The first of April bad arrived, and her little brain was busy with its plans. Early in the morning, Roland received a note in printed letters, stating that if he would go down to the sea-shore in the afternoon, and walk up to old Peter's cabin, then down to the rock, he would find something hanging on the flag-staff to his advantage. He had entirely forgotten that it was the first of April, and his curiosity being awakened, he started off early in the afternoon, and followed the directions given. When he reached the rock, hanging to the flag-staff was a package directed to him, which he commenced opening; after removing many envelopes, he found a short note, directing him to take the donkey and go to the next town, stopping at the post-office, where he would find further directions, and with the injunction to be sure and not neglect the hint. Accordingly, he went; when reaching there, he found a large and heavy package, directed in the same manner. On opening it, it contained a brick, very carefully covered in a number of newspapers, with directions to go to the woods near Maple Lane school, and under the large oak-tree by the door, he would find a spot marked by a board with R.G.B. printed on it; on digging it up, he would find the object of his search. Roland followed the direction; and, after much digging, found a box directed as the rest; on opening of which he drew out a small toy bagpipe, with the direction, "For Roland when he visits the Highlands." Just as he was examining the toy, out sprang Maddy, and making a low courtesy, said-- "It is the first of April, Roland; I hope you are not very tired." It was the first time that she had seen him displeased. He did not smile, for his time was very precious, and he had wasted the whole afternoon with Madeline's folly. "I am sorry, Miss Madeline, that you saw fit to send me on such a chase. It will do for rich people to waste their time--I have something else to do." "I was only in fun, Roland; I did not think that it would make you angry." "I never could bear to be laughed at, and then I had something very particular to do for my mother. It was not kind to serve me such a trick." "I did not know that you were such a touchy boy, Roland. I don't think that you need make such a fuss about a trifle." "I can't help it; I never could take a joke. Good-bye," and Roland mounted his donkey, and rode away without another word. Poor little Maddy! she had not thought of such an end to her sport, and her proud spirit was fully aroused. She knew that she had done nothing very wrong, and felt really angry at Roland for his conduct. She thought that it was foolish, and determined to make no further apology. He might go with his Scotch pride for all that she cared; and with one hand, she haughtily tossed her curls, but with the other, wiped away tears that would fall in spite of her pride.