“Oh, anyone could have done that,” said Ned, who was wishing he could get away from the praise.
“Of course they could, if they had thought of it, but you were the only one who did.”
“I guess some of the other boys would, if I had given them the chance,” replied the hero of the occasion. “I happened to be nearest the instrument, that’s all.”
“Well, it’s a great deal,” responded the teacher. “I’ll send you boys tickets to every entertainment we have.”
“That will be fine,” put in Fenn with a laugh.
“I vote we go home,” said Bart. “Don’t seem to be any more panics to put down.”
The four chums, and the girls, left, each one trying to outdo the other in telling of what they thought and what they saw during the excitement. It was as near a tragedy as had ever happened in the town, and the next day’s paper devoted the whole front page to it, including a vivid description of what Ned had done.
“I’m going to leave town,” declared Ned the next afternoon, as he met his chums.
“What’s the matter?” asked Frank.
“Why everyone I meet on the street stops me and asks me all about it. I’m tired of telling of it and hearing about it.”