[CHAPTER III]
Billy Plans the Garden
“MARY FRANCES,” called Billy, as she came into the house, “I say, let’s start work in your garden to-day. The first thing to do is to dig and spade it.”
“Oh, Billy, it looks as though it had been done,” answered Mary Frances. “I guess I can plant it right away.”
“Ha! Ha!” laughed Billy. “Why, it has to be dug deep; the earth has to be turned under, and compost mixed with it and all pulverized before little seeds or plants can take hold with their roots.”
“How deep?” asked Mary Frances.
“Oh, about a foot, I guess,” said Billy; “but don’t let’s talk too loud if you want to keep this garden a secret. Let’s go out and have a look at it.”
“You needn’t mind—” began Mary Frances, but Billy was well on the way.