departure but one thing, and that was the
most important of all. Bahama Bill had not put in an appearance and
was not expected until the evening of the Fourth of July.

"We shall have to remain over the Fourth after all," said Anderson
Rover. "But I imagine that will suit you boys, for you can stay in the
city and have some fun."

It did suit all the young folks, and they immediately planned a fine
automobile tour for the afternoon, hiring two autos large enough to
accommodate all of the girls and boys. The morning was spent in and
around the yacht, where Tom and some of the others amused themselves
by shooting off their pistols and some firecrackers. Tom had purchased
some things for the Fourth the day previous and he had one package
which he was careful to keep out of sight.

"I am going to have a barrel of fun with the girls," he said to his
brothers. "But don't tell anybody about it."

"What is it?" asked his younger brother.

"Wait and see."

It had been arranged that the whole party should have an early lunch,
so that they might start on the automobile ride by one o'clock. Aleck
was in charge of the dining room of the yacht and he had spread
himself in trimming it with red, white and blue streamers and small
flags.

"Oh, how lovely!" cried Dora, as she came in and sat down. "I declare,
Aleck, you deserve a great deal of credit." And she gave the colored
man a smile which pleased him immensely.

"Where is Tom?" asked Mr. Rover, after all the others were seated.

"I ton't know," answered Hans. "Tidn't he know ve vos to eat a leetle
early to tay?"

"He's coming," answered Sam.

Just then Tom came into the dining room holding something in his hand
covered with a long paper bag. From under the bag smoke was curling.

"In honor of the Fourth of July!" cried the fun-loving Rover and
placed the object upright in the center of the long table. Then he
took off the bag with a flourish. There was revealed a big cannon
cracker, fully a foot and a half high and several inches in diameter.
The fuse was spluttering away at a great rate.

"Tom!" Yelled Mr. Rover in alarm. "Throw that thing out!"

"We'll be blown to pieces!" yelled Fred.

"That's too big to shoot off indoors," added songbird, preparing to
run.

"Ve peen knocked to bieces!" groaned Hans, and slid under the table
out of sight.

The ladies shrieked and so did the girls. Mrs. Stanhope looked ready
to faint, but Tom whispered hastily into her ear