IX.

HURRAH for the Fourth! Jack was out of before the rose. He could not wait for breakfast, but drank a of milk, and ran out to find the other . Jimmy Crow went too. Bob and Russell came up just then, with their pockets full of , and they all began firing them on the lawn. liked the little red things, and begged for some, but the boys only laughed at him.

retty soon lighted a whole , and threw it down, and all the ran away. Then saw his chance, and he seized the bunch of crackers and flew in at Grandma's open window!

e lighted on Pepper's . tried to bite him, but bang! went a !

Both jumped, and Jimmy dropped the bunch on the carpet. Bang! went another , and bang! bang! went . Then a dozen flew out, banging, over the floor.

aw! Caw!" screamed . "Fire! Fire!" screamed . "Jack! Jack!" screamed . She was trying to pick up the bunch with the , when ran in. He threw a over the , gathered them up in it, and threw all out of the . sat down in her arm- very pale. Jack kissed her. "I'm sorry we scared you so," he said. "Now you rest while I clear up."

e brought the and , and swept up the litter. Then he gave a and took under his . "Pepper didn't 'want a cracker,' that time, did she, Grandma?" said he. "Now we'll go further away." But just then the breakfast rang.

JIMMY CROW'S BIRTHDAY PARTY.