“Why not at our place?” said Claudia. “I think it is big enough and I’m sure Mother and Dad would be delighted.”
“We’ll have to start right in to make our plans if we are to do all that,” said Winnie.
There was more talk, several new suggestions, and finally the troop separated full of the scheme.
But from the modest idea of a small garden party the plan grew till it embraced much more. This came about because some of the Boy Scouts got wind of it, and proposed to join forces.
Joanne and Winnie were working over their lessons one afternoon when Chet Lacey and Hal Fosdick came up on the porch where they were sitting. “Hallo, Jo,” said Chet. “We’ve been looking for you.”
Joanne laid down her French grammar. “For me? Why am I in request?”
The boys established themselves on the railing of the porch. “Well, you see, ‘great oaks from little acorns grow,’” said Chet. “Aunt Nan was telling me about your garden party, and as we boys have been thinking of getting up some sort of a show, we might combine forces and have a big affair. I talked it over with the other boys and they are keen for it, then I saw Miss Dodge and she also fell for it. Next came Claudia followed by Price mère and Price père who most sweetly came into line. Now you are next on the list.”
“But why me?” Joanne was puzzled.
“Well, you see we have had a sneaking idea that we wanted to have a sort of Wild West show, but there didn’t seem to be any good place available. Now the Price place would be fine. We thought of it, but it seemed cheeky to ask for it until this garden party scheme came up and Hal says, says he, ‘What’s the matter with chipping in with the girls and having a combination show?’ Result as aforesaid mentioned.”
“Do you mean we are to take part in a Wild West show?” inquired Winnie eagerly.