But the rest of the singing-party had other ideas. They turned about and scowled at Mr. Frog as if he had done something most unpleasant.
"Stop! Stop!" several of them cried. And an important-looking fellow near him shouted, "Don't sing that, for pity's sake!"
"Why not?" Ferdinand Frog faltered. "What's the matter with my song? It's my special favorite, which I sing at least fifty times each night, regularly."
"It's old stuff," the other told him with a sneer. "We haven't sung that for a year, at least."
Ferdinand Frog did not try to argue with him. But as soon as he saw another chance he began a different ditty.
Then a loud groan arose. And somebody stopped him again. And Mr. Frog soon learned that they hadn't sung that one for a year and a half.
Though he tried again and again, he had no better luck. But he kept smiling bravely. And finally he asked the company in a loud voice if he "wasn't going to have a chance."
"Certainly!" a number of the singers assured him. "Your chance is coming later. We shan't forget you."
And that made Ferdinand Frog feel better. He told himself that he could wait patiently for a time—if it wasn't too long.