“Now if you’ll just give ’em a little wetting down with the hose so they won’t wilt, they’ll come up fresh and strong by morning,” he said, when the last plant was set out.
“I’ll use the hose!” offered Russ.
“I’ll help!” said Rose.
“So will I!” cried the other four little Bunkers. Using the hose was something they all delighted to do.
“No, my dears,” said Mrs. Bunker firmly. “Russ will do the sprinkling and all the others must come in and get washed ready for supper. Daddy will soon be home and then——”
“Will you tell us the secret?” asked Rose.
“I think so—yes,” was the reply, and this gave the smaller children something to think about so they did not mind not being allowed to use the hose.
“I wouldn’t dare let them take turns wetting the new plants,” said Mrs. Bunker to Adam. “Russ is all right, but the others would shower every one passing in the street.”
“I reckon so, and wash out all the new plants besides,” chuckled Farmer Joel’s hired man. “And now,” he went on, “since you have been so kind as to ask me to stay to supper and remain all night, I’d like to wash up myself. I’m pretty dirty,” he added, with a laugh, as he looked at his grimy hands, for he had been delving in the dirt to set out the flowers.
“Come with me,” said Mrs. Bunker. “And, Russ,” she added, “be careful about the hose. Don’t spray on any people who may be passing.”