"Yes, it's mine. I bought it to keep Fourth of July with."
"Why, I forgot all about Fourth of July," said Charlie in an aggrieved tone. "And I haven't a cent!"
"Bad for you, Charlie."
"Won't you let me fire off the pistol?"
"Oh, don't!" implored Granny.
"Just once more. It was splendid! I was fast asleep on the floor, and it woke me up."
"Good for the pistol," said Joe. "I'll try it in the morning when you are asleep."
They all had to handle the pistol, and express their opinions. Joe had bought it of Johnny Hall, for a dollar, as Johnny, in turn, wanted to buy a cannon. And the remaining half-dollar of his week's wages had been invested in fireworks.
Granny sighed. But boys would be boys, and Fourth of July only came once a year.