"We have to walk over to our big field across the creek," he explained, mysteriously.
"The big field? Why?... That's a hot walk, Daddy. No shade at all! If you want a nice walk, we ought to go in the other direction, down towards the orchard, where there are some trees."
"Trees are the one thing we don't want," he replied, solemnly. "You're going to hate trees, after you get my present, daughter."
"Hate—trees?" Linda's eyes were traveling all over the landscape, scanning it in vain for a clew. And then, as they mounted a slight incline, the thing came into sight. The marvelous, wonderful present! Too good to be true! Her heart stopped beating, her legs shook. She clutched at her father for support.
A beautiful, shining airplane! A superb Arrow Sport! The very kind she had been reading about, had been longing some day to possess! And even a hangar, to keep it in safety!
"Daddy!" she gasped, hoarsely.
He was watching her face, rapturously.
"You like it?"
"Oh!" she cried, wrapping her arms around his neck, and suddenly bursting into tears. "How could you know that I wanted it so much?"
He patted her hair, a little embarrassed by her emotion.