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 "A fine, dignified quartet of investigators, you are! Now, what did you learn as the reward of your trip? Just tell me that!"

"I learned that I'd rather have a real steak from my own broiler than a thermos stove on my back step."

"Good little wife! And as a reward for that sensible answer, you shall read this letter, which may or may not confirm your findings."

Mr. Larry drew a bulky envelope from his pocket, slit it open and tossed the contents in Mrs. Larry's lap.

"You see, my dear, I have an old friend living in Carthage, Missouri, where once a very successful cooperative kitchen flourished. He and his wife were stockholders but dropped out. I asked him to tell me why, and here is the letter in reply."

"No, it's from his wife, and, oh, what pains she has taken! Just listen:

"My Dear Mr. and Mrs. Larry:

"It is so nice to have an excuse to write to one of my husband's old classmates and to his wife. So let us talk together as if you were