162 THE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. 



digging-fork, light and easy to handle, Johnny began the 

 culture of strawberries. The admiring Kate sat in the 

 little wheelbarrow on the walk, and looked proudly on. 

 As soon as a small space was clear, she procured from the 

 wood-shed an iron rake, and began to gather the debris into 

 heaps. With many struggles, much sweat, and, as Johnny 

 said, "a pretty large tired," the place was partially 

 cleared of weeds. It looked pretty rough and irregular, 

 but was clean. 



By the time supper was ready they both found them- 

 selves ready to, as Kate said, " slay any amount of bread 

 and butter." The wheelbarrow, which they had not found 

 time to use, was returned to the shed, and the tools put 

 away for the night. Thus ended the first day. 



As they entered the house the cheerful fragranc.e of 

 supper greeted their sharp young noses. 



" I'm going down to see what Helen has nice for sup- 

 per," said Kate. 



On entering the kitchen she was surprised to find Helen 

 the one servant gone. At the stove stood her sister, 

 looking "good enough to eat," in her nice .white apron and 

 simple dress. 



1 '- Hallo, Polly ! Playing cook ? ' } 



"Yes, in dead earnest." 



" Wherefore ? Where's Helen ? " 



"Gone, for good." 



" Polly ! " cried Kate, flinging her liberal arms 



