In the garden they found father beside the pile of leaves. He had thrown many things upon it.
He said, "I came home early and cleaned up the garden. Now, what shall we do with all this stuff?"
"Burn it, burn it!" shouted both children at once. "A bonfire, a bonfire!"
"Very well," said father. "You may burn it. Here is a match for you, Polly. And here is one for you, Peter. Light your fire."
Polly and Peter lighted the great heap. Soon the red flames were leaping up. They made the garden bright. Farther away from the fire it was very dark.
"Oh, see, see, mother!" cried Polly. "The flames are as pretty as the red and yellow leaves. Have they taken the color from the leaves? How hot they are!"
The children danced around the fire until it died down. Then mother took them into the house. It was bedtime.
