“Whistle quick, Joe,” cried Halliday. “You are going backward, and you won’t be able to start at all in a minute.”
Joe began the third time:
“I sus-sus-sus-sus”—whistle—“say boys, have you heard the latest nun-nun-nun-nun”—whistle—“the latest news?”
“We’re not liable to hear it if we wait for him to tell it,” muttered Pooler, scornfully.
“What is the latest news?” asked Parker.
“Phil Hardy, cuc-cuc-cuc-captain of the ’vuv-’vuv-’varsity nine——”
“What about him?” asked several.
“Cuc-cuc-cuc-cuc”—whistle—“can’t pup-pup-pup-play any more this sus-sus-sus-sus”—whistle—“this season!” shouted Gamp.
Cries of astonishment broke from the boys. Browning seemed to awaken from the trance that was on him, and he grasped Gamp by the arm, taking hold so strongly that Joe cringed.
“What’s that you say?” demanded the big fellow, fiercely.