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 Atkinson , who wore a hat as broad-brimmed as an umbrella , and took the dinner-horn to keep her flock from straying away . `` I 'm going to drive auntie and a lot of the babies , so you must ride the pony . And please stay behind us a good bit when we go to the station , for a parcel is coming , and you are not to see it till dinner-time . You wo n't mind , will you ? '' said Mac , in a confidential aside during the wild flurry of the start . `` Not a bit , '' answered Rose . `` It hurts my feelings very much to be told to keep out of the way at any other time , but birthdays and Christmas it is part of the fun to be blind and stupid , and poked into corners . I 'll be ready as soon as you are , Giglamps . '' `` Stop under the big maple till I call then you ca n't possibly see anything , '' added Mac , as he mounted her on the pony his father had sent up for his use .
`` Barkis '' was so gentle and so `` willin ' , '' however , that Rose was ashamed to be afraid to ride him ; so she had learned , that she might surprise Dr. XXXXX when she got home ; meantime she had many a fine canter `` over the hills and far away '' with Mac , who preferred Mr. Atkinson 's old Sorrel .
Alec Comet Corner Frank Rose Skeeterville West before pussies right