“Mr. Tompkins can’t leave his lobsters,” said Mr. Doty.
“Party?—yes, yes; always go to parties; boy’ll mind wheelbarrow,” said Mr. Tompkins in his short, quick way. “When is it going to begin?”
“Right off,” said Mr. Doty.
“What do you do first?” asked Hiram.
“Set the table,” said Mr. Doty.
“The girls must set the table,” said Hiram.
“Where is it?” asked cousin Floy.
“There it is: don’t you see it?” Hiram was pointing to a wagon-body which lay there without its wheels. He turned it upside down. “There’s your table,” said he.
After the pieces of cocoanut were placed on the table, Mr. Doty told the Jimmyjohns to ask their ma if she didn’t want to come to their party.
“I am longing to come,” cried Mrs. Plummer, appearing at the door. “I have thought of nothing else ever since it was first mentioned. Would baby disturb the party, do you think?”