CHAPTER IX
THE LITTLE CITIZENS’ PICNIC
As the time drew near for the large farm-wagons to arrive at the camp to convey the Little Citizens to the picnic ground, many eyes kept turning in the direction of the farm-yard, and every few moments one could hear a whisper of: “When will they come, do you think?”
Finally, however, a rumbling was heard and a great shout went up: “Here they come! Is everybody ready?”
“Hurrah!” “Hurry up, everyone!” and other calls made the camp sound like Bedlam for a time. The cook had ordered her assistants to pack the large baskets with all sorts of goodies, and these most valuable items of luggage were safely placed under the high seats of the farm-wagons.
While the men were superintending this work, some of the boys clambered up on the front seat and sat beside the drivers—quite a post of honor, too, to sit there! The other Little Citizens piled in wherever a seat could be found, and soon the merry, noisy crowd was ready to start.
Meantime the two touring cars had gone on to find the place and see that all was ready for the reception of the others.
On the way, the Mother’s Helpers and “First Aides” had much to do to keep order and peace in the crowded wagons of happy children. Finally the lake was seen and a loud clamoring came from throats eager to have a rough-and-tumble frolic once more—such as was common in the city.
The Police and Firemen forgot their duties in the general scramble for the boats, of which there were three.
“Citizens! Don’t anyone get into the boats—I find they are not water-proof!” shouted Uncle Ben through his hand-megaphone.
“Oh gee! What’s the fun of comin’ here if we can’t sail?” grumbled one of the Street Cleaning Department.