"S-s-shut up, y-y-you big b-b-boob," he finally managed to get out, in an infuriated tone.
"I may be a boob, but I can talk straight, anyway," replied the amateur.
This so infuriated the stuttering man that he was absolutely unable to say anything for a few moments, while the boys, with much merriment, waited expectantly for the forthcoming answer.
"S-s-s-shut up, w-w-will you?" exploded the unfortunate stutterer at last. "J-j-just you w-w-w-w—" but he was unable to finish the sentence until he stopped and gave vent to a long whistle, after which he was able to proceed.
At the sound of the whistle Bob suddenly stopped laughing and sat up straight in his chair.
"Say, fellows!" he exclaimed, "do you remember what Herb told us about the man named Dan Cassey?"
"Jerusalem!" exclaimed Joe, "I remember Herb said he stuttered and had to whistle to go on, and if that doesn't describe this bird I'll eat my hat!"
Jimmy and Herb himself caught the idea, at the same time, and they gazed speculatively at each other. There was more recrimination between the stutterer and his tormentor, and the boys listened attentively, hoping to get some clue to the whereabouts of the afflicted one's station. But they could get no hint of this, and finally the voice ceased, leaving them full of hope but with little that was definite to found their suspicions on.
"Of course, it may not mean anything at all," said Bob. "This Dan
Cassey isn't the only man in the world who stutters."
"No, but there can't be many who are as bad as he is," said Joe, grinning at the recollection, even though his mind was occupied with more serious thoughts. "But it will certainly be worth our while to try to locate this person and find out what name he answers to."