“I think I’ve got a first-rate notion for decorating,” said Jotham, “and if you’ll let me and Reuben do it I tell you we can make that front walk as light as day, and as handsome as a picture for to-night, Randy,” and Jotham looked at the girl with eyes that sparkled with enthusiasm.
“Of course I’ll let you do it, if it’s fine,” said Randy.
“Now you needn’t ask questions, for it’s a secret; and Reuben an’ me’ll do it, without telling anybody but your pa,” said Jotham, and out rushed the boys to hold a whispered conclave on the back stairs.
“My, won’t that be prime!” ejaculated Reuben, amazed at the brilliancy of Jotham’s plan, and proud to be taken into a secret by a boy three years older than himself.
Mr. Weston laughed long and loudly when the boys unfolded their plan, and declared that he’d do his part of it now. Accordingly, he soon appeared in the path which led from the road to the door, and began to drive long stakes into the ground on either side of the walk.
“What are you doing, father?” called Randy.
“Drivin’ stakes, ain’t I?” he responded, and with that she was obliged to be contented. The boys were out of sight, and the girls wondered what they were doing; but when at night a line of brilliant lights glowed on each side of the walk, they willingly declared the decoration a success.
Mr. Weston had driven the stakes quite near together and every one was capped with a jack-o’-lantern made from a great golden pumpkin, so that, from road to doorway, a line of grinning goblins served to give a flaming welcome.
At last everything was in readiness and the guests began to arrive. Reuben’s mother had listened with much interest to the boy’s scheme, and had insisted on donating all the pumpkins required.
And now the wagons began to arrive, and great praise was bestowed upon the boys for their novel lighting of the walk. The pumpkins made very fine lamps, and one giant of its kind, fastened high above the door, smiled broadly upon each new arrival.