Page:Castlemon--Joe Wayring at Home.djvu/57

 actions of a couple of mounted policemen who rode in front to clear the way.

"That's good marching, boys," said Loren, who had seen so much of it in New London that he thought himself qualified to judge. "It is a very creditable display for so small a place as this."

"Every body seems to think it's going to be something grand," sneered Tom, who was really amazed at the rapidity with which the spacious veranda was filled by the guests, who came pouring out of the wide doors in a steady stream.

"Why, there's a military company in line with the firemen—two of them," exclaimed Ralph.

"Visiting companies, no doubt," said Tom, "and that's what makes every one so anxious to see them."

"There's where you are wrong, Tom," said Mr. Farnsworth, who, approaching them unobserved, had heard every word of their conversation. "You never saw a parade just like this, and I don't believe you will ever see another unless your father and I carry out some