As Mr. Martin had said, it was almost impossible to drive an auto, and those who had tried it were beginning to wish they hadn’t. Many were so hemmed about by the crowd that they just had to wait for the traffic to pass by.
Taking a short cut through some back streets, Mr. Martin finally led his family out on one of the main highways of Cresco. It was along here that the circus parade would pass, and already most of the best places were taken, along the curb, on the doorsteps of houses, in the upper windows of residences, and elsewhere.
Mr. Martin seemed to have some special place in view, for he hurried along, not trying to push into the crowd and gain a spot on the edge of the curb. At last he announced:
“Here we are!”
He swung in toward a house with a high stoop which was not as crowded as were all the other residences. A gentleman on the steps was keeping intruders away.
“Mr. Harrison has saved a place for us,” said Mr. Martin. “We shall have a fine view of the parade.”
“Oh, this is great!” cried Ted, as he saw the vantage point.
“Beautiful,” agreed Janet.
“You are very kind, Mr. Harrison,” said Mrs. Martin, as she took a chair which her husband’s friend brought out. “This is seeing the parade in comfort.”
“Having no children of my own, I like to see those of my friends made happy,” said Mr. Harrison. “Here, William,” he added to the little boy, “you may stand on this stool, and then you can see over the heads of the crowd.”