Every one recognized that , for the master of the revels got it up as no one else could ; and Maud laughed to herself as the floating tableau went under the bridge , and she heard people rushing to the other side , waiting eagerly to see the `` lily maid '' appear and glide away , followed by applause , as one of the prettiest sights seen that night . There were eighty boats in all , and as the glittering train wound along the curves of the river smooth and dark as a mirror , the effect was truly beautiful , especially when they all congregated below the illuminated bridge , making an island of many-colored light . An enchanted island it seemed to lookers-on , for music and laughter came from it , and a strange mixture of picturesque faces and figures flitted to and fro . Elaine sat up and ate bonbons with the faithful dwarf ; Ellen Douglas ducked the Harper ; the Chinamen invited Cleopatra to tea ; the mermaids pelted the pirates with water-lilies ; the gallant gondolier talked art with the Venetian ladies ; and the jolly little tars danced hornpipes , regardless of danger ; while the three Indians , Fred , Herbert , and Elly , whooped and tomahawked right and left as if on the war-path . A regular Midsummer Night 's Dream frolic , which every one enjoyed heartily , while the band played patriotic airs , the pretty villa shone like a fairy palace , and the sky was full of dazzling meteors , falling stars , and long-tailed comets , as the rockets whizzed and blazed from the hill-tops . Just as the fun was at its height the hurried clang of a bell startled the merry-makers , and a cry of `` Fire ! '' came from the town , causing a general stampede . `` Post-office all afire ! Men wanted ! '' shouted a breathless boy , racing through the crowd toward the river . Then great was the scampering , for shops stood thickly all about the post-office , and distracted merchants hastily collected their goods , while the firemen smashed windows , ran up and down ladders , broke in doors , and poured streams of water with generous impartiality over everybody and everything in the neighborhood , and the boys flew about , as if this unexpected display of fireworks suited them exactly . Such noble exertions could not fail of success , and the fire was happily extinguished before the river was pumped dry . Then every one went home , and , feeling the need of refreshment after their labors , had supper all over again , to the great delight of the young folks , who considered this a most appropriate finish to an exciting day . But the merriest party of all was the one gathered on Fred 's piazza to eat cake and talk over the fun . Such a droll group as they were . The Indians were sadly dilapidated as to feathers and paint , beside being muddy to the knees , having landed in hot haste . Poor Cleopatra had been drenched by the hose , but though very damp still sparkled with unextinguishable gayety . Elaine had tied herself up in a big shawl , having lost her hat overboard . Jack and Grace wore one waterproof , and Annie was hoarse with leading her choir of birds on the floating island . Also several of the pirates wore their beards twisted round behind for the sake of convenience in eating .
All were wet , warm , and weary , but all rejoiced over the XXXXX of the day 's delights , and it was unanimously agreed that this had been the jolliest Fourth they had ever known .
bridge clang figures gayety haste hose music one success town