Tom had not forgotten about his fireworks, and after supper he invited the crowd to the deck and gave them quite an exhibition.
"Here, Hans, you can set off this Roman candle," he said, presently.
"Show the ladies how nicely you can do it. But take off your coat and
roll up your shirt sleeve before you begin," he added, with a dig into
Sam's ribs, which meant, "watch for fun."
Quite innocently the German lad took off his coat and rolled his shirt sleeve up over his elbow. Then he took the big Roman candle and lit it.
"Now swing it around lively," cried Tom, and Hans began to describe little circles with the Roman candle. Soon the sparks began to pour forth, and not a few came down on the bare wrist and forearm.
"Ouch! ouch!" yelled Hans, dancing around. "Ach du meine zeit! Say, somepody sthop dot! I vos purn mineselluf ub alretty!"
"Swing it around quicker!" cried Dick.
"Turn it in the shape of a figure eight!" suggested Fred.
"Loop the loop with it," came from Sam.
Around and around went the Roman candle and then bang! out shot a ball, hitting one of the masts of the steam yacht. Then bang! went another ball, hitting the top of the cabin.
"Hold it up straighter, Hans!" said Songbird. "Don't shoot somebody."