I prefer a bicycle to a beast , so I 'll get in the squashes , pick the apples , and cover the strawberry bed when it is time , '' added Frank , who had enjoyed the free life at Pebbly Beach so much that he was willing to prolong it . `` You may put me in a hen-coop , and keep me there a year , if you like . I wo n't fret , for I 'm sure you know what is best for me , '' said Jill , gayly , as she looked up at the good friend who had done so much for her . `` I 'm not sure that I wo n't put you in a pretty cage and send you to Cattle Show , as a sample of what we can do in the way of taming a wild bird till it is nearly as meek as a dove , '' answered Mrs. Minot , much gratified at the amiability of her flock . `` I do n't see why there should not be an exhibition of children , and prizes for the good and pretty ones , as well as for fat pigs , fine horses , or handsome fruit and flowers -- I do n't mean a baby show , but boys and girls , so people can see what the prospect is of a good crop for the next generation , '' said Frank , glancing toward the tower of the building where the yearly Agricultural Fair was soon to be held . `` Years ago , there was a pretty custom here of collecting all the schools together in the spring , and having a festival at the Town Hall . Each school showed its best pupils , and the parents looked on at the blooming flower show . It was a pity it was ever given up , for the schools have never been so good as then , nor the interest in them so great ; '' and Mrs. Minot wondered , as many people do , why farmers seem to care more for their cattle and crops than for their children , willingly spending large sums on big barns and costly experiments , while the school-houses are shabby and inconvenient , and the cheapest teachers preferred . `` Ralph is going to send my bust . He asked if he might , and mother said Yes . Mr. German thinks it very good , and I hope other people will , '' said Jill , nodding toward the little plaster head that smiled down from its bracket with her own merry look . `` I could send my model ; it is nearly done . Ralph told me it was a clever piece of work , and he knows , '' added Frank , quite taken with the idea of exhibiting his skill in mechanics . `` And I could send my star bedquilt ! They always have things of that kind at Cattle Show ; '' and Jill began to rummage in the closet for the pride of her heart , burning to display it to an admiring world . `` I have n't got anything . Ca n't sew rags together ; or make baby engines , and I have no live-stock -- yes , I have too ! There 's old Bun . I 'll send him , for the fun of it ; he really is a curiosity , for he is the biggest one I ever saw , and hopping into the lime has made his fur such a queer color , he looks like a new sort of rabbit . I 'll catch and shut him up before he gets wild again ; '' and off rushed Jack to lure unsuspecting old Bun , who had grown tame during their absence , into the cage which he detested .
They all laughed at his ardor , but the fancy pleased them ; and as Mamma saw no reason why their little works of art should not be sent , Frank fell to work on his model , and Jill resolved to finish her quilt at once , while Mrs. XXXXX went off to see Mr. Acton about the hours and studies for the boys .
Ca Fair Frank German Jill Minot Ralph live-stock squashes strawberry