RUBE TELLS A STORY
For a moment Buck and Rube looked as if they could not believe the evidence of their senses, then both broke into a hearty laugh. Then they shook hands and laughed again.
“Well,” said Clay, “I hope, when you fellows get done with your monkey-work, that you’ll condescend to tell us what you find so funny. It won’t take long to give it a name.”
Buck and Rube rushed out of the little cabin and gazed long and earnestly into the fast-gathering night. They walked to the side of the boat and looked over into the water. Then they roared again, to the disgust of the boys.
Alex tapped the top of his head significantly.
“They’ve gone mad!” he said.
The boys had followed Rube and Buck out to the deck, and now stood in a little circle about them.
“I don’t see any evidences of insanity,” laughed Thede, “but they will doubtless become raving mad in a moment!”
“Too bad!” cried Jule.
In the meantime Rube and Buck had had their laugh out and settled back on the seat which ran along the inner side of the railing. The faces of the two men were blank with amazement.