"We've had the nicest time," they called to Mother Morrison as
they said good-bye. "We hope Roddy has a party every year."





CHAPTER IX

OUT IN THE BARN


"The party was a great success, eh?" asked Ralph at the breakfast
table the next morning. "I judged so, because it was one o'clock
before I could leave Dad's office to get some lunch. He and Dick
insisted on holding me there till quarter past."

Brother looked at Sister. Sister looked at Brother. They had both
forgotten they meant to telephone Ralph at half-past twelve!

"Don't worry over it, Brother," said Ralph, laughing. "No serious
harm was done, old chap. I made Dad tell me the mysterious reason
of the wait, and when you didn't 'phone in we all three concluded
the party had been too much for you. I'm glad you liked the dog."

"Oh, yes!" Brother seized upon this safe topic. "It is the nicest
dog, Ralph. And I did mean to say thank you,' only I forgot."

After Daddy Morrison and Ralph and Dick had gone off to the