Ike had found some splendid pine boards, a number of two-by-four joists, plenty of odds and ends of railing, posts, moulding, and other trim that would make a boy delight in amateur carpentry work.
Nails, screws, hammers, saw, and tools of all kinds were provided, so that each boy could work without delaying or inconveniencing the others. Ike and Simon were to superintend the construction and show the boys how to put things together properly.
Uncle Ben and Mr. Talmage, who went to the city early in the morning to attend to the shipping of the machinery, had not yet returned.
The Blue Birds gathered merrily in their Nest in the cherry tree, with several little girls who had been away during the summer and were eager to join the Nest.
Miss Selina insisted upon walking along the path from the house when Mrs. Talmage started for the Nest and, upon arriving at the foot of the steps that led up to the Nest, looked up imploringly.
“Flutey, I believe you can get up here if I help you!” exclaimed Ruth, seeing her aunt’s expression.
“Oh, no, dearie! What about the rheumatism in my ankles?” groaned Miss Selina.
“Leave it behind!” laughed Ruth, gayly hopping down from the Nest.
“I wish I could!” declared Aunt Selina, taking a firm hold on the handrail and trying to lift up her foot.