mies. Rebby's thoughts were filled with a
certain fear that Lucia Horton might contrive some new plan to make away
with this emblem of freedom; and she gave an exclamation of
satisfaction as she saw the handsome young pine, well braced with rocks
and timber supports, standing on the bluff.

"The _Polly_ will see it first thing when she comes into harbor,"
thought Rebby, "and nobody will dare fire on it," and vaguely comforted
by this thought she started on toward home.

Mr. Weston and Paul were just landing their load of honey, and Rebecca
went down to the shore to tell them of the plan for the honey party, of
which they both approved. The tubs and buckets were all carried to the
Westons' and safely stored away in the big pantry.

Mrs. Foster and Mrs. Weston were talking over arrangements for the next
day. Mrs. Foster had suggested that they should each bake a quantity of
"spider-cakes." "They are thin and crispy, and will relish well with the
honey," she said, and Mrs. Weston agreed, although both the women
realized that by making these cakes they would diminish their household
stores of Indian meal almost to the danger point. But the _Polly_, with
her cargo of wheat flour, sugar, and other necessities, was long
overdue; she must soon come to their relief, they thought hopefully;
and if she failed to arrive why then they must do their best.

"The neighbors need something cheerful to think of," declared Mrs.
Foster, "and I am sure a taste of honey will cheer us all."

The next day was clear and warm with a pleasant southerly wind. Mr.
Weston decided to put up some seats under the tall elms, so that the
guests could enjoy the spring air. Paul was quite ready to help him;
they brought planks from the lumber yard, and long before the first
visitor arrived the low comfortable seats were ready.

Anna and Rebby were busy all the morning making small plates of
birch-bark, which they stripped from the big logs. These little plates
would each hold a square of "spider-cake" and a helping of honey; and as
the guests would bring their own cups, to be filled with clear spring
water, and their own spoons, the Westons felt that all was ready.

Rebby and Anna both wore their Sunday best, but their dresses were
carefully covered by their long pinafores. For they would serve each
guest, and it would not do that any careless movement should send a
stream of honey over their best gowns. Luretta and Melvina would also
help, and had b