"A party!" exclaimed Dab, when his mother unfolded Ham's plan to him. "Ham and Miranda give a party for us boys! Well, now, aren't they right down good! But, mother, we'll have to get it up mighty quick."
"I know, but that's easy enough with all the help we'll have. I'll take care of that."
"But, mother, what can we do? There's only a few know how to dance. I don't, for one."
"You must talk that over with Ford. Perhaps Annie and Frank can help you."
Great were the consultations and endless were the plans and propositions, till even Mrs. Kinzer found her temper getting a little worried over them.
"Miranda," she said, on the morning of the day, "all the invitations are sent now, and we must get rid of Dabney and the boys for a few hours."
"Send 'em for some greens to rig the parlor with," suggested Ham. "Let 'em take the ponies."
"Do you think the ponies are safe to drive just now?"
"Oh, Dab can handle 'em. They're a trifle skittish, that's all. They need a little exercise."
So they did, but it was to be doubted if the best way to secure it for them was to send them out in a light, two-seated wagon, with a load of five lively boys.