He ran after them and called on them to stop; but he called in vain. They were on a down hill grade and before the driver could check the horses, a fusilade of fireworks struck them and they rushed madly into the square. Women with young children sought refuge in the nearest shops. Men and boys fell over each other, trying to get out of the way of the infuriated beasts. The helpless family by some sort of loving instinct huddled together in the bottom of the staunch old hayrack--the children and grandparents in the center and the others on the outside encircling them with their strong arms. When the crash came, which was caused by running against the town pump, they were all thrown out in a heap, the horses wheeled about and stood gazing at them apparently aghast at the deed they had helped to commit. Fortunately, none of them were killed. One of the girls had a sprained wrist, one of the boys a sprained ankle, the aunt a dislocated shoulder, and the father and mother were badly bruised; but after the cheering report of the Doctor, they inclined to take their misfortunes resignedly and thank the Lord they were no worse--quite as though they had been necessary martyrs to the noble cause of American freedom, instead of the sport of mischievous boys, and victims of an outrageous custom. "O! what a terrible world this is getting to be! Too terrible for any innocent child to live in," Mr. Cornwallis repeated to himself again and again as he continued his way to the Norwoods'. Without being distinctly conscious of it he was preparing himself for the disappointment and grief which awaited him. Laurens had not been there and they had seen nothing of him. "Come with me, Ralph, and help me find him. It's a terrible day down town." "So Police Haggard told father. I'll go and see if he can help us. He has just driven in the stable with his horse." He returned, saying that his father would drive over to the cottage and see if Laurens had returned and if not he would see Haggard and have a regular search instituted. "But the Police are in full force at the Square and a horse is not safe in the street." "Never fear, he will manage with gentle Bess. He thinks we had better go back by the river. He may have been chasing his kite and--" Ralph broke off crying, "O I shall never forgive myself if the kite has been the cause of his death." They hastened on making inquiries of everybody they met. They met Dr. Muelenberg as they were turning from the road to go down the bank. "O Doctor! do you know?" gasped Mr. Cornwallis. "Yes, yes, I just came from your house to hunt for him. I went there to celebrate his birthday and the dear little fellow was not there. We must look well to the river." They started down the bank. "O the kite, the kite!" exclaimed Ralph! "See! see! over there by the pine trees! Perhaps he was tired of chasing it and has fallen asleep!" He rushed on crying "Laurens! Laurens wake up! wake up!"