Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 88, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 July 1902 — THE CANNON-CRACKER. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE CANNON-CRACKER.

IT was a Chinese cracker, And an clad In glowing Lay trembling In a wooden box, BeSl b *d °° r Tommy ’* fiftHr "To-morrow,” sighed the cracker, "Unless I swiftly fly, gST Long ere the shining sun 1 1S U P> ( »I shall most surely J die!” Out of the box he clambered.

With many a glance of dread, Where Tommy, dreaming of the Fourth, Lay tossing on his bed. The cracker, trembling greatly, Then hied him to a wood. And sought a dark and lonely dell, Where drops of moisture stood. The woodland creatures gathered, And gazed, with startled eyes, And listened to his tale of woe With murmurs of surprise. Said the selfish, boastful cracker: “You see, I used my wits. My brothers In that fatal box Will all be blown to bits; “While I, because I reasoned, And dared to act ” Per-BANGI.'I A terrible explosion Throughout the woodland rang. It was a frisky firefly Toyed with that dangling cue; And Into countless pieces The cannon-cracker flew I —St. Nicholas.