It was all done in a trice.
Meredith's heart was beating fast.

"What's it all about ?" he asked.
"Picnic down the line," answered the man in charge, removing a tack from his mouth.

He motioned to the conductor, "Go ahead." The wheels began to move; the decorators remained on the platform, letting the train pass them; but Meredith, craning his neck from the steps, saw that they jumped on the last car.
"What's the celebration ?" asked Harkless, when Meredith returned.
"Picnic down the line," said Meredith.
"Nipping weather for a picnic; a little cool, don't you think?
One of those fellows looked like a friend of mine.

Homer Tibbs, or as Homer might look if he were in disgrace.

He had his hat hung on his eyes, and he slouched like a thief in melodrama, as he tacked up the bunting on this side of the car." He continued to point out various familiar places, finally breaking out enthusiastically, as they drew nearer the town, "Hello! Look there--beyond the grove yonder! See that house ?" "Yes, John." "That's the Bowlders'.