ip, but as it was a cloud laden with rain,
appearing just over the top of the Palisades, it did not hurt the
girls. With merry laughter they packed the basket, scattering crumbs
and crusts over the grassy bank for the birds and squirrels.

"We'll have to hurry and get home, it's going to rain!" urged Bet.
"We'll continue the first meeting of our club in my room."

"Oh I don't want to go to the Manor today, girls. My dress isn't
presentable! I'll come some other time."

"Indeed you won't; you'll come now. We'll fix you up with another
dress, so don't worry!" promised Bet.

Bet gave a loud, shrill whistle and stood waiting. Kit wondered what
was coming now. Bet seemed to be waiting like a magician. Having
whistled, it was time for the trick to appear.

Something did come with a rush. A big brown animal, as big as a
mountain lion, leaped through the woods and rushed toward them.
Although Kit was used to life in the open, she gasped for a moment,
expecting to see the big creature spring upon them.

It was Bet's big collie dog. She threw both arms around his neck as he
ran to her. "Come on Smiley Jim! You're a good boy! You did it just
right that time, Smiley!" Then she turned to Kit and continued: "You
can't imagine what a time I've had trying to teach that pup to obey."

"He seems to be well trained now. I never saw an order obeyed any
quicker than that," laughed Kit.

"Smiley Jim, listen to me. This is our new chum, Kit Patten. I want
you to be nice to her and welcome her in your best style!"

As if the dog understood what his mistress was saying, he gave a bound
toward Kit, almost upsetting her, as he jumped with extended tongue.
His lips were drawn back over his teeth in a broad grin.

"Shake hands, Smiley Jim," called Bet.

The dog put up his paw and Kit took it in her hand.

"Well, that's the first time I ever saw a dog smile," she exclaimed in
astonishment. "Our mountain dogs are nothing much to look at. Dad
calls them curs, but I like any kind of a dog. And this one is a
beauty, I love him already!"

Smiley Jim felt that he had been given charge of Kit, for he stayed
near her and pawed at her dress, demanding attention.

Shirley and Joy now finished the packing of the basket and were
covering it as if it were to be sent on a long journey, but the reason
was soon apparent when Smiley Jim started toward it, and took the
handle in his mouth. He dropped it suddenly and gave several lo