and. At regular intervals, groups of gaily dressed
children waved their pretty flags or playfully pelted him with roses. As
the twain reached the end of the lines, a novel chariot was waiting: a
ladder-wagon of the Solaris fire company, drawn by twenty brawny fire
laddies, was equipped with a broad platform, beautifully draped, bearing
at each corner a choice selection of fine large potted palms. In the
center of this platform was a smaller one, raised still higher; on this
was placed the seat of honor, which was covered by a lovely canopy of
artistically interwoven ferns and flowers. A broad flight of rough board
steps, carpeted and decorated, led up to the lofty seat on this unique
chariot. While our hero and the "Master of Ceremonies" were climbing to
reach it, the procession quickly formed about the chariot into an
elongated hollow square, eight ranks deep; the children with their flags
marching in alternating lines of boys and girls, formed the front of the
square, while the adults arranged in the same order, formed the sides
and the rear. Gilbert Gerrish, with the band of musicians, selected by
him from the ranks of the musical club, was placed in front of the
square. He was very proud and happy as he flourished his baton and gave
the signal for the procession to move forward. In this order they
marched gaily along the broad, tree lined avenue which led from the
railroad station to the village square. The chariot came to a halt just
in front of the hall of education and amusement, with the seat of honor
facing eastward toward the center of the public square. The procession
quickly reformed into three sides of a square, with the eight ranks
facing inward.

For a brief period silence reigned. Then at a signal from Gertrude
Gerrish, as Fillmore Flagg arose with uncovered head and stood by her
side, the cheers and greetings of welcome were repeated by the ranks
with redoubled animation and intensity.

At this juncture, George Gerrish came forward to the front of the raised
platform, while Gertrude, turning to Fillmore, said; "The president of
the Solaris Farm Company has been chosen by its people to present to you
a gift which they have selected, as a tribute of their affection and
also of their devotion to you and to Solaris Farm."

"My esteemed friend and co-worker, Fillmore Flagg," said George Gerrish:
"As the mouth piece of our people, I am happy to be permitted to join in
the active work of this reception. The