"I wish we'd get a big fire now," said one small lad, as he patted the
big copper cylinder.
"Hold on, little man!" exclaimed Mr. Bergman. "We didn't get the
engines for that. I haven't gotten over the scare about my lumber yard
yet. Wait a bit, before you wish for a fire."
"I--I meant a bon-fire." replied the little fellow.
"Oh--that! Well, maybe we'll have one at the picnic."
CHAPTER XVIII
THE PARADE AND PICNIC
Announcement was made next day, by Mr. Bergman, that the new fire
department, of which he was considered the patron, would have a grand
parade and picnic in about a week. Members of the fire fighting
organizations of neighboring towns were to be asked to take part, and
there would be competitive drills, sports and games.
The people of Lakeville hardly knew what to think. So many things had
taken place in the last few months that the town seemed like a person
awaking from a long sleep, and finding himself in a new place.
"Lakeville is certainly improving," remarked Mr. Appelby to a group of
men in the post-office one day, as they were reading the notice about
the parade and picnic.
"That's what it is," added Mr.
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