Bab also longed to join in the fun , which suited her better than `` stupid picnics '' or `` fussing over dolls ; '' but her heroes would not have her at any price ; and she was obliged to content herself with sitting by Thorny , and watching with breathless interest the varying fortunes of `` our side . '' A grand match was planned for the Fourth of July ; but when the club met , things were found to be unpropitious . Thorny had gone out of town with his sister to pass the day , two of the best players did not appear , and the others were somewhat exhausted by the festivities , which began at sunrise for them . So they lay about on the grass in the shade of the big elm , languidly discussing their various wrongs and disappointments . `` It 's the meanest Fourth I ever saw . Ca n't have no crackers , because somebody 's horse got scared last year , '' growled Sam Kitteridge , bitterly resenting the stern edict which forbade free-born citizens to burn as much gunpowder as they liked on that glorious day . `` Last year Jimmy got his arm blown off when they fired the old cannon . Did n't we have a lively time going for the doctors and getting him home ? '' asked another boy , looking as if he felt defrauded of the most interesting part of the anniversary , because no accident had occurred . `` Ai n't going to be fireworks either , unless somebody 's barn burns up . Do n't I just wish there would , '' gloomily responded another youth who had so rashly indulged in pyrotechnics on a former occasion that a neighbor 's cow had been roasted whole . `` I would n't give two cents for such a slow old place as this . Why , last Fourth at this time , I was rumbling though Boston streets on top of our big car , all in my best toggery . Hot as pepper , but good fun looking in at the upper windows and hearing the women scream when the old thing waggled round and I made believe I was going to tumble off , said Ben , leaning on his bat with the air of a man who had seen the world and felt some natural regret at descending from so lofty a sphere . `` Catch me cuttin ' away if I had such a chance as that ! '' answered Sam , trying to balance his bat on his chin and getting a smart rap across the nose as he failed to perform the feat . `` Much you know about it , old chap . It 's hard work , I can tell you , and that would n't suit such a lazy-bones . Then you are too big to begin , though you might do for a fat boy if Smithers wanted one , '' said Ben , surveying the stout youth , with calm contempt . `` Let 's go in swimming , not loaf round here , if we ca n't play , '' proposed a red and shiny boy , panting for a game of leap-frog in Sandy pond .
`` May as well ; do n't see much else to do , '' sighed XXXXX , rising like a young elephant .
Ben Kitteridge Sam Sandy burns cuttin edict lazy-bones pyrotechnics toggery