The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1901-06-28

and the tall boy Is Jack, and Sam Is the
smallest, though he's not very small. aud
Will is the other one who was going to
shoot of the cannon in my honor. Too
bad about that, wasn't IL? But come mp
under the trees where II is shady until we
get acquainted with each other"
Washington threw himself down on the
grass and leaned his white head against
huge trunk.
Let me see," consulting his watch, at
Is Just five minutes OF u. so we'd better
start the balloon"
"Oh, are we really going to have a bal
loonT asked Ned eHcitedly.
We'll, you see." answered Washing
ton, Il thought that cannon had to be
replaced somehow, and as We couldn't
make any noise wanted something in
my honor and so decided on a balloon.
They both end In smoke anyway. There
IL is he added, dragging the huge paper
structure from behind a tree. Isn't II
beauty? Now each boy take one side
Of 1t while get II lighted"
There was no more formality In the
little company. The lads laughed aloud
the tissue globe slowly sailed away over
the river each small voice added its share
to the refrain started by the general,
Three cheers for the red, white and
blue"
"There!' exclaimed Father George with
satisfaction. Now | feel duly honored
and at the same time hunger for more
Somewhere in these woods. boys, Martha
has spread lunch for us, and ls.tchet
to the first fellow who finds It," There
was a general scamper through the trees,
quickly followed by triumphant shout
from Ned and Sam, who had approached
the dainty feast from opposite sides. A
snowy tablecloth was spread upon the
ground and held in place by glistening
pebbles, while on II was laid every pic
mic delicacy that could delight the heart
of the small boy.
"Hurrah" shouted Ned "we've found
It."
True for you," answered the general,
appearing through the opening. But
Martha herself has left us, | see. The
dear girl is rather nervous on the Fourth.
Eat what you like. fellows. Every man
Is his own master"
They needed no more urgent invitation
and soon made sad havoc in the pretty
table arrangements. George Washing
ton was no longer a formidable myth,
but flesh and blood parsonage, as real
as they. When luncheon was finally de.
mOlished they lay down under the trees
and listened to thrilling tales Of mad
wolves and encounters with the Indians
and the sufferings of the ragged conti-
nentals in winter quarters at Valley
Forge.
Toward the close of the afternoon
George caught horse that was wander
ing at will through the woods and, jump
ing on his back. dashed impetuously
down the rustic steps leading to an aban-
doned cave, to exhibit practically the
escape of Mad Anthony Wayne.
That's how he did it, boys" exclaim-
ed the general slowly mounting again.
''He just brandshed his sword aloft and
none of the British dared follow. | must
leave you now," he added, ''for | prom
ised Martha to return at 6. Have you
had a good Fourth?"
"The best I've ever spent" shouted
Ned emphatically.
me- too" chimed in Will, Sam and
Jack.
What, without fireworks" queried
The general, incredulously.
"Tve learned more patriotism" an
swered Ned, than I've ever learned with
whole box Of frecrackers."
"Goodp exclaimed the general that's
the right sort of a Fourth of July. Wait
a minute and I'll row you to the edge of
the farm. have boat down the stream
and We'll call our trip Washington cross
ing the Delaware
He hurried away and soon returned
with a light skiff, which he propelled
cleverly toward the bank.
Jump in, boys, and away we go. Now
sing for all you're worth Mrs Reynolds
can't mind music.
And the star-spangled banner in triumph
shall wave.
Ger the land of the free and the home of
the brave.
"Good-by, boys" he added, giving his
hand to each in turn at the farm landing.
"Watch for me next Fourth OF July
around the cherry tree" And the brave
general rowed away in the sunlight to the
echoes of
"Three cheers for George Washington,
the father of his country-frst in peace,
first in war and first in the hearts OF
his little boys"
"Why, Uncle George" exclaimed Ned
in astonishment as the four lads entered
the supper room an hour later, IL thought
you weren't coming till next week"
"Is that why you spent the Fourth
away from the house, you rascal? What
have you been doing, I'd like to known
Ned looked at Jack and Jack looked at
his feet. Then he turned to Sam and
Sam asked loudly for butter, while Will
was closely occupied in studying old
china. Seeing no help at hand Ned
coughed bashfully and muttered quickly:
"We've been in the woods"
HAD any freworksy" continued Uncle
George mercilessly.
"No." was the laconic reply.
"Much funY" supplemented Uncle
George.
"Not much"
A short silence was broken by Miss
Hattie's desultory remark:
THE heros way is as hard as the
transgressor's."
The Society Lunch Counter.