THE PICNIC LUNCH
"Oh, cheer up," said Uncle Billy in his jolly way, "some one will be
along before a great while and we'll all drive to the nearest town with
them."
Beth stood up on the seat and clapped her hands.
"Listen, everyone," she said, "let's have luncheon while we're
waiting."
All were delighted with her plan and in less time than it takes to tell
it the basket was lifted out of the car and in the shade of a large
tree close by the little party made merry over the dainty sandwiches
and iced lemonade.
There were little cakes, too, with pink and white icing.
"I know Martha made these," commented Jerry; "they taste like a cake we
had at your party, Beth."
Uncle Billy declared that never before in his life had he eaten so many
good things, all at one time.
"There's a wagon!" and Mary, who had been the first to see it, jumped
to her feet and pointed up the road toward a farm wagon, piled high
with hay, which was approaching them.
Uncle Billy started off at once to meet it and while the girls were
busily packing the things back into the basket he was telling the man
who drove the wagon about their mishap.
"You can all come along with me to town and then send some one back
with gasoline to fetch in your car, if you like. I'm driving in to the
county fair," explained the farmer.
"Fine!" decided Uncle Billy. "We'll do it." So in great haste the girls
were soon swung up, one by one, to the top of the hay. Then Uncle Billy
climbed on.
"All aboard!" he shouted, and at the word the farmer started his team.
As the wagon bumped and swayed along the road, the girls held hands to
keep from sliding off.