Halloween at Merryvale | Page 8

first," chirped Herbie.

"Well, I'm eating the smoke from my engine, first," Toad chimed in.
"Here's the cake, you'll have to cut it, Toad," Linn informed him, "for
it's bad luck to let any one else cut a birthday cake for you."
It was covered with white icing and ablaze with candles.
"Now watch the candles go out," and Toad gave a great puff. "All
over," he declared, laughing, "now I'll cut the cake."
"There is a piece of silver in it, Thomas," said his mother, "and the one
who gets it will be the lucky one in life, and a thimble for the one who
is going to be a bachelor."
At this the boys urged Toad to hurry and when the cake had been cut
and passed around each boy looked his piece over carefully.
"Hurrah, I've got the money," shouted Hopie, holding up a bright dime
so all could see.
"And I've got the thimble," wailed Chuck. "Now I'll have to sew on all
my own buttons."
"Hopie's lucky all right; he won the money in the flour, too," observed
Herbie.
It was now growing late so the boys, much against their will, found
their hats and bade good-night to Father and Mother Brown.
"We've had a fine time, Toad," said Fat, "hope you have another
birthday next year."
"I'm very sorry to have to do it," announced Linn, grasping Toad and
turning him over his knee, "but you must have nine spanks and one for
good luck."
"Why didn't we think of it before?" agreed the others, helping to hold
Toad until each one had his turn.

"Well, I ought to be good for a year, now," laughed Toad, after he
managed to get away. "Wait 'till it's your turn, Linn, won't I give you
some good ones?"
"Good-night," responded Linn, "we've had a dandy time."
"You bet we have," echoed all the others.
"Good-bye, good-bye," called Chuck and Toad, standing in the
doorway as the boys disappeared in the darkness.
THE END
* * * * *
THE MERRYVALE GIRLS
By ALICE HALE BURNETT
Four delightful books for the smaller girls, each a complete story in
itself, describing in simple language the interesting experiences of Beth,
Mary and Jerry, three little maids of Merryvale.
BETH'S GARDEN PARTY
The three girls take part in a very formal little affair on the lawn of
Beth's home. Each of the guests receives a present in the shape of a
downy white kitten. The drive home in Beth's pony cart furnishes a few
exciting moments, but Patsy bravely comes to the rescue.
A DAY AT THE COUNTY FAIR
The girls are taken to the fair in a motor, but a slight delay occurs on
the way. How they finally arrived at the fair ground and their amusing
experiences are most entertainingly told.
GERALDINE'S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE
Geraldine, whom of course we know better as Jerry, plays the part of

hostess to her many friends, although it must be admitted that her
guests knew of the affair before she did. A jolly evening is spent by the
girls which is shared in by some of our young Merryvale boy friends.
MARY ENTERTAINS THE SEWING CLUB
Mary entertains the club at her home, and the efforts of some of the
members cause many outbursts of merriment. The girls decide to hold a
"fair of all nations" for the benefit of the Merryvale Day Nursery. Their
many friends aid them and their plans succeed beyond their
expectations.
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrations in Color. 40c per vol., postpaid_
THE NEW YORK BOOK CO., 201 E. 12th St., New York
* * * * *
THE HICKORY RIDGE BOY SCOUTS
A SERIES OF BOOKS FOR BOYS
By Capt. Alan Douglas, Scout-master
The Campfires of the Wolf Patrol
Their first camping experience affords the scouts splendid opportunities
to use their recently acquired knowledge in a practical way. Elmer
Chenoweth, a lad from the northwest woods, astonishes everyone by
his familiarity with camp life. A clean, wholesome story every boy
should read.
Woodcraft; or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good
This tale presents many stirring situations in which the boys are called
upon to exercise ingenuity and unselfishness. A story filled with
healthful excitement.
Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot

Some mysteries are cleared up in a most unexpected way, greatly to the
credit of our young friends. A variety of incidents follow fast, one after
the other.
Fast Nine; or, a Challenge from Fairfield
They show the same team-work here as when in camp. The description
of the final game with the team of a rival town, and the outcome thereof,
form a stirring narrative. One of the best baseball stories of recent
years.
Great Hike; or, The Pride of The Khaki Troop
After weeks of preparation the scouts start out on