“Sure!” came in a chorus.
And then the boys fell to talking about the coming minstrel show.
Preparations for it went on apace. Captain Trainer was an enthusiast, and when he set out to do a thing he carried it to a finish. It was that way with the minstrel show.
A good many “try-outs” and much practice work were necessary. Then, after a deal of weeding work, like that which a careful gardener gives his plants, a very good show was evolved.
It took pattern after the usual black-face affairs, with end-men, bones, tambourines, the interlocutor and specialists. Some of the lads were very clever, and really were almost as good as professionals. Ned, Bob and Jerry were called on to state what they could do, and when it was found that they had a comic-song trio “up their sleeves,” they were put down for that.
“We’ll make a hit all right,” declared Bob, after one of the rehearsals.
“If we don’t get hit ourselves,” added Jerry.
“That’s right!” chimed in Ned. “I understand there is a premium on old cabbage stumps and other articles of that nature.”
“Don’t let him scare you, Jerry,” advised the stout lad. “He’s only afraid of that high note of his. But don’t worry, Ned. We’ll cover you up if you make a break!”