Turning to Mrs.Sherman he said, "By the way, Elizabeth, our birthday gift for Lloyd might be called a sort of wonder-ball." Then he looked at his little daughter with a teasing smile, as he continued, "I wonder if you can guess my riddle.

At first your wonder-ball will unroll a day and night on the cars, then a drive through a park where you rode in a baby-carriage once upon a time, but through which you shall go in an automobile this time, if you wish.

There'll be some shopping, maybe, and after that flags flying, and bands playing, and crowds of people waving good-bye." He had intended to stop there, but the wondering expression on her face carried him on further.

"I can't undertake to say how much your wonder-ball can hold, but somewhere near the centre of it will be a meeting with Betty and Eugenia, and perhaps a glimpse of the Gate of the Giant Scissors that you are always talking about." As Lloyd listened a look of utter astonishment crept over her face.

Then she suddenly sprang from her chair, and running to her father put a hand on each shoulder.