Margy was just a little inclined to "put on airs" herself, if the truth were known, but she did not like to be the victim of some one else's affectations.
"Oh, what difference does it make?" good-natured Polly protested. "We won't see her all summer—at least I don't think we shall. The Helms love to dress up and have parties, and we are not going to have that kind of summer at all."
"Anyway, wait till we have our own fireworks party," Artie said gayly. "Perhaps the Conundrum Club will come over and watch us. And won't they wonder where we got the stuff!"
The evening before the Fourth was close and muggy, but it is doubtful if any of the Riddle Club members minded the heat, even Margy, who dearly liked to be comfortable. Lights burned late in the Marley and Larue and Williamson houses, for trunks were being packed for the trip to Sunrise Beach. They would go to the railroad station by motor truck late that night, and the day after the Fourth of July the three families were to follow, making the trip in Mr. Larue's and Mr. Williamson's cars.
"I want to be right here at home for the Fourth," Mrs. Marley had declared, when the question was raised of spending the holiday at the beach. "Shore towns are crowded over the Fourth and we shall be more comfortable in our own homes. Besides, the traffic will be less crowded the day after, one way at least. Let's stay at home till after the Fourth."
This was felt to be wise advice, and the boys and girls were secretly pleased. They had a good many matters of importance to attend to, including the meeting of the Riddle Club which Ward had so unfortunately missed, and they felt that fireworks at home might present greater opportunities for "experiments" than a strange resort would afford.
Boom! sounded early the next morning. Boom! Boom!
"It's Fourth of July!" shouted Jess, tumbling out of bed. "I told Ward to wake me up!"