Page:Castlemon--Joe Wayring at Home.djvu/63

 residence had been broached to them before they witnessed that parade, and learned something about the men and boys who composed it.

"I'll tell you what's a fact!" said Tom, as he and his cousins walked with Mr. Farnsworth toward the park where the drill was to be held. "Uncle Alfred was right when he said that we would not find many country bumpkins here. Those bowmen must have lots of fun. Do you and father really intend to come here to live?" he added, turning to Mr. Farnsworth.

"We have been thinking and talking about it for a long time," was the answer.

"All right. I am in favor of it," said Tom. "I wonder if we could get into that company of archers!"

"Of course we could," said Loren.

"There's no 'of course' about it," answered his father. "You would be balloted for the same as the rest; and I have been told that one black-ball would keep you out for a year."

"Humph!" exclaimed Tom. "They wouldn't black-ball us. I guess our folks have just as much money as any body here."