Part 16 (1/2)
As everyone took his place, Chow tuned up hastily. Then he tucked the fiddle under his chin, stomped out the rhythm, and launched into a lively rendition of ”Turkey in the Straw” while he called out the accompaniment:
”_Gals to the middle, then back so far!
Gents step up for a clockwise star!
Now s.h.i.+ft hands and twirl t'other way, We'll keep on dancin' till the break o' day...._”
The dance number finally ended to thunderous applause. Chow, puffing and red-faced but wreathed in smiles, was soon ready for another. Half an hour later, a dance band of high school boys, hastily summoned by Sandy, arrived to spell the Texan.
The irrepressible chef, however, continued to call out most of the numbers and proved to be the hero of the evening. He gained even more acclaim for his delicious French fried potatoes and ”steerburgers”
served during the pause for refreshments.
”Oh, Chow! What would we ever do without you?” Sandy said, and the cook beamed.
Suddenly, in the midst of the lively chatter and laughter, the dance floor was plunged into total darkness!
Phyl clung fearfully to her escort. ”Tom!” she gasped. ”This is another trick of your enemy's to harm you!”
CHAPTER XII
DETECTION TEST
”Don't worry, Phyl. It may be only a blown fuse,” Tom tried to a.s.sure the fearful girl.
But Tom was worried himself. Not only might he be in danger, but it could involve his friends!
Nevertheless, he raised his voice above the excited babble. ”Please be calm, everyone! We'll have the lights on again in a jiffy!”
Taking Phyl by the hand, Tom groped his way toward the main door.
”Let's check the switch,” he murmured, and ran his hand over the wall near the door. He located the metal plate and flipped the switch.
The lights went on! Good-natured cheers arose. Bud, grinning but puzzled, left Sandy's side long enough to come over and speak to Tom.
”What happened?”
”I guess some practical joker clicked off the switch.”
Bud suddenly caught sight of a stout youth in a plaid s.h.i.+rt and blue jeans, who was standing in a nearby corner. He was shaking all over with half-stifled merriment.
”There's the wise guy! Rock Harriman!”
Rock, an all-star tackle on the Shopton High football team, was well known for his pranks and practical jokes. Bud rushed over.
”Okay! Confess!” the husky young flier roared in a jokingly ferocious tone.
”Don't get sore!” Rock gasped between chuckles. ”I couldn't resist. Boy, did you hear everyone squeal when the lights went out?”
Tom grinned in relief. ”How about another dance, Phyl?”