The curtain rolled up and the entertainment began. The first number on the program proved a success, and the audience applauded heartily, making it evident they had come there to be pleased and were determined to be pleased.
As the entertainment progressed the spectators waxed more enthusiastic. They greeted the quartet with a perfect thunder of applause, they gave Dunnerwurst an ovation when he had rendered his imitation of the mocking bird, and they clapped Ephraim Gallup till the Vermonter was crimson in the face and nearly bursting with pride.
"Gosh all hemlock!" spluttered the Yankee, as he came behind the scenes after being called out the fourth time. "Never struck northing like this! Them folks is jest like hum folks! I'd like to settle right daown in this taown if the land wasn't so gol dern flat."
Then Merriwell went out and sang one of the sweetest of the old college songs. His beautiful voice thrilled every listener, and it seemed that the audience scarcely drew a breath. Frank was absorbed by the dear old song, and his handsome face showed intense feeling. His eyes were misty with unshed tears as the memories of the old days—the dear old days—came overwhelmingly upon him.
It was finished, but it seemed that every person in that theater rose and cheered as he bowed himself off. They called him on, and he sang again. Again they called him out. He bowed and retired, but they were not satisfied, and they thundered and stormed till he came out and sang "Stars of the Summer Night." When that was over it seemed that the enthusiasm was even greater that at any time before, and nine times was Frank Merriwell called out before the audience would be satisfied.
It was all over at last, and everyone was declaring it the greatest success ever known in Groton.
The receipts of the evening were heavy, and the hearts of the stranded actors were happy.
But where was old Dan?
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