And Fred the bookworm nearly tumbled off his perch , as an excited gesture emptied his pockets of the library books which served as ballast . `` Yes ! yes ! '' cried the other lads , with various demonstrations of delight as the new fancy grew upon their lively minds . `` Fred and Annie must have the prize , for their idea is the most brilliant one . Nan can give the flag to the winner of the race , and ` Deacon ' can lead the boats , for I think it would be fine to have a procession on the river . Fireworks are an old story , so let us surprise the town by something regularly splendid , '' proposed Elly , fired in his turn with a bright idea . `` We will ! we will ! '' cried the rest , and at once plunged into the affair with all the ardor of their years . `` Let us dress up , '' said Julia , who liked theatricals . `` In different characters , '' added Maud , thinking how well her long yellow hair would look as a mermaid . `` And all sing as we go under the bridges , '' put in Annie , who adored music . `` What a pity the boats ca n't dance , it would be so lovely to see them waltzing round like fireflies ! '' said Belle , still longing for the ball . `` A lot of fellows are coming up to spend the day with us , and we ought to have some sort of a picnic ; city folks think so much of such things , '' said Herbert the hospitable , for his house and barn were the favorite resorts of all his mates , and three gentle little sisters always came into his plans if possible . `` I 've got two girl cousins coming , and they would like it , I guess . I should any way , for Jack will go tagging after Grace and leave me to take care of them . Let 's have a picnic , by all means , '' said lazy Fred , who thought all girls but one great plagues . `` I should n't wonder if all our people liked that plan , and we might have a town picnic as we did once before .
Let every one ask his or her mother , and see if we ca n't do it , '' suggested XXXXX , eager for a whole day of merry-making .
Annie Belle Deacon Elly Fred Grace Jack Maud Nan bookworm