THE BOYS PLAN A SURPRISE
At two o'clock the sleigh was ready, for Father Brown had willingly given the boys permission to use it that afternoon. It was planned to have Chuck drive, for Toad, Reddy, Fat and Herbie expected to be too busy calling at the different houses to gather the presents which they hoped to collect for the O'Reillys.
"Let's stop at Bailey's first," suggested Fat, "as we're sure to get something there."
"Who'll go to the door?" questioned Herbie.
"All go," answered Chuck. "That's the best way." So in a group they rang the bell and waited, Chuck remaining in the sleigh.
No one came in answer to their ring.
"All out," sighed Fat; but Toad gave the bell another pull.
"Bet they're all in the kitchen baking things and didn't hear it," he remarked.
"There's someone coming now," whispered Reddy, and as the door opened:
"Good afternoon," said all the boys in chorus.