182 BRAGGADOOIO.

Just as Mr. Starr was saying this, a fine
band struck up “ Yankee Doodle,” our funny
national air.

“T do not care for supper,” replied Howard ;
“T want to go over with Tom, to see if we can
save any of our things.”

Mr. Starr—It will be impossible. The
house is already almost burned to the ground.

Tom.—I shall go at any rate.

Howard.—Then I must go with you. The
Cramers will not miss me.

Mizon.—I am. afraid to have you go over in
the night, Tom. You must wait till morn-
ing. |

Tom.—Well, father, if you say so, I must
wait. Framingham, we can build another and
a better house. You must now go in to sup-
per. |

“That’s right, my noble boy,” said Mr.
Starr, slapping Tom on the shoulder; “ Come,
Howard, we will go in to supper, and after-
wards join our friends on the lawn.”

The music sent forth its cheering, enlivening
notes, and the people on the lawn left the
benches, and rambled about, or stood chatting