“Now for the doctor,” decided Bart, “and then we’ll see what’s going on.”
“And get dinner,” added Ned, who was fond of his meals.
“Sure,” added Frank, who was no less a good handler of knife and fork.
As the lads entered the main street of the town they were struck by the festive appearances on every side. Stores and houses were draped with flags and bunting, while from several electric-light poles men were stringing long wires, with small incandescent bulbs of various colors fastened on at intervals. This was in the centre of the place, where the two main streets crossed, and, on inquiring, the lads learned that it was planned to hold a sort of procession, with the Old Year, typified by Father Time, going out, while the New Year came in. This formality would occur in the centre of the town, under a canopy of colored electric lights. In addition there were to be bands of music, songs, and other numbers on a festive program.
“Say, we ought to stay and take this in,” suggested Ned, as he saw the carnival spirit manifested on every side.
“Maybe we will,” assented Bart, “after we hear what the doctor says about Fenn’s arm.”
The medical man looked grave when he saw the injury caused by the buck’s horn.
“There is nothing to be unduly alarmed about,” he said, “but it is well that you came in time. It needs attention, and while fresh cool air, such as you get in camp, is good, I shall have to treat the wound with antiseptics. You must remain in town at least three days.”
The boys were a little dismayed to hear this, but as they had made tentative plans to be away from camp if necessary, it did not altogether upset their calculations. The doctor gave Fenn some medicine, dressed the sore, and recommended the lads to a quiet hotel, to stay while the wound was being looked after.
“You’ll enjoy your visit to Cannistota,” the doctor said with a smile, “for we always have a good time here on New Years. There is plenty of excitement.”