For a few moments they worked there, removing lids from tin cans and planting them safely out of sight.
Human nature---of the American brand, at any rate---dearly loves a bonfire.

By dark that evening some two hundred grown-up and several hundred Gridley boys had congregated on the late ball field.
"Touch it off, some one.

There's no use in waiting any longer," urged some of the bystanders.

"It's almost dark." "No, no! Wait!" urged Tom Reade.

"The blaze will be all the finer after dark." "Where's Dick Prescott ?" sounded a voice, this being followed by a dinning clamor for the captain of the Centrals.
"Here!" called Dick, when he could make himself heard.
"Pouch it off, Dick! Let the fun start.