Wang Kum, and our ponies," added Allie. "Janey
says she'll go too. But it's no use to try to count up what we're
leaving, or I shall just sit down and begin to cry."

"Better not," advised Howard practically; "it's no end dusty, and we
can't spend time to brush you off. Besides, St. Paul is right on the way
to everywhere, and we shall see people when they go East. Don't you go
to being in the dumps, sis; 't won't mend matters to grumble, and we've
moved before without its killing us."

But in spite of his advice to his sister, Howard was the most
disconsolate member of the party, as they sat on the Everetts' front
steps, talking of the separation in store for them.

"It's a perfect shame," lamented Marjorie, who had joined them there.
"You belong to us, and oughtn't to go away. I had it all planned out,
too. We were all going to grow up here together, and have ever so much
fun. Allie and I would keep old maid's hall, and have you four boys
board with us. Howard would be a civil engineer, and Charlie a doctor,
and Grant have a store, and Ned be a minister; and we'd just have an
elegant time."

"'Specially me!" remarked Ned, in a tone of supreme disgust. "I've no
desire to step into Dr. Hornblower's shoes, when the old man finally
gives up and goes over the range. Preaching isn't in my line; I'll help
Charlie keep his apothecary shop, and sell patent medicines. But,
honestly, with half of us gone, the rest will be dismally lonesome. We
shall need Allie to keep us straight, and Howard to keep us stirred up."

"And Charlie for general all-overishness," added Marjorie. "Say, Howard,
do you remember the day we put Vic into the empty barrel, and turned a
bushel basket over him, 'cause he would follow us, every step we took?"

Howard chuckled at the recollection.

"Yes. How he did yell! But do you remember the time we shut Marjorie up
in the office closet, Ned, and then went off and forgot her?"

"That must have been before I came," said Charlie. "How did she get
out?"

"What a question! didn't you ever hear Marjorie squeal?" asked Grant
scornfully. "But, I say, you lads, do you remember that day that Charlie
Mac came, and we"--Grant paused abruptly.

"We what?" demanded Charlie.

"Oh, nothing." And Grant retired behind Marjorie, to blush unseen.

"What was it?" urged Charlie again. "Go on and tell, Grant."

"You hush up!" And Ned gave his brother a threatening glance.

"I'm going to tell, then, if you won't,"