`` And you took my book away and hid it 'cause I would n't go and swing when you wanted me to , '' added Annette , the oldest of the Snow trio . `` I sha n't build my house by Willie 's if he do n't want me to , so now ! '' put in little Marion , joining the mutiny . `` I will tiss Dimmy ! and I tored up my hat ` tause a pin picked me , '' shouted Pokey , regardless of Jamie 's efforts to restrain her . Captain Dove looked rather taken aback at this outbreak in the ranks ; but , being a dignified and calm personage , he quelled the rising rebellion with great tact and skill , by saying , briefly , `` We 'll sing the last hymn ; ` Sweet , sweet good-by ' you all know that , so do it nicely , and then we will go and have luncheon . '' Peace was instantly restored , and a burst of melody drowned the suppressed giggles of Rose and Mac , who found it impossible to keep sober during the latter part of this somewhat remarkable service . Fifteen minutes of repose rendered it a physical impossibility for the company to march out as quietly as they had marched in . I grieve to state that the entire troop raced home as hard as they could pelt , and were soon skirmishing briskly over their lunch , utterly oblivious of what Jamie -LRB- who had been much impressed by the sermon -RRB- called `` the captain 's beautiful teck . '' It was astonishing how much they all found to do at Cosey Corner ; and Mac , instead of lying in a hammock and being read to , as he had expected , was busiest of all . He was invited to survey and lay out Skeeterville , a town which the children were getting up in a huckleberry pasture ; and he found much amusement in planning little roads , staking off house-lots , attending to the water-works , and consulting with the `` selectmen '' about the best sites for public buildings ; for Mac was a boy still , in spite of his fifteen years and his love of books . Then he went fishing with a certain jovial gentleman from the West ; and though they seldom caught anything but colds , they had great fun and exercise chasing the phantom trout they were bound to have . Mac also developed a geological mania , and went tapping about at rocks and stones , discoursing wisely of `` strata , periods , and fossil remains '' ; while Rose picked up leaves and lichens , and gave him lessons in botany in return for his lectures on geology . They led a very merry life ; for the Atkinson girls kept up a sort of perpetual picnic ; and did it so capitally , that one was never tired of it . So their visitors throve finely , and long before the month was out it was evident that Dr. Alec had prescribed the right medicine for his patients . Chapter 14 -- A Happy Birthday The twelfth of October was Rose 's birthday , but no one seemed to remember that interesting fact , and she felt delicate about mentioning it , so fell asleep the night before wondering if she would have any presents . That question was settled early the next morning , for she was awakened by a soft tap on her face , and opening her eyes she beheld a little black and white figure sitting on her pillow , staring at her with a pair of round eyes very like blueberries , while one downy paw patted her nose to attract her notice . It was Kitty Comet , the prettiest of all the pussies , and Comet evidently had a mission to perform , for a pink bow adorned her neck , and a bit of paper was pinned to it bearing the words , `` For Miss Rose , from Frank . '' That pleased her extremely , and that was only the beginning of the fun , for surprises and presents kept popping out in the most delightful manner all through the day , the Atkinson girls being famous jokers and Rose a favourite . But the best gift of all came on the way to Mount Windy-Top , where it was decided to picnic in honour of the great occasion .
Three jolly loads set off soon after breakfast , for everybody went , and everybody seemed bound to have an extra good time , especially Mother XXXXX , who wore a hat as broad-brimmed as an umbrella , and took the dinner-horn to keep her flock from straying away .
Annette Atkinson Comet Pokey Rose downy house-lots minutes water-works years