knew, from past pleasant experience, that when it came time to
fish, the packages would obligingly attach themselves to the
hooks.

"Tomorrow's ever so long off," sighed Brother, when the fishpond
was ready and Louise and Grace had gone over to the library to
take back some books.

He and Sister were not wanted in the kitchen and they were asked
not to touch the clean white clothes spread out on the guest room
bed for them to wear to the party. There really did not seem to be
anything for them to do.

"Let's go out and watch for Ralph?" suggested Sister.

Ralph was the best loved brother, after all, though, of course,
the children loved Dick and Jimmie dearly. But no one was quite as
patient as Ralph, no one had time to read to them as often as he
did, no one told them stories without coaxing as Ralph did.

He and Dick came up the street from the station together this
night, and though Dick kissed Sister and said, "Hello, kid," to
Brother, he dashed into the house, while Ralph stayed to talk.

"Birthday tomorrow, Brother?" he asked teasingly, though he knew
very well that Brother would be six years old.

"Oh, Ralph!" Brother was so excited he nearly stuttered. "Ralph,
couldn't you tell me what the present is now? I'm just as tall,
and it's almost my birthday. Please, Ralph?"