"Then you shall be treasurer of the gasoline money. It will make you feel like a millionaire, you poor old soul." She ran to her desk and brought out the box of household funds. "Here is my three dollars— And don't you get reckless and spend it for tires and rugs and things."
Laughing gaily, the other girls brought out their hoarded dollars and thrust them into his hands.
"I have not felt so affluent for lo, these many years," he declared. "Let's go out for a spin in the motor, shall we? And we'd better run by the garage and fill her up—the tank is nearly empty."
CHAPTER VI THE SERPENT
Mr. Artman looked up from his mail, frowning gently, and Doris, always quick to note his changing moods even in the midst of directing Treasure about the proper distance from the table for her chair, and admonishing Zee to eat her oatmeal from the side of her spoon, was prompt to voice a query.
"Don't frown, father, it isn't ministerial. Has somebody else left you a will?"
"No such luck. I was not frowning at the letter—I have a headache."
"Oh, father," cried Zee. "It is because the girls make such a racket. Go to bed, won't you, and I myself will stand on guard and keep peace in the family."