in to see that Rose was setting the table right, and that Norah had
started to get the meal.

"I'm making a wooden cannon to shoot fire-crackers," the boy answered.
"You can put a fire-cracker in it and light it, and then it can't hurt
anybody."

"That's a good idea," said Mr. Bunker, "You can't be too careful about
Fourth of July things. I'll be at home with you and the other children on
that day, to see that you don't get hurt."

"Are you sure Grandma Bell wouldn't like to have us bring some shooting
things down to her?" asked Russ.

"Oh, yes, I am very sure," answered his father with a laugh. "Grandma Bell
doesn't like much noise. We'll have our Fourth before we go."

"That'll be fun!" said Russ, and he went on whittling at his cannon. His
father did not really believe the little boy could make one, but Russ was
always doing something; either whistling or making some toy.

At supper they talked about the fun they would have at Grandma Bell's. It
was quite a long trip in the train, and they would be all night in the
cars.

"And that'll be fun!" cried Russ. "We can all of us sleep when the train
is going along."

"Can we, Daddy?" asked Laddie. "Really?"