This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1893 edition. Excerpt: ...A DISTORTING MIRROR. "It 's raining hard," said Philip, looking out of the window, "and I have n't any rubbers." " Norl," said Harry; "but I did n't pack the satchels." "Well, we forgot them," said Mr. Douglass; "so I suppose Philip and I ought to go out and buy some for the whole party." F R "Let 's all go together," Harry suggested. They set forth, keeping a good lookout in all directions for anything like a shoe-store. So near the Fair it would have been easier to find the rarest thing in the world than simply a pair of rubber shoes. But finally they came to a shoe-store, and discovered that they were not the only little boys who had failed to imitate the little Peterkins in providingthemselves with rubber boots. There was a long line of customers extending out upon what was called the sidewalk, good-naturedly awaiting their turns to be shod. They took their THE MANUFACTURES AND LIBERAL ARTS BUILDING I15 places at the end, and when rather moist, were admitted to the store in a chosen batch of six. They had to wait on themselves, and picked up the first thing that came. Mr. Douglass's first catch proved to be infants' over shoes, but Philip found a pair that Mr. Douglass could wear. The proprietor told them to help themselves, and make themselves at home. "All right," said one of the customers; "we've all gotten acquainted while waiting on one another out here." Once well insulated from the ground, they turned the rattling stile at the entrance to the Fair, and picked their way over the mud that was like gray paint and nearly as sticky. The program declared that it was " Irish Day, ..".