When she came back to the pen, Chicken Little glanced round to make sure that no one was about, to overhear, then, to make sure, whispered excitedly into Katy's ear. Katy's face lighted. "All right, let's. Gertie won't care." They had entirely made up this slight unpleasantness by afternoon. Perched on rocks under the shade of the cherry trees they waited impatiently for Dick and Alice. Jilly had been coached in her little speech so often that there was no doubt at all that she would get it wrong. She had been told to say, "Welcome, Uncle Dick, welcome Auntie Alice." She had said it faultlessly three times already when approaching wheels started them to their feet expectantly. They were disappointed by seeing a neighbor drive round the bend in the lane. When the familiar bays did come into view with their swinging trot, Jilly was so enchanted she started off pell mell to meet them, spilling her blossoms out generously as she ran. The girls overtook her before she quite got in the path of the horses and reminded her of her responsibility. Dr. Morton pulled up and Dick leaped to the ground, punctuating her attempted "Weecome" by tossing her into the air and kissing her noisily. Jilly struggled free. Her coaching had not been in vain. "Oo muttant--I ain't said it, and oo pillin' ve fowers." Dick set the mite on her feet with exaggerated courtesy. "Of course--to be sure. I beg your most humble pardon, Miss." Jilly drew in a long breath and began at the beginning again. She plunged a fat hand into the market basket and aimed two hollyhock tops in the general direction of Dick's diaphragm, repeating impressively: "Wee-come, Unky Dick." She took no notice of his profound bow, but looking up at Alice, who was leaning out the side of the seat watching with amused eyes, she showered another handful upon the wheels and horses hoofs impartially. "Wee-come, An-tee Alish," she said solemnly, then, with a rapturous look of triumph, turned to the girls for approval. She got it, with numerous hugs and kisses for interest. Dick surveyed the remainder of the reception committee critically. "Chicken Little, I hate to mention it, but is there anything left on the ranch to eat? I have been a little nervous all the time we have been away, remembering the execution Katy and Gertie and Sherm were doing when we left and now----" He gazed sorrowfully at the girls' plump cheeks. "I know they have gained ten pounds apiece. Be frank with me, Jane, is there anything left?" "If there isn't, Dick, you might commandeer one of Chicken Little & Co.'s pigs. They are fat enough to sustain you for a few hours," replied Dr. Morton, glancing at the girls. Katy and Jane also exchanged glances. Dick was quite overcome when he caught sight of the triumphal arch and the flag.