Part 23 (1/2)
”Examine 'em?” murmured Spud. ”Oh, I see!” he added, and took up one of the potatoes. ”Why, it isn't a potato at all!” he exclaimed as the article came apart. ”It's only a sh.e.l.l, and it's filled with candy!”
”Chocolate drops!” murmured Sam. ”Yum! yum!”
”There are salted almonds in this one,” went on Spud, opening an imitation of a sweet potato. ”And here are stuffed dates, and this had raisins in it--and here are soft gum drops! Say, Max, this is certainly great! How did you happen to think of it?” And Spud looked tremendously pleased.
”Oh, I know you lof potatoes,” answered the German-American youth, innocently.
The candy was placed on one of the wooden plates, and the almonds and raisins on another, and then the good things were pa.s.sed around.
”I'll keep these as souvenirs of the occasion,” said Spud, indicating the imitation potatoes.
”How about it, Songbird, can't you rise to the occasion?” asked d.i.c.k, who had noticed that the student-poet had been unusually quiet while eating his cake and ice-cream.
”I have--er--just composed a little poem in honor of Max's birthday,”
answered Songbird. ”If you'd like me to recite----”
”Sure thing!”
”Turn on the poetry spigot, Songbird, and let her flow!”
”This is not yet finished. But,--but----”
”Give us what you have,” said Spud, and clearing his throat several times, Songbird began.
”Once more a year has rolled around-- As years have rolled before-- Once more we greet our loving friend-- A true friend to the core!
We hope that in the future he Will win success and fame, And go down in our history A n.o.ble----”
Bang! came the report of a gun, and the shot was so unexpected that Songbird forgot what he was going to say, and all those at the feast sprang to their feet. Bang! came a second report.
”What does that mean?” cried Stanley. ”Who is firing a gun this time of night?”
”I think I know what it means!” exclaimed d.i.c.k, leaping for the door.
”Come on, if you want to save the _Dartaway_!” he went on, to his brothers.
CHAPTER XV
A PERILOUS FLIGHT
Without waiting to get a hat or an extra coat, d.i.c.k dashed through the long corridor and down the broad stairs of the dormitory and Tom came at his heels.
”What's the matter?” cried Spud, grabbing Sam, just as the youngest Rover boy was about to follow his brothers.
”I'll tell you when we get back,” answered Sam. ”Don't stop me now, please, I may be wanted.”
”Want any help?” put in Songbird, who for the moment had forgotten what he was about to recite.