It was indeed a strange and inviting place to dine. Between them and the mirror-backed stage were rows of boxes on either side. They were at the extreme rear, where there was a wide balcony. The whole place glowed with light, for there were gas jets everywhere. The stage was loaded with flowers, and the entertainment seemed to please, for the audience was applauding it boisterously. Indeed, the audience was so good-natured that it seemed equally pleased with trained dogs and monkeys at one minute, or a singer at the next.
During his stay in Paris, Frank had noticed a peculiarity of the French amusement seekers—they seemed determined to be pleased. At the café chantants, an artist was sure of tumultuous applause; but a buffoon and horseplay awakened equal enthusiasm.
After a time Frank found a waiter at his elbow, and gave his order. The order was filled with surprising quickness, and the boys began to enjoy themselves, chatting, listening to bits of conversation, or harkening to the distant singing.
In this manner the time passed swiftly. They discussed their recent meeting with Harvey Wynne, and wondered if they would see him again. They speculated on what Professor Scotch was doing just then, and if he had found the Moulin Rouge suitable for them to visit.
Finally, the last course was served, and they were feeling more than satisfied with themselves and everything else. Those who had finished nearby had lighted cigars or cigarettes, and both boys felt a strong temptation to follow the example.
“If it wasn’t for one thing, I think I would smoke,” said Frank.
“What is that air one thing?” asked Ephraim, curiously.
“I hope to enter college when I return home, and I do not wish to get in the habit of smoking, for they say it is not easy to break off at college, and I mean to take part in athletics. Smoking injures a fellow’s wind.”
“Then don’t yeou smoke, Frank, and yeou’ll make ’em hustle when yeou git inter college. Yeou was hot stuff at Fardale, and yeou’ll be hotter now. They’ll have to hustle to keep within hailin’ distance uv yeou.”
Frank smiled.