Page:Stanwood Pier--Crashaw brothers.djvu/186

166 “Don’t I wish I might!” answered Keating.

He hopped on board; Jim Payne climbed up beside the driver; and then Durant, who  was to lead the cheering that afternoon, called  for three times three for the nine. They were no sooner ended than the band burst out into  a joyous blare, and the decorated barge trundled away before those in it could recognize  the tune.

The other barges followed so slowly that the nine were soon lost to sight. Edward sat looking out on either side with eager eyes.

Soon they left behind the pretty white New England village; the road ran between meadows and pastures and orchards and at last  ascended a long slope. At the top of that, among the trees, the roofs and towers of St. John’s were revealed.

Before a brick gateway, through which there was a view of green lawns and handsome buildings, the barges stopped, and the  boys got out and formed for their procession. First the band, then after an interval the crew, headed by Durant and Edward, num-