I shall stay here where there is plenty of it , '' and the candid youth began to grub in the mould with the satisfaction of a genuine boy . `` I am afraid you 're a very bad child . '' `` Oh yes , I am . My papa often says so and he knows all about it , '' replied Alfred with an involuntary wriggle suggestive of painful memories . Then , as if anxious to change the conversation from its somewhat personal channel , he asked , pointing to a row of grinning heads above the wall , `` Do you shoot at those ? '' Bab and Betty looked up quickly and recognized the familiar faces of their friends peering down at them , like a choice collection of trophies or targets . `` I should think you 'd be ashamed to peek before the party was ready ! '' cried Bab , frowning darkly upon the merry young ladies . `` Miss Celia told us to come before two , and be ready to receive folks , if she was n't down , '' added Betty , importantly . `` It is striking two now . Come along , girls ; '' and over scrambled Sally Folsom , followed by three or four kindred spirits , just as their hostess appeared . `` You look like Amazons storming a fort , '' she said , as the girls cattle up , each carrying her bow and arrows , while green ribbons flew in every direction . `` How do you do , sir ? I have been hoping you would call again , '' added Miss Celia , shaking hands with the pretty boy , who regarded with benign interest the giver of little cakes . Here a rush of boys took place , and further remarks were cut short , for every one was in a hurry to begin . So the procession was formed at once , Miss Celia taking the lead , escorted by Ben in the post of honor , while the boys and girls paired off behind , arm in arm , bow on Shoulder , in martial array . Thorny and Billy were the band , and marched before , fifing and drumming `` Yankee Doodle '' with a vigor which kept feet moving briskly , made eyes sparkle , and young hearts dance under the gay gowns and summer jackets . The interesting stranger was elected to bear the prize , laid out on a red pin-cushion ; and did so with great dignity , as he went beside the standard bearer , Cy Fay , who bore Ben 's choicest flag , snow-white , with a green wreath surrounding a painted bow and arrow , and with the letters W. T. C. done in red below . Such a merry march all about the place , out at the Lodge gate , up and down the avenue , along the winding paths , till they halted in the orchard , where the target stood , and seats were placed for the archers while they waited for their turns . Various rules and regulations were discussed , and then the fun began .
Miss XXXXX had insisted that the girls should be invited to shoot with the boys ; and the lads consented without much concern , whispering to one another with condescending shrugs , `` Let 'em try , if they like ; they ca n't do any thing . ''
Alfred Bab Ben Betty Billy C. Celia Doodle Fay pin-cushion