The hall and Frank 's room were full of amused papas , uncles , and old gentlemen whose patriotism brought them out in spite of rheumatism . There was a great rustling of skirts , fluttering of fans , and much lively chat , till a bell rang and the orchestra struck up . Yes , there really was an orchestra , for Ed declared that the national airs must be played , or the whole thing would be a failure . So he had exerted himself to collect all the musical talent he could find , a horn , a fiddle , and a flute , with drum and fife for the martial scenes . Ed looked more beaming than ever , as he waved his baton and led off with Yankee Doodle as a safe beginning , for every one knew that . It was fun to see little Johnny Cooper bang away on a big drum , and old Mr. Munson , who had been a fifer all his days , blow till he was as red as a lobster , while every one kept time to the music which put them all in good spirits for the opening scene . Up went the curtain and several trees in tubs appeared , then a stately gentleman in small clothes , cocked hat , gray wig , and an imposing cane , came slowly walking in . It was Gus , who had been unanimously chosen not only for Washington but for the father of the hero also , that the family traits of long legs and a somewhat massive nose might be preserved . `` Ahem ! My trees are doing finely , '' observed Mr. W. , senior , strolling along with his hands behind him , casting satisfied glances at the dwarf orange , oleander , abutilon , and little pine that represented his orchard . Suddenly he starts , pauses , frowns , and , after examining the latter shrub , which displayed several hacks in its stem and a broken limb with six red-velvet cherries hanging on it , he gave a thump with his cane that made the little ones jump , and cried out , -- `` Can it have been my son ? '' He evidently thought it was , for he called , in tones of thunder , -- `` George ! George Washington , come hither this moment ! '' Great suspense on the part of the audience , then a general burst of laughter as Boo trotted in , a perfect miniature of his honored parent , knee breeches , cocked hat , shoe buckles and all . He was so fat that the little tails of his coat stuck out in the drollest way , his chubby legs could hardly carry the big buckles , and the rosy face displayed , when he took his hat off with a dutiful bow , was so solemn , the real George could not have looked more anxious when he gave the immortal answer . `` Sirrah , did you cut that tree ? '' demanded the papa , with another rap of the cane , and such a frown that poor Boo looked dismayed , till Molly whispered , `` Put your hand up , dear . '' Then he remembered his part , and , putting one finger in his mouth , looked down at his square-toed shoes , the image of a shame-stricken boy . `` My son , do not deceive me . If you have done this deed I shall chastise you , for it is my duty not to spare the rod , lest I spoil the child .
But if you lie about it you disgrace the name of XXXXX forever . ''
Doodle Ed George Gus Molly Washington abutilon days fifer hacks