The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1901-04-09

boys procession actually began to
move through the Hilitown streets.
It is true that some Of the features
which had been counted upon were
lacking. But the cadets were all there,
looking decidedly more martial than
ever before. The ffe and drum corps,
consisting Of two fifers and three
drnmmers, made music which, # not 81
tuneful as that Of the brass band, could
be heard almost as far.
Next to the cadets came a respect
able-looking horse and wagon which
had been lent by the father Of one Of
the boys for the use Of the orator OF
the day. AS no one Of the cadets could
be spared from the ranks, one OF the
smaller boys had been induced 10 ride
by Wallaee's side In the role Of promi-
nent citizen.
The procession was materially
heightened by the presence Of many
school children, who counted It great
luck to be allowed to take part in two
celebrations IA one day.
Altogether the procession attracted
no little attention, and when It finally
reached the little grove near the village
where picnics were usually held, there
was a goodly company Of spectators
waiting to see .yhat next. The cadets
broke ranks, and George and Wallace
mounted the rough platform which had
sn built for use at out-of-door meet
ings
George advanced to the front. Il
have been appointed" he said, ito pre-
side at this meeting. And TO keep or
derr he added. pausing a moment to
allow the significance Of his words 10
sink into the minds OF his hearers.
And take pleasure in introducing
the orator, Mr.. Wallace Peables, who
will make a speech appropriate to the
day"
A vigorous hand-clappins, followed
by some more pronounced demonstra-
tions. greeted Wallace as he came for
ward. The Sunday snlt which he wore
was at least as near a iit as had been
promised; the effect in perspective was
not bad, and no orator was ever more
free from embarrassment than Wallace
as he began to speak.
IFS opening remarks were devoted %
the circumstances attending the dis
coyery Of America by Columbus, and
he followed somewhat closely the line
OF thought presented IN Quaekenbos'
well-known history Of the United
States.
There was a good deal Of attention
for a few minutes; then signs Of rest
lessness appeared. There was too
much moving about and conversation
aud some OF the cadets were thought
less enough to join In with the orator
in reciting familiar passages.
eOrderw thundered the chairman
and then in low tone TO the speaker:
You'd better skip some. and come to
where It's more interesting
Wallace, taking the hint. passed on
rather abruptly to the adventures Of
Capt. John smith. Even this did not
prove to be sufficiently exciting; and
/ as Il now lacked not more than an
hour or so OF the arrival OF the train
on which Congressman Brown was ex
pected. a gradual movement toward tbs
station began. This soon developed In
10 i complete breaking up Of the au
dlonce. rs II a panic had struck 1t.
Perhaps some OF the cadets would
have liked to join the mad rush &
the village. but II so a look from
George restrained them. GO on" h
said 10 Wallace. Wen see yos
/ through"
4 Wallace. in nowise disconcerted
went on. leaving the settlement OF tn
colonies. and proceeding to the Frenci
ana Indian war. Presently It seemed
that some Of the audience who had de
-.rted we're coming back and later
noise as Of a. approaching crowd wa
heard
Then a small boy. very much ou
of breath. came running up to the plat
form and interrupted the speaker
SAY. George" he panted. they've go
a dispatch from Congressman Browl
that he can't come. and they've givel
up their meeting. and everybody
coming up here TO see what you're ~
.o-the guards and band fellers an'
alit8
Almost as he spoke the grove becam
alive with a good-natured but noisl
crowd.
Must stop now" inquired Wal
lace.
Not by a long chalkr replie'
George. sternly. This Is our celebra
ton. and we'll put it through. But
tell you what-you skip 70 the Battl
OF Lexington. Ladies and gentlemen.
he shouted. If you will please be Quie
the orator will tell us about the Battl
Of Lexingi0nw
wallace. making his voice hear
above the confusion. proceeded TO de
scribe the battle, quoting extensivel
from the words OF Mr.. Quakenbos.
Now wait a minute. Wallace" whis
pered George, when the account wa
finished, and III fix EN-.