Bang! bang! bang!
A series of terrible explosions set William to dancing in a lively manner, for his fallen cigar had ignited the fireworks in the wagon.
The horse attached to the wagon was frightened and broke away, despite all efforts to hold him.
Immediately the Honorable William lost his footing and fell upon his knees in the wagon, while away pranced the horse at a mad gallop. The orator was kneeling in the midst of a pyrotechnic display of hissing Roman candles, flaming red lights, bursting cannon crackers, and screaming rockets. Jack Ready afterward declared that it was a grand and awe-inspiring spectacle.
“There goes Windy Billy!” shouted the crowd, and every man, to the last one, started after the blazing wagon and the most startling piece of set fireworks ever seen in New Haven, which was long remembered by the name of “The American Representative in All His Glory.”
As the wagon disappeared Frank Merriwell, who was laughing at the astonishing climax, felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw Oliver Packard.
“I have found you at last,” said Packard. “I’ve been hunting for you more than two hours.”
“I have been right here all along,” said Frank. “What do you want, Oliver?”
“I have brought it,” was the triumphant answer, as Packard put his hand into his pocket and drew out the sealed oilskin envelope. “Here it is, Merriwell.”
“Good!” exclaimed Merry, in great satisfaction, as he immediately thrust it into his pocket. “I’ll take care it is not snatched from me again. I’ll ask you no questions, Oliver, and I’ll not forget what you have done.”