“‘It’s a joke, isn’t it?’ he said. ‘That cow had an apple party all by herself. I s’pose she didn’t like it because I didn’t invite her.
“‘Oh!’ he exclaimed suddenly, ‘there they are. How beautiful!’
“And indeed they were beautiful. A number of trees exactly like his own, all looking so thrifty, and the branches dotted with rosy fruit.
“‘We’ll pick the apples and tie the stems to the branches of your own little tree, because that is where you planned to have your party,’ said Johnny.
“Together they picked the apples, and with green string tied the stems to the branches of the little tree.
“‘You’d hardly know it happened!’ cried the boy in joyous tones as the work was finished, and both stood back to admire; and true it was, for the apples really seemed to be growing, and so the apple party was a success after all.
“The children had their lunch under the little tree, then each picked his own apple and ate it before you could say, ‘Jack Robinson.’
“‘I know a great thing to do,’ cried Jack, as they were about to throw away the core; ‘save the seeds and plant them, and we’ll all be Johnny Appleseeds. You’ll each have a grand orchard started on your farm.’
“‘Splendid!’ laughed the old man. ‘If every seed brings forth a tree there will be great rejoicing when you take the apples to market, for they are certainly the best apples I ever tasted and should bring a good price.’
“Wild with excitement, the children trooped home, and before long the glossy seeds were covered up in the ground, waiting for the wonderful thing that was to happen to them.