Читать книгу The Ark of 1803. A Story of Louisiana Purchase Times онлайн

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“But the holiday!” exclaimed Molly. “We want the holiday!”

“What do you say, Master Hempstead?” Marion asked him, with much respect. His manner did more than any words could have done to remind the young people of the great regard in which a master was and should be held. “A holiday to celebrate the admission of Ohio to the Union would be no very bad thing, would it? Suppose you give them one and let us all come to it.”

“But I haven’t the means. I’m a poor man!” protested the master. “Candy and raisins cost good money at Marietta.”

“And so does gin and whisky!” muttered Moses, under his breath.

“Hush, Moses!” said Marion. He turned to the other older men. “How would it be if we all give something, and have the celebration next month just before the ark starts to New Orleans?”

The faces of the young people fell visibly at this suggestion of postponement, but the motion was carried, and it was arranged that the holiday should take place the day before the ark should leave for its long adventurous voyage down the Mississippi.