“Some of you, maybe, but that’s not the point I’m coming to. Speak up, Hal; my courage has all oozed out.”
“Well—ahem!” Hal began and then paused to look helplessly at Chet.
“It must be something perfectly desperate,” said Joanne; “you both of you look scared to death. Out with it.”
“We want you to lend us Chico,” blurted out Hal. Then he took a back somersault over the rail and out upon the grass plat, covering his face with his hands as he stood with his back to the others, while Chet sat anxiously scanning Joanne’s face.
She hesitated but for a moment, then she said: “You can have him so far as I’m concerned, but I shall have to ask Grad and Cousin Ned.”
“That’s all right,” said Chet cheerfully. “What you say goes, and I know they’ll consent. Come back, Hal, the ordeal is over.”
“How should you like to borrow Pablo, too?” asked Joanne. “You know what splendid stunts he can do, and I can ask Cousin Ned about him when I am asking about Chico.”
“Oh, lady!” cried Chet falling on his knees and kissing Joanne’s hand. “You are the daughter of a prophet!”
“Of course we can’t be sure,” said Joanne drawing away her hand with dignity. “How silly you are, Chet. Pablo may refuse to come even if he has Cousin Ned’s consent.”
“He’ll come,” replied Chet with conviction. “He would go through fire and water for you. He’ll be the star performer, I can tell you that. We might get him to dance, too. How’s that, Hal?”