“It can’t be done,” declared Allerton.
“Yes, it can,” persisted Don. “If we wake up the folks in Riverdale we must wake ’em up in Bayport. That’s the county seat and the trial will be held there, so it’s a good point to show the Bayporters what we think of Toby Clark.”
“How’ll you get us there—walking?” asked Becky.
“We’ll hire carryalls, an’ rigs of all sorts,” said Don.
“We can’t hire much if we spend all our money on bands,” Allerton replied.
“We’ll get more money. P’raps the Unknown will fork over another wad for the good of the cause.”
“Tell you what I’ll do,” said Collins, catching some of the children’s enthusiasm, “I’ll play for nothing, myself, and perhaps some of the other men will. Those that insist on money will get two dollars apiece.”
Becky took her badge from her pocket and pinned it on the tailor’s coat.
“You’re the right stuff, Ed,” she remarked. “But don’t show your badge to anyone until Saturday; and don’t blab about the parade, either. We want to surprise folks.”
The band appeared in force at one o’clock on Saturday afternoon, meeting the Marching Club on the Daring grounds, as had been arranged. The musicians wore their best uniforms and looked very impressive with their glittering horns and their drums. Ed whispered to Don and Allerton that seven of the twelve had agreed to donate their services, so the total cost of the band would be but ten dollars.