"'Come, gather the golden grain and store it away for the cold days of winter.' "Squashes and pumpkins and other good things were ready for the picking. Men, women, and children were busy and joyous. "When the governor looked on the glad sight, he said: "'The Lord has blessed us. We should praise Him for His mercy to us in this strange land.' "He set aside a day for prayer and thanksgiving. Feasts should be spread and all work given up. His orders were followed. "That was the first Thanksgiving Day in America. "What numbers of pies and puddings were made for that day! What quantities of fish and wild turkeys were brought by the men and cooked by the women! "Thanksgiving morning came at last, and after a good breakfast everyone went to church. In those days not even the babies were left at home, but were carried to church in their mothers' arms. "There was a long service in the church. A very long one it must have seemed to the children, who kept thinking of the great dinner to come soon. The last hymn was sung, the last prayer made, and all turned their steps to the tables loaded with good things to eat and drink. "The Pilgrims had invited Massasoit and some of his people to share their feast. The Red Men were pleased when they received the invitation. "'We will do our part,' they said. "They took their bows and arrows and went out into the forest. They shot some red deer. Early on Thanksgiving morning they arrived in Plymouth, bringing the game they had killed. "When the great dinner was ready at last, one hundred Indians with hungry stomachs were ready to share it with the white people. "It must have been hard to entertain the visitors. They could speak and understand only a few words of English. Now and then they would give a deep grunt to show they were well pleased. "They stayed not only to dinner, but to supper, also. Even then they were in no hurry to go home. Many of them spent the night with their white friends. They seemed to think Plymouth was a very pleasant place." It was quite dark outside before Uncle Sam finished the story of the first Thanksgiving Day. But big logs were burning in the fireplace and giving a soft light all over the room. The old man could see the children's happy faces. He knew they were having a good time, though they had kept so quiet. "I am ready for blind-man's-buff," he said, suddenly jumping up "I'll be the blind man. Come, we have been still long enough." Lamps were quickly lighted. In a minute the room was filled with the laughter of the Young folks as Uncle Sam dashed right and left trying to catch them in his long arms. "The little Pilgrims though they had a good time on Thanksgiving Day. But their parents would no let them make much noise. Dear me! If children are not allowed to make a noise, they can't be happy." Uncle Sam was talking to himself as he walked home after the party.