The little ones were in bed when Bart got home, but his mother and the
girls were sitting on the porch. Pretty well tired out, Bart joined
them, and they all sat watching the last of the display of fireworks
over near the common.
"This has been a pretty dull Fourth for you, Bart," said his mother
sympathizingly.
"It has been a very busy Fourth, mother," returned Bart cheerfully--"I
might say a very hopeful, happy Fourth. Except for the anxiety about
father, I think I should feel very grateful and contented."
A graceful rocket parted the air at a distance, followed by the
delighted shouts of juvenile spectators.
"Upward and onward," murmured Mrs. Stirling, placing a tender, loving
hand on Bart's shoulder.
A second rocket went whizzing up. It raced the other, outdistanced it,
seemed bound for the furthest heights, never swerving from a true,
straight line.
Then it broke grandly, sending a radiant glow across the clear, serene
sky.
"That's my motto," said Bart, a touch of intense resolve in his
tones--"higher still!"
CHAPTER XIV
MRS. HARRINGTON'S TRUNK
"Hey, there! Stirling."
Bart was busy at his desk in the express office, but turned quickly as
he recognized the tones.
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