“But, Teacher, when you get in such a place you have to just do like the rest and act piggish, too,” said Alfaretta. “I guess I know now how ’t one them panics that you read about, sometimes, could happen. If one them jammers went crazy, or scared, all the rest would too, likely.”
“Exactly, Alfaretta. But, let’s think of pleasanter things. Let’s follow James.”
After all, though Mr. Winters had doubted there would be, the lad had secured reserved seats and on “the front row near the entrance,” just as that gentleman had desired; so presently, they had arranged themselves upon the low-down bench where, at least, their feet could touch bottom; and where with a comical air the farrier immediately began to sniff the familiar odor of fresh turned sod covered with sawdust, and turning to his next neighbor remarked:
“I think I’m nine years old, to-day, nine ‘goin’ on’ ten.”
But his facetiousness was wasted upon sedate Jane Potter; who did not even smile but reflected:
“If that old man’s going to talk silly I’ll change places with Alfaretta. And if the performance isn’t to begin right away I’ll just walk around and look at the animals’ cages.”
She did this, laying her handkerchief and jacket on her vacated seat, though her host called after her:
“You may not be able to get your place again, in such a crowd.”
However, if she heard she did not turn back and was presently out of sight in the line of promenaders continually passing. Also, his own face grew sober at the sound of thunder, and he clasped his arm more protectingly around Luna’s waist, who sat on his other side, and counselled Dorothy, just beyond:
“Do you and Molly keep close care of the twins. There’s a storm brewing and timid people may stampede past us toward the door.”