"Very breezy story," was Roger's comment.
"Quite a refined air about it," remarked Ben.
"How did opening the bookcase make the room cooler?" demanded Dave, innocently.
"But you said he was cooler. He even pulled up the cover on the bed!"
"How could he think if he was asleep, Shadow?"
"I didn't say he thought in his sleep. I said----"
"Well, he went to bed anyhow, didn't he?"
"Of course. But when he opened the bookcase door----"
"Oh, I see, it was a refrigerator in disguise. Why didn't you tell us that before,--how the block of ice fell out on the man's left front toe and injured his spine so he couldn't sing any more?" finished Dave, and then a laugh arose, in the midst of which Shadow made a playful pass as if to box Dave's ear.
"The next time I have a good story like that to tell I'll keep it to myself," he grumbled.
To change the subject, some of the boys asked Luke Watson to give them a song. Luke was willing, and getting out his banjo, tuned up, and soon started a ditty about "A Coon Who Lived in the Moon," or something of that sort. Then he began a breakdown, and, unable to resist, Sam Day got up and began to dance a step he had learned from his father's coachman at home.
"Good for you, Sam!" cried Dave. "That's fine!"
"Sam, you ought to join the minstrels," added Roger, and began to keep time with his hands, "patting juba" as it is termed down South.
Not to be outdone by Sam, Ben joined in the dance, and several lads began to "pat juba" as loudly as possible. Growing very enthusiastic, Ben leaped over a bed and back. Then Shadow Hamilton caught up a chair and began to gallop around, horseback fashion. The chair caught in a stand, and over it went, carrying a lot of books and poor Polly Vane with it.
"Gracious, this won't do," murmured Dave, as he set to work to pick up the books. "Hi, stop that racket, Shadow!" he called out. "Do you want to get us all into trouble?"
"Can't stop, I'm on the race-track!" yelled Shadow. "This is the last quarter. Bet I win!" and around the dormitory he spun again. This time he knocked over little Chip Macklin, sending him sprawling.
"Say, let up!" called out Roger, and catching up one of the books he took aim at Shadow. "If you don't stop I'll throw this at your head."