The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1878-09-05
LITERARY
ThuSle'S Fourth of July.

1t was different from any other Fourth
of July. There wasn't man, woman, or
child in Bayfield, Whose blood did not
Jingle" not only because OF the birthday
of our nations liberty, but for the glori-
Gus anniversary of old Bayfield, town it
self. One hundred years OLD on this day
Little Thusle Basset wouldn't have been
in the least surprised ii the sun had
stood still. 1t would only have been
Just what ought to have happened on this
Centennial Day"
The day was everything that could be
desired. Early the crowd began to as
semble, and the village green was gay
with the happy folk who came proudly
from their simple homes. Was ever any
thing quite so tine--the singers marching
into the dilapidated old church with
their books; the tables in the grove of
fine naples just a little distance off last
becoming Respondent under the fingers
ct ambitious matrOns and rosvcheeked
maidens; the grand new band, blarinc
and drumming SO ioyously that lazy
farm horses came hurrying up the steep
hills to be there in time; the little stream
ers OF red, white and blue bespangling
the harnesses; the big flag floating from
the church belfry; the cannon booming
On the village green.
Thusie just clasped her hands and
sighed. She had run and raced herself
most to death, as Aunt Martha observed,
thus early in the day. She had fallen
down and scraped the skin off from a
large place on her knee; she had torn a
hole In her best frock; but what cared
she for such slight mishaps, Was she
not part and parcel Of this glorious
Fourth of July9 Tired as she was she
swung her own small flag bravely, and
glanced with pride at the little bunch of
red, white and blue ribbons that Aunt
Fanny had pinned on her white dress;
and then away she went again. her small
figure curvetting and trisking in and out
as she celebrated" with the other child
rem.
Thusie, Gene here" called Sarah
Jones. " l want to tell you something.
No, Nellie Smith. you amt comm,
You'll go and telln And Sarah dragged
Thusie of, and with an arm around her
waist and persuasion in her voice she
told OF secrct-O, such great one =
and enlarged enthusiastically upon it to
the two or three other girls who were
graciously allowed to Join.
Now you see, girls, this is what we're
going to do. Don't you never tell
ciertaln true, black and blue, hope NAV
die IT doN you must say; because. YOU
see, it's great secret"
40, no Sarah.' said timid little Frasie
Newcomb, that's wicked"
Poh. no, you goosie, it don't mean
anything"
What Sarah wanted them to say it for
if it didn't mean anything. the girls
didn't clearly see; but they repeated the
magic words.
There now. I can tell you with some
comfort" said Mss Sarah, seating herself
on the grass in sheltered nook, which
example was followed by the Others till
they formed circle; then, in low voice
and with many mysterious gestures. she
unfolded the wonderful news.
We'll, girls. YOU know the fireworks
to-nightl Well, you all know we can't
see anything on the Green. the folks
crowd and jun so; so we-that is. us five
are going up into the old belfry.''
90" screamed two or three of the
girls.
Ssh if you don't want sill the bows
coming"
But, Sarah, don't see how" said one
of the girls. They won't let US. You
know Deacon Smith said nobody must go
up there; twant safe, he SAID. He said
the old she'll would break through or
tumble off, if a great crowd got in
Anybody knows better than that. and |
besides, We amt crowd / guess faint |
coming down for five girlsl And lust
think how We can see the rockets and |
comets from the big Window
1T would be splendid" said Roxy
Thompson, hut should be frightened |