At its conclusion he swung round on the stool, sprang up and dropped into the nearest chair, looking about as if doubtful of the reception that was to attend his efforts.
Nora was the first to rally. She uttered one ecstatic “Oh!” bounded across the floor, threw her dimpled arms about his neck and kissed him on the cheek.
“You darling! You sing like an angel!”
“Nothing could be sweeter,” added the smiling mother. Mike gently kissed the girl on her forehead, and did not release her until she drew away.
“Ye’re very kind. It’s mesilf is glad me efforts seemed to plaise ye, though I’m in doubt as to the Captain and second mate.”
Alvin walked silently across the floor and reached out his hand.
“Glad to know ye,” replied Mike, with a grin, looking up in the face that had actually turned slightly pale. “What is yer name, plaise?”
Chester joined his chum.
“Mike, Alvin and I were silent, for we didn’t know what to say. You have given us the surprise of our lives. I am no singer and never can be, but I would give a hundred thousand dollars, if I had it, for your voice. Alvin makes some pretensions. He is the leader of his school quartette, but he can’t equal you.”
“Equal him!” sniffed the Captain. “If Mike ever shows himself where our quartette is trying to sing, I shall make every one shut up to save ourselves from disgrace. As for Mike, we’ll give him the choice to sing for us or to be killed.”