`` 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 Sam , rising like a young elephant . The others were about to follow , when a shrill `` Hi , hi , boys , hold on ! '' made them turn about to behold Billy Barton tearing down the street like a runaway colt , waving a long strip of paper as he ran . `` Now , then , what 's the matter ? '' demanded Ben , as the other came up grinning and puffing , but full of great news . `` Look here , read it ! I 'm going ; come along , the whole of you , '' panted Billy , putting the paper into Sam 's hand , and surveying the crowd with a face as beaming as a full moon . `` Look out for the big show , '' read Sam . `` Van Amburgh & Co. 's New Great Golden Menagerie , Circus and Colosseum , will exhibit at Berryville , July 4th , at 1 and 7 precisely .
Admission 50 XXXXX , children half-price .
Barton Ben Berryville Fourth Smithers cents cuttin lazy-bones pyrotechnics toggery