consternation prevailed when they could not be found. Drawers were
upset and boxes emptied, but with no success.

When hope was about abandoned, Asia suddenly darted out to the shed
where the children kept their play-things. When she returned she
triumphantly displayed a battered doll, armless and footless, but
with a magnificent crowning glory of black, frizzed hair.

Mrs. Wiggs waited until all the guests assembled before she made her
speech of thanks for the cake and cream. It was a very fine speech,
having been written out beforehand by Mr. Bagby. It began, "Ladies
and gents, it gives me pleasure--" but before Mrs. Wiggs got half
through she forgot it, and had to tell them in her own way how
grateful she was. In conclusion she said: "Couldn't nobody be more
obliged than what I am! Looks like nice things is always comin' my
way. Hope God'll bless you all! The musicianers have come, so we
'll begin the party with a Virginer reel."

The young people scampered to their places, and when Mr. Eichorn
made a bow to Mrs. Wiggs she laughingly took her place at the head
of the line, and at the first strains of "Old Dan Tucker" she went
down the middle with a grace and spirit that flatly contradicted the
little red fifty on the birthday cake.

"Swing yer pahtners, balance all, Swing dat gal wid a water-fall.
Skip light, ladies, de cake's all dough, Nebber min' de weather, so
de win' don't blow."

Old Uncle Tom was warming up to his work, and the fun waxed furious.
Asia, looking very pretty in her new crepon, cast shy glances at Joe