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 "Well, I suppose I'll have to come in again, if you can't come down now," said Mrs. Davis, and heaved a sigh and trotted out.

"Why don't you do something," said Dad, as soon as the door was shut. "I don't want the whole town to come in while I'm up here!"

"I could come up behind you and hold your ankles," I suggested.

"Don't you dare step a foot on that ladder," shouted Dad.

"I could go in next door and borrow another ladder," said Bess.

"Don't you let go, don't you let go for an instant!" sputtered Dad. "I don't want a bunch of people in here, anyway."

"Perhaps I could stand on a chair—" I began.

"Do it then," said Dad. "Here, didn't I tell you not to let go of that step-ladder? What're you trying to do, anyway?"

Just then the door opened and in came Uncle Rob. "Oh, you took the umbrella down, didn't you?" he said, smiling approvingly. "I think it looks a lot better without it."

No one said anything, and Dad just changed hands.