The Century World's Fair Book for Boys and Girls: Being the Adventures of Harry and Philip with Their Tutor, Mr. Douglass, at the World's Columbian ExpositionJenks, Tudor
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The Century World's Fair Book for Boys and Girls: Being the Adventures of Harry and Philip with Their Tutor, Mr. Douglass, at the World's Columbian Exposition
Jenks, Tudor
Artists -- Juvenile fiction; Chicago (Ill.) -- Juvenile fiction; Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction; Cousins -- Juvenile fiction; Exhibitions -- Juvenile fiction; National characteristics -- Juvenile fiction; Photographers -- Juvenile fiction; Tutors and tutoring -- Juvenile fiction; World's Columb
He had bought a guide-book to the Fair, and found that the route of the
launches would bring him quite near enough to the vessel. But in spite
of his singleness of purpose, his thoughts were distracted as soon as
he came near the entrance.
He noticed first the clicking of the turnstiles. They revolved so
continually, as people passed in, that Harry was reminded of the sound
of a watchman’s rattle. Next, he caught sight of a white-robed and
turbaned Turk standing in line at the “Workmen’s Gate,” as placidly as
if he were in his native Constantinople. Harry’s turn to enter at the
“Pay Gate” soon came, and he made his way toward the Court of Honor. As
he passed the great Liberty Bell, which was chiming musically, he read
upon it the words:
A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another.
He could not help remembering what followed the ringing of the original
Liberty Bell, and he hoped that this, its namesake, would bring peace
rather than war—a sober reflection that he recalled later in the day.
To the tune of “Hold the fort, for I am coming,” played by a peal
of musical bells,—very fittingly, he thought,—Harry began the quick
journey that ended when the little launch came to a landing called
“The Clambake.” When the man called out those words, Harry did not
budge; but when the man added, “Here’s where yer get off,” he rose and
abandoned the craft.
On the way there, Harry learned that the ducks in the Lagoon were
useful as well as pretty. The pilot said that two or three ducks would
do more toward keeping a pond wholesome than six or eight hard-working
men.
[Illustration: THE BATTLE-SHIP AS IT LOOKED IN JANUARY, 1892.]
He was too early to get upon the “Illinois,” and therefore turned back
to see the Viking ship. It was not far away; and just in front of it
were three armor-plates in which were the imprints left by the great
conical shot used in testing them.
Harry had read all about the old Northmen’s vessel, and ordinarily
could have spent hours in studying her mast, her one crossyard, her
awning, the shields along her side—but this was a land of wonders. He
looked at the boat only long enough to take a mental snap-shot that he
could develop at leisure, and then walked on toward the United States
Government Building, passing on his way a company of marines at drill.
But again he was diverted. He turned into the Weather Bureau, and was
glad he had done so, because of the wonderful series of photographs he
found on the walls. Lightning flashes in streaks and sheets, clouds
in storm and wind, moonlight and snow effects, were there, but in
impossible numbers. He sighed, wished that he had more leisure, and
left. This time he succeeded in getting to the rifled cannon in front
of the Government Building, but stopped only long enough to take a
sight over one of them.
[Illustration: THE BATTLE-SHIP ON DECORATION DAY, MAY 30, 1893.]
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