“Oh, yes.” Chet turned up his guitar and began. Pablo soon caught the rhythm and started a pretty dance.
Presently Unc’ Aaron, who was listening intently with head cocked to one side, drew from his pocket an assortment of treasures such as a rabbit’s foot, a dried potato and a pair of bones. He restored the first two articles and then began to manipulate the bones so that they clacked in accord with the music of the guitar, Unc’ Aaron keeping time with foot and head.
While this was going on Dr. Selden appeared, but was not noticed by the performers as he sat down some distance away. Joanne stole around and sat down beside him. “It sounds just like castanets, doesn’t it?” she whispered.
He nodded, and joined in the applause.
“Now, Unc’ Aaron, it’s your turn again,” cried Joanne.
But Unc’ Aaron had caught sight of Dr. Selden and said with much dignity: “Yuh-alls has to escuse me dis time. I been amusin’ dese yer chilluns, doctah, suh, jes’ fo’ dey relectation. Jes’ kickin’ up some little monkey shines to mek ’em laugh. ’Tain’t my customs to so do.”
“I understand, Unc’ Aaron, I understand,” replied Dr. Selden trying to keep his face straight. “We older ones have to consider the children sometimes.”
Unc’ Aaron bowed grandly and walked off with great dignity to the intense amusement of those he left behind. Pablo, however, who was nothing if not loyal, quickly followed the old man, but before he caught up with him encountered Mr. Pattison.
“What’s been going on down there?” inquired that gentleman.
“Some musics and dances,” returned Pablo.