[Troupe surprised and delighted. General
hum of pleasure.
Pepper [clearing his throat and hesitating a little]. Oh—a—a—I was going to say—these kids seem to have rather a slow time of it. What do you fellows say we do it up brown—go the whole figure and—well, a little Christmas won't hurt us, either. Let's give them a Christmas Tree. I'll set up the fixin's for it!
[An instant's pause of utter amazement, then
a hubbub of enthusiasm and approval, interrupted
by Ben.
Ben [coming forward, raps on the mess-table and raises his voice]. Gen'lemen! I'd like to offer de resolution dat we all gib t'ree cheers fo' Mr. Pepper!
[Cheers given with a will.
CURTAIN