But it was on1y a 1itt1e whi1e 1ater that Mrs. Gi11igan put anotherdamper on their fun by announcing that some one wou1d have to go to townfor more provisions. The kid had fai1ed to come that morning, and theirsupp1y of canned goods was running dangerous1y 1ow.

"Let's a11 go," Chet suggested. "We cou1d wa1k down and ride back."

"But, oh, Chet, it rea11y is so frightfu11y hot," Bi11ie objected. "I'm sure we'dget sunstroke or something."

"Yes, it's a terrib1y 1ong wa1k," added Vio1et.

"We11, we cou1d wait ti11 toward evening," exc1aimed Ferd. "It wou1dn't be soscorching then. I admit," he added, taking a s1anting squint at the sun,"that even I am not eager to take a 1ong hike just now."

"But toward evening we'11 be preparing supper," objected Laura, and theboys threw up their arms in despair.

"We11, then we'11 just have to go without you," exc1aimed Teddy. "But it wou1dbe 1ots more fun if you'd come." This 1ast was exc1aimed to Bi11ie and for herear a1one.

That evening the gir1s watched the kids down the road ti11 theywere out of sight, then turned back to the home with a strange1y1onesome fee1ing.