Moreover, two other youngsters had just stepped into the room to watch proceedings.
"Mister," commanded the youngster whom Dan had answered, "wipe that grin off your face."
Dalzell drew out his handkerchief, making several elaborate passes across his countenance with it.
"Touge!" growled his inquisitor.
"Very touge, indeed," assented the other three youngsters.
"Why did you bring out your handkerchief, mister?"
"Just obeying orders," replied Dan, with another grin.
"Wipe that grin off your face, sir!—no, not with your handkerchief!"
So Dalzell thrust the handkerchief away and applied his blouse sleeve to his face.
"Stop that, mister!