A BASKET FROM HOME.
ALLOA, boys! Here's old Trott, the expressman, coming into the yard. What do you suppose he has brought?" exclaimed one of a group of boys in the playground of a country boarding-school.
"It is probably a box for me," said one of the older boys, with rather an important air.
This boy, being somewhat selfish, was not a favorite with the little ones, one of whom whispered to another, "I hope it isn't for him, don't you? None of the rest of us will get a peep into it if it is."
Presently the wagon stopped; and Mr. Trott pulled out a basket, and reading the address, "Master Robert Rand," said, "Is there any boy of that name here?"
A bright little fellow answered quickly, "That is my name."
"Then this basket is yours," said the driver.
"Hurrah for you, Rob!" called out four other boys about his age. "Come on, we'll help you carry it in."
In a few minutes the same boys stood around the basket with eager eyes; and Rob and his cousin Willy were seated on the floor, unpacking it.
Oranges, lemons, and apples were soon displayed; then a pot of jam appeared.
"Halloa, what's down in that corner?" cried Tom, a youngster in Scotch cap and velveteen suit. "Isn't that a cake, though!" as a big round cake well stuffed with plums appeared.
"And there's a box of sardines," shouted another boy.
"What's in this paper bag?" said Rob. "First-rate! it's white sugar. That's for lemonade. Mother hasn't forgotten how much I like it."
So all the good things that Rob's thoughtful mother had sent him were one by one set out upon the floor.
Rob looked at each one with real delight, and, when the basket was emptied, he said,—
"Now, boys, there's some eating to be done, and I want you all to help me. It is Saturday afternoon: let us all go into the woods and have a regular picnic."
All agreed that this would be jolly fun. One boy (who had a brother in college) remarked that it would be "just immense."
Willy, the youngest boy, who was a great pet with the housekeeper, was sent to borrow a pitcher and tumblers, and whatever else was needed.
Instead of a pitcher, what do you think he brought back?—A teakettle, just like this!
"Why, what did you bring that for?" said Rob.
"Because I thought a pitcher wouldn't hold lemonade enough," said Willy.
"There's something in that," said Tom.
"We'll put something in it, anyhow," said Rob; and they all had a good laugh.
Several other boys joined them at Rob's invitation, and they soon found a pleasant, shady spot near a cool spring.
"Very handy," said Tom, "for making lemonade."
We have not space to tell all the good things that were said at the feast. In fact, there was no reporter present. But it was a jolly affair. When it was ended, three cheers were given for Robby Rand, and three more for his basket; and then the boys started for home, to wind up the fun with a game of ball.
UNCLE CHARLES.
