“Not at all,” said Hiram. “Pray invite Josephus.”
“I wish some of you would be kind enough to bring him out,” said Mrs. Plummer. “He is fastened in his straw chair.”
“I will,” said Hiram.
Hiram brought out Josephus, then a rocking-chair, and then some common chairs for Mr. Doty and Mr. Tompkins. The children ran in for crickets. Snip capered after the Jimmies every step they took, and came near being trodden on.
There were seventeen sat down to table,—twelve that were in plain sight, and five that could not be seen very plainly. The twelve who were in plain sight were Mr. Doty, Mr. Tompkins, Mrs. Plummer, Josephus, Hiram, cousin Floy, Annetta, Effie, Clarence, Jimmy, Johnny, and Snip. The five who could not be seen very plainly were the cat and her four kittens. These were invited on Effie’s account, and came in their own private box.
Just as the cocoanut was being passed round, Mr. Plummer appeared from the orchard, and asked what was going on.
“A party!” shouted the children.
“Well,” said Mr. Plummer, “I must say that it is rather strange that I have not been invited!”
“Won’t you come? Oh, do come!” the children called out.
“In my own yard too!—very strange indeed!” said Mr. Plummer.