But even the greatest of parades must come to an end, and at last the final body of soldiers marched by, and then came more police, followed by a great crowd of people that surged into Fifth Avenue like great flocks of sheep, hurrying, bustling, and jostling in an effort to get every way at once.
"Wasn't it perfectly grand?" cried Mary.
"It couldn't have been more wonderful," answered May.
"Now we'll get you back to the house and give you something to eat," said Mrs. Dick Rover to the old folks. "You certainly must be hungry as well as tired."
"Well, a little bit of something to eat wouldn't go bad, Dora," answered Grandfather Rover, placing an affectionate hand on her shoulder. And then he added softly: "We're mighty proud of our Dick, aren't we?"
"Proud! I should say we are!" answered Mrs. Rover, her whole face glowing with keen satisfaction.
It was decided that all of the older folks, as well as the three girls, should return to Riverside Drive. The boys, however, wanted to remain out and see what might take place further.
"We can pick up a little lunch somewhere—some sandwiches and pie and maybe a glass of milk," said Randy.
"Anything will do for me," announced Fred. "I'm almost too excited to eat."
"If you boys stay out you take good care of yourselves in this awful jam," warned Mrs. Tom Rover. "And don't you get into any mischief," she added to her twins.