"But I didn't enter the race-track," she explained in haste.
"I was equally firm."
"And Neb told me of this knot-hole."
"The rascal—he told me of it, too."
"Colonel," she said, smiling, "we must forgive each other. If you really must look, there is the knot-hole."
"No, Miss 'Lethe," he said gallantly, "I resign the knot-hole to you. I shall climb the tree." Without delay (for sounds from the barrier's far side hinted to his practiced ear that matters of much moment were progressing, there) he scrambled with much more difficulty than dignity into the spreading crotch.
"Oh, be careful Colonel!" Miss Alathea cried, alarmed. "Don't break your neck!" But she added, as an afterthought: "But be sure to get where you can see."
"Ah, what a gallant sight!" he cried as he found himself in a position whence he could command a view of the exciting scene within the barrier. "There's Catalpa ... and Evangeline ... and ... yes, there is Queen Bess!"
A burst of cheering rose from the crowd within.
Miss Alathea was on tip-toe with excitement. "What's that?" she begged.