stormed the railroad fence and carried it--a remarkable feat
considering that there was nobody on it to oppose them.

Billy Grimes in his earnestness even brought down the top-rail with him.

"Stop, fellers!" warned Sid. "The enemy!" Lifting their eyes to the top of
the high railroad embankment, they saw Tim in the act of chastising Bob.
It was afterward ascertained that Tim was rewarding Bob for not helping
him more efficiently at the time of the raft accident. Tim completed the
bestowal of this reward, and then noticing the club, he shook his fist at
them. He did not linger, but followed sullenly by Bob, passed down the
other side of the embankment. The club did not find out whether this was
an intended retreat, or simply the taking of a convenient route to reach
home. They put their own construction on it, and the movement was judged
to be "a shameful retreat by the enemy." Billy led off in a brave,
determined charge up the embankment--Sid shouting, "Hurrah! Glory for us!
Those getting the battle-field are victors, you know!"

Nobody disputed this, and the valiant knights continued their triumphant
advance to their very homes.

The Fourth was drawing to a close. The sun was breaking out through the
clouds that had covered the heavens, and so brilliant was the outburst of
colors, it seemed as if the folds of an immense star-spangled banner had
been suddenly let loose in the western sky. It very soon paled though. The
clouds thickened everywhere and the easterly wind that had been blowing
all the afternoon, bringing occasional mist, now drove to land a blinding
fog. Finally it began to rain, and yet gently, as if reluctant to spoil
any festivities of the Fourth. Gathering up all their pyrotechnic
resources, it was found that the club boys could muster a few pin-wheels,
five Roman candles, and a "flower-pot." Most of these had been stored in
the barn, but were now moved out-doors and taken to the shelter of a stout
leafy maple by the side of the lane.

"The rain wont trouble us here," said the president. "Where is Charlie?"

"He has gone to get his fire-works," replied Billy Grimes. "He left them
in the house and it is locked, for his Aunt Stanshy has gone out, and he's
waiting for her, I guess."

"We had better begin, fellers, and he will come soon. The rain is coming,"
said Sid, warned by a big drop that glancing through the branches smote
him on the nose. Pin-wheels, candles, and the other attraction were
prono