You see she invited some company to tea, and I
supposed that they would have gone home long 'fore this. You see, Huldy
don't suspect nothing, and she has asked them to spend the evening, and
I don't see how in the world I am going to get rid of them."
"Don't do it," said Strout. "Extend to them an invitation in my name to
remain and enjoy the evening's festivities with us. No doubt Miss Huldy
will be pleased to have them stay."
"I know she will," said Mrs. Mason, "and I'll give them your invite as
soon as you're ready."
"Well, Mrs. Mason," said Strout, "just tell Hiram I am ready to have him
blow that bugle, and when you hear it you can just tell your daughter
and her friends what's up."
Hiram soon joined Strout outside the kitchen door. The latter went out
in the road and looked up the hill to see if his party was all ready.
Abner waved his hand, and Strout rushed back to Hiram and cried, "Give
it to 'em now, Hiram, and do your darnedest!"
Huldy and her friends were engaged in earnest conversation, when a loud
blast burst upon the air, followed by a succession of piercing notes
from Hiram's old cracked bugle.
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