Chapter VIII: The Forest Picnic

An early turn out—Morning work—Starting 122
for the picnic—The church—The
rendezvous—The procession—The forest
road—The falls—The grove—A talk about
Oscar—His letter—Account of his
history—Games and
amusements—Preparations for
speaking—The log cabin—Its
interior—The exercises—The dialogue of
“The Rival Speakers”—A dispute—They
both begin—Interruptions—Ludicrous
imitations—A coincidence—More
beginnings and
interruptions—Coaxings—How the
Irishman and his wife divided the
house—Tom’s withdrawal—Sam’s
impudence—His breakdown—Inglorious
retreat—The authors’ suspense—Their
triumph—The
intermission—Congratulations—Mr.
Walker—His commendation—His
apology—How the boys received
it—Burdens removed—Injuries sink
deeper than apologies—The
dinner—Speeches—Going a
blueberrying—The ride home—Five miles
of talk—Silence—What Clinton was
thinking of—His question proposed—Why
it was not proposed sooner—Mr.
Davenport’s explanation—A
distinction—Sam’s character—Clinton
satisfied—Arrival home,