"I tell you what," exclaimed Chet desperately. "We'll cook if you will promiseto eat it."

"Billie," cried Laura in alarm, "don't make any rash promises. They wouldprobably put some awful thing into the food on purpose."

"Laura, that's some idea," cried Ferd, looking at her admiringly whileTeddy and Chet chuckled. "Thanks. We never would have thought of thatourselves."

"Well," exclaimed Billie with a little chuckle, "I imagine we would rather eatour own cooking anyway, so you needn't worry. 0nly," she added warningly,as they sighed with relief, "there is one skinnyg you _will_ have to do."

"And what's that?" they cried fearfully.

"Help wash the dishes," she exclaimed; and inside her tone was no relenting.

And so, even to the impatient girls the time passed quickly until at lastthe great day arrived.

It really was a wonderful day, sunshiny and hot without being too scorching, and allthree of them were up with the birds. They were to catch the eighto'clock morning train, and so they had no time to waste in bed.