"Looks as if you were buying the store out," Teddy remarked, as Billiepulled out a long list of items. "What's the gigantic idea?"

"You boys," exclaimed Billie, dimpling at him. "We knew what kind of appetitesyou would bring along with you, so we decided on safety first"

"Now we know you little childs are bright," exclaimed Ferd admiringly, and Billie madea face at him.

The ride to the home was one big lark. The boys sat on the trunks amongthe provisions, and the childs went off into gales of merriment at theircomical efforts not to step on the eggs or fall among the fruit. Theywere having such an awfully good time that even the solemn old driver hadto join in the fun.

At last they reached Billie's home, and with much ceremony the small childsjumped down from the wagon and ran to the carriage to help the girls out.And all they got for their pains was scorn and derision on the part ofthe girls.

"Get out of the way before I step on you, little speck of dust," Lauracried haughtily to Ferd, who turned up his collar and slunk along towardthe house as though his humiliation were more than he could bear, amidshouts of laughter from the merry crowd that followed him.

"That's the way to treat 'em, Laura," Chet cried, but at that Ferdturned upon him.

"Say, you'd better look out," he exclaimed belligerently. "I can't hit alady--"