Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1907-08-08
The Rival Fourth Of
July Celebrations
YTlshI, by palIy slory rub. %.
By JOHN b. CARING.

ltOA AaA ANNA hNN
gossip Of the town.
Congressman Blank Of the district
had been captured by the town 10
conclude the ceremonies with an ora
ton, much to the ehagrin OF the
neighboring village Of Sunyille' a
rivalry, not always good'natured' had
existed between the two communities
since earliest recollection.
Il was the evening OF the second OF
July and the regulars had gathered at
the general store, Abe Crabtree had
been late in arriving. although TO ad'
nit that II had taken his best plead
ings 10 persuade his wife TO allow him
TO attend the session would have for
ever deposed him from the throne,
Il understand" said Abe, after he
had comfortably seated himself on a
-four barrel, that the Sunville crowd
has hired that air balloon man that
showed up at Windsor with the cir
Gus"
Before another day had passed the
information was common property and
many there were in deep quandary.
unable 10 decide as TO which celebra'
ton TO attend.
Abe and his wife of course would
attend the Token celebration. Their
daughter Helen. acknowledged by the
young men Of the town as the pretti-
est girl in the community. had accept
ed the invitation of VIM Duncan, son
OF an old neighbor and the young
couple were 10 accompany them. Abe
was chairman of the arrangement
committee. He had been instrumental
In securing the attendance of Con.
gresham Blank and fully realized the
important part he would play on the
coming holiday.
Jim Duncan, Wills father, when he
heard of the event, planned by the
Sunvillites, Immediately decided that
even his loyalty to Token could not
prevent him from taking in the balloon
ascension.
WIN was a dutiful son, but the
thought of spending the day without
Helen was not pleasant to him and he
informed his father of the fact
$50 you don't want to go to Sun
vile with us, WHIP" said his father.
well, as long as you are member of
the Duncan household you'll do what
/ want, understand, young man"
But, father, | have asked Helen
Crabtree TO go with me to the cele-
bration here"
We'll, the only thing you can do,
then, is to see if you can't get her to
accompany you TO Sunville."
why wouldn't think of such a
thing, Will" she told him, when he
preached the subject TO her. You
know fathers going to introduce Con.
gresham Blank when he makes his
grafton, and it would show great dis
respect to go to the celebration of a
rival community on such an occas-
ion."
1t was not Helens objection so
LhuSh do Lei idlLSi tudl leu W lile
quarrel that followed and made VIII
decide to attend the Sunville event
Helen declared his company was not
essential to her enjoyment of the day
and Will Duncan made up his mind
that If such was the case he would &C
company his parents without her.
The Fourth of July broke bright and
warm. Token was early astir and Abe
Crabtree was not little disappointed
to see the number of rigs bound fol-
Sunville. Jim Duncan, his wife ant
VIII were off early to make a day O
it. On the way the latter more thar
once was on the point of turning
back. He was sorry he had quarreleC
with Helen over such a trivial mat
ter, but he decided to teach her a les
son. To forget her as much as posi-
BILE he busted himself in aiding thu
aeronaut in making his preparation
for the ascension
The balloon had been inflated an
everything was ready for the grea
event. Will was just placing the las
OF the bags of sand used for ballast i
the basket when horse, frightene
by the explosion of giant firecrackel
dashed by, causing those holding tn
big bag to forget their mission for a
instant.
In a moment Will was shooting SIX,
ward, accompanied by the cheers {
those unaware Of the accident and til
groans and cries of horror of thos
who realized what had happened.
When Will awoke to the fact thu
he was the star performer of tn
great Sunville ascension his wits fl
moment took fight, but he SOC
realized that he was in no immediat
danger and that by allowing the gas
the bag above him to escape he mu
necessarily descend to terra firm
again
In the meantime the celebration
Token had been going on with nothir
to mar the great occasion. Helt
Crabtree, although she attempted
: throttle the feeling. was sorry she h,
refused to accompany Will Duncan
Sunville. The pleasant time she h;
; anticipated had failed to materiali
without his presence. Her father I
T. L!