A Day at the County Fair

								


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The Merryvale Girls
A DAY AT THE COUNTY FAIR
by
ALICE HALE BURNETT
Author of "Beth's Garden Party,"
"Geraldine's Birthday Surprise,"
"A Day at the County Fair," Etc.
Pictures by Charles F. Lester

The New York Book Co.
201-213 East 12th Street New York
Copyright, 1916, by
American Authors Publishing Co.

CONTENTS



    CHAPTER                                      PAGE



       I. THE INVITATION                            9



      II. THE MOTOR TRIP                           15



     III. THE PICNIC LUNCH                         22



      IV. THE FUN BEGINS                           25



       V. THE GREASED POLE                         32



      VI. JERRY'S TREAT                            37



      VII. UNCLE BILLY'S STORY                     44



     VIII. AN EXCITING MOMENT                      52



       IX. HOME AGAIN                              58

A DAY AT THE COUNTY FAIR

CHAPTER I
THE INVITATION

"Oh, push it harder, much harder, so I can go away up to the tree
tops," cried Jerry. "Don't you just love to fly through the air this
way?"
Mary Lee gave the swing one more push.
"There!" she exclaimed, "that's the best I can do, Geraldine White. I'm
hot all over now," and she dropped down on the soft grass at the foot
of a big tree.
"After the old cat dies, I'll give you a fine swing," promised Jerry.
"You'll think you're in an airship."
"Indeed you won't," protested Mary. "It's horrid and makes me feel ill.
Oh, look," she exclaimed, "here comes Beth Burton."
Flying down the street, her hair streaming behind her, came Beth, her
cheeks aglow and her dark eyes dancing with excitement.
Mary had run at once to meet her and Jerry followed as soon as she
could stop the swing.
"It's the loveliest news," panted Beth when she had reached them--"an
invitation."
"Oh, do tell us what it is," demanded the other two in chorus.
"Well," continued Beth, placing an arm about each as they all walked up
the path, "it's to go motoring. My uncle Billy is going to take us,"
and she gave each girl a little hug. "But that isn't all," she added.
"There's a surprise on the end of the ride."
Jerry danced up the path with joy.
"A motor ride and a surprise all in one day," thought Jerry.
"I think it's just dear of him to ask us to go, too," said Mary. "He
could have taken you alone."
Beth smiled, as she replied: