The major, who enjoyed nothing in life more than hearing himself talk in public or in private, had risen in his seat and was signaling for silence.
In a few moments the house was so still that the fall of the traditional pin would have startled the more nervous portion of the audience.
The major, standing at the edge of the box, delivered, in a sonorous voice, a fulsome speech of praise, addressed to Mrs. Anderson, ending by presenting her with a wreath of laurels.
The lady, not in the least embarrassed, made a brief reply, and was about to resume her part, when Maj. Duncan, who had remained standing, said:
"But this is not all. There is here to-night a young fellow townsman of ours of whom Boomville should be proud. I refer to the gentleman seated in the proscenium box on the other side."
And the orator fixed his eyes on Al's face.
CHAPTER VIII.
A STARTLING SITUATION.
Everyone in the house stared at Al, and Mr. Wattles whispered in his ear:
"Why, he means you! What have you been up to? I tell you, this is a great night for Boomville."