but in
answer the driver pointed out with his whip the crowds of people. Mr.
Peterkin, indeed, saw it would be impossible to make their way through
the throng that filled every side street which they crossed. Mrs.
Peterkin looked out of the back window for Agamemnon and Solomon John.
They were walking side by side, behind the carriage, taking off their
hats, and bowing to the people cheering on either side.

"They are at the head of a long row of men, walking two by two," said
Mrs. Peterkin.

"They are part of the procession," said Elizabeth Eliza.

"We are part of the procession," Mr. Peterkin answered.

"I rather like it," said Mrs. Peterkin, with a calm smile, as she looked
out of the window and bowed in answer to a cheer.

"Where do you suppose we shall go?" asked Elizabeth Eliza.

"I have often wondered what became of a procession," said Mr. Peterkin.
"They are always going somewhere, but I never could tell where they went
to."

"We shall find out!" exclaimed the little boys, who were filled with
delight, looking now out of one window, now out of the other.

"Perhaps we shall go to the armory," said one.

This alarmed Mrs. Peterkin. Sounds of martial music were now heard, and
the noise of the crowd grew louder. "I think you ought to ask where we
are going," she said to Mr. Peterkin.

"It is not for us to decide," he answered calmly. "They have taken us
into the procession. I suppose they will show us the principal streets,
and will then leave us at our station."

This, indeed, seemed to be the plan. For two hours more the Peterkins,
in their carriage, and Agamemnon and Solomon John, afoot, followed on.
Mrs. Peterkin looked out upon rows and rows of cheering people. The
little boys waved their caps.

"It begins to be a little monotonous," said Mrs. Peterkin, at last.

"I am afraid we have missed all the trains," said Elizabeth Eliza,
gloomily. But Mr. Peterkin's faith held to the last, and was rewarded.
The carriage reached the square in which stood the railroad station. Mr.
Peterkin again seized the lapels of the coachman's coat and pointed to
the station, and he was able to turn his horses in that direction. As
they left the crowd, they received a parting cheer. It was with
difficulty that Agamemnon and Solomon John broke from the ranks.

"That was a magnificent reception!" exclaimed Mr. Peterkin, wiping his
brow, after paying the coachman twice his fee. But Elizabeth Eliza said,--

"But we have