Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/197

Rh and then on Saturday night we can have our first meeting.”

And so Saturday evening found the house brightly lighted, and Fred in his best suit, with  a white carnation in his buttonhole, while Bess  arranged Fuzz with his basket, ball, and rag  doll in a comfortable corner of the kitchen, to  keep Bridget company, and persuaded the  Dominie to retire to the dining-room.

Punctually at the moment came the boys, each one with a proud consciousness of being  dressed up for the occasion, although Phil’s  front lock of hair would stand rampant, and  Ted’s shoes bore traces of his having splashed  through some wayside puddle. After a few moments of chatter, Bess stepped to the table  and rapped on it with mock solemnity.

“The members of the Club of Inquisitive Investigators will please come to order. I will call the roll of officers and members. President, Miss Elizabeth Carter. Well, I’m here. Vice-President, Master Frederic Allen.”

“Present,” remarked Fred from the corner of the sofa, where he was sitting with Rob and  Bert.