"So do I!" cried the others, as if with one voice.

"I think these are the nicest boys and girls I ever met," said Walter,
adding, "_especially_ the girls."

His merry gray eyes were laughing, and Uncle John said, as he looked
at the eager, boyish face:

"You shall come often to my home here at Avondale, and become even
better acquainted with my young friends, and neighbors."

"I'd like to, sir," Walter replied, "for I want them to be _my_
friends."

"We _will_! We _will_!" cried an eager chorus.

It was later than they dreamed when the clock chimed the hour, and
they took leave of Aunt Judith telling her how quaint and delightful
the party had been, and how truly they had enjoyed the evening. Captain
Atherton took the entire party under his protection, and they walked
home together, talking all the way of the kindness of Aunt Judith in
planning the pleasure for them.

* * * * * * * *

Very early next morning an impish figure sat astride the old wooden
pump that stood near the door of the cottage.

He seemed to have no interest in anything save that door, and he sat