Tom nodded assent.
"And we are the pyrites," said the Professor. "Let us go straight to the attraction, and not be acting contrary to the laws of nature."
Pate was overcome by these arguments, and, ascending the stile, was about to pursue that path, when Toney called out,—
"Don't be in a hurry, Mr. Pate. We have plenty of time."
"In fact, it is too early yet for a serenade," said the Professor. "We should wait until the young lady has put on her nightcap. If we wake her out of her first nap, when she has been wandering in the fairy-land of dreams, her impression will be that angels are singing around her window."
"That is so," said Toney. "Let us wait. I have a proposition to make."
"What is that?" asked the Professor.
"Here we are going on a serenade," said Toney. "Now, I move that each man furnish evidence of his musical accomplishments by singing a song. Let Mr. Pate lead off."
"A song from Mr. Pate!" cried the Professor.