On Fourth-of-July morning the readers of YOUNG PEOPLE must remember that the flags are flying in their honor in the city of Mexico, for in all honor done to our country every American boy and girl has a share.
And on the Sixteenth of September do not forget that it is Independence-day in Mexico, and that all the boys and girls in that country are having a "splendid time," and that at night the young Indians will be sure to burn a "_toro_."
[1] Begun in No. 127, HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.
AUTHOR OF "TOBY TYLER," "TIM AND TIP," ETC.
The sails were not in a remarkable state of preservation, or Captain Whetmore would not have taken them from his vessel; but Reddy explained that the holes could be closed up by pasting paper over them, or by each boy borrowing a sheet from his mother and pinning it up underneath.
One of the sails was considerably larger than the other; but Reddy had also thought of this, and proposed to make them look the same size by "tucking one in" at the end. Bob returned before the sails had been thoroughly inspected, and brought with him the coveted flag, thus showing he had been successful in his mission.
"Now let's put it right up, an' then we can build our ring, an' do our practicin' there instead of goin' up to the pasture," suggested Ben.
Since there was no reason why this should not be done, Bob and Ben started for the woods to cut some young trees with which to make a ridge-pole and posts, while the others carried the canvas out-of-doors, and made calculations as to where and how it should be put up.
When they commenced work, they had no idea but that it would be completed before supper-time; but when the village clock struck the hour of five, they had not finished making the necessary poles and pegs.
"We can't come anywhere near getting it done to-night," said Toby, surprised at the lateness of the hour, and wondering why Aunt Olive had not called him as she had promised. "Let's put the sails back in the barn, an' to-morrow mornin' we can begin early, an' have it all done by noon."
There was no hope that they could complete the work that night. Therefore Toby's advice was followed; and when the partners separated, each promised to be ready for work early the next morning.