"I'll tell you!" exclaimed Louise. "Let's play 'Under the Flag.'"
"What's that?" asked several.
"Why—why—" began Louise, inventing the game as she proceeded, "it's this way: you go stand under the flag and look up at it till the wind blows it out straight—and—and then you make a wish. If the flag floats wide till you have finished, your wish will come true."
All were interested at once, and the game began. The fitful, boisterous wind took an active part and the play became spirited.
Tinsie Willis was the first to come "under the flag," but she was so excited she forgot to wish till the broadly floating banner had wrapped itself about its staff and her opportunity was gone.
Then everybody began talking at once, and Mamie Moore piped up: "I'm going to wish for a pair of shiny-bug slippers!"
Louise was shocked, and quickly explained that when one wished under the flag it must be for something serious and from the very depths of one's heart.
"Sure," supported Jimmie of the red head. "You can wish for shiny-bug slippers under an umbrella!"
But Mamie couldn't then think of anything more serious than the need of gilt slippers, and was promptly ruled out till her imagination should come to her assistance.
Several boys took turns next, but they were so noisy and boisterous that they came near spoiling everything.