“They looked like a lot of gnomes dressed for a party”
“When Jack found baby apples on his tree he wanted to celebrate, and Mother told him that when they were ripe he could invite his friends and have an apple party.
“An apple party! That would be something new, and he hastened to tell the good news at school.
“‘They are wonderful apples,’ he said. ‘No one in this part of the country has any like them. I tell you we’ll have the fun at that party. They are turning crimson; you never saw such a pretty apple tree!’
“A pretty tree it was indeed, and looked just like a Christmas tree all dressed up.
“One day Johnny pronounced the fruit ripe and ready to eat.
“‘Hurrah! To-morrow we can have the party,’ cried Jack, tossing his cap into the air.
“Now the fun began. Mother baked all sorts of goodies, and the little home was made spick-and-span; even the door yard was swept for this occasion.
“The day dawned sweet and clear. After breakfast Jack ran out to take one look at his beloved tree, but alas! What do you s’pose?
“‘What!’ cried the audience in one breath.