CHAPTER XVIII.
HOW DAB WORKED OUT ANOTHER OF HIS GREAT PLANS.
There was a sort of council at the breakfast-table of the Foster family that morning; and Ford and Annie found their side of it "voted down." That was not at all because they did not debate vigorously, and even "protest;" but the odds were too much against them.
"Annie, my dear," said Mrs.Foster at last, in a gentle but decided way, "I'm sure your aunt Maria, if not your uncle, must feel hurt at your coming away so suddenly.

If we invite Joe and Foster to visit us, it will make it all right." "Yes," sharply exclaimed Mr.Foster: "we must have them come.

They'll behave themselves here.

I'll write to their father: you write to Maria." "They're her own boys, you know," added Mrs.Foster soothingly.
"Well, mother," said Annie, "if it must be.

But I'm sure they'll make us all very uncomfortable if they come." "I can stand 'em for a week or so," said Ford, with the air of a man who can do or bear more than most people.