"Make me 'quainted, make me 'quainted!"
The Toyman took her by the arm, and he in turn made a grand bow.
"Now, Jack, old fellow, this is an honor. Here's a lady expressin' a desire to make your acquaintance. Miss Hepzebiah Green, let me present Mr. Jack O. Lantern, otherwise known as 'Ole Man Pumpkin.'"
Then he turned to Jack.
"You don't mind my calling you so familiarly, do you?"
Apparently Jack didn't mind, for he just squatted there, lazy-like, and grinned with all his big square teeth.
Hepzebiah giggled back at him. She was having a glorious time. So were they all.
So, through that long--no, very short--afternoon, the kitchen was filled with pleasant smells and the air of fun and a pleasant surprise to come. They almost thought they could smell the surprise as well as the pies.
It came at last, that is the surprise did, for, just after supper, the Toyman disappeared, probably to do some of his chores.
A little while later there came a tap at the window.