This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE FOURTH
93

at Valley Brook were very meager. So, to please his uncle, Tom stored the stuff in a small building at the bottom of one of the fields, where some farming implements and berry crates and boxes were kept.

The cannon Tom had mentioned was a rather old affair. But it seemed to be in good condition and the boys spent some time in cleaning it out and putting it in condition for use. It was mounted on a big block and set in the middle of the lawn.

"Now, I reckon we are ready to celebrate!" cried Sam, after all the preparations were complete. "And we ought to have a dandy time."

"We will have," answered Dick.

"Best ever!" chimed in Tom.