Everyone clapped at the ending of the story and Betty laughed gayly, as she admitted that she would like to find Tibby, just to tell him how glad she was he had escaped from his enemies.
CHAPTER VI
LITTLE MOTHER MAGGIE
The clothes were dry, and the Blue Birds and Bobolinks were again dressed, but Uncle Ben advised them to keep the overalls to protect their good clothes while they were playing in camp.
Tea—it was called supper at Happy Hills—was served at 6 p. m. sharp each day, and now the Refectory was soon arranged for the children. As the Oakdale visitors intended having the evening meal at the camp Refectory, a table was set out for them.
Maggie found the neighboring table the one occupied by the adored Blue Birds, and very little did she eat that noon! Even the table manners of her six little sisters and brothers failed to distract her attention from watching the girls at Uncle Ben’s table.
Supper over, Uncle Ben said: “Now what shall we do?”
“Let’s go over and look at the Little Farms,” said Ned.
“Oh yes, Uncle, you see we want to know what to say in the next issue of the magazine when we offer prizes to the farmers of Happy Hills,” said Ruth.
The Little Citizens had gathered around and now looked eager to hear more of the prize idea. Uncle Ben surmised as much and laughed.
“I doubt if the Little Citizens have heard of your plan to distribute prizes. I will tell them now.