“So we are, when we have time to build it,” returned Phil. “At present, the most important thing is to repair our irrigation plant and then sow our seed.”
“I say, why not have an old-fashioned house-raising?” exclaimed Chester.
The suggestion met with hearty response, and after much talk and laughter it was agreed that the boys should notify their neighbours when they had finished their planting and that they would give them two days, one for preparing the logs and the other for the “raising.”
“But we never can repay you,” said Mrs. Porter.
“Just feed us, that is all the pay we will ask,” replied Chester.
“Food and a dance,” added one of the others, “that is, if the young ladies dance.” And he looked inquiringly at Sallie and Margie.
“Oh, I think we might be persuaded to try,” laughed the younger girl. And when they had discussed the plans again, the men returned to their several homes, leaving the family alone save for the Jays and Andy.
CHAPTER XXXV
AT WORK IN EARNEST
While the girls were washing the dishes, Phil told his mother about Mr. Jay’s acquaintance with their father, and the little woman then and there took Joy to her heart.