“Let’s play we’re sailing in a boat—and the umbrellas can be the sails and——”
“No, let’s be Swiss Family Robinson in the tree house—we can just play pull the ladder up after us.”
They all agreed to this and started out to fit up their abode under almost as discouraging circumstances as that famous family are supposed to have faced. Taking two of the old umbrellas Katy propped them up to reinforce their foliage roof over the driest spot she could find. She worked quite a while before she could get them moored securely. It was hard to manage with the rain driving in her face and the wind tugging at the umbrellas.
“My, it’ll be fine when we get it all fixed. See, it’s hardly a bit wet here——”
“Let’s bring an old piece of carpet and spread down—and a book. We can read here just as snug.”
“Yes, and some cookies and apples—I’m getting hungry.”
“All right—let’s.”
The children plodded back and forth under the remaining umbrellas looking like a six-legged mushroom. They found it difficult to get the carpet and provender safely placed without getting wet. And however willing they were to be ducks themselves water didn’t seem adapted to carpets or cookies.
Mrs. Halford watched the trio busy and dripping and laughed till the tears stood in her eyes. The Irish maid in the kitchen was scandalized but interested.
“Did you ever see the likes of ’em? They’re that wet, ma’am, they leave puddles on me floor every time they come in and they be after stayin’ out there and ‘atin,’ ma’am! Now drinkin’ would sure be aisier.”