St. Nicholas (serial) (1873) (14762358161)

Identifier: stnicholasserial112dodg (find matches)
Title: St. Nicholas (serial)
Year: 1873 (1870s)
Authors: Dodge, Mary Mapes, 1830-1905
Subjects: Children's literature
Publisher: (New York : Scribner & Co.)
Contributing Library: Information and Library Science Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Digitizing Sponsor: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill



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evident, from the bustle going on, and the air ofsuppressed excitement among the usually listlessinhabitants of the place, that some event ofimportance was at hand. 1 learned from our goodlandlady that the approaching celebration was theannual fete, or gala day, of the village, and shetold me that if I wished to have a good view of thevarious performances, I should need to start early,as the festivities would begin promptly at ten. As it was then nearly nine, my friend TomJackson and I hastened from the hotel and alongone of the high-roads, in the direction in whichthe crowd was moving. On our way, we wereovertaken by vehicles of every description, somevery quaint and primitive, and almost all ladenwith peasants from the adjoining towns, gorgeousin their holiday attire. And among these was agreat number of small boys, who evidently be-lieved that the day had been instituted for theirespecial benefit. As we neared the scene of the fete, the crowds 960 A FETE DAY IN BRITTAN Y. (October,
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A FETE DAY IN BRITTANY 961 grew dense and more excited ; men and boys wereshouting wildly, and scores of people were hastilyclambering upon two stone walls which lined theroad. This road, it appeared, was to serve as arace-course. Having found a comfortable seat, wegave ourselves up to contemplating the odd crowdby which we were surrounded, and with patienceawaited the start. At last a wild shout arose, Here they come !Then dead silence fell over all, as dashing downthe road came some six or eight horses, whoseriders were urging them forward by every meanspossible. The steeds were all without saddles, and theywere supposed to have started at the same instant.But so anxious was each rider to get the lead thatsome had heard the word go a full minute beforethe others. As the clatter of hoofs was heard grow-ing clearer and clearer, the greatest excitementprevailed in the crowd by which we were sur-rounded, and all were eager to see which of theriders would first reach the goal. All the bu