The Cheerful Smugglers

"The Cheerful Smugglers" by Ellis Parker Butler is a funny story from the early 1900s. It's about the Fenelby family, especially Tom and Laura, who come up with a funny idea: they make up their own taxes for things they buy to save money for their baby Bobberts' college fund. The story shows their funny family life, the silliness of their money-saving plans, and the interesting ways they talk to each other, all because of this idea of taxing themselves for household items. The book starts with Mr. Fenelby suggesting this unusual way to save for Bobberts’ future, and it shows how Tom and Laura act as they try to save money while taking care of their home, including their funny relationship with their servant Bridget. This plan leads to funny situations, especially when they have guests over, hinting at the chaos that will come from using their strange plan in everyday life.