estion, and began,
"Tabitha----"

"Oh, I know she made us promise not to get into mischief," Susie
impatiently interrupted her, "but taffy ain't mischief. We'll make a
big batch so's there will be plenty for the others when they get back."

"It's so hot," objected Inez, as Susie turned to her for approval.

"We'll use the gasolene stove."

"But you've never lighted it. How'll you----"

"Oh, Irene, you make me tired! Don't you s'pose I know how? Haven't I
watched mamma and Tabitha hundreds of times? Guess I can manage it if
Mercy can. Come on, Inez!"

"Do you know how to make taffy?" questioned the undaunted Irene,
following the other two into the sweltering kitchen.

"Course! Molasses and sugar and vinegar and butter. Ask me something
hard."

"Tabitha measures 'em."

"So shall I. You go fetch the m'lasses jug and a cup. Inez, bring the
vinegar and butter, and I'll measure things after I get the stove
a-going." Mopping her face and bustling energetically about the small
room, Susie marshalled her forces and set to work with contagious
enthusiasm. All three donned huge aprons, hunted up long-handled
spoons, and rattled among the neat array of pots and pans until it
sounded as if a whole regiment had been turned loose in the kitchen.

The stove was lighted without any trouble, much to the relief of the
breathless trio, and the candy making was soon in progress. Sugar was
measured and molasses spilled with reckless abandon over table, floor
and stove, in their hurry to get their delectable sweet on cooking
before the rest of the family should return from their day's outing and
interfere, for, secretly, each be-aproned girl, paddling in the pot
with her sticky spoon and dribbling syrup wherever she ran, felt that
she was not strictly obeying Tabitha's parting injunction, and was
anxious to have a peace offering ready when she returned with the rest
of her brood.

They had gone for a drive to the river, and as there was not room in
the light wagon for all the large family, Susie and the twins had been
bribed to remain at home with the promise of ice-cream sodas at the
little drug-store. However, that unusual treat had disappeared long
ago down the three eager throats, and they had begun to rue their
bargain when Susie's inspiration fired them with enthusiasm once more.

"I wish we had some nuts," panted perspiring Inez, stirring the
bubbling mess in the kettle so vigorously that a great spatter fl