Not a few of the girls were known to the boys. Those who were not known were introduced.
"What a place for a dance!" thought Frank, as he looked the dining room over. "These tables could be cleared away, and then we——"
He caught sight of the proprietor, and, in another moment, he drew the man aside.
"If you want to dance, I'm willing," was the consent of the genial owner of the Summit House. "But where's your music? There's a fiddle here, but who can play it?"
"I'll find somebody!" cried Frank, and he rushed for Diamond.
But, before the dance could be started, it was found that the consent of the young lady chaperon who had accompanied the girls must be obtained. Frank approached her. At first she was not favorable, but Merriwell used diplomacy and finally won her over so that she consented to let the girls remain and dance an hour.
Then there was a hustling to clear the dining room floor. The old violin was brought out and Diamond proceeded to tune up.
Frank sought Phebe and asked her to waltz with him.
"I don't think I will dance," she said, pretending to pout a bit.