One day came up the hill the buckboard holding three men. The girls saw it from a distance, and there was some excitement. As it drew nearer three shouts went up. There was Tom Harper, Uncle John, and Judge Sands.
Ethel almost wept on Tom's shoulder, and she was well hugged by Uncle
John.
That was the day that they had their great Camp Fire dinner—when they soaked the corn for an hour in water before roasting it. Then tying a string to each ear they laid it in the glowing fire and ate it with melted butter and salt. The Judge and Uncle John ate three ears apiece, besides the potatoes, chicken, and steamed berry pudding made by Patty, his daughter.
"Say, John and Tom," he said, "we'd better come up here and board. No wonder these girls like to get away from town."
And Mattie was introduced to the Judge by Patty.
"Papa," she said, "this is Mattie Hastings, and when I was ill she sat up the entire night taking care of me and putting fresh flax-seed poultices on my chest."
And the Judge thanked her so sincerely that she nearly burst into tears.
"And your father?" he asked, "how is he? I need a man just like him in my office. I've met him, and Miss Mattie, there's one thing I've always liked about him,—he has a face that anyone could trust. I shall go and see him on my return."
Then Mattie was not afraid to weep with joy as she clasped the Judge's hand and thanked him sincerely.
"Well, girls," said Uncle John, "we'll be looking for you next week—hey?"