“Wow! Let’s duck him for that!” cried Phil Franklin.
He made a dive for Andy and so did several others, but the agile Rover was too quick for them and danced out of their reach, having no desire to take an involuntary bath in the river, which at that time of the year was very cold.
In the past the cadets had had considerable fun with Job Plunger, the school janitor, who was quite deaf and who was often called Shout because everybody had to shout at him to make him hear. But this time Plunger was wise and kept out of sight, as did also Pud Hicks, his assistant, and Bob Nixon, the chauffeur. The only person the boys could get hold of was Si Crews, the gymnastic instructor.
“Give us a song, won’t you?” asked several of the boys at once, for Si Crews was known to be quite a singer.
“I will if Lowe will play the mandolin or the banjo,” answered Crews.
“That’s the stuff, Ned!” called Fred. “Go on and get your mandolin.”
Ned Lowe, who was also a good singer, was willing, and at once ran off into the school to get the musical instrument mentioned. When he came out he tuned up hastily and then played while Si Crews sang one or two old-time songs. Then Ned gave the crowd one or two funny songs and a dozen or more of the cadets joined in the chorus.
“Here’s a chance to get square with Codfish!” cried Fred, as the sneak of the school showed himself in the crowd.
“Oh, we might as well let Codfish drop,” answered Jack.
But before this could be done Andy and Randy caught hold of Stowell and pushed him forward through the circle of merry cadets around one of the fires.