THE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. 213 



" Let's get up on the platform, Johnny. We can't see 

 a thing here." 



"Come on, then." 



Suddenly the brass uproar ceased, and the vocal uproar, 

 finding itself alone, dropped down also. 



Then there was a movement among the people, and our 

 young folks found themselves pushed along towards the 

 wall. The people about them were extra tall folks, and 

 they could not see. 



" This is not lovely," said Kate. " Let us get up on 

 this seat." 



With an effort Johnny climbed upon a settee standing 

 against the wall, and then assisted Kate to mount beside 

 him. 



" This is just gay," said Johnny. " We can see every- 

 body." 



"Yes, and be seen. It's rather conspicuous. What 

 would mother say, if she were to see us .perched up here ? " 



Johnny would have replied, but just then a big. burly 

 man, with a rough, roaring voice, mounted the platform, 

 and, gazing over the sea of heads, called the company to 

 order. 



"They are going to give out the prizes. We shall 

 have a splendid chance to see who gets 'em." 



The crowd became reasonably quiet, except around the 

 edges, where certain boys in the veal period, and sundry 

 juvenile couples, would persist in whispering. 



