With one grand sizz the three rockets went up into the air
simultaneously. The crowd gazed in admiration at the sight. Then
as the sky grew dark, they looked out on the square for the last of
the masked figures.

It had disappeared.




CHAPTER VI

PREPARING FOR THE GRAND OUTING


Less than quarter of an hour after the celebration at the public
square Snap and his three chums met at Whopper's back gate. They
were minus their tall hats and gloves, but still wore a portion of
their grotesque outfits.

"Hurry up," said Whopper, and led the way to a carriage house.
Here, with great rapidity, the four youths stripped off the odd
suits and donned their regular garments. Then they hid the other
things in an out-of-the-way corner.

"Did you place the burnt-out fireworks in the box?" asked Shep, who
had been left at the square to set off the three rockets.

"We did," answered Snap.