Rollo explained to his father that they had been making a sand-garden out in a corner of the yard, and they both asked him to go with them and see it.
They all three accordingly went out behind the house, the children running on before.
“But, boys,” said Rollo's father, as they went on, “how came your feet so muddy?”
“O,” said James, “they got muddy in the quagmire.”
[pg 74]The boys explained how they could not go around the quagmire with their loaded wheelbarrows, and so had to pick their way through it the best way they could; and thus they got their shoes muddy a little; but they said they were as careful as they could be.
When they came to the sand-garden, Rollo's father smiled to see the beds and walks, and the rows of flowers stuck up in the sand. It made quite a gay appearance. After looking at it some time, they went slowly back again, and as they were walking across the yard,
“Father,” said Rollo, “do you not think that is a pretty good garden?”
“Why, yes,” said his father, “pretty good.”
“Don't you think we have worked pretty well?”
“Why, I think I should call that play, not work.”