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The Merryvale Boys

HALLOWE'EN AT MERRYVALE

by

ALICE HALE BURNETT

Author of "Circus Day at Merryvale," "Father Brown's Indian Tale," Etc.

Pictures by Charles F. Lester







[Illustration: "Keep this until I am gone, then hold it over yonder
candle light," she ordered.]




The New York Book Co.
201-213 East 12th Street New York
Copyright, 1916, by
American Authors Publishing Co.


       *       *       *       *       *


THE MERRYVALE BOYS

By ALICE HALE BURNETT

Six real stories for small boys, each complete in itself, telling about
the many interesting doings of "Toad" and "Chuck" Brown, and their
friends, "Fat," "Reddy" and others.

The books are written so the boy may read and understand them and the
action faithfully portrays boy life in a small town.


CIRCUS DAY AT MERRYVALE

"Toad" and "Reddy," by good fortune, each earn two tickets to the
circus, although they find watering elephants a harder task than it at
first seemed. A jolly party of boys visit the circus.


FATHER BROWN'S INDIAN TALE

Dad's story is followed by an unexpected visitor who at first startles
then interests all of the little party gathered around the fireside.


THE PICNIC AT MERRYVALE

Did you ever go to a picnic in a large farm wagon, filled with boys and
girls? Then did you catch a fine lot of trout and broil them before a
camp-fire? "Toad" and "Reddy" did these very things and had a day long
to be remembered.


CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS IN MERRYVALE

Daddy Williams' Toy Shop is the center of interest to "Toad" and his
friends long before Christmas arrives. They plan a surprise that brings
joy to a poor family. The boys erect snow forts and the two sides have a
battle royal.


MERRYVALE BOYS ON THE FARM

"Toad's" grandmother invites him and "Reddy" to spend a month in the
country. Their experiences at Sunnyside farm, with its horses, cows,
pigs and chickens, are most entertainingly told, and they have the time
of their lives boating, swimming and fishing in the creek.


HALLOWE'EN AT MERRYVALE

For many days the boys had been looking forward to the party to be held
at Toad Brown's house, but the evening finally arrived and a number of
new games were played, although a few things happened which were not on
the program.


Illustrations in Color 12mo. Cloth 40c per Vol., Postpaid

THE NEW YORK BOOK CO., 201 E. 12th St., New York


       *       *       *       *       *


CONTENTS


          CHAPTER                                PAGE
             I. GETTING READY FOR THE PARTY        9
            II. THE FUN BEGINS                    15
           III. THE SWINGING APPLES               24
            IV. THE CANDY PULL                    29
             V. THE WITCH TELLS FORTUNES          35
            VI. BLOWING OUT THE CANDLES           44
           VII. THE SEARCH FOR THE SILVER COIN    49
          VIII. THE WONDERFUL PIE                 53




HALLOWE'EN

AT MERRYVALE




CHAPTER I

GETTING READY FOR THE PARTY


"What's Hallowe'en mean, Father?" asked Thomas Brown as the family was
seated at breakfast one morning late in October.

"It means the evening before All Saints Day," answered Father Brown.

"Do you remember what fun we had last year, Chuck?" remarked Toad, for
Thomas was called "Toad" by his friends, and Charley was known as
"Chuck."

"I should say I do," he answered.

The Browns had always lived in the town of Merryvale in a large, white
house, set far back from the street, and not far away was the home of
Toad's best friend Reddy and his brother Frank nick-named "Fat."

"We had great fun when I was a boy," resumed Father Brown, "for my
birthday anniversary falls on Hallowe'en and your grandmother would
always have me invite the boys in the neighborhood to a party on that
night."

"Oh, I wish mine weren't two days later or I might have a party too,"
sighed Toad.

"There's no reason, Thomas," said his mother, with a smile, "why you
can't celebrate your birthday on Hallowe'en, if you'd like to."

"Oh, Mother, that's fine," cried Toad, jumping up from the table and
running around to his mother's place to give her a hearty hug. "You
always make things right," he added.

"We'd better ask all the fellows in school today," suggested Chuck, "for
Saturday is Hallowe'en."

Toad lost no time when he reached school that morning in giving his
invitations to the party and all the boys were glad to accept, for they
always had a fine time at Toad's house.

When Saturday morning arrived, Mother Brown sent Toad off to the barn to
get some large red apples.

"Be sure they have strong stems," she warned him, "or I shall not be
able to use them."

The apples had been packed in barrels with plenty of straw to keep them
from freezing, and when Toad reached the barn he pulled out one after
another until he thought he had plenty. Just as he was wondering how
many trips he would have to make to get all the apples to the house, a
face peeped around the doorway.

"Hello, Reddy," laughed Toad, "come on in and help me with these apples.
I've got to carry them up to the house," he explained, "they're for the
party tonight."

"Couldn't we eat just one now?" asked Reddy, picking up from the floor
a shining red apple.

"Hey, not that one," cried Toad, "take one without a stem."

"Huh," protested Reddy, "what difference does that make? I wasn't going
to eat the stem."

Toad laughed.

"Mother wants strong stems on them. I don't know why," he explained.

"What's a Hallowe'en party like?" inquired Reddy, seating himself on the
top of a potato barrel.

"Fat says," he continued, "that there's always ghosts."

"Aw, who's afraid of baby things like ghosts," jeered Toad.

"Well, I'm not either," protested Reddy. "I knew he was only trying to
scare me."

After the boys had carried the apples up to the house Mother Brown
looked them over and exclaimed:

"They're just what I want, such fine strong stems."




CHAPTER II

THE FUN BEGINS


At about half past seven o'clock that night the boys who had been
invited to the party began to arrive at the Brown's home where they were
met at the door by a figure in white. It had queer rabbit ears, made
from tying up the corners of a pillow slip that had been placed over its
head. The eyes were holes cut in the slip.

The large hall was lighted by many candles set in hollowed-out pumpkins
which had queer grinning faces cut in them.

"Wow, but this is spooky," giggled Fat, at which the other boys laughed.

Now the figure in white, which was really Toad, asked the boys to follow
him as he led them to Father Brown's study. Here they were met by Chuck,
also in white.

"Good evening, Mr. Ghost," greeted Reddy, bowing low.

"How do," nodded the ghost and Chuck could scarcely keep from laughing
as he added in a deep voice, "Put on these slips and hurry up," pointing
to a pile of them on the floor.

"Oh, I know who you are," laughed Fat, "but I won't tell," and he
hastened to scramble into a pillow slip, which he twisted around his
head until he got the slits for the eyes in the right place.

"My ears are longer than yours are," boasted Herbie, as he danced about.

"All the better to hear you, my dear," laughed Linn Smith.

As all were now ready, Chuck led the queer looking party of long-eared
figures into the library where they were met by Father and Mother Brown
dressed in black gowns with tall witches' caps on their heads. There was
a large black pot hanging in the fireplace and Mother Brown began to
stir something in it with a long iron spoon.

Fat walked directly over to the fireplace and peeped into the pot.

"If ghosts had noses," he sniffed, "I'd say that smelt awfully good."

Father Brown now went about, pinning a number on each boy's back.

"What's that for?" asked Hopie.

"Well, you all look so much alike," laughed Mr. Brown, "that I can't
tell you apart. And," after a pause, "there's going to be a prize for
this game."

"That's great," shouted Herbie, "hope I get it."

Chuck now left the room, returning a moment later with a huge pumpkin
which he placed on a chair in the corner.

"Who's number one?" he asked, at the same time lifting high into the air
the stem of the pumpkin, which had been cut off close to its base.

[Illustration: "Keep perfectly still," whispered Chuck as Hopie came
toward them.]

"I am," announced Hopie Smith from his place before the fire where he
had been helping Mother Brown stir the contents of the great black pot.

"Well, hurry and come over here, if you're first," called Toad, "and
I'll turn your slip around so you can't see."

"Here's the stem," said Chuck, placing it in Hopie's outstretched hand.

Father Brown now took Hopie by the shoulders and slowly turned him
around again and again.

"I believe you've had enough turns to wonder where you are," he said,
adding, "now see if you can place the stem on the pumpkin."

Hopie started off, both hands held out before him.

"You musn't feel anything with your hands," called Herbie, "it isn't
fair."

"All right," was the answer as he walked straight for the corner where
Fat was sitting, watching the fun.

"Keep perfectly still," whispered Chuck in Fat's ear, as Hopie drew
near, then as he paused before Fat and placed the stem upon his head the
boys broke into shouts of laughter.

"Oh, you pumpkin head," gasped Reddy.

Hopie pulled off his pillow slip and stared in wonder about him, then he
too laughed.

"I was so sure I had it on the pumpkin!" he exclaimed.

"Better be careful, Fat," warned Toad, "If mother takes you for a
pumpkin she'll put you in a pie."

Numbers two, three and four hadn't much better luck for Herbie stuck the
stem on the center table, Chuck on a book stand and Reddy tried very
hard to put it into the pot but Mother Brown held out her hand just in
time to save it from falling in.

Linn's turn came next.

"Watch me," he said. "I'm going to do it."

"Bet you don't," challenged Reddy.

Then Father Brown gave him a few quick turns and away he started. After
taking two or three steps forward he paused, then, stretching out his
hands he walked slowly toward the fireplace. When he had reached it he
turned about and faced the room.

"Now, I know where I am," he thought, "I'll walk right over to the
corner by the door."

"Look," whispered Chuck to Herbie, "he knows where he's going, all
right."

Each boy held his breath as Linn drew closer and closer to the chair
which held the pumpkin. Then as his knees struck against the edge of it
he stopped and placed the stem on the top of the pumpkin.

"Good for you, Linn," cried Toad. "I didn't think you could do it."

"Oh, it was easy," boasted Linn. "The heat of the fire told me where the
fireplace was, then when I turned and faced the other way I knew I only
had to walk to the left to reach this corner."

"Here's the prize," announced Chuck, stepping up to Linn and handing him
a box.

"Hurry up and open it," cried Hopie, "we want to see what's in it." And
as the lid came off the box, Linn exclaimed:

"A baseball, just what I've been wanting," and he tossed it up into the
air.

"That's as lively as a cricket," commented Herbie, as he caught the ball
and bounced it on the floor.




CHAPTER III

THE SWINGING APPLES


Mother Brown now whispered something in Fat's ear and with a broad grin
Fat disappeared through the door leading to the kitchen. In another
moment he reappeared carrying two large, well-greased pans in his hands.
At once the boys all crowded about the fireplace trying to help and in
less time than it takes to tell, the taffy that had been boiling in the
large pot was poured into the pans and set away to cool.

"By jiminy, I hope it tastes as good as it smells," observed Toad.

"I'm sure it will," replied Mother Brown, with a smile.

"Stand in line," ordered Chuck, "while I tie your hands behind your
backs."

"You're not going to spank us, are you?" wailed Fat, making believe to
cry.

"No, silly," laughed Chuck, adding, "Everyone take off his slip, now. We
need our whole faces to play this game."

Toad, with the help of Father Brown, then placed a long pole so that the
ends rested on the top of two bookcases and from it hung many bright red
apples, tied on with strings.

"Now," said Chuck, "the fellow who can take one good bite out of an
apple without using anything to steady it with, gets a prize."

"Me first," cried Herbie.

"All right," was the reply, "go ahead." And Herbie started.

At first it seemed very easy, but whenever he got ready to take a good
bite the apple always slipped away. The boys all laughed as Herbie made
one dive after another.

"Ah, have a bite," cried Reddy. "I picked that one out for you."

Herbie then gave the apple a push and stood with his mouth wide open,
awaiting the return swing, but instead of getting a bite, the apple
landed on his nose.

Fat fairly rolled over with laughter and after a few more attempts
Herbie gave up his place to Linn Smith. Then Father Brown took Herbie's
apple off the string and, tossing it to him, said:

"Here's the Boobie prize."

Linn had no better luck than Herbie, although he tried his hardest. The
apple always bobbed about his head, rolling away just as he thought he
had it.

"You're next," called out Toad, as Fat stepped forward toward the
apples.

"Good evening," said Fat, bowing low, "I've a very empty feeling, would
you like to step inside?"

"Ah, hurry up," shouted Reddy, "I want a turn some time tonight."

"So do I," chimed in Hopie Smith.

Fat grinned. "Don't be in such a hurry; it never pays," he retorted.

Again and again he tried but did no better than the rest. Hopie Smith,
who followed, had no success, and then came Reddy's turn. Bending down,
he brought his face up under the lower end of the apple and opening his
mouth very wide and bringing his teeth together with a quick snap he
succeeded in biting a piece out of the apple.

"Dandy," shouted Toad, "he gets the prize," and as he handed the winner
a box Reddy opened it and exclaimed:

"Oh, it's a knife, that's great, and I needed one too."

"That's a beauty," declared Herbie, "You're lucky, Red."




CHAPTER IV

THE CANDY PULL


"Don't you think the candy's cold by this time?" whispered Fat to Toad.

"Let's find out," suggested Toad, and the two boys walked over to the
table where the pans had been placed to cool. Very gently placing his
finger tips upon the candy, Fat exclaimed:

"Oh, it's just right; plenty cool enough to pull."

"Hey, come on, everybody," shouted Toad, "the candy's ready."

"I'll get some butter," offered Chuck, running off to the kitchen,
saying as he went: "Wait until it comes; it keeps the candy from
sticking."

When he returned the boys all greased their fingers well with butter and
set to work pulling the taffy.

"Let's see which one can make his the lightest," suggested Linn. "I used
to be pretty good at this work when I was young," he laughed.

"Well, Grandpa, I'll beat you this time," boasted Toad.

"Won't somebody help me out of this?" wailed Herbie, holding up before
him two very sticky hands. He had been so anxious to commence pulling
his taffy that he had not waited for the butter.

"You're a sad looking sight," laughed Fat. "Why didn't you wait to see
how I did it," he chuckled.

"You'd better go and wash it all off," suggested Father, "and make a
fresh start, for there's plenty of taffy."

Herbie took his advice.

"Reddy, what was that the teacher said in school the other day about too
much candy being bad for little boys?" inquired Chuck from his corner by
the fireplace, at which Reddy laughed.

"Come on," he said, "let's see who's taffy's the lightest."

"Yes, everyone hold out his piece," proposed Linn.

"Oh, yours is," admitted Toad as he saw Linn's cream-colored taffy.

"Looks like a lock of Mary Lee's hair," observed Herbie, glancing at
Linn's piece.

"You're always talking about her," teased Fat.

"Am not," denied Herbie stoutly, his face turning red.

"Oh, look at the little dear blush," cried Toad in great glee, just
dodging the sofa pillow aimed at his head by Herbie.

Hopie, leaning back comfortably against the side of the fireplace,
heaved a sigh of contentment.

"Got a tummy ache?" asked Reddy.

"Nope, just enjoying myself," was the answer as he took another bite
from his piece of taffy.

"What'll we do next?" inquired Chuck, turning to Father Brown.

"I'm expecting a witch at nine o'clock to tell fortunes," was the reply.
"I hope she doesn't disappoint us."

"A witch," shrieked Fat in a high, thin voice, making believe to be very
much alarmed. "I hope she won't change me into a snake."

"Oh, you'd make a better turtle--you're so fond of walking slow,"
laughed Linn.

"She'll turn Herbie into a sleeping Prince, and Mary Lee will be the
Princess who kisses him and wakes him up," said Chuck, teasingly, at
which all the boys roared with laughter.

As Herbie started off after Chuck a merry chase followed which the
other boys enjoyed, at times holding Chuck until Herbie was almost upon
him and then letting him go, only to catch Herbie and hold him in turn.
Suddenly in the midst of the uproar there came a sharp rap on the door.

"One--two--three."

"Hush," whispered Chuck, "it's the witch."

[Illustration: "Three cheers for Hopie!" shouted all the boys.]




CHAPTER V

THE WITCH TELLS FORTUNES


"Come in," invited Father and the boys, standing in a group watching the
knob of the door turn slowly. As it opened silently they saw standing on
the threshold a little, old woman, all bent over, a long black cape and
hood covering her from head to foot. She carried a cane with a crook in
it and leaned very heavily upon it as she walked.

Muttering to herself she crossed the room and took a seat by the fire.
Her coarse, gray hair fell in straggly locks about her face almost
hiding it from view.

Suddenly the lights went out, leaving the room in darkness, save for the
firelight.

"Place the pot before me," she ordered, in a high, broken voice, shaking
her stick at Fat.

"Yes, Ma'am," said Fat, hurrying to obey.

"She's got Fat scared to death," giggled Toad to Reddy.

From under her cape she now took a small paper bag and poured the
contents into the pot before her, then standing up she hobbled around it
three times, waving her arms and humming a queer little tune. Soon a
dull red light glowed from within the pot, getting brighter and
brighter.

"It's magic," whispered Toad to Hopie Smith.

The old witch now sat down again and took from beneath her cape a small
pad, a long quill pen and a queer little bottle filled with milky white
fluid.

"If you drink any of that you'll get as small as a flea," said Fat in a
low voice.

The old witch rapped hard on the floor with her cane.

"Herbie, come forward," she commanded.

"Go ahead," giggled Reddy, giving him a little push and Herbie stepped
before the witch.

She did not notice him at first, being very busy writing upon a slip of
paper with the quill pen which she dipped into a little bottle.
Presently she raised her head and handed him the paper.

"Bend low thine ear," she said, and Herbie obeyed.

"Keep this until I am gone," she added, "then hold it over yonder candle
light, for thy fortune is written there."

Each boy was now called in turn and received a slip of paper. Then the
old witch arose.

"To those who obey my commands, good luck; to those who disobey, ill
fortune," she cried, shaking her stick in the air, and in another moment
she had quickly hobbled from the room.

Chuck now turned on the lights and Linn exclaimed:

"Where on earth did she ever come from?"

"Why, witches come out of the air," explained Toad. "They travel on a
broomstick."

"Let's see what she wrote on the papers," proposed Hopie Smith.

"Yes," agreed Reddy, "she told me to hold it over the candle light," at
which Chuck came forward with a candle that he placed on the center
table, holding his slip of paper over the flame. The other boys eagerly
gathered about to watch.

Soon the paper got hot and letters began to appear.

"Look, there's an 'a' and two 'e's,' and--and," cried Chuck, "it's quite
plain now. I can read it."

"Go on," shouted Reddy, "let's hear it."

Chuck began:

          "If your head will rule your heart,
           From a cent you'll never part;
           So tell your heart to rule your head,
           And all will mourn you when you're dead."

"That means if you're stingy no one will care when you're gone,"
explained Linn, at which Chuck laughed with the others.

Herbie now held his over the light, and as the letters appeared, he
read:

          "Don't always be in too great haste,
           It often means a dreadful waste;
           Await your turn and take with ease,
           The piece you want with fingers greased."

"That's you and the molasses candy," laughed Reddy, adding, "Here's
mine:

          "Your hair may be of brilliant hue,
           But this should never bother you;
           For when the winter winds blow most,
           Your head will be as warm as toast."

"That's great," cried Reddy as all the boys laughed.

Fat now held his slip over the flame, and, as the words appeared read
slowly:

      "If you should eat a pound of lemons every other day,
       You'd grow as lean as any pole, for so I've heard folks say;
       But if, upon the other hand, you keep on eating pie,
       You'll grow so big and round and tall, you'll almost reach the sky."

"You'd better be careful, Fat, and buy a barrel of lemons," suggested
Toad.

"I'll order a wagon-load," grinned Fat.

Hopie now held his paper near the candle, and in a moment read:

          "If you're the lad, to find the coin
           That's hidden in the flour,
           You, the highest will enjoy,
           Of health, and wealth and power."

Toad's turn now came and upon his paper was written:

          "You're very fond of teasing all the girls,
           And pulling off the ribbons from their curls;
           But mark my words, these tricks you'll surely rue,
           For when you're grown, a few they'll play on you."

"That's a good one for you to remember, Toad," laughed the others.

Linn now read:

          "Your mouth may be large, as I've oft heard you say,
           But your words show a brain that is working;
           You'll go to the top of the ladder because,
           You do what you do without shirking."

"The old witch must have liked you, Linn," commented Reddy. "That's the
best yet."




CHAPTER VI

BLOWING OUT THE CANDLES


"Let's try to blow out the candles next," suggested Toad, to which the
others agreed.

"Bet I win this," boasted Fat, "I've got a lot of wind."

"Reddy ought to win," laughed Chuck, "he's always blowing about what he
can do."

A tray with ten candles was now placed upon the table by Toad and the
boys got in line while Father Brown lighted the candles. Then, with
paper and pencil he stood near at hand to keep the score.

"Only one puff each, remember, so make it a big one," he laughed.

Fat and Herbie, from their places in the line, began at once puffing and
blowing.

"Hey, what are you trying to do," called Linn Smith, "start a cyclone?"

"No, we're only practising," was the laughing reply.

"I'll puff, and I'll puff 'till I blow your house in," sang Herbie,
adding, "here's where I win."

Hopie Smith, first in line, filled out his chest with all the air it
would hold, and stepped forward.

Puff!

"How many?" shouted the others.

"Five," counted Father Brown, "that's a good beginning."

Reddy then gave Fat a poke with his elbow.

"Move up," he urged.

Toad came next and turned around three times for luck and then took a
long breath. Puff!

"One, two, three, four," called Father.

"What," cried Toad in surprise, "only four--why, I was sure they would
all go out."

Linn came next. Standing upon his toes and holding his hands together
high above his head he turned slowly around, then, leaning down he gave
a great blow.

"Six," counted Father Brown, "that's the best yet."

"Watch me," cried Chuck, who stood next, and placing his hands upon his
hips he started dancing about before the table.

"Ha, look at the funny dancer," shouted Hopie.

Chuck gave a puff and blew out six candles which tied Linn's score.

Fat, who was now next in line, leaned far over. Placing his hands on the
floor he lifted his right foot and shook it three times, then standing
up he puffed out his cheeks for a mighty blow.

"Look out, you'll bust," warned Herbie.

Puff!

"By jiminy, he did it," cried Toad, "good boy, Fat," as every candle
went out.

"Reddy may tie him," suggested Father. "Let's see."

Reddy turned three somersaults for luck and standing before the candles
blew with all his strength, and seven went out.

"Fat gets the prize and it's just what he likes most," cried Toad.

"Oh, but I'm glad I came," sighed Fat, as he opened the big box of candy
that Toad had handed him.

"Now all be good children," he added, "and I'll give you each a piece."




CHAPTER VII

THE SEARCH FOR THE SILVER COIN


"Shall we try to find the dime in the flour now?" asked Toad of Father
Brown, after the boys had all tried some of Fat's candy and found it
very much to their liking.

"Fine," agreed Father, "and I'll go to get the pan." When he returned a
few moments later he carried a large tin dish-pan in his hands with an
inch of flour in the bottom of it.

As Toad thought the floor the best place for this trick, the pan was
placed there.

"How do you do it?" asked Reddy, standing with his back to the fire.

"It's very easy," answered Chuck with a grin. "There's a ten cent piece
on the bottom of that pan and you've got to pick it up with your lips
without using your hands to help."

"I'd have left my hands at home tonight, if I'd known they were to be of
so little use," laughed Herbie.

"Oh, you'll need them later on," replied Chuck, "see if you don't."

"Three at a time," called out Father, "in a three minute try to see who
can find the dime. Hopie, you, Toad and Fat try first."

[Illustration: The boys screamed with laughter as the queer-looking
things bumped about on the table.]

Down went all three boys on their knees before the pan of flour and down
into the flour went the three faces. Such a puffing and blowing that the
flour rose like a white cloud and settled on the heads of the three who
were pushing each other about in their efforts to find the money.

"They look like a lot of hungry pigs," laughed Reddy.

"You're not sick, are you Toad?" asked Herbie, "your face looks so
pale," at which everyone laughed.

Suddenly Hopie Smith jumped up with the flour falling from his face and
the dime held fast between his lips.

"Hurrah; three cheers for Hopie," shouted all the boys.

The pan was now carried out for a supply of fresh flour and a new dime.
The three boys were brushed off and soon were watching the others trying
to find the dime.

"Say, Reddy, you're an old man," cried Toad, "your hair is turning
gray."

"Look out there, Linn," warned Fat, "you'll turn into a pancake if you
eat all that flour."

At this Linn laughed, causing a great cloud of flour to rise from the
pan.

"Chuck's digging for sil----" but before Hopie could finish Reddy stood
up, his dancing blue eyes shining like two stars. Between his lips he
held the dime.

"Good for you, Red," shouted Toad, "I knew you'd win it."




CHAPTER VIII

THE WONDERFUL PIE


Mother Brown now appeared in the doorway.

"Won't you come into the dining room?" she requested, and the boys lost
no time in accepting the invitation.

"That means something to eat," whispered Herbie. "Wonder what it'll be."

As the boys entered the dining room they started with surprise, for
there, hanging over the table, was the huge grinning face of a
jack-o-lantern.

"Well," exclaimed Fat, "what a sweet face!" which brought a round of
laughter from the others.

In the center of the table was a large paper pie and seven ribbons came
from under the crust, each of them having a card on the end. A plate of
paper snap-crackers of bright colors and the fancy yellow paper napkin
at each place gave the table a gay look.

"What a funny pie," laughed Hopie. "What's inside?"

"Each one find the card with his name on it. Then we'll all pull
together," directed Chuck, "and find out."

"Here's yours, Fat," called out Linn.

"You're over here, by me, Reddy," announced Toad.

"The fun's going to begin in a minute," cried Herbie. "Come on, Hopie,
here's yours."

"Everyone ready now," cried Toad as each one held on to his own ribbon.
"Now, one, two, three, pull," and, with a tearing of paper out came the
contents of the pie.

Huge wiggly spiders, toads that hopped about the table, mice that looked
real enough to frighten any girl, long striped paper snakes and giant
grasshoppers were on the ends of those ribbons.

The boys screamed with laughter as the queer-looking things hopped,
rolled and bumped about on the table.

"Look at what I've got," shrieked Hopie, holding an ugly looking spider
up to view.

"If that was real I'll bet you wouldn't be within ten feet of it," said
Fat.

"I'm going to scare our girl into fits with this mouse," laughed Herbie.
"She'll just take one look at it then hop up on a chair; and won't she
be mad when she finds out it isn't real?"

"Say, fellows, watch this frog jump," cried Fat, winding up a green and
yellow one made of tin.

"Bet mine can beat it," boasted Reddy. "Let's race them."

"Thought yours could hop further than my little Heinie, didn't you?"
teased Fat a minute later after his frog had won.

"Well, you wait until I get mine oiled up," warned Reddy, "and we'll try
it again."

When the boys pulled the snappers, the gay paper hats caused great
merriment, Fat having a baby cap with long strings which he tied under
his chin.

"Ah, here comes the ice cream!" exclaimed Herbie. "Look at the funny
figures it's in," he added, as a large platter, holding many odd little
shapes, was placed before Toad.

"Youngest first," announced Toad. "What do you choose, Hopie?"

"I'll take, let's see; guess I'll have a pumpkin," finally decided Hopie
and a yellow ice-cream pumpkin was placed before him.

"You're next, Reddy," said Chuck.

"Am not; Herbie's younger than I am," protested Reddy.

"I'll take the rabbit," laughed Herbie. "I like chocolate and vanilla
best."

Reddy now chose a pink and white wind mill, Chuck a pony.

"Don't I wish it was real," he said.

"Well, the turtle looks like it might taste pretty good," said Fat, and
then it was Linn's turn.

"It doesn't seem fair for you to be last, Toad, when you ought to have
come after Reddy," remarked Linn.

"Oh, well, it's my party, so I have to be last," was the answer.

"Well," agreed Linn, "if that's so I'll have the ship."

"Oh, good," cried Toad, "that leaves the engine for me and I wanted it
more than anything else."

"This turtle makes better ice cream than he would soup," grinned Fat as
he took another spoonfull.

"I'm eating my rabbit's ears first," chirped Herbie.

"Well, I'm eating the smoke from my engine, first," Toad chimed in.

"Here's the cake, you'll have to cut it, Toad," Linn informed him, "for
it's bad luck to let any one else cut a birthday cake for you."

It was covered with white icing and ablaze with candles.

"Now watch the candles go out," and Toad gave a great puff. "All over,"
he declared, laughing, "now I'll cut the cake."

"There is a piece of silver in it, Thomas," said his mother, "and the
one who gets it will be the lucky one in life, and a thimble for the one
who is going to be a bachelor."

At this the boys urged Toad to hurry and when the cake had been cut and
passed around each boy looked his piece over carefully.

"Hurrah, I've got the money," shouted Hopie, holding up a bright dime so
all could see.

"And I've got the thimble," wailed Chuck. "Now I'll have to sew on all
my own buttons."

"Hopie's lucky all right; he won the money in the flour, too," observed
Herbie.

It was now growing late so the boys, much against their will, found
their hats and bade good-night to Father and Mother Brown.

"We've had a fine time, Toad," said Fat, "hope you have another birthday
next year."

"I'm very sorry to have to do it," announced Linn, grasping Toad and
turning him over his knee, "but you must have nine spanks and one for
good luck."

"Why didn't we think of it before?" agreed the others, helping to hold
Toad until each one had his turn.

"Well, I ought to be good for a year, now," laughed Toad, after he
managed to get away. "Wait 'till it's your turn, Linn, won't I give you
some good ones?"

"Good-night," responded Linn, "we've had a dandy time."

"You bet we have," echoed all the others.

"Good-bye, good-bye," called Chuck and Toad, standing in the doorway as
the boys disappeared in the darkness.


THE END


       *       *       *       *       *


THE MERRYVALE GIRLS

By ALICE HALE BURNETT


Four delightful books for the smaller girls, each a complete story in
itself, describing in simple language the interesting experiences of
Beth, Mary and Jerry, three little maids of Merryvale.


BETH'S GARDEN PARTY

The three girls take part in a very formal little affair on the lawn of
Beth's home. Each of the guests receives a present in the shape of a
downy white kitten. The drive home in Beth's pony cart furnishes a few
exciting moments, but Patsy bravely comes to the rescue.


A DAY AT THE COUNTY FAIR

The girls are taken to the fair in a motor, but a slight delay occurs on
the way. How they finally arrived at the fair ground and their amusing
experiences are most entertainingly told.


GERALDINE'S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

Geraldine, whom of course we know better as Jerry, plays the part of
hostess to her many friends, although it must be admitted that her
guests knew of the affair before she did. A jolly evening is spent by
the girls which is shared in by some of our young Merryvale boy friends.


MARY ENTERTAINS THE SEWING CLUB

Mary entertains the club at her home, and the efforts of some of the
members cause many outbursts of merriment. The girls decide to hold a
"fair of all nations" for the benefit of the Merryvale Day Nursery.
Their many friends aid them and their plans succeed beyond their
expectations.


_12mo. Cloth. Illustrations in Color. 40c per vol., postpaid_


THE NEW YORK BOOK CO., 201 E. 12th St., New York


       *       *       *       *       *


THE HICKORY RIDGE BOY SCOUTS

A SERIES OF BOOKS FOR BOYS

By Capt. Alan Douglas, Scout-master


The Campfires of the Wolf Patrol

Their first camping experience affords the scouts splendid opportunities
to use their recently acquired knowledge in a practical way. Elmer
Chenoweth, a lad from the northwest woods, astonishes everyone by his
familiarity with camp life. A clean, wholesome story every boy should
read.


Woodcraft; or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good

This tale presents many stirring situations in which the boys are called
upon to exercise ingenuity and unselfishness. A story filled with
healthful excitement.


Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot

Some mysteries are cleared up in a most unexpected way, greatly to the
credit of our young friends. A variety of incidents follow fast, one
after the other.


Fast Nine; or, a Challenge from Fairfield

They show the same team-work here as when in camp. The description of
the final game with the team of a rival town, and the outcome thereof,
form a stirring narrative. One of the best baseball stories of recent
years.


Great Hike; or, The Pride of The Khaki Troop

After weeks of preparation the scouts start out on their greatest
undertaking. Their march takes them far from home, and the good-natured
rivalry of the different patrols furnishes many interesting and amusing
situations.


Endurance Test; or, How Clear Grit Won the Day

Few stories "get" us more than illustrations of pluck in the face of
apparent failure. Our heroes show the stuff they are made of and
surprise their most ardent admirers. One of the best stories Captain
Douglas has written.


Under Canvas; or, The Hunt for the Cartaret Ghost

It was hard to disbelieve the evidence of their eyes but the boys by the
exercise of common-sense solved a mystery which had long puzzled older
heads.


Storm-bound; or, a Vacation Among the Snow Drifts

The boys start out on the wrong track, but their scout training comes to
the rescue and their experience proves beneficial to all concerned.


Boy Scout Nature Lore to be Found in The Hickory Ridge Boy Scout
Series, all illustrated:--

Wild Animals of the United States--Tracking--Trees and Wild Flowers of
the United States--Reptiles of the United States--Fishes of the United
States--Insects of the United States and Birds of the United States.


_Cloth Binding Cover Illustrations in Four Colors 40c. Per Volume_


    THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
201 EAST 12th STREET     NEW YORK


       *       *       *       *       *


The Campfire and Trail Series


          1. IN CAMP ON THE BIG SUNFLOWER.

          2. THE RIVALS OF THE TRAIL.

          3. THE STRANGE CABIN ON CATAMOUNT ISLAND.

          4. LOST IN THE GREAT DISMAL SWAMP.

          5. WITH TRAPPER JIM IN THE NORTH WOODS.

          6. CAUGHT IN A FOREST FIRE.

          7. CHUMS OF THE CAMPFIRE.

          8. AFLOAT ON THE FLOOD.


By LAWRENCE J. LESLIE.

          A series of wholesome stories for boys told in an
          interesting way and appealing to their love of the
          open.

_Each, 12mo. Cloth. 40 cents per volume_


   THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
201 EAST 12th STREET     NEW YORK


       *       *       *       *       *


Transcriber's Note:

   Punctuation normalized.