"For
"Thumbakin he can dance alone!"
They went through the song together, dancing Foreman, Middleman, and Littleman, ending in a pianissimo. Then over and over they sang that queer, ancient tune, till all knew it by heart.
Benton pulled his manuscript from his pocket and read it confidentially to Elsie, who smiled and smiled. Starr recited his last poem while Dougal made humorous comments. Maxim broke out into a French student's chanson, so wildly improper that it took two men to suppress him. Mabel giggled hysterically and began a long, dull story which, despite interruptions, ended so brilliantly and so unexpectedly, that every one wished he had listened.
Then Dougal called out:
"The cavalry charge! Ready! One finger!"
They tapped in unison, not too fast, each with a forefinger, upon the table.
"Two fingers!"
The sound increased in volume.
"Three fingers, four fingers, five!"
The crescendo rose.