"Well, let's talk about something more pleasant," suggested Betty.
"Shall we start off again?"

"Might as well," agreed Grace. "And as it isn't far to that funny Mr.
Lagg's store, let's stop and---- "

"Get some candy and poetry," sniped Amy, with a laugh.

"I was going to say hairpins, as I need them," spoke Grace, with a
dignity that soon vanished, "but since you suggested chocolates, I'll
get them as well."

They found Mr. Lagg smiling as usual.

"This fine and beautiful sunny day,
what will you have-- oats or hay?"

Thus he greeted the girls, who laughingly declined anything in the
line of fodder.

"Unless you could put some out as a bait for our horse Prince," spoke
Grace. "It's the queerest thing where he can have gone."

"It is strange," admitted the genial storekeeper, who had heard the
story from Will. "But if I hear of him I'll let you know. And, now
what can I do for you?

"I've razors, soap and perfume rare,
To scent the balmy summer air,"