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diff --git a/23999.txt b/23999.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..63dfe26 --- /dev/null +++ b/23999.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1545 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Day at the County Fair, by Alice Hale +Burnett, Illustrated by Charles F. Lester + + +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: A Day at the County Fair + + +Author: Alice Hale Burnett + + + +Release Date: December 27, 2007 [eBook #23999] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DAY AT THE COUNTY FAIR*** + + +E-text prepared by Roberta Staehlin, Suzanne Shell, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 23999-h.htm or 23999-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/3/9/9/23999/23999-h/23999-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/3/9/9/23999/23999-h.zip) + + + + + +The Merryvale Girls + +A DAY AT THE COUNTY FAIR + +by + +ALICE HALE BURNETT + +Author of "Beth's Garden Party," +"Geraldine's Birthday Surprise," +"A Day at the County Fair," Etc. + +Pictures by Charles F. Lester + + + + + + + +The New York Book Co. +201-213 East 12th Street New York + +Copyright, 1916, by +American Authors Publishing Co. + + + + +CONTENTS + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I. THE INVITATION 9 + + II. THE MOTOR TRIP 15 + + III. THE PICNIC LUNCH 22 + + IV. THE FUN BEGINS 25 + + V. THE GREASED POLE 32 + + VI. JERRY'S TREAT 37 + + VII. UNCLE BILLY'S STORY 44 + + VIII. AN EXCITING MOMENT 52 + + IX. HOME AGAIN 58 + + + + +[Illustration: With a queer swaying motion the huge ball rose slowly in +the air.] + +A DAY AT THE COUNTY FAIR + + +CHAPTER I + +THE INVITATION + + +"Oh, push it harder, much harder, so I can go away up to the tree +tops," cried Jerry. "Don't you just love to fly through the air this +way?" + +Mary Lee gave the swing one more push. + +"There!" she exclaimed, "that's the best I can do, Geraldine White. I'm +hot all over now," and she dropped down on the soft grass at the foot +of a big tree. + +"After the old cat dies, I'll give you a fine swing," promised Jerry. +"You'll think you're in an airship." + +"Indeed you won't," protested Mary. "It's horrid and makes me feel ill. +Oh, look," she exclaimed, "here comes Beth Burton." + +Flying down the street, her hair streaming behind her, came Beth, her +cheeks aglow and her dark eyes dancing with excitement. + +Mary had run at once to meet her and Jerry followed as soon as she +could stop the swing. + +"It's the loveliest news," panted Beth when she had reached them--"an +invitation." + +"Oh, do tell us what it is," demanded the other two in chorus. + +"Well," continued Beth, placing an arm about each as they all walked up +the path, "it's to go motoring. My uncle Billy is going to take us," +and she gave each girl a little hug. "But that isn't all," she added. +"There's a surprise on the end of the ride." + +Jerry danced up the path with joy. + +"A motor ride and a surprise all in one day," thought Jerry. + +"I think it's just dear of him to ask us to go, too," said Mary. "He +could have taken you alone." + +Beth smiled, as she replied: + +"It wouldn't be half as much fun without you, and I don't know what the +surprise is, either; Uncle Billy wouldn't tell me." + +Jerry suddenly stopped dancing. + +"Mary Lee," she said, "you're just as big a goose as I am. We've never +asked Beth when it's to be." + +"Why, to-day, of course," was the laughing answer; "that's why I +hurried so. We'll stop for you both at eleven o'clock, and Uncle Billy +says he'll bring us all back safely by six o'clock to-night. I do hope +your mothers will allow you to go." + +"Oh, mercy! I must hurry. I'll have to ask Mother, and then change my +dress," and Mary darted down the path. "I'll come back here when I'm +ready," she called to them over her shoulder. + +"I shall have to hurry home, too," laughed Beth, "but, Jerry, before I +leave, do go in and ask your mother if you may go." + +It took but a moment for Jerry to reach the house and in another she +had reached the room where her mother sat sewing. + +"Oh, it's going to be such fun! May I go? The whole day, and a motor +ride, and a surprise, too. Isn't it sweet of Beth?" + +"Jerry, what are you talking about?" asked Mrs. White; "a motor ride +and a surprise; what do you mean, dear?" + +"Oh," giggled Jerry, "I always get mixed up when I talk fast," and +standing beside her mother, she explained about the invitation she had +just received from Beth. + +"Indeed you may go, and I'm sure you will enjoy it very much," was her +mother's reply. "But now you'd better run upstairs and get ready, for +you haven't much time." + +Jerry, happy to receive her mother's permission, flew to the door. + +"It's all right, Beth dear," she called. "I may go." + +"Oh, I'm so glad," answered Beth; "be sure you're ready at eleven." + + + + +CHAPTER II + +THE MOTOR TRIP + + +"Mercy, goodness! Five minutes to eleven, and I can't find my hat," and +poor Jerry darted from one closet to another in her search. "Where do +you suppose it is?" + +"It's just where you left it," answered Mary, who had arrived ten +minutes before and had been helping Jerry hunt for the missing hat. +"Now stop running around and try to think a minute." + +Jerry stood still and thought very hard. + +"Why, I believe it's--it's in my hat box, you dear thing! Why didn't +you tell me to do that before?" and Jerry darted up the stairs to her +room, and in another minute called out: + +"Yes, here it is, safe and sound," at which Mary burst into laughter. + +"Honk, honk!" sounded from without. + +"Here they are,--here they come," and both girls flew to meet Beth, who +had just stepped out of the car as it stopped before the house. + +Mrs. White followed the girls down the path and Uncle Billy smilingly +promised her to have the girls home before dark. + +"Jerry, you sit in front for a while with Uncle Billy," suggested +Beth. "I think it will be nice if we take turns riding beside him." + +"Fine idea," laughed Uncle Billy, "then I can get acquainted with all +of you." + +Jerry climbed in the front seat while Mary and Beth sat in the wide +seat behind, with a large wicker lunch basket on the floor before them. + +"Good-bye," they called as the car started, and Mrs. White waved her +handkerchief until they were out of sight. + +It was the beautiful month of September and the leaves were turning to +red and gold. The air was soft and cool against their faces and the sky +was dotted here and there with tiny white clouds that looked like +little ships sailing on an ocean of blue. + +Uncle Billy had headed the car toward the west and it sped down the +country road, leaving the town of Merryvale far behind. Past fields and +farms they flew, through woodlands and over little bridges under which +ran tiny, bubbling brooks. + +"It's like being in fairyland," whispered Mary. "Look, the leaves have +made a gold and crimson carpet." + +"Yes, and at night the fairies dance in the moonlight," answered Beth, +"and drink honey from the blue bells. Wouldn't that soft mossy bank +make a lovely throne for the queen?" + +[Illustration: "Don't you just love to fly through the air this way?" +cried Jerry.] + +"What are you two talking about?" demanded Jerry, turning around in +her seat and facing them. "I don't believe you know that Beth's Uncle +Billy let me drive this car for a long way and he hardly helped at +all." + +"Well, I should say we didn't, or we'd have been scared to death," +laughed Beth. + +"Well, it's not half as dangerous as driving an airship, and I'm going +to do that some day. I'd love to go away up above the clouds." + +"And talk to the man in the moon, I suppose," teased Mary. + +"That would be fun, if you didn't have any engine trouble," chuckled +Uncle Billy, joining in the fun. + +"What's engine trouble?" demanded Jerry. "Do you mean something +happening to the works of it?" + +"That's it," declared Uncle Billy, "and when it happens down you come +faster than even you would like." + +"Just down right side up or head over heels," insisted Jerry. + +"Well, it needn't make any difference to you, because you are not going +to do it, Geraldine White," interrupted Beth, looking at Mary, who +hastened to agree with her. + +"Lots of times I've wished I were a boy," sighed Jerry. "Nobody ever +seems to mind what they do." + +"What's the surprise, Uncle Billy?" asked Beth. "Why are you stopping?" + +"I don't know myself," said Uncle Billy with a frown on his forehead, +as the car gradually came to a stop, "but I'll have to find out." + +"Whatever's the matter?" cried Jerry. "Do you think we're having engine +trouble?" and she hopped out and stood by the roadside gazing at the +car. + +"Nothing so easy as that," answered Uncle Billy, in great disgust; +"it's gas. We have run out of it. Looks as though they didn't fill up +the tank in the garage before we started, as I told them to do." + +"Gasoline!" gasped Beth, "and that's what makes it go." + + + + +CHAPTER III + +THE PICNIC LUNCH + + +"Oh, cheer up," said Uncle Billy in his jolly way, "some one will be +along before a great while and we'll all drive to the nearest town with +them." + +Beth stood up on the seat and clapped her hands. + +"Listen, everyone," she said, "let's have luncheon while we're +waiting." + +All were delighted with her plan and in less time than it takes to tell +it the basket was lifted out of the car and in the shade of a large +tree close by the little party made merry over the dainty sandwiches +and iced lemonade. + +There were little cakes, too, with pink and white icing. + +"I know Martha made these," commented Jerry; "they taste like a cake we +had at your party, Beth." + +Uncle Billy declared that never before in his life had he eaten so many +good things, all at one time. + +"There's a wagon!" and Mary, who had been the first to see it, jumped +to her feet and pointed up the road toward a farm wagon, piled high +with hay, which was approaching them. + +Uncle Billy started off at once to meet it and while the girls were +busily packing the things back into the basket he was telling the man +who drove the wagon about their mishap. + +"You can all come along with me to town and then send some one back +with gasoline to fetch in your car, if you like. I'm driving in to the +county fair," explained the farmer. + +"Fine!" decided Uncle Billy. "We'll do it." So in great haste the girls +were soon swung up, one by one, to the top of the hay. Then Uncle Billy +climbed on. + +"All aboard!" he shouted, and at the word the farmer started his team. +As the wagon bumped and swayed along the road, the girls held hands to +keep from sliding off. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE FUN BEGINS + + +"Did you ever see so many wagons in all your life? Why, there are +hundreds of them," declared Jerry, when they had reached the little +town and were driving down the main street. + +"How would you like to go to the fair?" suggested Uncle Billy with his +eyes twinkling with merriment. + +"Oh, do you really mean it?" questioned Mary. "I've always wanted to +see a county fair." + +"So have I," echoed each of the others. + +"All right; it's a bargain," nodded Uncle Billy. "You all wait here," +he told the girls a few minutes later, as he helped them out of the +wagon, "while I get some one to bring the car into town." + +He left the girls chatting together in great excitement over the +unexpected treat, and when he returned there were a great many +questions to answer as he led the way toward the great entrance gate. + +"Tickets, tickets to the fair grounds! Here you are, boss! This way to +the ticket booth." + +"I wonder if he thinks you all belong to me?" said Uncle Billy, smiling +and nodding to the man in the plaid suit and high hat who had addressed +them. + +"How funny!" laughed Beth. "You don't look a bit like our fathers." + +"There's the merry-go-round," pointed out Mary when they were inside +the grounds, "and there's one of those funny houses you get lost in." + +"Oh," exclaimed Jerry to Uncle Billy, "look at yourself in that mirror. +You're only a foot high and fat as a butter ball." + +The three girls laughed until they cried, as Uncle Billy bowed and +smiled at himself before the mystic mirror that made the tallest person +seem short and squatty. + +"Let's ride on the merry-go-round," proposed Beth; "it's almost ready +to start." + +"Jump aboard," ordered her uncle, "I'll see to the tickets." + +Jerry had at once chosen a very wild-looking lion to ride upon, but +Mary and Beth decided on two beautiful white horses, that rose up and +down on the iron rods that ran through their wooden bodies, as the +platform circled about. + +The music was a jolly tune that the girls had heard before, so they +laughed and sang and waved each time to Uncle Billy as they sped past +him. + +When the ride was over they walked to the other side of the grounds, +where a great crowd had gathered. + +"What is it?" asked Jerry. "What is the fun about?" for everyone seemed +to be laughing. + +Uncle Billy soon found a place for the girls near the inner circle, and +to their great surprise they saw a number of boys trying to catch some +very shiny little black pigs within a small enclosure. The crowd roared +with delight whenever a pig would slip through the fingers of the boy +trying to catch him. + +"What makes them so shiny?" asked Beth, "and why do they want to catch +them?" + +"Why, grease makes them shiny," replied Uncle Billy, "and the boy who +is clever enough to catch one gets the pig, or a prize." + +"I do hope that boy with the red hair and freckles will catch his," +whispered Mary; "he looks just like a boy I know." + +"Oh, I know whom you mean;--Reddy," said Jerry with a smile. + +"Isn't it dreadful the way those pigs squeal," and Beth put her hands +over her ears to shut out the sound. + +At last the red-haired boy, whom Mary hoped would win, drove a pig into +a corner, and as the crowd watched he managed to grasp it by a fore and +hind leg and held it close to him. + +"Now I've got you, you little rascal!" he cried, and the crowd cheered +as the little black pig wriggled in his arms and tried in vain to get +away. + +The boy was now shown a number of prizes from which to choose. He +selected a silver watch and chain, with which he started off as proud +as a peacock. + +"You brought him good luck, wishing that he would win," said Beth to +Mary as they turned to go. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE GREASED POLE + + +"Did you ever see such large tomatoes?" exclaimed Jerry, pointing to a +booth where some prize vegetables were being exhibited. + +"I'm glad you like them," said a fat, smiling old woman who was +standing near them, "for I grew them myself and they're prize winners." + +"Oh, I don't see how you ever did it," declared Jerry. "I had a garden +once and most everything died but the weeds." + +"Well, my dear, wasn't that just too bad? Perhaps you forgot to water +the plants. It's a bit of care every day that brings them along," and +she patted Jerry's rosy cheeks. + +"I guess the poor things starved to death," thought Jerry as she joined +the others, "for I'm sure I often forgot them." + +"What an enormous pumpkin, Uncle Billy. Do you think it's real?" asked +Beth, as they stopped before a large display of them. + +"Yes, of course it's real," he assured her, "and just think of all the +good pies it will make." + +"I wonder if Cinderella's chariot was as big a pumpkin as that," mused +Mary. + +"What are those funny looking poles over there, with cross pieces at +the top?" Jerry exclaimed, "there's a boy trying to climb up one of +them." + +"Let's go over and see," suggested one of the others, so they made +their way over and joined the crowd about the two poles and were soon +watching the boys who tried to climb up to secure the presents hanging +from the cross pieces. + +"I believe they are greased to be slippery like the pigs were," +remarked Mary. + +"They are," Uncle Billy replied, "it's a game brought over from +France." + +It did seem for a while that not one of the boys ever would succeed in +reaching the top. They would climb up a short way and then slide +back, while the crowd laughed and cheered. + +[Illustration: "Now I've got you, you little rascal!" he cried, and the +crowd cheered.] + +Finally a long-legged boy twisted himself around one of the poles and +with funny, quick motions worked his way up near the top. + +"Oh, I do hope he gets there," whispered Jerry, under her breath as the +boy had almost reached the top, "his clothes look so ragged and poor." + +"He's up," shouted the crowd. "What's he going to take?" + +The boy now had one arm thrown about the crosspiece and was looking at +all the different things he had to choose from. + +"Take your time, sonny; look them all over first," called out a +good-natured man in the crowd below, but the boy was quick to decide +and slid a shining pair of skates from off the pole across his +shoulders. + +"They'll come in handy before very long," he told the crowd with a +laugh as he came down the pole. + +"Good for you, Spider," called out his boy friends, running up to +admire the fine new skates which he was proud to show. + +"What a horrid name," commented Beth, "but I'm glad he won." + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +JERRY'S TREAT + + +Uncle Billy now led the party over to the pop corn and peanut stand +where he made several purchases for them, after which he told Jerry +that he had a treat in store for her. + +"It's a secret between us and we'll tell you all about it when we get +back," he said to the others. "Now what would you like to do while we +are away?" + +"Ride on the merry-go-round," declared both the girls in a breath, and +so after a few minutes, when they had reached the merry-go-round a +long string of tickets was handed Beth and she willingly promised to +remain there until Uncle Billy returned. + +"What is it we're going to do?" asked Jerry in great excitement, +dancing along beside Uncle Billy as they started away. + +"Away over your head I see something," he answered--"something round +like a ball, with a basket hanging beneath it. Can you guess what it +is?" + +"Oh, do stop teasing," pleaded Jerry, "and tell me." + +"It's a balloon," replied Uncle Billy. "Would you like to go up in it?" + +"Oh, yes," she answered, her eyes dancing with delight. "Will it sail +away off?" + +"No, Jerry, it won't or you wouldn't catch me going up in it. I'm going +to look it all over first to find out if it's perfectly safe." + +"But suppose the rope should break?" insisted Jerry as they hurried +along. + +"We'd let the gas escape from the bag, and that would make the balloon +sink slowly to the earth. Of course we would not let all of the gas +out, but just enough to let it sink to the ground. Why, you little +monkey," added Uncle Billy, "I believe you wanted it to break away," +and he laughed at her daring. + +After the balloon ropes were well tested, both climbed into the basket +where two women passengers were already standing beside the attendant. + +"Only fifty cents for ten minutes above the clouds," shouted the man +selling tickets, "step this way and get off the earth." + +"He's trying to be funny, isn't he?" laughed Jerry as she held tightly +to the basket's edge. + +"All aboard for the ascension," someone called, and with a queer, +swaying motion and sudden lurches the huge ball of gas rose slowly into +the air. + +"Oh, dear, I wish I'd never come!" exclaimed the woman standing next to +Jerry. "Aren't you scared, little girl?" + +"Oh, but don't you like it?" was Jerry's surprised answer. "I think +it's wonderful. It's almost like being a bird." + +Uncle Billy bent down to look at Jerry as they arose higher into the +air. + +"Is it as fine as you thought it would be?" he asked. + +"Oh, it's heaps nicer," she cried, clapping her hands. "See how small +everything is down there, and do you see the merry-go-round? What would +Mary and Beth think if they knew?" + +"Over those hills is Merryvale," he pointed out. "That road winding in +and out leads into the town. It's the one we came by." + +"Looks just like a piece of ribbon, doesn't it?" she answered. + +"Seems as though we've stopped going up now," she observed a moment +later. + +"Well, thank goodness," sighed the woman seated next to her, "I'm sure +it's plenty high enough for anybody. I'm most scared out of my wits +now." + +Jerry squeezed Uncle Billy's hand as she looked up at him. + +"She's afraid," she whispered. + +"Which way is the ocean, Uncle Billy?" she added, a moment later. + +"Which one--you know we have two of them?" was his teasing reply. + +"Of course I know that, but I mean the Atlantic. That's the one I like +the best because you go to Europe that way." + +Uncle Billy then pointed his long arm toward the east. + +"Away, way over there," he said. + +"My, but the world's an awfully big place," declared Jerry, "and to +think my doll, Togo Sen, has crossed an ocean and I've never even seen +one." + +When the ten minutes had passed the balloon commenced to descend. + +"It's been a beautiful surprise, Uncle Billy, I'll never forget it," +said Jerry. + +"I thought it would make you happy," was his answer. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +UNCLE BILLY'S STORY + + +"Here they are," cried Beth as Jerry and Uncle Billy came into view. +"We thought you'd never come," she reproved as they drew near. "Where +in the world have you two been?" + +"We haven't been anywhere in the world," laughed Jerry, "we've been far +above it." + +"What are you talking about?" demanded Mary. "Tell us this minute." + +"Well, we've been ballooning," confessed Uncle Billy. + +"The very idea," gasped Beth. "Do you mean you dared to go up in one of +those awful things?" + +"Well, I'm glad you didn't invite us to go, for we'd never have done +it," declared Mary, as the others laughed. + +"Take a chance on a beautiful doll, only ten cents. Won't you young +ladies take a chance?" said a boy, stepping up to them and waving a +handful of tickets. + +"How do we know she's beautiful?" asked Uncle Billy. "We'd like to see +her first." + +"Only a few tickets left," urged the boy, "you'd better take them now. +The doll's right over there in the glass case for you to look at." + +The three girls darted off for a peep at the doll and Uncle Billy, +after buying four tickets from the boy, followed them, and all stood +gazing at the beautiful large French doll. + +"Oh, if one of us could only win her!" exclaimed Mary, "she would be so +stylish at our parties with that lovely French look, and we would call +her Mlle. Marie, like your French teacher, Beth." + +"We'd have to have very fancy parties when we invited her," responded +Beth, "or she might turn up her nose." + +"We will call out the winning number from this spot in just a half hour +from now," called the ticket seller, "and everyone be on hand who has a +ticket." + +"Let's have some ice cream," suggested Uncle Billy, "it'll help pass +the time while we're waiting to find out who's the lucky one." + +"Oh, goody, I love ice-cream!" exclaimed Mary. "Uncle Billy, you always +think of the nicest things." + +When they had found a small table in one corner of the raised platform +where refreshments were served, the little party seated themselves +quickly and looked about at the crowds of people passing below them. + +"Isn't it pretty here?" observed Mary, looking at the garlands of +leaves and flowers that covered the beams above their heads. + +"I think it's the best day I ever had," announced Jerry. + +The band, almost hidden by palms and huge ferns, now struck up a lively +tune, and Beth tapped her fingers on the table as she kept time with +the music. + +Uncle Billy ordered for each the cream she most liked and a generous +plate of little cakes. + +"I'll take plain vanilla with chocolate sauce," he said to the waiter, +and when Mary asked why he didn't take strawberry, as it was so good, +he threw back his head and gave a hearty laugh. + +"I'll tell you," he said, "but you must promise never to repeat it." + +"We promise," they agreed, so leaning forward, until their heads were +close together, he began: + +"It happened a long time ago. I was just eight years old, and had been +told by my mother to take a strawberry shortcake she had made, to our +church where a supper was being held." + +Here Uncle Billy paused and looked at each of the smiling faces before +him. + +"I'm afraid you're going to think I was a pretty bad little chap," he +said. + +"Oh, no, really we won't," they assured him, "do go on and tell us." + +"Well," he continued, "it was a long walk to the church, and after I +had gone a way I sat down by the roadside to rest. Also I was very fond +of strawberries, so I took just a peep to see what it looked like. Then +I took, oh, just a little sample, to see how it tasted, and didn't I +smack my lips over it. + +"And then, I'm ashamed to say what followed. Although I knew it was +wrong I ate more and more until a fourth of it was gone, then what was +I to do? I couldn't take it to the supper that way, so I decided to eat +it all and hoped my mother wouldn't ask any questions when I got back +home." + +"Oh," giggled Jerry, "did you do it?" + +"I almost did--there wasn't very much left when I started for home. My +mother didn't say a word when she saw me, because as she told me years +later, she didn't have to ask any questions, for my face was covered +with strawberry stains and little flecks of cream. + +"Well, I went to bed early that night. I didn't feel any too well, and +before long a real pain came and danced up and down inside me. Oh, +wasn't I sorry I had eaten that cake. + +"Mother came in then, and I felt better--well enough to tell her about +it. I said then I'd never eat strawberries as long as I lived. And I +never have." + +[Illustration: "I think," answered Mary, "I shall call her Elizabeth +Geraldine for her two aunts."] + +Jerry laughed until the tears rolled down her cheeks, and Mary said it +always happened to her that way, too, when she did bad things. Beth +thought how sweet it must have been to have a mother to comfort you, +for her mother had died when she was just a tiny girl. + +"We must hurry now," said Uncle Billy, "if we want to hear the lucky +number called," so off they started. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +AN EXCITING MOMENT + + +"We're just in time," announced Mary, "and here comes the man who sold +us the tickets." + +The crowd drew closer to the high box which served as a platform, as +the man stepped upon it. The first thing he did was to open a shoe box, +which he had been carrying under his arm. He then requested anyone who +wished to step up so as to see that the numbers in the box ran from 1 +to 100. Several people examined the slips in the box and seemed +satisfied that what he had told them was true. + +"All right," he continued. "Now will some young lady step up on the +platform and draw a number out of this box?" + +"Isn't it exciting," cried Jerry. "It's so near." + +Some one lifted a little girl of three or four years up to the platform +and the man held the open box before her. + +"Everyone look at his number--we don't want to be kept waiting," he +shouted. + +Uncle Billy then gave each of the girls one of the tickets he had +bought and kept the fourth one himself. + +At a nod from the man, the little girl stretched out her hand and +plunged it down into the box. + +"Just take one of them out," directed the man and the little tot +smilingly obeyed, holding up one of the pieces of cardboard. + +"Number 97 wins the doll," called the man from the box, as his eyes +swept the eager crowd. + +For a moment there was not a sound, then, + +"I have it," cried a hearty voice, so close to the girls that it made +them jump, and Uncle Billy strode forward to show his number and +receive the doll. + +A roar of laughter went up from the crowd as he placed the doll on his +shoulder and started to return to the girls. + +"Isn't it wonderful," cried Mary in delight. + +"Oh, I'm so glad he got it," and Jerry jumped up and down in her +excitement. + +"So am I," agreed Beth, "I'm so happy. But what will he do with it?" + +The crowd disappeared, and after Uncle Billy had joined the girls they +found a seat where all could take their time to examine the beautiful +new doll. + +"What will we name her?" inquired Mary, patting the doll's golden +curls. + +"Aren't her eyes beautiful? They're blue like your's, Mary," remarked +Jerry. + +Uncle Billy, who had said nothing up to this time, now drew a letter +from his pocket from which he tore three little strips of paper. + +"I'm going to chance her all over again," he declared. "Each of you +take a slip. The shortest wins the doll." + +"Not I," objected Jerry, "because I've had a balloon ride and I loved +it more than anything else. Let Beth and Mary choose." + +"Oh, that wouldn't be fair," protested Mary. + +"Yes, it is," agreed Uncle Billy. "I understand. Jerry doesn't want to +be selfish." + +"Well," insisted Beth, "I have the best of all, so I'm not going to +draw." + +"What do you mean?" asked Mary. + +"Why, can't you guess, my Uncle Billy," laughed Beth. "He's only make +believe yours, but he's really mine." + +Uncle Billy put his arm about her and kissed her happy face. + +"That's right, too," he said. "Little Beth has me." + +"Oh, Mary, don't you refuse, too," pleaded Jerry, her eyes shining, "or +the poor dear won't have any home." + +Mary held out her arms to take the doll which Uncle Billy handed to +her. + +"I'll love you always," she whispered, "and Annabel will love you too." + +"Well, what is her name to be?" asked Uncle Billy, as Mary with her +new-found daughter stood before them. + +"I think," answered Mary, with a smile, holding the doll very close in +her arms, "I shall call her 'Elizabeth Geraldine,' for her two aunts." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +HOME AGAIN + + +"If we're going to get home before dark, as I promised, we'd better be +moving along," said Uncle Billy. "I expect to find a man with our car +outside the grounds." + +The three girls arose reluctantly from their seat on the long bench. + +"Well, I suppose the very best of days must come to an end," sighed +Jerry. + +"Why, it hasn't ended yet," said Beth, cheeringly. "We still have the +long ride home, and you must sit in front, for I'm sure Mary and I +will have our hands full to keep Elizabeth Geraldine from falling out." + +"Yes," agreed Mary, "for don't you remember how we lost poor Annabel +driving home from the party that day?" + +As Uncle Billy had planned, his car stood at the entrance gate, and he +soon had the happy little party aboard. + +All the way home Jerry talked gaily to Uncle Billy, telling him all +about the merry times she had with the others, and of her dog Patsy +that she loved so well. + +"I must see him," declared Uncle Billy. "He must be a fine dog, from +all that you say about him." + +Beth and Mary had many things to talk about. + +"Now we'll have to give a big party to introduce Elizabeth Geraldine to +society," planned Beth. "Won't it be fun?" + +"We'll have to make new dresses for all the other children so they'll +look nice too. And, of course, I shall have to make some plainer +clothes for her," said Mary, looking at Elizabeth Geraldine, "because +it wouldn't do for her to look so stylish all the time. Oh, Beth," she +suddenly added, "it was just dear of you and Jerry to want me to have +her. I'll never, never forget it." + +"Where's the first stop?" asked Uncle Billy, when they had reached the +town of Merryvale. + +"Two blocks down on this side," directed Beth. "Mary lives in the +brown house next to the corner." + +"I don't know what to say," declared Mary a few moments later as the +car drew up before her door, "except that I've had a lovely time. It's +been just like a fairy story," she laughed, "wishing for Elizabeth +Geraldine and getting her." + +"Good-bye, dear," called out Beth and Jerry. + +"Good-bye, Uncle Billy," and Mary blew him a kiss from her fingertips +as the car started away and he waved to her. + +When they reached Jerry's home, she threw her arms about Beth. + +"Oh, I've just had the best time, and I'll never forget you, Uncle +Billy. It's been a wonderful day." + +Beth, who had now taken the front seat, sat close to Uncle Billy as +they sped toward home. + +"You're the very best uncle in the world," she told him. "We've all +been happy, but I've been the happiest of all." + +"You always will be, Beth, because you have found out that the greatest +joy is in doing for others." + + + THE END + + + * * * * * + + + THE MERRYVALE GIRLS + By ALICE HALE BURNETT + + Four delightful books for the smaller girls, each a complete + story in itself, describing in simple language the interesting + experiences of Beth, Mary and Jerry, three little maids of + Merryvale. + + * * * * * + + BETH'S GARDEN PARTY + + The three girls take part in a very formal little affair on + the lawn of Beth's home. Each of the guests receives a present + in the shape of a downy white kitten. The drive home in Beth's + pony cart furnishes a few exciting moments, but Patsy bravely + comes to the rescue. + + A DAY AT THE COUNTY FAIR + + The girls are taken to the fair in a motor, but a slight delay + occurs on the way. How they finally arrived at the fair ground + and their amusing experiences are most entertainingly told. + + GERALDINE'S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE + + Geraldine, whom of course we know better as Jerry, plays + the part of hostess to her many friends, although it must be + admitted that her guests knew of the affair before she did. + A jolly evening is spent by the girls which is shared in by + some of our young Merryvale boy friends. + + MARY ENTERTAINS THE SEWING CLUB + + Mary entertains the club at her home, and the efforts of some + of the members cause many outbursts of merriment. The girls + decide to hold a "fair of all nations" for the benefit of the + Merryvale Day Nursery. Their many friends aid them and their + plans succeed beyond their expectations. + + 12mo. Cloth. Illustrations in Color. 40c per vol., postpaid + + + + + THE MERRYVALE BOYS + By ALICE HALE BURNETT + + Six real stories for small boys, each complete in itself, + telling about the many interesting doings of "Toad" and "Chuck" + Brown, and their friends, "Fat," "Reddy" and others. + + The books are written so the boy may read and understand them + and the action faithfully portrays boy life in a small town. + + * * * * * + + CIRCUS DAY AT MERRYVALE + + "Toad" and "Reddy," by good fortune, each earn two tickets to + the circus, although they find watering elephants a harder task + than it at first seemed. A jolly party of boys visit the circus. + + FATHER BROWN'S INDIAN TALE + + Dad's story is followed by an unexpected visitor who at first + startles then interests all of the little party gathered around + the fireside. + + THE PICNIC AT MERRYVALE + + Did you ever go to a picnic in a large farm wagon, filled with + boys and girls? Then did you catch a fine lot of trout and broil + them before a camp-fire? "Toad" and "Reddy" did these very things + and had a day long to be remembered. + + CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS IN MERRYVALE + + Daddy Williams' Toy Shop is the center of interest to "Toad" and + his friends long before Christmas arrives. They plan a surprise + that brings joy to a poor family. The boys erect snow forts and + the two sides have a battle royal. + + MERRYVALE BOYS ON THE FARM + + "Toad's" grandmother invites him and "Reddy" to spend a month + in the country. Their experiences at Sunnyside farm, with its + horses, cows, pigs and chickens, are most entertainingly told, + and they have the time of their lives boating, swimming and + fishing in the creek. + + HALLOWE'EN AT MERRYVALE + + For many days the boys had been looking forward to the party to + be held at Toad Brown's house, but the evening finally arrived + and a number of new games were played, although a few things + happened which were not on the program. + + _Illustrations in Color 12mo. Cloth 40c per Vol., Postpaid_ + + + + + THE HICKORY RIDGE BOY SCOUTS + A SERIES OF BOOKS FOR BOYS + + By Capt. Alan Douglas, Scout-master + + * * * * * + + The Campfires of the Wolf Patrol + + Their first camping experience affords the scouts splendid + opportunities to us their recently acquired knowledge in a + practical way. Elmer Chenoweth, a lad from the northwest woods, + astonishes everyone by his familiarity with camp life. A clean, + wholesome story every boy should read. + + + Woodcraft; or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good + + This tale presents many stirring situations in which the boys + are called upon to exercise ingenuity and unselfishness. A + story filled with healthful excitement. + + + Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot + + Some mysteries are cleared up in a most unexpected way, greatly + to the credit of our young friends. A variety of incidents + follow fast, one after the other. + + + Fast Nine; or, a Challenge from Fairfield + + They show the same team-work here as when in camp. The description + of the final game with the team of a rival town, and the outcome + thereof, form a stirring narrative. One of the best baseball + stories of recent years. + + + Great Hike; or, The Pride of The Khaki Troop + + After weeks of preparation the scouts start out on their + greatest undertaking. Their march takes them far from home, and + the good-natured rivalry of the different patrols furnishes many + interesting and amusing situations. + + + Endurance Test; or, How Clear Grit Won the Day + + Few stories "get" us more than illustrations of pluck in the face + of apparent failure. Our heroes show the stuff they are made of + and surprise their most ardent admirers. One of the best stories + Captain Douglas has written. + + + Under Canvas; or, The Hunt for the Cartaret Ghost + + It was hard to disbelieve the evidence of their eyes but the boys + by the exercise of common-sense solved a mystery which had long + puzzled older heads. + + + Storm-bound; or, a Vacation Among the Snow Drifts + + The boys start out on the wrong track, but their scout training + comes to the rescue and their experience proves beneficial to + all concerned. + + * * * * * + + Boy Scout Nature Lore to be Found in The Hickory Ridge Boy + Scout Series, all illustrated:-- + + Wild Animals of the United States--Tracking--Trees and + Wild Flowers of the United States--Reptiles of the United + States--Fishes of the United States--Insects of the United + States and Birds of the United States. + + _Cloth Binding Cover Illustrations in Four Colors 40c. Per Volume_ + + + + + The Campfire and Trail Series + + 1. IN CAMP ON THE BIG SUNFLOWER. + + 2. THE RIVALS OF THE TRAIL. + + 3. THE STRANGE CABIN ON CATAMOUNT ISLAND. + + 4. LOST IN THE GREAT DISMAL SWAMP. + + 5. WITH TRAPPER JIM IN THE NORTH WOODS. + + 6. CAUGHT IN A FOREST FIRE. + + 7. CHUMS OF THE CAMPFIRE. + + 8. AFLOAT ON THE FLOOD. + + By LAWRENCE J. LESLIE. + + A series of wholesome stories for boys told in an interesting + way and appealing to their love of the open. + + _Each, 12mo. Cloth. 40 cents per volume_ + + THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY + 201 EAST 12th STREET NEW YORK + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A DAY AT THE COUNTY FAIR*** + + +******* This file should be named 23999.txt or 23999.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/3/9/9/23999 + + + +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. 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