Chapter 9
HOME AGAIN
"If we're going to get home before dark, as I promised, we'd better be moving along," said Uncle Billy. "I expect to find a man with our car outside the grounds."
The three girls arose reluctantly from their seat on the long bench.
"Well, I suppose the very best of days must come to an end," sighed Jerry.
"Why, it hasn't ended yet," said Beth, cheeringly. "We still have the long ride home, and you must sit in front, for I'm sure Mary and I will have our hands full to keep Elizabeth Geraldine from falling out."
"Yes," agreed Mary, "for don't you remember how we lost poor Annabel driving home from the party that day?"
As Uncle Billy had planned, his car stood at the entrance gate, and he soon had the happy little party aboard.
All the way home Jerry talked gaily to Uncle Billy, telling him all about the merry times she had with the others, and of her dog Patsy that she loved so well.
"I must see him," declared Uncle Billy. "He must be a fine dog, from all that you say about him."
Beth and Mary had many things to talk about.
"Now we'll have to give a big party to introduce Elizabeth Geraldine to society," planned Beth. "Won't it be fun?"
"We'll have to make new dresses for all the other children so they'll look nice too. And, of course, I shall have to make some plainer clothes for her," said Mary, looking at Elizabeth Geraldine, "because it wouldn't do for her to look so stylish all the time. Oh, Beth," she suddenly added, "it was just dear of you and Jerry to want me to have her. I'll never, never forget it."
"Where's the first stop?" asked Uncle Billy, when they had reached the town of Merryvale.
"Two blocks down on this side," directed Beth. "Mary lives in the brown house next to the corner."
"I don't know what to say," declared Mary a few moments later as the car drew up before her door, "except that I've had a lovely time. It's been just like a fairy story," she laughed, "wishing for Elizabeth Geraldine and getting her."
"Good-bye, dear," called out Beth and Jerry.
"Good-bye, Uncle Billy," and Mary blew him a kiss from her fingertips as the car started away and he waved to her.
When they reached Jerry's home, she threw her arms about Beth.
"Oh, I've just had the best time, and I'll never forget you, Uncle Billy. It's been a wonderful day."
Beth, who had now taken the front seat, sat close to Uncle Billy as they sped toward home.
"You're the very best uncle in the world," she told him. "We've all been happy, but I've been the happiest of all."
"You always will be, Beth, because you have found out that the greatest joy is in doing for others."
THE END
* * * * *
THE MERRYVALE GIRLS By ALICE HALE BURNETT
Four delightful books for the smaller girls, each a complete story in itself, describing in simple language the interesting experiences of Beth, Mary and Jerry, three little maids of Merryvale.
* * * * *
BETH'S GARDEN PARTY
The three girls take part in a very formal little affair on the lawn of Beth's home. Each of the guests receives a present in the shape of a downy white kitten. The drive home in Beth's pony cart furnishes a few exciting moments, but Patsy bravely comes to the rescue.
A DAY AT THE COUNTY FAIR
The girls are taken to the fair in a motor, but a slight delay occurs on the way. How they finally arrived at the fair ground and their amusing experiences are most entertainingly told.
GERALDINE'S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE
Geraldine, whom of course we know better as Jerry, plays the part of hostess to her many friends, although it must be admitted that her guests knew of the affair before she did. A jolly evening is spent by the girls which is shared in by some of our young Merryvale boy friends.
MARY ENTERTAINS THE SEWING CLUB
Mary entertains the club at her home, and the efforts of some of the members cause many outbursts of merriment. The girls decide to hold a "fair of all nations" for the benefit of the Merryvale Day Nursery. Their many friends aid them and their plans succeed beyond their expectations.
12mo. Cloth. Illustrations in Color. 40c per vol., postpaid
THE MERRYVALE BOYS By ALICE HALE BURNETT
Six real stories for small boys, each complete in itself, telling about the many interesting doings of "Toad" and "Chuck" Brown, and their friends, "Fat," "Reddy" and others.
The books are written so the boy may read and understand them and the action faithfully portrays boy life in a small town.
* * * * *
CIRCUS DAY AT MERRYVALE
"Toad" and "Reddy," by good fortune, each earn two tickets to the circus, although they find watering elephants a harder task than it at first seemed. A jolly party of boys visit the circus.
FATHER BROWN'S INDIAN TALE
Dad's story is followed by an unexpected visitor who at first startles then interests all of the little party gathered around the fireside.
THE PICNIC AT MERRYVALE
Did you ever go to a picnic in a large farm wagon, filled with boys and girls? Then did you catch a fine lot of trout and broil them before a camp-fire? "Toad" and "Reddy" did these very things and had a day long to be remembered.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS IN MERRYVALE
Daddy Williams' Toy Shop is the center of interest to "Toad" and his friends long before Christmas arrives. They plan a surprise that brings joy to a poor family. The boys erect snow forts and the two sides have a battle royal.
MERRYVALE BOYS ON THE FARM
"Toad's" grandmother invites him and "Reddy" to spend a month in the country. Their experiences at Sunnyside farm, with its horses, cows, pigs and chickens, are most entertainingly told, and they have the time of their lives boating, swimming and fishing in the creek.
HALLOWE'EN AT MERRYVALE
For many days the boys had been looking forward to the party to be held at Toad Brown's house, but the evening finally arrived and a number of new games were played, although a few things happened which were not on the program.
_Illustrations in Color 12mo. Cloth 40c per Vol., Postpaid_
THE HICKORY RIDGE BOY SCOUTS A SERIES OF BOOKS FOR BOYS
By Capt. Alan Douglas, Scout-master
* * * * *
The Campfires of the Wolf Patrol
Their first camping experience affords the scouts splendid opportunities to us their recently acquired knowledge in a practical way. Elmer Chenoweth, a lad from the northwest woods, astonishes everyone by his familiarity with camp life. A clean, wholesome story every boy should read.
Woodcraft; or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good
This tale presents many stirring situations in which the boys are called upon to exercise ingenuity and unselfishness. A story filled with healthful excitement.
Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot
Some mysteries are cleared up in a most unexpected way, greatly to the credit of our young friends. A variety of incidents follow fast, one after the other.
Fast Nine; or, a Challenge from Fairfield
They show the same team-work here as when in camp. The description of the final game with the team of a rival town, and the outcome thereof, form a stirring narrative. One of the best baseball stories of recent years.
Great Hike; or, The Pride of The Khaki Troop
After weeks of preparation the scouts start out on their greatest undertaking. Their march takes them far from home, and the good-natured rivalry of the different patrols furnishes many interesting and amusing situations.
Endurance Test; or, How Clear Grit Won the Day
Few stories "get" us more than illustrations of pluck in the face of apparent failure. Our heroes show the stuff they are made of and surprise their most ardent admirers. One of the best stories Captain Douglas has written.
Under Canvas; or, The Hunt for the Cartaret Ghost
It was hard to disbelieve the evidence of their eyes but the boys by the exercise of common-sense solved a mystery which had long puzzled older heads.
Storm-bound; or, a Vacation Among the Snow Drifts
The boys start out on the wrong track, but their scout training comes to the rescue and their experience proves beneficial to all concerned.
* * * * *
Boy Scout Nature Lore to be Found in The Hickory Ridge Boy Scout Series, all illustrated:--
Wild Animals of the United States--Tracking--Trees and Wild Flowers of the United States--Reptiles of the United States--Fishes of the United States--Insects of the United States and Birds of the United States.
_Cloth Binding Cover Illustrations in Four Colors 40c. Per Volume_
The Campfire and Trail Series
1. IN CAMP ON THE BIG SUNFLOWER.
2. THE RIVALS OF THE TRAIL.
3. THE STRANGE CABIN ON CATAMOUNT ISLAND.
4. LOST IN THE GREAT DISMAL SWAMP.
5. WITH TRAPPER JIM IN THE NORTH WOODS.
6. CAUGHT IN A FOREST FIRE.
7. CHUMS OF THE CAMPFIRE.
8. AFLOAT ON THE FLOOD.
By LAWRENCE J. LESLIE.
A series of wholesome stories for boys told in an interesting way and appealing to their love of the open.
_Each, 12mo. Cloth. 40 cents per volume_
THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY 201 EAST 12th STREET NEW YORK