“It has a speed of one thousandth of a second,” announced Uncle Teddy, displaying all the fine points of his treasure like an auctioneer. “Won’t I get some great pictures of you folks diving, though!” And he stood looking at the thing in his hands as if he did not quite believe it was real. Then he came to himself with a start and tossed the pack of letters to Katherine to distribute, remarking that his good fortune had quite robbed him of his manners.
Katherine handed out the letters in short order, for she saw one addressed to her, and when they had all been given out she climbed back to her seat on the ledge to enjoy the news from home in peace and quiet.
Supper was an unusually hilarious meal. Uncle Teddy was so happy that he nearly burst trying to 215 be witty and agreeable and his mood was so contagious that before long everybody else was as bad as he.
“Make a speech, Katherine,” somebody called, and Katherine obligingly climbed up on a chair and made such a screamingly funny oration on “What Is Home without a Camera?” that over half the company choked and there were not enough unchoked ones left to pat them all on the back.
“Katherine,” said Mr. Evans feelingly, “if you don’t turn out to be a second Cicero I’m no prophet. Your eloquence would melt a concrete dam. See, it’s melted the butter already. You are the joy of life to me. How I would like to go with you on your triumphal way through college! By the way, what college did you say you were going to?”
“Sagebrush University, Spencer, Arkansas,” replied Katherine drily.
“Ha-ha-ha! That’s a good one!” laughed Slim, choking again.
“Please stop joking and tell us,” begged Hinpoha.
“I have told you,” replied Katherine quietly.
“Is there really a college out where you live?” asked Nakwisi. “We all thought you were going to college in the East.”