"This blanket is pretty good," declared the magnate. "Say, Jim, what was
it you said about that fifty-year-old cider?"

"I'm glad I didn't give you any more of it; I'd lost my life as well as
my clothes," declared the farmer. "If they'd stayed away 'nother minute
or so I'd won that second fall, sure as sin, Bob," he said, rather
ruefully, as we wrapped the blanket around him.

"You just think you would," grinned Harding, lifting up the blanket so
as to keep from stumbling over it. "Say, it must be tough to have to
wear skirts all the time. Be a good fellow, Smith, and hold up my
train."

They tried to sneak in at the back entrance, but Miss Harding and the
others saw them and headed them off. I shall never forget their looks of
amazement, and then the screams of laughter which followed the hurried
explanation.

I must postpone an account of the dinner and the dance until the next
entry.

[Illustration: "It must be tough to have to wear skirts all the time"]

ENTRY NO. XI

THE BARN DANCE

We gave Mr. Harding a great reception when he appeared on the veranda,
arrayed in garments furnished by our host. I have an idea Mr. Bishop's
wardrobe was about exhausted when the two of them had completed their
toilet.

"What do you think of me?" demanded Harding, striking a pose.

He obtained a variety of opinions. They were unable to find a "boiled
shirt" with an eighteen inch neck band or collar, so a blue gingham one
was made to do service. The only coat broad enough across the shoulders
was a "Prince Albert," in which Bishop had been married, and Harding
admitted the combination was not exactly _de rigeur_. The trousers
were woefully tight at the waist, and were inches too long.

"You are lucky to get anything," declared Mrs. Harding, retying the
wonderful red and yellow scarf and vainly attempting to smooth out some
of the wrinkles in the coat. "You should be made to go home and to bed
without your supper."

"You surely are the real goods, Governor," said Chilvers, walking about
him and inspecting his costume from all angles. "What show have Marshall
and the rest of us at to-night's dance against you?"

[Illustration: "What do you think of me?"]

Miss Lawrence pinned a bunch of nasturtiums on his coat, and we all
stood and hilariously admired him. Bishop called him aside and motioned
me to join them.

"Mother and I don't know what to do about Wallace," our host said, after
hesitating a moment. "He's o