Hal and Mab.

Daddy Blake had to go away early the next morning, to be gone three days,
so he did not have time to tell Hal and Mab why it was that seeds grew
when planted in the ground. But before going to school on Monday the
brother and sister saw to it that the glass covered box in which the
tomato plants were soon to grow, was put in a sunny window.

On the way to school they looked in the big yard of Mr. Porter who lived
next door. He was raking up some dried leaves and grass and a small,
red-haired boy was watching him.

"Hello, little ones!" called Mr. Porter. "Have you got your garden started
yet?"

"Not yet," answered Hal.

"But we got tomato seeds planted in the house," said Mab.

"Yes, and I must do that too. We'll see who'll have the finest garden,"
went on Mr. Porter. "How's your poodle dog?"

"Oh, we got him shut up so he can't hurt your garden," Hal said.

"Don't worry about that yet," went on the neighbor. "I haven't planted any
seeds yet, and shall not until it gets warmer. So you may let your dog run
loose."

"All right. I guess I will," cried Hal, running back to the house.