- countable for his presence just now in the back
yard, as Laurie well knew.
"How soon are you going to start work?" called Laurie.
"Hello, Nod! Come on in!"
"Can't. Nearly six. What are you doing?"
"Just looking around," replied Bob, drawing near. "I've got the stakes all set. Gosh, if the ground would dry up so they could begin to dig I'd have the old court ready in a week."
"I guess so." Laurie nodded. "Well, a few more days like this will do the trick. Say, remember how we planned to make a pergola out of that old lumber that came out of the arbor you pulled down?"
"Yes, and we'll do it as soon as the court's made. Dad's got me twenty loads of the finest cinders you ever saw."
"Good work! Reckon you'll be giving tennis teas in another month, Bob."
"Before that if the weather behaves. Been over to the Widow's?" Bob grinned faintly.
"Yes." Laurie's reply sounded a trifle defiant.
"How's Polly? Haven't seen her for days."
"Oh, she's holding up bravely under your ne-
