AN EXCITING PICNIC Molly's suggestion was so dazzling that Midget and Kitty were struck dumb for a moment.

Then Marjorie said, "No, Grandma won't let us girls go on the river alone, and Carter isn't up yet." "Let's throw pebbles and wake him up," said Molly.
"No," said Kitty, "it's too bad to wake him up early, because he needs his rest.

He has to work hard all day, and he has the rheumatism besides.
But I'll tell you what," and again Kitty's face glowed with a great idea; "let's go and throw pebbles at King's window, and make him take us out rowing." "Kitty, getting up early in the morning agrees with your brain!" declared Marjorie.

"We'll do just that,--and while King is dressing, we'll pack a basket of things to eat.

Oh, gorgeous! Come on, girls!" And clasping hands, the three ran away toward Grandma Sherwood's house.
"What about Stella ?" asked Marjorie, as they passed her house.
"Oh, don't try to get her," said Molly; "she'd be scared to death if you pebbled her, and her mother and father would think the house was on fire or something." So Stella was not included in the picnic, and the three conspirators ran on, and never paused until they were beneath King's window.
"You don't need a whole handful for him," advised Kitty.