THE STRANGE CRY


Rose Bunker's idea was too good to tell in general. Some ideas are too
good to keep; but Russ and Rose decided that this one was not in that
class. They determined to tell nobody--not even Mammy June or Daddy or
Mother Bunker--about what they proposed to do to help the old colored
woman.

They had tried once, and failed. And Philly and Alice and Frane, Junior,
had laughed at them. Now they proposed to do what Rose had thought of,
and keep it secret from everybody.

"Of course," Rose said, "nothing may come of it."

"But that won't be your fault, Rose," said her brother. "It is a
perfectly scrumptious idea."

"Do you think so?" asked Rose, much pleased by this frank praise.

"Sure I do. And we'll do it to-night. Then the Armatages won't know
and--and laugh at us."

For they had found Philly and Alice and Frane, Junior, rather trying.
Not having their childish imaginations so well developed as the six
little Bunkers had, the children of the plantation were altogether too
matter-of-fact. Many childish plays that the Bunkers enjoyed did not
appeal to their little hosts at all.