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 success of the day 's delights , and it was unanimously agreed that this had been the jolliest Fourth they had ever known . IV . SEVEN BLACK CATS . They all came uninvited , they all led eventful lives , and all died tragical deaths ; so out of the long list of cats whom I have loved and lost , these seven are the most interesting and memorable . I have no prejudice against color , but it so happened that our pussies were usually gray or maltese . One white one , who would live in the coal-bin , was a failure , and we never repeated the experiment . Black cats had not been offered us , so we had no experience of them till number one came to us in this wise . Sitting at my window , I saw a very handsome puss come walking down the street in the most composed and dignified manner . I watched him with interest , wondering where he was going . Pausing now and then , he examined the houses as he passed , as if looking for a particular number , till , coming to our gate , he pushed it open , and walked in .
Straight up to the door he XXXXX , and finding it shut sat down to wait till some one opened it for him .
came collected died distracted gathered happened leading passed repeated twisted