When Patty came to Mona’s “Home” she was given a blue cap and sash, which she immediately donned.

Daisy was next, and she chose Farnsworth, who went forward to receive his pink cap and sash.

After a time each “Player” had chosen four counters, and the caps and sashes were all proudly worn.

“Now we ‘Players,’” Cromer directed, “stay here in our ‘Homes,’ and we send out our ‘Counters,’ just as if we were playing real parcheesi.  Daisy, you throw your dice first.”

Daisy threw the dice which had been provided, and she threw a five and a three.

“Put a counter out with the five,” said Cromer, “and let him march three squares for the three.”

Amid much laughter and fun, Daisy sent Big Bill Farnsworth out first, and ordered him to march three spaces.  This Farnsworth did, and stood waiting for his next move.

Then Jim Kenerley threw, but threw only a three and a four, so he had to wait another turn.

The game proved to be great fun.  A five thrown allowed another counter started out, and all other throws meant movements of the counters.  A counter on a “Safety Spot” was secure against invaders, but on an unprotected square one might be sent back “Home” to start all over again.

Of course the great central square was the goal, and there refreshing lemonade or iced tea awaited the “Counters.”  Many were the amusing exigencies.  Daisy had just triumphantly put out her last counter when two others were returned ignominiously “Home.”

Counters chatted affably with other counters who chanced to be on adjoining squares, or gleefully sent them home, as they invaded the same square.

Patty stood comfortably on a “Safety Spot,” with Captain Sayre on the next space but one.

“This is a great game,” said she.  “Isn’t Mr. Cromer clever to invent it?  Do you know I already see great possibilities in it.  I’m going to get up a fine one for a charity or something.”

“Yes, do; I’ll help you.  Make people pay to be ‘Counters,’ and then have prizes for those who get all the way around.”

“Yes, and then have—­”

But Captain Sayre had been moved four spaces away, and was out of hearing distance, though he could still smile and wave his hand at Patty on her “Safety Spot.”

As the game progressed, one after another reached the Central Square, but as Jim Kenerley got all four of his “Counters” in first he was declared winner.

Then all ran into the Central Square and soon discovered that “Parcheesi” gave them a good appetite for tea and cakes.

Soon after five the Spring Beach guests went home, charmed with the new game, and promising to play it again some day.  The “Red Chimneys” party congratulated Cromer heartily on his clever entertainment, and renewed their lamentations that the house party would be so soon only a memory.

“Let’s all go over to the Country Club for a farewell dinner and dance,” suggested Jim Kenerley.