prize is this: whichever of you two children win shall select +the dessert at the hotel dinner to-night."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Marjorie, "but it isn't only us children. We each have +a partner who must help us in the selection."</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack agreed to this, and in a moment the car swung into the main +street of Lakewood.</p> + +<p>Midget and King, who had kept account of their hundreds on a bit of +paper, began to add up, and it was soon found that Marjorie and Cousin +Jack's side had won by about two hundred points.</p> + +<p>"Good work!" cried King. "We losers congratulate you, and beg you'll +remember that we love ice cream!"</p> + +<p>They were following the Maynards' <i>big</i> car, and soon both cars stopped +and all alighted and went into a beautiful hotel called +"Holly-in-the-Woods."</p> + +<p>"Oh, how lovely!" whispered Marjorie to Kitty, as she squeezed her +sister's arm. "Isn't this fun, Kit?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so!" returned Kitty. "The best Ourday ever!"</p> + +<p>Then the children were whisked away to tidy up for dinner, and fresh +white frocks were found in the suitcases. Midget and Kitty tied each +other's ribbons, and soon were ready to go down<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>stairs again. The +Bryants met them in the hall, and took them down.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it like Fairyland!" said Marjorie, enchanted by the palms and +flowers and lights and music. She had never before been in such an +elaborate hotel, and she wanted to see it all.</p> + +<p>They walked about, and looked at the various beautiful rooms, and then +Mr. and Mrs. Maynard came, and they all went to the dining-room.</p> + +<p>A table had been reserved for them, and Marjorie felt very grown up and +important as the waiter pushed up her chair. After their long ride, +their appetites were quite in order to do justice to the good things put +before them, and when it was time for dessert, Cousin Jack announced +that he and Marjorie were a committee of two to select it.</p> + +<p>"Though of course," he added, "any one who doesn't care for what we +choose is entirely at liberty to choose something else."</p> + +<p>So the two gravely studied the menu, and kept the others in suspense +while they read over the long list. Many names were in French, but +Marjorie skipped those.</p> + +<p>"Ice cream," Kitty kept whispering, in low but distinct stage whispers; +and at last Cousin Jack proposed to Midget that they choose what was +billed as a "Lakewood Souvenir."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p> + +<p>Marjorie had no idea what this might be, but she agreed, for she felt +sure it was something nice.</p> + +<p>And so it was, for it turned out to be ice cream, but so daintily put up +in a little box that it was like a present. The box was carved with +crinkly paper, and had a pretty picture of Lakewood scenery framed in +gilt on the top. After every one had eaten his ice cream, the boxes were +carried away as souvenirs.</p> + +<p>Then they all went out and sat on the terrace while the elders had +coffee. The three children did not drink coffee, so they were allowed to +run around the grounds a little.</p> + +<p>"How long are we going to stay here?" asked Kitty.</p> + +<p>"Till to-morrow afternoon, I think," replied King. "I heard Father say +he thought he'd do that."</p> + +<p>"I think it's beautiful," said Midget, "but I'd just as lieve be riding, +wouldn't you, Kit?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't care. I like 'em both,—first one and then the other."</p> + +<p>Kitty was of a contented disposition, and usually liked everything. But +the other two were also easily pleased, and the three agreed that they +didn't care whether they were motoring or staying at the lovely hotel.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, then, little Maynards, bed for yours!" announced their father, as +he came strolling out to find them.</p> + +<p>"Father," said Marjorie, grasping his hand, "is this really an Ourday?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Midget; of course it is. You don't mind the Bryants sharing it, do +you?"</p> + +<p>"No, not a bit. Only,—to-morrow can't I ride with you? If it's our +Ourday, I like better to be by you."</p> + +<p>"Of course you can!" cried Mr. Maynard, heartily. "We'll fix it +somehow."</p> + +<p>"But don't tell Cousin Ethel and Cousin Jack that I don't want to ride +with them," went on Midget, "because it might hurt their feelings. But +you know,—when I thought I didn't have any father,—I thought about all +our Ourdays, and——"</p> + +<p>Midget's voice broke, and Mr. Maynard caught her to him.</p> + +<p>"My darling little girl," he said, "I'm so glad you're back with us for +our Ourdays, and you shall ride just where you want to."</p> + +<p>"Let her take my place," said Kitty, kindly. "I'd just as lieve go in +the other car, and I don't wonder Midget feels like that."</p> + +<p>So it was settled that Kitty should ride with the Bryants next day, and +then the three children were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> sent to bed, while the elders stayed up a +few hours later.</p> + +<p>The girls had a large room, with two beds, and with a delightful +balcony, on which a long French window opened.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it wonderful?" said Marjorie, softly, as she stepped over the +sill, and stood in the soft moonlight, looking down on the hotel flower +gardens.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeedy," agreed Kitty; "I say, Mops, I'd like to jump down, flip! +into that geranium bed!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Kitty, what a goose you are! Don't do such a thing!"</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to. I only said I'd like to; and I'd play it was a +sea,—a geranium sea, and I'd swim around in it."</p> + +<p>"Kit, you're crazy! Come on to bed, before you do anything foolish."</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to do it, really, Mops! but I like to imagine it. I'd +waft myself off of this balcony, and waft down to the scarlet of the +geraniums and fall in."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and be picked up with two broken legs and a sprained ankle!"</p> + +<p>"Well—and then I'd see a little boat, on the red geranium sea,—I'd be +a fairy, you know,—and I'd get in the little boat——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You come and get in your little bed, Miss Kitty," said Nannie, from the +window, and laughing gayly, the two girls went in and went to bed.</p> + +<p>"Anyway, I'm going to dream of that red geranium bed," announced Kitty, +as she cuddled into the smooth, white sheets.</p> + +<p>"All right," said Midget, drowsily; "dream anything you like."</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2> +<h3>RED GERANIUMS</h3> +</div> + + +<p>Wearied by the journey, and the fun of it, Marjorie fell at once into a +deep, quiet sleep. Kitty's sleep was deep, too, but not quiet. The child +tossed around and waved her arms, muttering about a geranium sea, and a +little boat on it.</p> + +<p>Nurse Nannie puttered about the room for some time, picking up things, +and laying out the girls' clothes for the next day. Then she put out the +lights and went away to her own room.</p> + +<p>It was, perhaps, ten o'clock when Kitty threw back the bedclothing, and +slowly got out of bed. She was sound asleep, and she walked across the +room with a wavering, uncertain motion, but went straight to the French +window, which was still part way open.</p> + +<p>Kitty had sometimes walked in her sleep before, but it was not really a +habit with her, and the family had never thought it necessary to +safeguard her.</p> + +<p>It was a still, warm night, and when she stepped out on the balcony, +there was no breeze or waft of cool air to awaken her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> + +<p>She paused at the low rail of the little balcony, and murmured, "Oh, the +lovely soft red flowers! I will lie down on them!" and over the railing +she went, plump down into the geranium bed!</p> + +<p>As is well known, a fall is not apt to hurt a somnambulist, for the +reason that in sleep the muscles are entirely relaxed; but the jar woke +Kitty, and she found herself, clad only in her little white nightgown, +lying in the midst of the red blossoms.</p> + +<p>She did not scream; on the contrary, she felt a strange sense of delight +in the odorous flowers and the scent of the warm, soft earth.</p> + +<p>But in a moment she realized what had happened, and scrambled up into a +sitting posture.</p> + +<p>"My gracious! it's Kit!" exclaimed a voice, and from among the group of +people on the veranda Cousin Jack ran down to her. The others followed, +and in a moment Kitty was surrounded by her own people. She flew to her +mother's arms, and Cousin Ethel quickly drew off her own evening wrap +and put it around Kitty.</p> + +<p>"How <i>did</i> you happen to fall?" asked her father, who soon saw she was +not hurt, or even badly jarred.</p> + +<p>"I was asleep, I guess," Kitty returned; "anyway I dreamed that I wanted +to jump in the red geranium sea,—so I jumped."</p> + +<p>"You jumped! out of the window?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes,—that is, off of the little balcony. You see, I was asleep until I +landed. Then I found out where I was."</p> + +<p>Kitty was quite calm about it, and cuddled into the folds of Cousin +Ethel's satin cloak, while she told her story.</p> + +<p>"Of course, I shouldn't have jumped if I had been awake," she said; "but +you can't help what you do in your sleep, can you?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Uncle Steve; "you weren't a bit to blame, Kitsie, and I'm +thankful you came down so safely. But I think that window must be +fastened before you go to sleep again. One such escapade is enough for +one night."</p> + +<p>The other guests on the veranda looked curiously at the group, but Kitty +was protected from view by her own people, and, too, the big cloak hid +all deficiencies of costume.</p> + +<p>"Well, we have to get used to these unexpected performances," said Mr. +Maynard, "but I do believe my children are more ingenious than others in +trumping up new games."</p> + +<p>"We are," said Kitty, "but usually it's Midget who does the crazy +things. King and I don't cut up jinks much."</p> + +<p>"That's so," agreed Uncle Steve. "Last summer Miss Mischief kept us all +in hot water. But this year, Kitsie has been a model of propriety.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> She +never walks out of second-story windows when she's at our house. I guess +I'd better take her back there."</p> + +<p>"Not to-morrow," said Kitty. "Wait till next day, won't you, Uncle +Steve?"</p> + +<p>"All right; day after to-morrow, then. But we mustn't stay away from +Grandma longer than that."</p> + +<p>"And now I think our adventurous little explorer must go back to her +dreams," said Mrs. Maynard. "Who wants to carry her upstairs?"</p> + +<p>As Uncle Steve was the biggest and strongest of the three men, he picked +up the young sleepwalker, and started off with her. Mrs. Maynard +followed, and they soon had Kitty safely in bed again, with the French +window securely fastened against any further expeditions.</p> + +<p>The mother sat by the little girl until she went to sleep, and this time +her slumber was untroubled by dreams of geranium seas with fairy boats +on them.</p> + +<p>Next morning, Marjorie was greatly interested in Kitty's story.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Kit," she exclaimed, "I wish I had seen you step off! Though, of +course, if I <i>had</i> seen you, you wouldn't have done it! For I should +have waked you up. Well, it's a wonder you didn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> smash yourself. Come +on, let's hurry down and look at that flower bed."</p> + +<p>But by the time the girls got down there, the hotel gardener had remade +the flower bed, and it now looked as if no one had ever set foot on it.</p> + +<p>"Pshaw!" said Marjorie, "they've fixed it all up, and we can't even see +where you landed. Did it make a big hole, Kit?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, Mops. About as big as I am, I suppose. Can't you imagine +it?"</p> + +<p>Marjorie laughed. "Yes, I can imagine you landing there, in your +nightgown and bare feet! How you must have looked!"</p> + +<p>"I s'pose I did. But, somehow, Mops, when I found myself there, it +didn't seem queer at all. I just wanted to float on the red flowers."</p> + +<p>"Kit, I do believe you're half luny," observed King; "you have the +craziest ideas. But I'm jolly glad you didn't get hurt, you old +sleep-trotter!" and the boy pulled his sister's curls to express his +deep affection and gratitude for her safety.</p> + +<p>Kitty was none the worse for her fall. The soft loam of the newly made +flower bed had received her gently, and not even a bruise had resulted.</p> + +<p>But the elders decided that hereafter the exits from Kitty's bedroom +must be properly safeguarded at night, as no one could tell when the +impulse of sleep-walking might overtake her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p> + +<p>There was plenty to do at Lakewood. Uncle Steve took the children for a +brisk walk through the town, and bought them souvenirs of all sorts. The +shops displayed tempting wares, and the girls were made happy by bead +necklaces and pretty little silk bags, while King rejoiced in queer +Indian relics found in a curio shop. Then back to the hotel, for a game +of tennis and a romp with Cousin Jack, and in the afternoon a long motor +ride, with occasional stops for ice cream soda or peanuts.</p> + +<p>And the next day Kitty and Uncle Steve went home. They concluded to take +the train from Lakewood, and not return again to Seacote.</p> + +<p>"Grandma will be getting anxious to see us," Uncle Steve declared. "I +did not intend to stay as long as this when I left home."</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, old Kitsie," said Midget; "don't walk into any more red seas, +and write to me often, won't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will, Midge; but you don't write very often, yourself."</p> + +<p>"I know it; it's a sort of a bother to write letters. But I love to get +them."</p> + +<p>"Well, the summer will be over pretty soon," returned Kitty, "and then +we'll all be back in Rockwell."</p> + +<p>The Maynard children were philosophical, and so they parted with cheery +good-byes, and the train<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> steamed away with Uncle Steve and Kitty waving +from the window.</p> + +<p>"Now, for our own plans," said Mr. Maynard. "What shall we do next, +Jack?"</p> + +<p>"I know what I'd like," said Cousin Ethel.</p> + +<p>"What is it, my Angel?" asked her husband. "You may most certainly have +anything you want."</p> + +<p>"Well, instead of going right back to Seacote, I'd like to go to +Atlantic City."</p> + +<p>"You would!" said Mr. Bryant. "And would you like to go around by +Chicago, and stop at San Francisco on your way home?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Cousin Ethel, laughing; "and I don't think Atlantic City is +so very far. We could go there to-day, stay over to-morrow, and back to +Seacote the day after. What do you think, Jack?"</p> + +<p>"I think your plan is great! And I'm more than ready to carry it out, if +these Maynards of ours agree to it."</p> + +<p>"I'd like it," declared Marjorie. "I've never been to Atlantic City."</p> + +<p>"But it isn't exactly a summer place, is it?" asked Mrs. Maynard.</p> + +<p>"Neither is Lakewood," said Cousin Ethel. "But it's a cool spell just +now, and I think it would be lots of fun to run down there."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p> + +<p>"All right," said Mr. Maynard, "let's run."</p> + +<p>And run they did. Considering they had nine people and two motors, and +several suitcases to look after, they displayed admirable expedition in +getting started, and just at dusk they came upon the brilliant radiance +of the lights of Atlantic City.</p> + +<p>"This was a fine idea of yours, Ethel," said Mrs. Maynard. "This place +looks very attractive."</p> + +<p>"Oh, isn't it!" cried Marjorie. "I think it's grand! Can't we stay up +late to-night, Mother?"</p> + +<p>"You may stay up till nine o'clock, Midget, and we'll go down and see +the crowds on the Boardwalk."</p> + +<p>So after dinner they went down to the gay thoroughfare known as the +Boardwalk. It was crowded with merry, laughing, chattering people, and +Midget danced along in an ecstasy of enjoyment.</p> + +<p>"I never saw such a lot of people!" she exclaimed. "Where are they all +going?"</p> + +<p>"Nowhere in particular," said her father. "They're just out here to look +at each other and enjoy themselves."</p> + +<p>"See those funny chairs, on rollers," went on Midget. "Oh, can't we ride +in them? Everybody else does."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course we must," said her father. "It's part of the performance."</p> + +<p>He engaged three rolling chairs, and as each chair held two people, he +said, "How shall we divide up?"</p> + +<p>"I'll take Mehitabel," said Cousin Jack, "and Hezekiah can go with my +wife. Then you two elder Maynards can use the third. How's that?"</p> + +<p>This arrangement was satisfactory and they started off, a strong man +pushing each chair.</p> + +<p>"Don't you think this is fun, Cousin Jack?" asked Marjorie, as she +watched the crowds and the lights, and Old Ocean rolling big black waves +up on the shore.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mehitabel, I think it's gay. There's a certain something at this +place that you never see anywhere else."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's quite different from Seacote, isn't it? Everybody here seems +to be in a hurry."</p> + +<p>"That's only because it's such a big and lively crowd. Here we are at +the pier. I think we'd better go in and hear the music."</p> + +<p>So they dismissed the chairmen, and went far down the long pier to +listen to a concert.</p> + +<p>A children's dance was being held, and Marjorie sat down, enraptured at +the sight.</p> + +<p>Lots of boys and girls about her own age, in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> fancy costumes, were +dancing and pirouetting in time with the fine music. One little girl, +especially, Marjorie admired. She was a pretty child, in a white frock +and blue sash, and she wore a wreath of small rosebuds on her curly, +flaxen hair. She seemed to be the best of all the dancers, and twice she +danced alone, doing marvellous fancy steps and receiving great applause +from the audience.</p> + +<p>"Isn't she lovely!" exclaimed Midget. "I wish I could dance like that."</p> + +<p>"You never can, Mopsy," said King. "You're too heavy. That girl is a +featherweight."</p> + +<p>"She looks nice," said Midget. "I'd like to know her."</p> + +<p>And then, as it was nearing nine o'clock, they left the dancing +pavilion, and made their way back to their hotel.</p> + +<p>Marjorie kept close to her parents, for the crowd seemed to grow denser +all the time, and if she lost sight of her people, she feared she'd be +swept away from them forever.</p> + +<p>They were staying at Madden Hall, and as they reached it, there, too, +music was being played, and some people were dancing in the big +ballroom. But there were no children about, so Midget trotted off to bed +cheerfully, with lots of pleasant anticipations for the morrow.</p> + +<p>At breakfast, next morning, she was looking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> around the dining room, +when she spied the same little girl who had danced so prettily the night +before.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mother," she exclaimed, "there she is! That pretty girl that +danced. See, at the next table but two. Yes, it <i>is</i> the same one!"</p> + +<p>"Sure it is," agreed King. "She's staying here. Perhaps we can get +acquainted with her, Mops."</p> + +<p>"Could we, Mother? Would it be right?"</p> + +<p>"We'll see about it," said Mrs. Maynard, smiling at her impulsive +daughter. After breakfast the Maynard party walked out on the veranda, +and Midget soon saw the little girl, in a big rocking chair not far +away.</p> + +<p>"May I go over and speak to her, Mother?" she said.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, Midget, if you like. She looks like a nice child. Run along."</p> + +<p>So Midget went over and took the next rocking chair, for there were many +chairs, ranged in long rows.</p> + +<p>"I came over to talk to you," she said; "I saw you dance last night, and +I think you do dance lovely."</p> + +<p>"Do you?" said the little girl. She seemed diffident, but pleased at +Marjorie's words. "You see, it was a Children's Carnival, and Mamma let<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> +me dance. I never danced in a place like that before, and I was a little +scared at first."</p> + +<p>"You didn't look scared. You just looked lovely. What's your name? +Mine's Marjorie Maynard. I live in Rockwell, when I'm home."</p> + +<p>"Mine's Ruth Rowland, and I live in Philadelphia, when I'm home. But +we're spending the summer in Seacote. We just came down here for a +week."</p> + +<p>"In Seacote! Why, that's where we're spending the summer. We have a +house on Fairway Avenue."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know that house. I remember seeing you there when I've passed by. +Isn't it funny that we should happen to meet here! We live farther down, +past the pier, you know."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know. Will you come to see me after we both get back there?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed I will. When are you going back?"</p> + +<p>"To-morrow, I think. When are you?"</p> + +<p>"In a few days. Do you know Cicely Ross?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't know very many children in Seacote. Do you know the Craig +boys?"</p> + +<p>"No. I guess we don't know the same people. But I know Hester Corey, and +you do, too, 'cause I've seen her playing in your yard."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, Hester plays with us a lot."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p> + +<p>"She's a funny girl, isn't she?"</p> + +<p>"Well, she's nice sometimes, and sometimes she isn't. Here's my brother +King. King, this is Ruth Rowland, and what do you think? She lives in +Seacote! I mean, for the summer she's staying there."</p> + +<p>"Good!" cried King. "We can play together then, after we go back."</p> + +<p>The three children rapidly became good friends, and soon Ruth proposed +that they all go for a ride in a roller chair.</p> + +<p>"They have wide chairs," she said, "that will hold all three of us."</p> + +<p>Midget ran to ask her mother if they might do this, but Mrs. Maynard was +not willing that the children should go alone.</p> + +<p>"But Nannie and Rosamond may go, too, in another chair," she said, "and +then I shall feel that you are looked after."</p> + +<p>So down to the Boardwalk they went, and Nurse Nannie and Rosy Posy took +one chair, and the three children took another. They selected a wide one +which gave them plenty of room, and off they started.</p> + +<p>It was a lovely, clear day, and the blue sky and the darker blue ocean +met at the far distant horizon, with whitecaps dotted all over the +crests of the waves. A few ships and steamers were to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> be seen, but +mostly the children's attention was attracted to the scenes on shore.</p> + +<p>"I thought it was lovely last night," said Midget, "but it's even nicer +now. The booths and shops are so gay and festive, and the ladies all +look so pretty in their summer frocks and bright parasols."</p> + +<p>They stopped occasionally, for soda water or candy, and once they +stopped at a camera place and had their pictures taken in the rolling +chairs.</p> + +<p>King proposed this, because he saw a great many people doing it, and as +the man finished up the pictures at once, the children were delighted +with the postcards.</p> + +<p>"I'll send one to Kit," said Midget, "she'll love it. And I'll send one +to Grandma Maynard."</p> + +<p>Ruth had several of the pictures, too, and she said she should send some +to friends in Philadelphia.</p> + +<p>"She's an awfully nice girl," said Marjorie to her mother, when telling +of their morning's doings. "I'm so glad she's at Seacote. We're going to +have lots of fun when we get back."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad, too," said Mrs. Maynard. "For you have so few acquaintances +there, and Ruth is certainly a very sweet child."</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2> +<h3>WHAT HESTER DID</h3> +</div> + +<p>"I won't have her!" declared Hester. "I'm Queen of this Court, and I +won't have any new members taken in. You had no right, Marjorie Maynard, +to ask her to belong, without consulting me!"</p> + +<p>"Why, Hester, I had so! You may be Queen, but you don't own the whole +Sand Club! And Ruth Rowland is a lovely girl. How can you dislike her, +when you know how sweet and pretty she is. She says she knows you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do know her. Stuck-up, yellow-haired thing!"</p> + +<p>Sand Court was in full session, and all had been going on amicably until +Marjorie had chanced to mention meeting Ruth at Atlantic City, and said +she had asked her to come to the Sand Club meetings. At this, Hester had +flown into one of her rages, and declared that Ruth should not become a +member of their little circle.</p> + +<p>"Look here, Hester Corey," said Tom Craig, "you promised, if you could +be Queen, to be al<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>ways sweet and pleasant. Do you call this keeping +your promise?"</p> + +<p>"Pooh, who cares! I only promised, if the club stayed just the same. If +you're going to put in a lot of new members without asking me, my +promise doesn't count."</p> + +<p>"Ruth isn't 'a lot,'" said Marjorie, laughing at Hester's fury.</p> + +<p>But her laughter only made Queen Sandy more angry than ever.</p> + +<p>"I don't care if she isn't! She's a new member, and I won't have <i>any</i> +new members,—so, there, now!"</p> + +<p>"Say, Hester," began King, "I don't think you're boss of this club. Just +because you're Queen, you don't have any more say than the Grand +Sandjandrum, or me, or anybody."</p> + +<p>"I do, too! A Queen has <i>all</i> the say,—about everything! And I say +there sha'n't be any more people in this club, and so there sha'n't!"</p> + +<p>Hester stamped her foot and shook her fist and wagged her head in the +angriest possible way, and if the others hadn't been so exasperated by +her ill-temper they must have laughed at the funny picture she made. Her +new crown was tumbled sideways, her hair ribbons had come off, and her +face, flushed red and angry, was further disfigured by a disagreeable +scowl.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p> + +<p>And just at this moment Ruth arrived. She came in, smiling, neatly +dressed in a clean print frock, and broad straw hat with a wreath of +flowers round it.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Marjorie," she said, a little shyly, for she didn't know the +Craig boys, and she couldn't help seeing that Hester was in a fit of +temper.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Ruth," said Marjorie, running to her, and taking her by the +hand. "Come on in; this is Sand Court. These are the Craig boys,—Tom, +Dick, and Harry. And this is our Queen,—but I think you know Hester +Corey."</p> + +<p>"Yes," began Ruth, but Hester cried out: "I don't want her to know me! +She sha'n't join our club, I say!"</p> + +<p>Ruth looked bewildered at first, and then her sweet little face wrinkled +up, and the tears came into her big blue eyes.</p> + +<p>"Don't cry, Ruth," said Midget, putting her arm round her; "Hester is +sort of mad this morning, but I guess she'll get over it. Don't mind +her."</p> + +<p>"I won't get over it," screamed Hester. "I'm not going to have Ruth +Rowland in this club!"</p> + +<p>"For goodness gracious sakes, children, what <i>is</i> the matter?"</p> + +<p>A grown-up voice exclaimed these words, and then Mr. Jack Bryant entered +Sand Court. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> took in the situation at a glance, but pretended to be +ignorant of the true state of things.</p> + +<p>"What's up, O Queen?" he said, addressing Hester. "Oh, sunny-faced, +honey-voiced Queen of Sand Court, what, I prithee, is up?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing," growled Hester, looking sullen.</p> + +<p>"Nay, nay, not so, sweet Queen; I bethink me there is much up, indeed! +Else why these unusual consternations on the faces of thy courtiers?"</p> + +<p>Of course, Cousin Jack knew all about the doings of Sand Court. He had +often been with them, and delighted them all by talking "Court +language," but to-day nobody responded to his pleasantry. Ruth and +Marjorie were on the verge of tears, the boys were all angry at Hester, +and Hester herself was in one of her wildest furies.</p> + +<p>She refused to answer Cousin Jack, and sat on her throne, shrugging her +shoulders and twitching about, with every cross expression possible on +her pouting face. Mr. Bryant became more serious.</p> + +<p>"Children," he said, "this won't do. This Sand Club is a jolly, +good-natured club, usually, and now that I see you all at sixes and +sevens, I want to know what's the matter. Midget, will you tell me?"</p> + +<p>"I want Ruth Rowland to be in our club," said Marjorie, +straightforwardly; "and Hester doesn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> want her. And Hester says that +because she is Queen, we must all do as she says."</p> + +<p>"Ah, ha; urn, hum. Well, Hester, my dear child, <i>why</i> don't you want +Ruth in the club?"</p> + +<p>"Because I don't!" and the Queen looked more disagreeable than ever.</p> + +<p>"Because you <i>don't</i>! Well, now, you see, my dear, that is just no +reason at all, so Ruth can be a member, as far as you're concerned."</p> + +<p>"No, she can't! I won't have her in!"</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because I don't like her!"</p> + +<p>"Ah, now we're getting at it. And suppose any of the club shouldn't like +you; then you couldn't be a member, could you?"</p> + +<p>"They <i>do</i> like me!" declared Hester.</p> + +<p>"<i>Like</i> you! like <i>you</i>! A girl that flies into rages, and says unkind +things? Oh, no, nobody could like a girl like that! Now, I'll fix it. +You, Hester, won't have Ruth in the club, you say. Well, then if you're +not in the club yourself, of course Ruth could come in. So, the rest of +the club can choose which of you two girls they'd rather have, as it +seems impossible to have you both. King, as the oldest, I'll ask you +first. Will you choose to have Hester or Ruth in this club?"</p> + +<p>"Ruth," said King, promptly. "She doesn't quarrel all the time."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Next, Tom. Which do you choose?"</p> + +<p>"Ruth," replied Tom.</p> + +<p>"Why, Tom Craig!" cried Hester, in surprise; "you never saw that girl +till to-day!"</p> + +<p>"No, but I've seen you," he replied; "and I can tell you, Hester, I'm +tired of these scraps you're always putting up! I believe we'll have +better times with Ruth Rowland."</p> + +<p>"Marjorie," Cousin Jack went on, "which girl do you choose?"</p> + +<p>"I'd like them both," said Midget, who couldn't quite bring herself to +denounce Hester entirely.</p> + +<p>"But Hester won't have Ruth. You must choose one or the other."</p> + +<p>"Then I choose Ruth, Cousin Jack. For Hester does make me a lot of +trouble."</p> + +<p>Midget sighed deeply, for, truly, Hester had caused strife in the club +from its very beginning.</p> + +<p>The two smaller boys voted decidedly for Ruth, and then Cousin Jack +turned to Hester.</p> + +<p>"You see," he said, but not unkindly, "the club has unanimously +expressed its preference for Ruth. I don't see that you can do anything +but take your hat and go home."</p> + +<p>Hester looked at him in amazement.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" she cried. "I <i>won't</i> go home! I'm Queen, and I'll +stay here and <i>be</i> Queen! Ruth can go home!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No," said Mr. Bryant, more decidedly this time; "Ruth is not going +home. You're to go home, Hester. I happen to know that the Maynard +children and the Craig boys have already shown patience and +unselfishness toward your tyranny and unreasonableness—now, they're not +going to be imposed on any longer. I'll have a voice in this matter +myself. Either you'll stay in the club and agree to have Ruth for a +member also, and be pleasant and kind to her, or else you can take your +hat and go home."</p> + +<p>Mr. Bryant spoke quietly, but very firmly. He knew all the club had been +through, in putting up with Hester's tantrums, and he thought it only +fair that they should be relieved of this troublesome member.</p> + +<p>"I won't have Ruth in," she repeated, but she dropped her eyes before +Mr. Bryant's stern glance.</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry, Hester, but if you won't have Ruth in, then you must go +home, yourself, and I will ask you to go at once."</p> + +<p>"All right, I'm glad to go!" and Hester pulled off her crown and threw +it on the ground, and stamped on it. Then she broke in two her pretty +gilt sceptre, and threw that down. She flung her hat on her head and +marched out of Sand Court with angry glances at each one. She flirted +her skirts and twitched her shoulders, and though she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> said nothing, she +was as furious a little girl as can well be imagined.</p> + +<p>Ruth was almost frightened, for she was unaccustomed to such scenes. Nor +were the Maynards used to them, except as they had seen Hester in her +rages now and then.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack looked after the child a little sadly. He was sorry that she +could behave so, but he had made up his mind that Midget and King had +been imposed on by Hester for a long time, and he had determined to put +a stop to it. The advent of Ruth gave a good opportunity, and he availed +himself of it.</p> + +<p>A silence fell on them all. They watched Hester as she slowly went out +of Sand Court.</p> + +<p>But as she started across the lawn, she saw a garden hose with which a +man had been sprinkling the grass. He had gone off and left it lying on +the ground, partly turned off.</p> + +<p>Hester picked it up, turned it on to run full force, and whirling +herself quickly around pointed it straight at Ruth. In a moment the +child was-soaked,—her pretty fresh dress hung limp and wet, her curls +were drenched, and the swift stream of water in her face almost knocked +her over.</p> + +<p>Marjorie sprang to Ruth's side, and received a drenching herself.</p> + +<p>King ran to Hester to take the hose from her,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> but she turned it full in +his face and sent him sprawling to the ground.</p> + +<p>The Craig boys were treated the same way, and when Mr. Bryant +manœuvred to get behind Hester and pinion her arms, she wheeled and +sent the splashing stream all over him.</p> + +<p>"You little vixen!" cried Cousin Jack, as, unheeding the water, he +grasped her right arm.</p> + +<p>But the child was wonderfully agile and like an eel she squirmed out of +his grasp, and wielding her ungainly weapon with her left hand, she +again sprayed the water on the two girls.</p> + +<p>"You stop that, Hester Corey!" yelled King, as he scrambled to his feet, +and in another moment he and Cousin Jack succeeded in getting the hose +away from Hester.</p> + +<p>"She ought to have it turned on her!" said Cousin Jack, looking at the +little fury, now dancing up and down in her angry rage. "But, I don't +want anything more to do with you, miss. Go home at once, and tell your +mother all that has happened."</p> + +<p>Glad to get away without further reprimand, Hester, her wrath spent now, +walked slowly across the lawn and out of the gate.</p> + +<p>"She's a terror!" Cousin Jack commented; "now forget it, kiddies, and +let's go into the house and get dried out. Are you girlies much wet?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not so awfully," replied Marjorie. "Mostly our hair and, oh, yes, the +front of Ruth's skirt is soaked!"</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll build a fire in the library, and hang ourselves up to dry. +Come on, all you Sand boys and girls."</p> + +<p>They went in the house, and while they dried their hair and clothes, +Cousin Jack told them funny stories and made no mention of Hester or of +the Sand Club.</p> + +<p>"Now we're going to play a game," he announced, after everybody was dry, +and the fire had died away to ashes. "Here are the things to play it +with."</p> + +<p>He produced what looked like some rolls of ribbon, and six pairs of +scissors. But it wasn't ribbon, it was the white paper that comes rolled +in with ribbon, when bought by the piece. This paper was about an inch +wide and he had enough to cut six pieces, each about ten feet long.</p> + +<p>These pieces he fastened by one end to the wainscoting with thumb tacks, +and giving the other end of each piece to one of the children, he bade +them stand in a row, far enough away to hold their paper strips out +straight across the room.</p> + +<p>Then, at his given signal, each one was to begin to cut, with the +scissors, straight through the middle of the paper, lengthwise, the game +being to cut<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> clear to the end without tearing the paper. Of course, if +carefully done, this would divide each paper into two strips of equal +width.</p> + +<p>But the game was also to see which reached the end first, and the winner +was promised a prize. If the scissors inadvertently cut off either +strip, the player was "out."</p> + +<p>"Go!" cried Cousin Jack, "and strive only for the greatest speed +consistent with safety. If you go too fast, you're very likely to snip +off your strips; and if you go too slow, somebody else will beat you. +Hurry up, Ruth, you're going evenly, but you'll never get there at that +rate! Oh, hold up, Harry! if you go so fast you'll snip it off. You're +terribly close to one edge, now! Ah, there you go! one strip is chopped +right off. Well, never mind, my boy, stand here by me, and watch the +others. What, Tom out, too? Well, well, Tom, the more haste the less +speed! Careful, Midget, you'll be out in a minute. There you go! Out it +is, for Mehitabel! Well, we have three still in the running. Easy does +it, King! You're getting along finely. Hurry up, Ruth. You can go faster +than that, and still be safe. Dick just says nothing and saws wood. +That's it, Dick, slow and sure!"</p> + +<p>Those who were "out" watched the others with breathless interest. It +would have been an easy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> task had there been no competition. To cut a +long paper into two strips is not difficult, but to cut that paper in +haste, with others looking on and commenting, is more trying. The +scissors seem bewitched. The paper twists and curls, and one's fingers +seem to be all thumbs. King was doing well, but he gave an impatient +jerk as the paper curled round his finger, and then he was out.</p> + +<p>Dick worked steadily, and Ruth plodded slowly along.</p> + +<p>As they neared the end at the same time the watchers grew greatly +excited.</p> + +<p>"I bet on Ruth!" cried King; "go it, Ruth! get up! g'lang there!"</p> + +<p>"Go on, Dick," cried Marjorie. "Clk! Clk! go 'long!"</p> + +<p>On sped the cutters, but just as it seemed as if they must finish at the +same time, Dick gave a little nervous jerk at his paper, and it tore +right off.</p> + +<p>"Oh," said Midget, "you're out, Dicksie!"</p> + +<p>And then Ruth, slowly and carefully, cut the last few inches of her +paper, and held up her two strips triumphantly. She looked so sweet and +happy about it that they all declared she ought to have been the winner, +and Dick said, shyly: "I'm glad you won."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p> + +<p>The prize was a shell box that Cousin Jack had brought from Atlantic +City, and Ruth dimpled with pleasure as she took it.</p> + +<p>"Thank you so much, Mr. Bryant," she said, prettily; "I never won a +prize before, and I shall always keep it."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you won it, Ruth," said Cousin Jack, "and I want you to let it +help you forget any unpleasantness of to-day. Will you forget all that +happened at Sand Court, and just remember that the Maynards and the +Craigs are kind and polite children, and never mind about anybody else. +And come again some time, and play in Sand Court, won't you? And I'll +promise you a good and pleasant time."</p> + +<p>Ruth agreed gladly to all this, and then she went home, so happy that +the memory of her pleasant hours made her almost forget Hester's +rudeness.</p> + +<p>"Now, kiddies," said Mr. Bryant, after she had gone, "I want you, too, +to forget all about Hester's performance. Don't talk it over, and don't +say hard things of Hester. Just forget it, and think about something +nice."</p> + +<p>"All right, Cousin Jack," said Midget, "we'll do as you say. Come on, +boys, let's race down to the beach!"</p> + +<p>The children ran away, and after a consulta<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>tion with Mrs. Maynard, Mr. +Bryant set out to make a call on Mrs. Corey.</p> + +<p>His was not a pleasant task, but he felt it his duty to tell her frankly +of Hester's behavior, and to say that Mr. and Mrs. Maynard couldn't +allow her further to impose on their children. Mrs. Corey didn't resent +this decree, but she was greatly pained at the necessity therefor.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to do with Hester," she said, sadly. "The child has +always been subject to those ungovernable rages. I hope she will outgrow +them. I feel sorry for her, for it is not really her fault. She tries to +be more patient, and sometimes succeeds; then suddenly her temper breaks +out at most unexpected moments."</p> + +<p>Mr. Bryant did not say what he thought; that Hester was a spoiled child, +and that had her mother taught her how sinful such a temper was, she +could have learned to control it, at least, to a degree.</p> + +<p>But he said that the Maynards could not allow Hester to come to Sand +Court any more, unless with the thorough understanding and agreement +that Ruth was to be a member of the Sand Club, and that Marjorie was to +be Queen again. He said that Hester had forfeited all right to be Queen, +and that as Midget practically formed the club, the right to be Queen +was hers.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Corey agreed to all this, expressed great chagrin that Hester had +acted so rudely, and promised to talk to the child and try to induce a +better spirit of kindness and good comradeship.</p> + +<p>And Cousin Jack went away, feeling that he had served the little +Maynards a good turn, if it had been a difficult and unpleasant duty to +perform.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> +<h3>A FINE GAME</h3> +</div> + +<p>One Saturday morning, the Maynards and the Bryants sat on the veranda of +"Maynard Manor," and every one of them was gazing at the sky.</p> + +<p>"It will,—I know it will," said Mrs. Maynard, hopelessly.</p> + +<p>"It won't,—I know it won't!" exclaimed Marjorie, smiling at her mother.</p> + +<p>"It's bound to," declared Cousin Jack, "and there's no use thinking it +won't!"</p> + +<p>Of course, they were talking about the rain, which hadn't yet begun to +fall, but which, judging from the ominous gray sky and black clouds, +would soon do so.</p> + +<p>"Yep, there are the first drops now!" cried King, as some black spots +suddenly appeared on the veranda steps.</p> + +<p>"Yep! that settles it!" Marjorie agreed, "we'll have to give up the +trip. What can we do, nice, instead?"</p> + +<p>They had planned an all-day motor trip. Mr. Maynard was always at home +on Saturdays, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> he liked nothing better than to take his family and +friends for a ride.</p> + +<p>"The nicest thing just now would be to scoot indoors!" said Cousin Jack, +as the drops came faster and thicker, and a gust of wind sent the rain +dashing at them.</p> + +<p>So they all scurried into the house, and gathered in the big living-room +to discuss the situation.</p> + +<p>"It does seem too bad to have it rain on a Saturday," said Cousin Ethel, +looking regretfully out of the window.</p> + +<p>"Rain, rain, go away, come again another day," chanted Midget, drumming +on the pane with her finger tips.</p> + +<p>"Oh, if I were a kiddy, I shouldn't mind it," said Cousin Jack, +teasingly, to Marjorie. "There are lots of things you can play. But us +poor grown-ups have no fun to look forward to but motoring, and now we +can't do that."</p> + +<p>"Oh, if I were a grown-up, <i>I</i> shouldn't mind it," said Midget, laughing +back at him. "Grown-ups can do anything they like, but kiddies have to +do as they're told."</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes," and Cousin Jack sighed deeply, "but we have sorrows and cares +that you know nothing of."</p> + +<p>"Yes," returned Marjorie, "and <i>we</i> have sor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>rows and cares that <i>you</i> +know nothing of! I'd like you to change places with us for a day, and +see——"</p> + +<p>"All right, we will!" exclaimed Cousin Jack. "That's a fine game! For +to-day, we grown-ups will be the children and you and King can play +mother and father to us!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, what larks!" cried King. "Let's begin right away! Will you, +Mother?"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard laughed. "I'll try it," she said, "but not for all day. Say +till afternoon."</p> + +<p>"Well, till five o'clock this afternoon," suggested Marjorie; "will you, +Father, will you?"</p> + +<p>"I'll play any game the rest play," said good-natured Mr. Maynard. "What +do you want me to do?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you must obey us implicitly! King is Father, and I'm Mother, and +you four are our children; Helen and Ed, and Ethel and Jack, your names +are! Oh, what fun! King, what shall we do first?"</p> + +<p>"Hear their lessons, I guess. Now, my dears, I know it's vacation, but +you really ought to study a little each day, to keep your minds from +rusting out."</p> + +<p>This was a favorite speech of Mrs. Maynard's, and as King quoted it, +with a twinkle in his eye,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> it was recognized at once, at least, by the +four Maynards.</p> + +<p>"All right," cried Marjorie, dancing about in excitement, "sit in a row, +children. Why, Ed, your hands are a sight! Go at once, and wash them, my +boy, and never appear before me again with such an untidy appearance!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard obediently left the room, and when he returned a few moments +later, his hands were immaculately clean. Also, he was munching a cooky, +apparently with great delight.</p> + +<p>"Give me one!" demanded Cousin Jack.</p> + +<p>"And me!" "And me!" begged both the ladies, trying to act like eager +children. Mr. Maynard drew more cookies from his pockets and gave them +to the others, not, however, including King and Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Now, children, finish your cookies, but don't drop crumbs on the +floor," said Midget, choking with laughter at Cousin Jack, who was +cramming large bits of his cake into his mouth.</p> + +<p>"Please, Mother, may I go and get a drink of water?" he mumbled.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Jack, go. And then don't ever take such big bites of cooky again! +You children have the worst manners I ever saw!"</p> + +<p>And then each one had to have a drink of water, and there was much +laughter and scrambling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> before they were again in order for their +lessons.</p> + +<p>"Geography, first," said King, picking up a magazine to serve as a +pretended text-book.</p> + +<p>"Edward, bound Missouri."</p> + +<p>"Missouri is bounded on the north,—by,—by,—Kansas, I guess."</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! he doesn't know his lesson! let me say it!" exclaimed Cousin +Jack. "Missouri is bounded on the north by Kentucky, on the east by +Alabama, on the south by New Jersey, and on the west by Philadelphia. It +is a great cotton-growing state, and contains six million inhabitants, +mostly Hoosiers."</p> + +<p>"Fine!" cried Marjorie, "every word correct! Next, Ethel, what is the +Capital of the United States?"</p> + +<p>"Seacote," said Cousin Ethel, laughing.</p> + +<p>"Sure it is!" agreed King; "now that's enough jography. Next, we'll have +arithmetic. Helen, how much is eighteen times forty-seven?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," said Mrs. Maynard, helplessly.</p> + +<p>"Don't know your multiplication table! Fie, fie, my dear! You must stay +in after school and study it. Edward, how much <i>is</i> eighteen times +forty-seven?"</p> + +<p>"Six hundred and fifty-nine, Father."</p> + +<p>"Right, my boy! Go up head."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, I'll give an example," said Midget. "If Edward has three eggs and +Jack has two eggs, how many have they together?"</p> + +<p>"Can't do it!" declared Cousin Jack, "'cause Ed and I are never together +at breakfast, and that's the only time we have eggs!"</p> + +<p>"Then here's another!" cried Midget; "how can you divide thirteen apples +evenly among four people?"</p> + +<p>"You can't!" said Cousin Jack, "that's the answer."</p> + +<p>"No, it isn't! Who knows?"</p> + +<p>"Invite in nine more people," suggested Mr. Maynard.</p> + +<p>"No; that's not it! Oh, it's easy! Don't you know, Mother? I mean, +<i>Helen</i>?"</p> + +<p>But they all gave it up, so Marjorie announced the solution, which is, +"Make apple sauce!"</p> + +<p>"History lesson, now," said King. "Edward, who discovered America?"</p> + +<p>"Pocahontas," replied Mr. Maynard.</p> + +<p>"Right. Who was Pocahontas?"</p> + +<p>"A noble Indian Princess, who was born July 29th, 1563."</p> + +<p>"Very good. Ethel, describe the Battle of Bunker Hill."</p> + +<p>"I can't; I wasn't there."</p> + +<p>"You should have gone," reprimanded King,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> severely. "Didn't you read +the newspaper accounts of it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but I didn't believe them."</p> + +<p>"Jack Bryant, can you describe this famous battle?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. It was fought under the shadow of the Bunker Hill Monument. +At sundown the shadow ceased, so they all said, 'Disperse ye rebels, and +lay down your arms!' So they laid down their arms and went to sleep."</p> + +<p>"Very well done, Master Bryant. Now, we're going to speak pieces. Each +pupil will speak a piece or write a composition. You may take your +choice."</p> + +<p>"I'll speak a piece! Let me speak first!" exclaimed Cousin Ethel, +jumping up and down. "May I speak now, Teacher!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Ethel, dear," said Midget, kindly; "you may speak your piece +first. Stand up here, by me. Make your bow."</p> + +<p>So Cousin Ethel came up to Marjorie, and acted like a very shy and +bashful child. She put her finger in her mouth, and dropped her eyes and +wriggled about, and picked at her skirt, until everybody was in peals of +laughter.</p> + +<p>"Be quiet, children," said Midget, trying to control her own face. "Now, +everybody sit still while Ethel Bryant recites."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p> + +<p>Cousin Ethel made a very elaborate dancing-school bow, and then, swaying +back and forth in school-child fashion, she recited in a monotonous +singsong, these lines:</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 20%;">"MUD PIES</p> +<p class="blockquot"> +"The grown-ups are the queerest folks; they never seem to know<br /> +That mud pies always have to be made just exactly so.<br /> +You have to have a nice back yard, a sunny pleasant day,<br /> +And then you ask some boys and girls to come around and play.<br /> +You mix some mud up in a pail, and stir it with a stick;<br /> +It mustn't be a bit too thin—and not a bit too thick.<br /> +And then you make it into pies, and pat it with your hand,<br /> +And bake 'em on a nice flat board, and my! but they are grand!" +</p> + +<p>Mrs. Bryant declaimed, with suitable gestures, and finally sat down on +the floor and made imaginary mud pies, in such a dear, childish way that +her audience was delighted, and gave her really earnest encores.</p> + +<p>"Do you know another piece, Ethel?" asked Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"Yes, ma'am," and Mrs. Bryant resumed her shy voice and manner.</p> + +<p>"Then you may recite it, as your little schoolmates seem anxious to have +you do so."</p> + +<p>So again, Mrs. Bryant diffidently made her bow, and recited, with real +dramatic effect:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p> + +<p style="margin-left: 20%;">"AN UNVISITED LOCALITY</p> +<p class="blockquot"> +"I wisht I was as big as men,<br /> +To see the Town of After Ten;<br /> +I've heard it is so bright and gay,<br /> +It's almost like another day.<br /> +But to my bed I'm packed off straight<br /> +When that old clock strikes half-past eight!<br /> +It's awful hard to be a boy<br /> +And never know the sort of joy<br /> +That grown-up people must have when<br /> +They're in the Town of After Ten.<br /> +I'm sure I don't know what they do,<br /> +For shops are closed, and churches too.<br /> +Perhaps with burglars they go 'round,<br /> +And do not dare to make a sound!<br /> +Well, soon I'll be a man, and then<br /> +I'll see the Town of After Ten!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Oh, Cousin Ethel, you're lovely!" cried Marjorie, forgetting her rôle +for the moment. But King took it up.</p> + +<p>"Yes, little Ethel," he said, "you recite very nicely, for such a young +child. Now, go to your seat, and Helen Maynard may recite next."</p> + +<p>"Mine is a Natural History Poem," said Mrs. Maynard, coming up to the +teacher's desk. "It is founded on fact, and it is highly instructive."</p> + +<p>"That's nice," said King. "Go ahead with it."</p> + +<p>So Mrs. Maynard made her bow and though not bashful, like Mrs. Bryant, +she was very funny, for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> she pretended to forget her lines, and +stammered and hesitated, and finally burst into pretended tears. But, +urged on and encouraged by the teachers, she finally concluded this gem +of poesy:</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 20%;">"THE WHISTLING WHALE</p> +<p class="blockquot"> +"A whistling whale once built his nest<br /> +On the very tiptop of a mountain's crest.<br /> +He wore a tunic and a blue cocked hat,<br /> +And for fear of mice he kept a cat.<br /> +The whistling whale had a good-sized mouth,<br /> +It measured three feet from north to south;<br /> +But when he whistled he puckered it up<br /> +Till it was as small as a coffee-cup.<br /> +The people came from far and near<br /> +This wonderful whistling whale to hear;<br /> +And in a most obliging way<br /> +He stood on his tail and whistled all day."<br /> +</p> + +<p>"That's a truly noble poem," commented King, as she finished. "Take your +seat, Helen; you have done splendidly, my little girl!"</p> + +<p>"Now, Teddy Maynard, it's your turn," said Marjorie.</p> + +<p>"After Jacky," declared Mr. Maynard, and nothing would induce him to +precede his friend.</p> + +<p>"Mine is about a visit I paid to the Zoo," said Mr. Bryant, looking +modest. "I wrote it myself for a composition, but it turned out to be +poetry. I never can tell how my compositions are going to turn out."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Recite it," said Marjorie, "and we'll see if we like it."</p> + +<p>"It's about wild animals," went on Cousin Jack, "and it tells of their +habits."</p> + +<p>"That's very nice," said King, condescendingly; "go ahead, my boy."</p> + +<p>So Cousin Jack recited this poem:</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 20%;">"THE WAYS OF THE WILD</p> +<p class="blockquot"> +"There's nothing quite so nice to do<br /> +As pay a visit to the zoo,<br /> +And see beasts that, at different times,<br /> +Were brought from strange and distant climes.<br /> +I love to watch the tapirs tape;<br /> +I stand intent, with mouth agape.<br /> +Then I observe the vipers vipe;<br /> +They're a most interesting type.<br /> +I love to see the beavers beave;<br /> +Indeed, you scarcely would believe<br /> +That they can beave so cleverly,<br /> +Almost as well as you or me.<br /> +And then I pass along, and lo!<br /> +Panthers are panthing to and fro.<br /> +And in the next cage I can see<br /> +The badgers badging merrily.<br /> +Oh, the dear beasties at the zoo,<br /> +What entertaining things they do!"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"That's fine!" exclaimed Midget. "I didn't know we were going to have a +<i>real</i> entertainment!"</p> + +<p>"Very good, Jacky!" pronounced King. "I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> shall mark you ten in +declamation. You're a good declaimer. Now, Teddy Maynard, it's your +turn."</p> + +<p>"Mine is real oratory," declared Mr. Maynard, as he rose from his seat. +"But I find that so many fine oratorical pieces fizzle out after their +first lines, that I just pick out the best lines and use them for +declamation. Now, you can see how well my plan works."</p> + +<p>He struck an attitude, bowed to each of his audience separately, cleared +his throat impressively, and then began to declaim in a stilted, stagey +voice, and with absurd dramatic gestures:</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 20%;">"THE ART OF ELOCUTION</p> +<p class="blockquot"> +"The noble songs of noble deeds of bravery or glory<br /> +Are much enhanced if they're declaimed with stirring oratory.<br /> +I love sonorous words that roll like billows o'er the seas;<br /> +These I recite like Cicero or like Demosthenes.<br /> +<br /> +"And so, from every poem what is worthy I select;<br /> +I use the phrases I like best, the others I reject;<br /> +And thus, I claim, that I have found the logical solution<br /> +Of difficulties that attend the art of elocution.<br /> +<br /> +"Whence come these shrieks so wild and shrill? Across the sands o' Dee?<br /> +Lo, I will stand at thy right hand and keep the bridge with thee!<br /> +For this was Tell a hero? For this did Gessler die?<br /> +'The curse is come upon me!' said the Spider to the Fly.<br /> +<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> +"When Britain first at Heaven's command said, 'Boatswain, do not tarry;<br /> +The despot's heel is on thy shore, and while ye may, go marry.'<br /> +Let dogs delight to bark and bite the British Grenadiers,<br /> +Lars Porsena of Clusium lay dying in Algiers!<br /> +<br /> +"Old Grimes is dead! Ring out, wild bells! And shall Trelawney die?<br /> +Then twenty thousand Cornishmen are comin' thro' the rye!<br /> +The Blessed Damozel leaned out,—she was eight years old <i>she said</i>!<br /> +Lord Lovel stood at his castle gate, whence all but him had fled.<br /> +<br /> +"Rise up, rise up, Xarifa! Only three grains of corn!<br /> +Stay, Lady, stay! for mercy's sake! and wind the bugle horn.<br /> +The glittering knife descends—descends—Hark, hark, the foeman's cry!<br /> +The world is all a fleeting show! Said Gilpin, 'So am I!'<br /> +<br /> +"The sea! the sea! the open sea! Roll on, roll on, thou deep!<br /> +Maxwelton braes are bonny, but Macbeth hath murdered sleep!<br /> +Answer me, burning shades of night! what's Hecuba to me?<br /> +Alone stood brave Horatius! The boy—oh, where was he?"<br /> +</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father!" cried Marjorie, as Mr. Maynard finished, "did you really +make that up? Or did you find it in a book?"</p> + +<p>But Mr. Maynard wouldn't tell, and only accepted the praise heaped upon +him, with a foolish smirk, like an embarrassed schoolboy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, children, school is out," said Midget, "and it's about luncheon +time. So go and tidy yourselves up to come to the table. You're always +sending us to tidy up, Mother, so now you can see what a nuisance it is! +Run along, and come back as quickly as you can, for luncheon is nearly +ready."</p> + +<p>The four grown-ups went away to tidy up, and King and Midget made +further plans for this new game. It was still raining, so there was no +hope of going motoring, and they concluded they were having enough fun +at home to make up for it.</p> + +<p>But when the four "children" returned, they looked at them a moment in +silent astonishment, and then burst into shrieks of laughter.</p> + +<p>Mr. Maynard and Mr. Bryant had transformed themselves into boys, by +brushing their hair down very wet and straight, and wearing large, round +collars made of white paper, and tied with enormous bows. They looked +funny enough, but the two ladies were funnier still. Mrs. Maynard had +her hair in two long pigtails tied with huge ribbons, and Cousin Ethel +had her hair in bunches of curls, also tied with big bows. They both +wore white bib aprons, and carried foolish-looking dolls which they had +made out of pillows, tied round with string.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You <i>dear</i> children!" cried Midget; "I think you are lovely! Come along +to luncheon."</p> + +<p>The "children" politely let King and Midget go first, and they followed, +giggling. Sarah, the waitress, was overcome with amusement, but she +managed to keep a straight face, as the comical-looking procession filed +in.</p> + +<p>King and Marjorie appropriated their parents' seats, and the others sat +at the sides of the table.</p> + +<p>"No, Helen, dear," said Midget, "you can't have any tea. It isn't good +for little girls. You may have a glass of milk, if you wish."</p> + +<p>"I don't think these lobster croquettes are good for Jack," said King, +looking wisely at Midget; "they're very rich, and he's subject to +indigestion."</p> + +<p>"I am not!" declared Cousin Jack, looking longingly at the tempting +croquettes, for which Ellen was famous.</p> + +<p>"There, there, my child," said Marjorie; "don't contradict your father. +Perhaps he could have a half of one, King."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that would scarcely make him ill," and King gave Cousin Jack a +portion of one small croquette, which he ate up at once, and found to be +merely an aggravation.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no! no pie for Edward," said Marjorie, when a delicious lemon +meringue made its appear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span>ance. "Pie is entirely unsuitable for children! +He may have a nice baked apple."</p> + +<p>And Mr. Maynard was plucky enough to eat his baked apple without a +murmur, for he remembered that often he had advised Mrs. Maynard against +giving the children pie.</p> + +<p>To be sure, the pie would not harm the grown people, but Mr. Maynard had +agreed to "play the game," and it was his nature to do thoroughly +whatever he undertook.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2> +<h3>MORE FUN</h3> +</div> + +<p>"Now, Helen," said Marjorie, as they left the dining-room, "you must +practise for an hour."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mother, I don't feel a bit like it! Mayn't I skip it to-day?"</p> + +<p>This was, in effect, a speech that Marjorie often made, and she had to +laugh at her mother's mimicry.</p> + +<p>But she straightened her face, and said, "No, my child; you must do your +practising, or you won't be ready for your lesson when the teacher comes +to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"All right, Mother," said Mrs. Maynard, cheerfully, and sitting down at +the piano, she began to rattle off a gay waltz.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Helen," remonstrated Marjorie, "that won't do! You must play +your scales and exercises. See, here's the book. Now, play that page +over and over for an hour."</p> + +<p>Marjorie did hate those tedious "exercises," and she was glad for her +mother to see how poky it was to drum at them for an hour. As a rule, +Marjorie did her practising patiently enough, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> sometimes she +revolted, and it made her chuckle to see Mrs. Maynard carefully picking +out the "five-finger drills."</p> + +<p>"Keep your hands straight, Helen," she admonished her mother. "Keep the +backs of them so level that a lead pencil wouldn't roll off. I'll get a +lead pencil."</p> + +<p>"No, don't!" exclaimed Mrs. Maynard, in dismay. She liked to play the +piano, but she was far from careful to hold her hands in the position +required by Midget's teacher.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think I'd better, Helen. If you contract bad habits, it's so +difficult to break them."</p> + +<p>Roguish Marjorie brought a lead pencil, and laid it carefully across the +back of her mother's hand, from which it immediately rolled off.</p> + +<p>"Now, Helen, you must hold your hand level. Try again, dearie, and if it +rolls off, pick it up and put it back in place."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Maynard made a wry face, and the other grown-ups laughed, to see +the difficulty she experienced with the pencil.</p> + +<p>"One—two—three—four," she counted, aloud.</p> + +<p>"Count to yourself, Helen," said Marjorie. "It's annoying to hear you do +that!"</p> + +<p>This, too, was quoted, for Mrs. Maynard had often objected to the +monotonous drone of Marjorie's counting aloud.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p> + +<p>But the mother began to see that a child's life has its own little +troubles, and she smiled appreciatively at Midget, as she picked up the +pencil from the floor for the twentieth time, and replaced it on the +back of her hand, now stiff and lame from the unwonted restraint.</p> + +<p>"You dear old darling!" cried Midget, flying over and kissing the +patient musician; "you sha'n't do that any longer! I declare, King, it's +clearing off, after all! Let's take the children out for a walk."</p> + +<p>"Very well, we will. Oh, here comes Ruth! Come in, Ruth."</p> + +<p>Ruth Rowland came in, and looked greatly mystified at the appearance of +the elder members of the group before her.</p> + +<p>But King and Midget explained what was going on, and said:</p> + +<p>"And you can be Aunt Ruth, come to call on us and our children."</p> + +<p>Ruth's eyes danced with fun, and she sat down, saying to Marjorie, "I'm +glad to see the children looking so well; have any of them the +whooping-cough? I hear it's around some."</p> + +<p>"I have," declared Cousin Jack, and then he began to cough and whoop in +a most exaggerated imitation of the whooping-cough. Indeed, in his +paroxysms, he almost turned somersaults.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I hab a bad cold id by head," declared Mr. Maynard, and he began a +series of such prodigious sneezes that all the others screamed with +laughter.</p> + +<p>"Well, your children aren't so very well, after all, are they?" +commented Ruth, as they watched the two men cutting up their capers.</p> + +<p>"The girls are," said Marjorie, looking affectionately at her two +"daughters."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm not!" declared Mrs. Maynard; "I have a fearful toothache," and +she held her cheek in her hand, and rocked back and forth, pretending +dreadful pain.</p> + +<p>"And I have the mumps!" announced Cousin Ethel, puffing out her pretty +pink cheeks, to make believe they were swollen with that ailment.</p> + +<p>"Well, you're a crowd of invalids!" said King; "I believe some fresh air +would do you good. Out you all go, for a walk. Get your hats, kiddies, +and be quick about it."</p> + +<p>The grown-ups scampered away to get their hats, and the ladies put up +their hair properly and took off their white aprons.</p> + +<p>The two men discarded their big collars and ties, but the game was not +yet over, and the group went gayly out and down toward the beach.</p> + +<p>"May we go in bathing, Mother?" asked Mr. Maynard.</p> + +<p>"Not in bathing, my son," returned Marjorie;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> "the waves are too strong. +But, if you wish, you may all take off your shoes and stockings and go +'paddling.'"</p> + +<p>However, none of the quartette of "children" accepted this permission, +so they all sat on the sand and built forts.</p> + +<p>"Now, I guess we'll all go to the pier, and get ice cream," said King. +"How would you like that, kiddies?"</p> + +<p>"Fine!" said Cousin Jack. "It's getting warmer, and I'm hungering for +ice cream. Come on, all."</p> + +<p>"Gently, my boy, gently," said King, as Cousin Jack scrambled to his +feet, upsetting sand all over everybody. "Now, walk along nicely and +properly, don't go too fast, and we'll reach the pier in good time."</p> + +<p>"Turn out your toes," directed Marjorie; "hold up your head, Ethel. +Don't swing your arms, Edward."</p> + +<p>As a matter of fact the four grown people found it a little difficult to +follow these bits of good advice they had so often given carelessly to +the children, and they marched along rather stiffly.</p> + +<p>"Try to be a little more graceful, Helen," said King, and they all +laughed, for Mrs. Maynard was really a very graceful lady, and was +spoiling her gait by over-attention to Midget's rules. At<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> the pier, +King selected a pleasant table, and ranged his party around it.</p> + +<p>"Bring three plates of ice cream, and four half-portions," he directed +the waiter. And when it was brought, he calmly gave the four small +pieces to his parents and the Bryants.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack's face fell, for he was warm and tired, and he wanted more +than a spoonful of the refreshing delicacy. But a surreptitious glance +at his watch showed him it was almost five o'clock; so he accepted his +plate without a murmur.</p> + +<p>"It's very nice, Mother," he said demurely, eating it by tiny bits, +scraped from the edges as he had sometimes seen Marjorie do, when her +share had been limited to half a plate.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you like it, son," she returned; "don't eat too fast,—hold +your spoon properly,—take small bites of cake."</p> + +<p>Ruth was convulsed by this new sort of fun, and asked Marjorie if they +had ever played the game before.</p> + +<p>"No," Cousin Jack answered for her, "and I'm jolly well sure we never +will again! I've had enough of being 'a child again, just for to-night!' +And, if you please, ladies and gentlemen, it's now five o'clock! the jig +is up! the game is played out! the ball is over! Here, waiter; bring +some ice cream, please. Full-sized plates, all around!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p> + +<p>The amused waiter hurried away on his errand, and Mr. and Mrs. Maynard +sat up suddenly, as if relieved of a great responsibility.</p> + +<p>"Bring some cake, too," said Mrs. Maynard, "and a pot of tea. Don't you +want some tea, Ethel?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed, I do, Helen; I'm exhausted. Jack, if you ever propose such a +game again!"</p> + +<p>"I didn't propose it, my dear! Now, will you look at that! Everything +always gets blamed on me!"</p> + +<p>And now there was plenty of ice cream for everybody, and the children +were allowed to have all they wanted, and they were all glad to get back +to their rightful places again.</p> + +<p>"But it was fun!" said Marjorie, and then she told Ruth all about the +funny things they had done before she arrived on the scene.</p> + +<p>Then they all walked around by Ruth's house to take her home, and then +they walked around by Bryant Bower to take the Bryants home, and then +the Maynards went home themselves.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to write Kit all about it," said Marjorie; "she'd have loved +that game, if she'd been here."</p> + +<p>"She loves any make-believe game," said King. "You write to her, Midget; +I've got to write up <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i> paper."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I should think you had! You haven't done one for two weeks."</p> + +<p>"I know it; but it's because nobody sends in any contributions. I can't +make it all up alone."</p> + +<p>"'Course you can't. When I write to Kitty, I'll ask her if she hasn't +some things we could put in it. She and Uncle Steve are always making up +poetry and stories."</p> + +<p>"Good idea, Mops! Tell her to be <i>sure</i> to send me a lot of stuff, first +thing she does!"</p> + +<p>"Well, I will;" and Marjorie set to work at her letter.</p> + +<p>It was finished by dinner time, for Marjorie's letters to her sister +were not marked by any undue precision of style or penmanship, and as +Marjorie laid it on the hall table to be mailed, she told King that she +had given Kitty his message.</p> + +<p>"Father," said Midget, at dinner, that night, "what day did Cousin Jack +say was Pocahontas' birthday?"</p> + +<p>"I don't remember, my dear; but I'm quite sure he doesn't really know, +nor any one else. I fancy he made up that date."</p> + +<p>"Well, do you know of anybody, anybody nice and celebrated, whose +birthday comes about now?"</p> + +<p>"The latter part of July? No, Midget, I don't. Why?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, 'cause I think it would be nice to have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> a celebration, and you +can't celebrate without a hero."</p> + +<p>"Do you call Pocahontas a hero?" asked King, quizzically.</p> + +<p>"Well, she's a heroine,—it's all the same. When do you s'pose her +birthday was, Father?"</p> + +<p>"I've no idea, Midget; and Cousin Jack hasn't, either. But if you want +to celebrate her, you can choose any day. You see, it isn't like a +birthday that's celebrated every year, Washington's, Lincoln's, or +yours. If you're just going to celebrate once, you can take one day as +well as another."</p> + +<p>"Oh, can I, Father? Then, we'll have it next week. I'll choose August +first,—that's a nice day."</p> + +<p>"What's it all about, Midge?" asked King.</p> + +<p>"Oh, nothing; only I took a notion for a celebration. We had such good +times on Fourth of July and on my birthday, I want another birthday."</p> + +<p>"I think it's a good idea to choose some uncelebrated person like +Pocahontas," said Mrs. Maynard; "for if you don't celebrate her I doubt +if anybody ever will."</p> + +<p>"And you see we can have it all sort of Indian," went on Midget. "You +know we've a good many Indian baskets and beads and things,—and, +Father, couldn't you build us a wigwam?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, a whole reservation, if you like."</p> + +<p>"No, just one wigwam. And we'll only have the Sand Club. I don't mean to +have a party."</p> + +<p>"All right, I'm in for it," declared King, and right after dinner, the +two set to work making plans for the celebration.</p> + +<p>"Cousin Jack will help, I know," said Marjorie; "remember how he played +Indians with us, up in Cambridge, last year?"</p> + +<p>"Yep, 'course I do. He'll be fine! He always is."</p> + +<p>"Let's telephone, and ask him right away."</p> + +<p>"All right;" and in a few moments Cousin Jack's cheery "Hello!" came +over the wire.</p> + +<p>"Well!" he exclaimed, "if it isn't those Maynard scamps again! Now, see +here, Mehitabel, it's time you and Hezekiah went to bed. It's nearly +nine o'clock."</p> + +<p>"But, Cousin Jack, I just want to ask you something."</p> + +<p>"Not to-night, my Angel Child. Whatever you ask me to-night, I shall say +no to! Besides, I'm reading my paper, and I can't be disturbed."</p> + +<p>"But, Cousin Jack——"</p> + +<p>"The Interstate Commerce Commission has to-day handed down a decision in +favor of——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, King, he's reading out of his newspaper, just to tease us! You try +him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p> + +<p>King took the telephone. "Please, Cousin Jack, listen a minute," he +said.</p> + +<p>But all the reply he heard was:</p> + +<p>"Ephraim Hardenburg has been elected chairman of the executive committee +of the Great Coal Tar Company, to succeed James H.——"</p> + +<p>King hung up the receiver in disgust.</p> + +<p>"No use," he said; "Cousin Jack just read more of that newspaper stuff! +Never mind, Midget, we can wait till we see him. I guess I will scoot to +bed, now; I'm awful sleepy."</p> + +<p>But when Cousin Jack heard of their project, a day or two later, he was +more than willing to help with the celebration.</p> + +<p>"Well, I just guess!" he cried. "We'll have a jamboree that'll make all +the good Indians wish they were alive now, instead of four hundred +thousand years ago! We'll have a wigwam and a wampum and a tomahawk and +all the ancient improvements! Hooray for Pocahontas!"</p> + +<p>"Gracious, Jack! you're the biggest child of the lot!" exclaimed Mrs. +Maynard, who sat on the veranda, watching the enthusiasm going on.</p> + +<p>"Of course, I am, ma'am! I'm having a merry playtime this summer with my +little friends, and as I have to work hard all winter, I really need +this vacation."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course you do! But don't let those two energetic children wear you +out."</p> + +<p>"No, ma'am! More likely I'll wear them out. Now, for the wigwam, +kiddies. Have you a couple of Navajo blankets?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, we have! and a Bulgarian one, or whatever you call it, to piece +out," cried Midget, as she ran to get them.</p> + +<p>"Just the thing!" declared Cousin Jack. "Put them aside, we won't use +them till the day of the show. 'Cause why? 'Cause it <i>might</i> rain,—but, +of course it won't. Now, for feathers,—we want lots of feathers."</p> + +<p>"Old hat feathers?" asked Midget.</p> + +<p>"Ostrich plumes? Nay, nay, me child. Good stiff quill feathers,—turkey +feathers preferred. Well, never mind those,—I'll fish some up from +somewhere. Now, blankets for the braves and fringed gowns for the +squaws. I'll show you how, Mehitabel, and you and your respected mother +can do the sewing act."</p> + +<p>Well, Cousin Jack planned just about everything, and he and the children +turned the house upside down in their quest for materials. But Mrs. +Maynard didn't mind. She was used to it, for the Maynard children would +always rather "celebrate" than play any ordinary game.</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<div class="chapter"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2> +<h3>A CELEBRATION</h3> +</div> + +<p>The first of August was a perfect day for their celebration.</p> + +<p>They had concluded to hold a Sand Court session first, for the simple +reason that so much matter for <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i> had arrived from +Kitty that King said his paper was full, and he thought it would be nice +to help along the celebration.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack declined an invitation to be present at the reading, saying +that the Pocahontas part was all he could stand, so the Court convened +without him. Ruth was Queen for the day. This was for no particular +reason, except that Marjorie thought it would be a pleasure to the +little new member, so she insisted on Ruth's wearing the crown.</p> + +<p>Very dainty and sweet the little Queen looked, with her long flaxen +curls hanging down from the extra gorgeous gilt-paper crown, that +Marjorie had made specially for this occasion.</p> + +<p>As the session began, a meek little figure ap<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>peared at the Court +entrance, and there was Hester!</p> + +<p>"Now, you Hester!" began Tom Craig, but Hester said:</p> + +<p>"Oh, please let me come! I <i>will</i> be good. I won't say a single cross +word, or boss, or anything."</p> + +<p>"All right, Hester," said Midget, kindly, "come on in. If the Queen says +you may we'll all say so. Do you, O Queen?"</p> + +<p>Ruth looked doubtful for a minute, for she was a little afraid of +Hester's uncertain temper; but, seeing Marjorie's pleading look, she +consented.</p> + +<p>"All right," she said; "if Hester won't throw water on me."</p> + +<p>"No, I won't!" declared Hester, earnestly.</p> + +<p>"Well," said King, "just as long as Hester behaves herself she may stay. +If she carries on like fury, she's got to go home."</p> + +<p>Hester sat down and folded her hands in her lap, looking so excessively +meek that they all had to laugh at her.</p> + +<p>"Now," said the Queen, "we're gathered here together, my loyal subjects, +to listen to,—to, what do you call it?"</p> + +<p>"<i>The Jolly Sandboy</i>," prompted King.</p> + +<p>"<i>The Jolly Sandbag</i>," said the Queen, misunderstanding.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span></p> + +<p>But she was soon put right, and King proceeded to read his paper.</p> + +<p>"It's 'most all done by Uncle Steve and Kitty," he said, "and it's so +nice, I thought you'd all like to hear it."</p> + +<p>"We would," they said, and so King began.</p> + +<p>"Uncle Steve's part is all about animals," he said. "It's a sort of +Natural History, I guess. First is a poem about the Camel.</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"The camel is a curious beast;<br /> +He roams about all through the East.<br /> +He swiftly scours the desert plain,<br /> +And then he scours it back again.<br /> +<br /> +"The camel's legs are very slim,<br /> +And he lets people ride on him.<br /> +Across the sandy waste he flies,<br /> +And kicks the waste in people's eyes.<br /> +<br /> +"He kneels for people to get on,<br /> +Then pulls his legs up, one by one;<br /> +But here's what troubles them the worst—<br /> +To know which leg he'll pull up first.<br /> +<br /> +"Sometimes, when he is feeling gay,<br /> +The camel likes to run away;<br /> +And, as he's just indulged that whim,<br /> +I can't write any more of him."<br /> +</p> + +<p>"I think that's lovely," said the Queen, enthusiastically. "Your uncle +is a real poet, isn't he?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Our family all can write poetry," said Marjorie, seriously. "Father and +Mother both write beautiful verses."</p> + +<p>"Now, here's the next one," went on King. "This is about all sorts of +different animals,—and it's funny, too:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"The whale is smooth, and black as jet<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His disposition sweet;</span><br /> +He neatly combs his hair, and yet<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He will not wipe his feet.</span><br /> +<br /> +"The wombat's clever and polite,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And kind as he can be;</span><br /> +And yet he doesn't bow quite right<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">When he goes out to tea.</span><br /> +<br /> +"The snake is bright and understands<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Whatever he is taught;</span><br /> +And yet he never will shake hands<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">As cordial people ought.</span><br /> +<br /> +"'Most everybody loves the newt;<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But I've heard people tell,</span><br /> +That though he's handy with a flute<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">He can't sew very well.</span><br /> +<br /> +"So animals, as you may see,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Some grave defects display;</span><br /> +They're not like human beings. We<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Are perfect every way."</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's a fine one!" cried Hester. "Mayn't I copy that, and have it +to keep?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course," said King. "I'll make you a copy on the typewriter. Now, +here's a silly one. I mean nonsensical, you know. But I like it:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"THE FUNNY FLAPDOODLE<br /> +<br /> +"There was a Flapdoodle of France,<br /> +Who loved to cut capers and dance;<br /> +He had one red shoe<br /> +And the other was blue,<br /> +And how he could shuffle and prance!<br /> +<br /> +"One day he was kicking so high<br /> +That a breeze blew him up in the sky;<br /> +The breeze was so strong<br /> +It blew him along<br /> +Till the Flapdoodle just seemed to fly.<br /> +<br /> +"He flew 'way up into the stars,<br /> +And, somehow, he landed on Mars.<br /> +Said the Flapdoodle: 'I<br /> +Do not like to fly;<br /> +I think I'll go back on the cars.'<br /> +<br /> +"So a railroad was rapidly built,<br /> +And they wrapped him all up in a quilt;<br /> +For the Flapdoodle said:<br /> +'If I stick out my head<br /> +I fear that I'll somehow get kilt!'<br /> +<br /> +"The railroad train whizzed very fast,<br /> +But they landed him safely at last;<br /> +And through future years<br /> +He related, with tears,<br /> +The dangers through which he had passed."<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, that's the best of all!" said Midget; "I love that kind of funny +verses. Isn't Uncle Steve clever to write like that! Any more, King?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, one more. It isn't about animals, but it's a sort of a nonsense +poem, too. It's called 'A Queer Hospital.'</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"There's a hospital down on Absurdity Square,<br /> +Where the queerest of patients are tended with care.<br /> +<br /> +"When I made them a visit I saw in a crib<br /> +A little Umbrella who had broken his rib.<br /> +<br /> +"And then I observed in the very next bed<br /> +A bright little Pin who had bumped his poor head.<br /> +<br /> +"They said a new cure they'd decided to try<br /> +On an old Needle, totally blind in one eye.<br /> +<br /> +"I was much interested, and soon I espied<br /> +A Shoe who complained of a stitch in her side.<br /> +<br /> +"And a sad-looking patient who seemed in the dumps<br /> +Was a Clock, with a swell face because of the mumps.<br /> +<br /> +"Then I tried very hard, though I fear 'twas in vain<br /> +To comfort a Window who had a bad pane.<br /> +<br /> +"And I paused just a moment to cheerily speak<br /> +With a pale Cup of Tea who was awfully weak.<br /> +<br /> +"As I took my departure I met on the stair<br /> +A new patient, whom they were handling with care,<br /> +A victim perhaps of some terrible wreck—<br /> +'Twas a Squash who had fatally broken his neck."<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span></p> + +<p>"This is the nicest <i>Jolly Sandboy</i> paper we've had yet," said Tom, as +King finished.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is," agreed Marjorie. "But I thought Kit wrote some of it, +King."</p> + +<p>"She did. I'll read hers now. It's an alphabet, all about us down here. +Kitty wrote it, but she says Uncle Steve helped her a little bit with +some of the lines. It's called 'The Seacote Alphabet.'</p> + +<p class="blockquot"> +"A is the Automobile we all love.<br /> +B is the Boat in the water we shove.<br /> +C is the Coast that stretches along.<br /> +D is for Dick, our Sandow so strong.<br /> +E's cousin Ethel, so sweet and refined.<br /> +F, Father Maynard, indulgent and kind.<br /> +G, Grandma Sherwood, who dresses in drab.<br /> +H is for Hester and Harry Sand Crab.<br /> +I, for Ice Cream, the Maynards' mainstay.<br /> +J, Cousin Jack, always ready to play.<br /> +K is for King, and for Kitty, (that's me).<br /> +L is for Lakewood, where I went to sea.<br /> +M, Mother Maynard, and Marjorie, too.<br /> +N for Nurse Nannie, who has lots to do.<br /> +O for the Ocean, with big breakers bold.<br /> +P for the Pier, where candy is sold.<br /> +Q for Queen Sandy, in regal array.<br /> +R, Rosy Posy, so dainty and gay.<br /> +S is for Seacote, and Sand Court beside.<br /> +T is for Tom, the trusty and tried.<br /> +U, Uncle Steve, who's helping me write.<br /> +V for these Verses we send you to-night.<br /> +W, the Waves, that dash with such fuss.<br /> +X the Excitement when one catches us.<br /> +Y for You Youngsters, I've given your names.<br /> +Z is the Zeal you show in your games."<br /> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My! isn't that scrumptious!" exclaimed Hester. "You're a terribly smart +family, Marjorie."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know," said Midget, modestly. "Kit's pretty clever at +writing rhymes, but King and I can't do it much. We make up songs +sometimes, but Kitty makes the best ones."</p> + +<p>"I wish I could do it," said Ruth; "but I couldn't write a rhyming thing +at all."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's all there is in <i>The Jolly Sandboy</i> this week," said King. +"I didn't write any myself, and the things you others gave me, I've +saved for next week. Now, shall we go and celebrate Pocahontas' +birthday?"</p> + +<p>"Is it really her birthday?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"No, we're just pretending it is. But you see, poor Poky never had her +birthday celebrated; I mean,—not legally, like Washington,—so we're +going to give her a chance."</p> + +<p>The Sand Club trooped up to the house, and found Cousin Jack waiting for +them. He was a little surprised to see Hester, but he greeted her +pleasantly, and Hester looked so meek and mild, one would hardly believe +she had a high temper at all. A wigwam had been built on the lawn, and +though it was only a few poles covered with blankets, it looked very +Indian and effective.</p> + +<p>The Maynards had contrived costumes for all,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> and in a few moments the +girls had on gay-fringed skirts and little shawls, with gaudy +headdresses, and the boys had a nondescript Indian garb, and wonderful +feathered headpieces, that hung grandly down their backs like Big +Chiefs.</p> + +<p>Also they had pasteboard tomahawks, and Cousin Jack taught them a +war-whoop that was truly ear-splitting.</p> + +<p>"First," said Mr. Bryant, "we'll all sing the Blue Juniata, as that is a +pretty Indian song, and so, sort of appropriate to Pocahontas."</p> + +<p>So they all sang it, with a will, and the song of "The Indian Girl, +Bright Alfarata," was, in a way, a tribute to Pocahontas.</p> + +<p>"Now," Mr. Bryant went on, "some one must tell the story of Pocahontas. +Harry, will you do it?"</p> + +<p>But the Sand Crab was too shy to speak in public, so Cousin Jack asked +Ruth to do it.</p> + +<p>"I don't know it very well," said Ruth, "but I guess it was like this: +Captain John Smith was about to be tommyhawked all to pieces by admiring +Indians. As the fell blows were about to fell, up rushes a beautiful +Indian maiden, with her black hair streaming in the breeze. 'Fear thou +not!' she said, wildly; 'I will save thee!' Whereupon she flang herself +upon him, and hugged him till he couldn't be reached by his tormentors. +The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> wild Indians were forced to desist, or else pierce to the heart +their own Pocahontas, beloved daughter of their tribe. So they released +Captain John Smith, and so Pocahontas married Captain John Rolfe +instead, and they lived happy ever after. Hence is why we celebrate her +birthday."</p> + +<p>Ruth clearly enjoyed the telling of this tale, and threw herself into it +with dramatic fervor.</p> + +<p>The others listened, enthralled by her graphic recital and thrilling +diction.</p> + +<p>"My!" exclaimed Midget, as she finished, "I didn't know you knew so many +big words, Ruth."</p> + +<p>"I didn't, either," said Ruth, calmly; "they sort of came to me as I +went along."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's just as smart as writing poetry," declared King, and Ruth +was greatly pleased at the compliments.</p> + +<p>"Now, my dear young friends," Cousin Jack said, by way of a speech, "the +exercises will now begin. As you know, we are celebrating the birthday +of a noble Indian Princess. Therefore, our sports or diversions will all +be of an Indian character. First, we will have an Indian Club Drill."</p> + +<p>He produced Indian clubs for all, the boys' being heavier ones than the +girls.</p> + +<p>These were new to the Maynards, but Cousin Jack soon taught them how to +use them, and instructed them in a simple drill.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p> + +<p>Hester learned more quickly than Marjorie, for she was more lithe and +agile, and swung her clubs around with greater ease. Ruth seemed to know +instinctively how to use them, which was partly due to her proficiency +in fancy dancing. But they all learned, and greatly enjoyed the +interesting exercise.</p> + +<p>Cousin Jack presented the children with the clubs they used, and they +promised to practise with them often.</p> + +<p>"It'll be good for you growing young people," said Mr. Maynard, "and you +can form a sort of a Pocahontas Club."</p> + +<p>Then he had a gramophone brought out to the lawn, and they whisked their +clubs about to inspiriting Indian music.</p> + +<p>"Now, I dare say you're tired," said Cousin Jack, "for Indian club +exercise is a strain on the muscles. So sit in a circle on the grass, +and we'll all smoke pipes of peace and swap stories for a while."</p> + +<p>The "pipes of peace" turned out to be pipes made of chocolate, so they +were all willing to "smoke" them.</p> + +<p>"Mine's a pipe of pieces!" said Midget, as she broke the stem in bits, +and ate them one by one.</p> + +<p>The others followed her example, and the pipes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> had disappeared before +the story-telling fairly began.</p> + +<p>But Cousin Jack told them some thrilling Indian tales, and so interested +were his hearers that they gathered close about him, and listened in +absorbed silence.</p> + +<p>"Was that true, Cousin Jack?" asked King, after an exciting yarn.</p> + +<p>"Well, it's in a story-book written by James Fenimore Cooper. You're old +enough to read his books now, and if I were you children, I'd ask my +parents to buy me some of Cooper's works."</p> + +<p>"I'm going to do that," cried Hester, her eyes dancing at the thought of +reading such stories for herself. "I never heard of them before."</p> + +<p>"Well, you're young yet to read novels, but Cooper's are all right for +you. You might read one aloud in your Sand Club."</p> + +<p>"Yes, we will!" said King. "That'll be fine. Then one book would do for +us all. Or we might each get one, and then lend them around to each +other. My, we're getting lots of new ideas from our celebration. Indian +club exercises and Cooper's stories are worth knowing about."</p> + +<p>"And now," said Cousin Jack, "if you're rested, suppose we march along +Indian File, and see if we can come across an Indian Meal."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ho, ho!" laughed King, "I don't want to eat Indian meal!"</p> + +<p>"We'll see what it is before we decide," said Midget, judicially. "What +is Indian File, Cousin Jack?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that only means single file, or one by one. <i>Not</i> like the Irishman +who said to his men, 'March togither, men! be twos as far as ye go, an' +thin be wans!' I want you to go 'be wans' all the way."</p> + +<p>So, in single file, they followed Cousin Jack's lead to the wigwam, +which they hadn't yet entered. He turned back the flap of the tent, and +there was room for all inside. On a table there there were eight Indian +baskets, of pretty design. On lifting the covers, each was found to +contain an "Indian Meal."</p> + +<p>The meal was a few dainty little sandwiches and cakes, and a peach and a +pear, all wrapped in pretty paper napkins, with an Indian's head on the +corner.</p> + +<p>Exercise had given the children good appetites, and they were quite +ready to do full justice to the "Indian Meal."</p> + +<p>Sarah brought out lemonade, and later ice cream, so, as Midget said, it +really was a party after all.</p> + +<p>Of course, the children kept the baskets and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> the pretty napkins as +souvenirs, and when the guests went home, they said they were glad they +didn't know the real date of Pocahontas' birthday, for it <i>might</i> have +been in the winter, and then they couldn't have had nearly as much fun.</p> + +<p>"And it's lucky we decided on this day," said Cousin Jack, after the +children had gone, "for to-morrow Ethel and I go back to Cambridge."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Cousin Jack, not really!" cried Midget, in dismay.</p> + +<p>"Yes, kiddy; we've changed our summer plans suddenly, and we're going to +Europe next week. So we leave here to-morrow. And sorry, indeed, are we +to leave our Maynard friends."</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry, too," said Midget, "<i>awfully</i> sorry, but I'm glad we've had +you down here as long as we have. You've been awful good to us, Cousin +Jack."</p> + +<p>"You've been good to me, Mehitabel. And when I wander through the +interesting places abroad, I shall write letters to you, and when I come +home again, I'll bring you a souvenir from every place I've been to."</p> + +<p>"Well, you're just the dearest Cousin Jack in all the world!" said +Midget, and she gave him a big hug and kiss to corroborate her words.</p> + +<p>"And you're just the dearest Mopsy Midget Mehitabel!" he said, returning +her caress.</p> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<p class="center"> + <span style="font-size: 140%">THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS SERIES</span> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%">By VICTOR APPLETON</span> + <br /> + <span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 80%"> + <br /> + 12mo. DURABLY BOUND. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING</span> +</p> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<p>Moving pictures and photo plays are famous the world over, and in this +line of books the reader is given a full description of how the films +are made—the scenes of little dramas, indoors and out, trick pictures +to satisfy the curious, soul-stirring pictures of city affairs, life in +the Wild West, among the cowboys and Indians, thrilling rescues along +the seacoast, the daring of picture hunters in the jungle among savage +beasts, and the great risks run in picturing conditions in a land of +earthquakes. The volumes teem with adventures and will be found +interesting from first chapter to last.</p> + +<p> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS<br /> +Or Perils of a Great City Depicted.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE WEST<br /> +Or Taking Scenes Among the Cowboys and Indians.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS ON THE COAST<br /> +Or Showing the Perils of the Deep.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN THE JUNGLE<br /> +Or Stirring Times Among the Wild Animals.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS IN EARTHQUAKE LAND<br /> +Or Working Amid Many Perils.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AND THE FLOOD<br /> +Or Perilous Days on the Mississippi.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS AT PANAMA<br /> +Or Stirring Adventures Along the Great Canal.<br /> +<br /> +THE MOVING PICTURE BOYS UNDER THE SEA<br /> +Or The Treasure of the Lost Ship.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<p class="smcapc">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</p> +<hr class="full" /> + +<p class="center"> + <span style="font-size: 140%">THE BUNNY BROWN SERIES</span> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%">By LAURA LEE HOPE</span> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%">Author of the Popular "Bobbsey Twins" Books</span> + <br /><br /> + <span style="font-size: 80%">Wrapper and text illustrations drawn by + <br />FLORENCE ENGLAND NOSWORTHY<br /></span> + <span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 80%"> + <br /> + 12mo. DURABLY BOUND. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING</span> +</p> + +<hr class="major" /> + +<p>These stories by the author of the "Bobbsey Twins" Books are eagerly +welcomed by the little folks from about five to ten years of age. Their +eyes fairly dance with delight at the lively doings of inquisitive +little Bunny Brown and his cunning, trustful sister Sue.</p> + +<p>Bunny was a lively little boy, very inquisitive. When he did anything, +Sue followed his leadership. They had many adventures, some comical in +the extreme.</p> + +<p> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON GRANDPA'S FARM<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE PLAYING CIRCUS<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CAMP REST-A-WHILE<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT AUNT LU'S CITY HOME<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE BIG WOODS<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON AN AUTO TOUR<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR SHETLAND PONY<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE GIVING A SHOW<br /> +BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CHRISTMAS TREE COVE +</p> + +<hr class="major" /> +<p class="smcapc">Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York</p> +<hr class="full" /> + +<div class="tnote"> +<h3>Transcriber’s Notes</h3> +<p>Punctuation has been made regular and consistent with contemporary standards.</p> +<p>Corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections. +Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text +will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p> +</div> + +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE AT SEACOTE***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 18035-h.txt or 18035-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/0/3/18035">http://www.gutenberg.org/1/8/0/3/18035</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution.</p> + + + +<pre> +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license)</a>. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a> + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/</a> + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL</a> + +*** END: FULL LICENSE *** +</pre> +</body> +</html> |
