"I wonder what it is he's got in his noddle?" the old keeper said curiously as Mr. Peters went hastily out of the tower to the ledge below, and Uncle Zenas declared that he "couldn't guess if he should try all day"; but Sidney cried gleefully:
"I believe he bought some kind of fireworks when we were ashore, for I noticed that the shop-keeper had to hunt around a good while before he could find what Mr. Peters wanted, and you know how careful he was to stow the packages where they wouldn't get wet."
"I declare if Sonny hasn't hit the nail right on the head!" Captain Eph cried in delight, "an' there goes the beginnin' of his show."
It was evident that the first assistant had succeeded in putting up the frame-work of boards, for by the time Captain Eph had ceased speaking half a dozen small spinning wheels were revolving in a manner which told that they were fastened to something above the level of the ledge.
The display of fireworks was not as brilliant as many Sidney had seen; but the two keepers cried out again and again in delighted surprise, thus proving that to them it was something very wonderful.
During fifteen minutes or more the exhibition was continued, and then, the last fiery serpent having wriggled its way among the rocks, Mr. Peters appeared in the doorway triumphantly happy.
"Wa'al, what do you think of it, Cap'n Eph?"
"It's jest great, Sammy, great!" the keeper replied emphatically. "I'm wonderin' how you got the hang of settin' 'em off in that style."
"I've seen a good deal of them things, an' once I helped fire a big pile of all kinds. It's been so long since I've had a Fourth of July, that I got to hankerin' after it an' on the way over I made up my mind that if there was any fireworks ashore left from last summer, I'd spread myself, jest to show how glad we are 'cause Sonny has come to make us a visit."
Sidney tried to say something which should express his gratitude for all that had been done for him by these kind-hearted old men, but, try as he might, it was impossible, and Captain Eph, seeming to understand what was in the lad's mind, cried heartily: