listen, but at last he gave in, although
he added grimly that he thought running away would do Sammy a world of
good.

"He'd be mighty glad to sneak back afore a week was up," he said.

When Sammy realized that he was really to go to the city he was wild
with delight, and rushed down into the hayfield to tell Randy of his
plans.

"I'm a-goin' to have a highfalutin' time," he said. "Just you wait
until I come back an' tell about it."

"I hope you do have a good time," answered our hero, "and don't get
hurt."

"There won't nothin' happen to me," answered Sammy, confidently.

Early on the morning of Independence Day Sammy stood at the door of the
farmhouse arrayed in his Sunday best. His folks were there to see him
off.

"My son," said Mr. Borden, "don't ye be wasteful o' your money, an'
don't git in no scrapes."

"An' remember, Sammy, to keep all the Commandments," added his mother,
as she kissed him tenderly.

Soon he was off, down the side road towards the highway, where the
stage passed that ran to the railroad station. His walk took him by the
Thompson cottage. Randy was at home and fixing up the garden.

"I'm off!" yelled Sammy, waving his hand.

"Good luck!" cried Randy, pleasantly. "Don't get your head shot off."

"He may lose his head without having it shot off," remarked Mr.
Thompson, who sat on the porch, with his rheumatic side in the
sunshine.

"I do not think it very wise to let him go to the city alone," put in
Mrs. Thompson from the kitchen.

Sammy tramped on until he came to the main highway and there waited
impatiently for the stage to appear. He got a seat by the driver, and
in less than an hour reached the railroad station. He had been on the
cars before, yet the ride was much of a novelty.

At last the country boy found himself on the streets of Springfield.
There was an extra celebration of some sort going on and great crowds
flocked on every side. Poor Sammy was completely bewildered, as he was
jostled first one way and then another.

"Well, by gosh! If this don't beat anything I ever see!" he ejaculated.
"Where in thunder did all the folks come from, anyway?"

Sammy looked so truly rural that he attracted the attention of two
street urchins who were standing close by.

"There's a greeny, I'll bet a hat!" said one of them, nudging his
companion.

"A regular one and no mistake," answered the second urchin.

"Let's have a little fun out of him."

"How?"

"Just look and yo