“I’ll get my cane,” said another man.
“I guess the ladies better retire to the next car,” suggested a third passenger.
“Yes, yes, let us go, at once!” cried the elderly lady. “Porter, can I get a berth there?”
“Sorry, missus, but I dun reckon all de berths on dis yeah train am tooken.”
“See here!” cried Dave, to Professor De Haven. “If the mice are educated, can’t you call them to you in some way?”
“To be sure!” cried the professor, struck by the idea. “Why did I not think of that myself? I was too upset to think of anything. Yes, I can whistle for them.”
“Whistle for ’em?” snorted the fat man.
“Yes, yes! I always whistle when I feed them. Please be quiet. I shall have to whistle loudly, for the train makes such a noise and it may be some of my dear pets may not hear me!”
“Humph! Then you better whistle for all you’re worth!” returned the man of weight.
Walking slowly up and down the sleeping-car Professor De Haven commenced to whistle in a clear, steady trill. He kept this up for fully a minute and by that time several white mice had shown themselves. They were somewhat scared, but gradually they came to him and ran up on his shoulders.