“Why, it stands to reason that if you prove yourself efficient enough to join our home this winter, Crummie will be most valuable in helping Miss Selina to keep away tramps and those who have no business about our house. At odd times the dog can practice his own profession and report to you at night.”
Bill grinned joyfully and Crummie, who had been crouching beside him, thumped his tail upon the floor in satisfaction.
The time was at hand when all the automobiles were summoned to carry the visitors back to New York, and soon after the last whirr of wheels was heard going down the driveway, the Little Citizens scattered to their evening tasks. Some to see that the precious Fire-engine was safely housed again, some to Police the community where laxity had prevailed all day and Little Citizens had broken the strict laws laid down by the Chief of Police; but the majority of the children were too tired and sleepy to think of anything but a cup of milk and a piece of bread and butter, before tumbling into their Nests for the night.
At Flutey’s house, the Blue Birds and Bobolinks were too excited to think of supper or bed. The sum total of the donations signed up that afternoon amounted in their opinions to such an enormous lot of money that they thought it possible to buy outright a big ready-made Home somewhere in the city.
“You country children do not understand the value of city real estate. Why all of Mossy Glen and Oak Crest together would not sell for enough cash to pay for one dirty old tenement on the East Side. So you can understand that the sum which has been promised us will not seem so much after a few months’ rent is paid in advance. Besides we must have good plumbing and ventilation, and repairs cost money, too.”
“Then don’t choose an old house—get a brand-new one,” suggested Dot Starr.
“But a new one will cost a great deal more to start with, and every month besides. We can lease an old one and renovate it to suit ourselves, with lots of little rooms for chambers and great big assembly rooms on the first floor, and the rent will be but half as much as if the owner makes repairs,” explained Mr. Richards.
“I don’t see why the Starr family has to stay in Oakdale all winter. Other folks go to live in the city when it’s cold—why can’t we?” grumbled Don, who would have preferred living with the Little Citizens wherever they were to be located.
“If the Talmages and Starrs moved to New York this winter where could I take the Little Citizens every Saturday for the weekly outing?” asked Uncle Ben.
Don had not thought of this, and he brightened up instantly. Then Dot thought of something.