“What are you going to do with that monstrous pumpkin, Billy
Boy,” asked Big Sister, one crisp autumn day.
“Going to make a Jack O’Lantern of it,” said the boy named Billy.
“Somebody, why do we dress up and make believe we’re a lot of
witches on Hallowe’en when we know there is nothing like that in
the world?”
“All Hallow Eve,” said Somebody, “is the name given to the vigil
of Hallowmas, which falls on the night before the Feast of All
Saints Day. The Ancients lighted bonfires on that night to scare
away ghosts and witches.
“The Romans had a festival in honor of Pomona, the goddess of
fruits, in which apples featured, which accounts for the custom
of bobbing for apples in tubs of water, which to this day the
young folks think is so much fun.”
“That’s all right for girls,” said the boy named Billy, “but
regular fellows can find something better to do.”
“What, for instance?” asked Big Sister.
“Oh, making Jack O’ Lanterns, and playing tricks on other
fellows,” said Billy.
“I know a fine trick that a lot of husky chaps like you and Bob
White and your gang could play on another fellow,” said Somebody.
“What is it?” asked Billy. “We’re game for almost anything that
you could suggest.”
“Old Grandsire Johnson, who lives all alone in that little house
at the edge of town, has just had his winter’s coal delivered,”
said Somebody. “I think it would be fine if the Hallowe’en
spirits would go up there while he is at prayer meeting tonight
and put it all in the shed for him.”
“Oh, fine,” said the boy named Billy. “I know a bunch of healthy
spooks that would just love a little job like that.”